Indian Govt Launches Digital Crop Survey in 12 States for Enhanced Sowing Data Collection

In a significant step towards modernizing agricultural data collection and ensuring accurate crop area estimation, the Indian government has launched a pilot project on Digital Crop Survey (DCS) in 12 states. The project was initiated in the Kharif (summer-sown) season of 2023 and aims to create a single and verified source of truth about crop sowing data, providing a strong foundation for farmers-centric solutions and policy-making.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar announced the commencement of the Digital Crop Survey in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The DCS reference application has been developed as an open-source, open-standard, and interoperable public good, making it accessible to all stakeholders involved in agriculture and related research.

The primary technology employed in the survey utilizes geo-referenced cadastral maps with Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies. By integrating these advanced tools, the project ensures accurate identification and mapping of farmlands across the selected states.

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The 12 states that have been chosen for the pilot project are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Maharashtra, and Odisha. The selection was based on their preparedness in terms of pre-requisite criteria for DCS, which includes the geo-referencing of village maps and digitized Record of Right (RoR) with ownership extent.

Speaking about the objectives of the Digital Crop Survey, Minister Tomar highlighted its significance in enabling precise crop area estimation and supporting the development of farmers-centric solutions. The project is expected to serve as a valuable resource for the government to formulate effective agricultural policies and make data-driven decisions to boost the agricultural sector.

In response to a separate query, Minister Tomar revealed that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has also contributed significantly to agricultural activities by launching several satellites. Resourcesat-2A, Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT)-1A, and Indian National Satellite (INSAT) 3D have been deployed in polar orbits and geostationary orbits to provide crucial data for assessing the total area under cultivation, monitoring natural calamities, disease outbreaks, and delivering agro-meteorological services across the country.

Moreover, ISRO has proposed the launch of new satellites like Resourcesat-3 & 3A, Resourcesat-3S & 3SA, and RISAT-1B with advanced capabilities for improved imaging of day and night and all-weather conditions. The proposed INSAT-3DS will be positioned in a geostationary orbit and offer coarse resolution with daily multiple imaging capabilities.

The amalgamation of advanced technologies and the seamless integration of satellite data with the Digital Crop Survey are expected to revolutionize India's agricultural data collection and analysis processes. The government's initiative seeks to leverage these cutting-edge tools to empower farmers and pave the way for sustainable growth in the agriculture sector.

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