Revamping Crop Data Collection by E-technology | 26 Aug 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Union government urged states to swiftly adopt and implement the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), Digital Crop Survey and Revamped FASAL Programme to improve farm production estimates and enhance data accuracy.

• It aims to enhance the accuracy, reliability and transparency of agricultural statistics which will help in policy formulation, trade decisions and agricultural planning.

What are the New Initiatives Launched for Revamping Crop Data Collection?

• Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): It is a nationwide initiative that uses a mobile app and web portal to assess crop yields and improve agricultural practices in India.
  • It aims to calculate yield based on scientifically designed crop cutting experiments for all major crops across the country.
  • It includes features such as GPS-enabled photo capture, automated plot selection, and geo-referencing to enhance transparency and accuracy. 
• Digital Crop Survey: It is a technology-driven initiative designed to provide detailed and accurate crop data through digital means. 
  • It aims to enhance the precision of crop area estimation and other related agricultural statistics. 
  • Key Features Include:
    • Geotagged Data: Uses geotagging to record the exact locations of crop plots, ensuring accurate area measurement.
    • Digital Documentation: Employs digital tools and platforms for data collection, reducing reliance on manual methods.
    • Real-Time Updates: Provides near real-time information about crop areas, allowing for more timely and accurate assessments.
• Revamped FASAL Programme: Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land based observations (FASAL) leverages remote sensing technology to generate accurate crop maps and area estimation for major crops.
  • Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare regularly generates crop forecasts at the District/State/National level for major crops.
• Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg Portal): The UPAg Portal serves as a centralised hub for near real-time information on crop production, market trends, pricing, and other vital agricultural data. 
  • It allows for the cross-verification of data from multiple sources, ensuring robust agricultural statistics.
• Yield Forecast Model: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is collaborating with various institutions, including the Space Application Centre and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, to develop yield forecast models.
• Supervision: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is working with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation to increase the supervision of crop-cutting experiments by the National Sample Survey Office.

What is the Need for a New Mechanism to Collect Crop Data?

• Real-Time Monitoring: Conventional methods may not provide timely updates on crop conditions and production estimates. 
  • In the event of unexpected weather conditions or pest outbreaks, real-time data is crucial for timely intervention and accurate assessment.
• Integration of Advanced Technologies: Lack of integration with modern technologies limits the effectiveness of current data collection methods. 
  • The Digital Crop Survey and Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) leverages advanced technology to provide geotagged, plot-level data, which enhances precision.
• Enhancing Data Reliability: Initiatives and programs that use remote sensing can create accurate crop maps, reducing reliance on manual data collection and enhancing data consistency.
• Facilitating Policy-Making: Accurate and timely data from new initiatives like Digital Crop Surveys help policymakers make informed decisions about resource allocation and support measures like Public Distribution System, food security etc.
• Addressing Climate Impacts: Climate change affects crop production, and traditional methods may struggle to keep up with the changing conditions. 
  • Advanced technologies like satellite imagery can quickly offer better data for adjusting farming practices e.g., advance warning in case of locust attack.
• Handling Large-Scale Data: In India, estimating crop production across vast and diverse agricultural regions can be easier using digital technologies.

What are the Challenges Involved in the Adoption of New Tech Initiatives for Farm Data Collection?

• Lack of Digital Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure like the cloud for data storage and data processing skills of public officials hampers the use of digital technology in agriculture.
• Limited Access to Technology: Smallholder farmers often lack access to technology and the necessary digital skills which hinders adoption of digital tools and limits data generation.
• Data Accuracy and Reliability: Concerns remain about the accuracy and reliability of data collected through new technologies. 
  • Inaccurate data collection tools may lead to poor decision-making and decreased trust in digital systems.
• Integration with Existing Systems: New data collection tools may not seamlessly integrate with traditional systems, causing data management issues. It may complicate the adoption process and can lead to inefficiencies.
  • In traditional systems, crop data are in regional language and local script. Converting them into multiple languages for universal access and uploading them correctly on cloud storage is a tiring process.

Way Forward

• Improve Technical Skills: Partner with agricultural extension services e.g., Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), NGOs, and tech companies to deliver training. Offer workshops, online courses, and hands-on demonstrations.
• Facilitate Integration with Existing Systems: Ensure new technologies are compatible with existing farm management systems for a seamless experience for users.
• Regular Audits and Validation: Conduct periodic audits and cross-checks of the collected data to identify discrepancies and ensure its reliability.