Govt. plans ₹6000 cr scheme to body precision farming

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Last Updated18/09/2024

The Centre has also set up 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) across the country to test new technologies and modify them according to local needs

The Indian government is considering allocating ₹6,000 crore to promote precision farming, a technology-driven approach that leverages the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and data analytics to enhance agricultural production while minimizing environmental impact.
The initiative aims to modernize farming practices and ensure sustainable agriculture through the optimal use of resources.

New Scheme under MIDH:
- The Union Ministry of Agriculture is developing a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme.
- The programme will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2028-29 and cover 15,000 acres, potentially benefiting around 60,000 farmers. This initiative will focus on promoting smart farming solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency in horticulture.

Eligibility and Support:
- Under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), farmers and farmer groups such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are eligible for financial support.
- The scheme offers loans with a 3% interest subvention for adopting smart agriculture technologies, including drones, sensors, AI, and blockchain solutions in farming practices.

Impact of Smart Agriculture:
- Precision farming technologies maximize the use of resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides to improve production quality and quantity.
- This approach also helps insulate farmers from the uncertainties of climate change while ensuring sustainability. Technologies like remote sensing and IoT play a pivotal role in monitoring and managing farm activities efficiently.

Indo-Israel and Dutch Collaboration:
- The Centre is exploring collaboration with countries like the Netherlands and Israel, known for their advancements in tech-driven farming, through the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
- These CoEs will provide expertise and innovative solutions for precision agriculture. The government aims to set up 100 CoEs in the next five years, building on the success of the 32 Indo-Israel Agriculture Project CoEs already established across 14 states.

Testing and Local Adaptation of Technologies:
- The government has also set up 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) across various State and Central Agricultural Universities, ICAR Institutes, and IITs to test and adapt new farming technologies to local conditions. These PFDCs are spread across states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Haryana, and several others.

e-Governance Initiatives:
- The Centre is further supporting the adoption of AI and machine learning in agriculture through projects under the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture. Financial assistance is provided to states and Union Territories (UTs) for integrating these technologies into agricultural practices.