The Indian government is considering a substantial investment of Rs 6,000 crore to advance precision farming. This modern agricultural approach utilizes cutting-edge technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and data analytics. The goal is to enhance production efficiency, optimize resource use, and minimize environmental impact.
Smart Precision Horticulture Programme
The Union Ministry of Agriculture plans to launch the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme. This initiative aims to:
- Coverage: Manage 15,000 acres of land over a five-year period, from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
- Beneficiaries: Impact approximately 60,000 farmers.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), established during the Covid-19 pandemic, supports infrastructure projects related to smart and precision agriculture. Key features include:
- Eligibility: Individual farmers and farmer communities, such as Farmer Producer Organizations, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Financial Support: Loans with a 3% interest subvention for adopting technological solutions.
- Technologies Covered: Farm and harvest automation, drone purchases, specialized field sensors, blockchain and AI in agriculture, remote sensing, and IoT.
International Collaboration
The Centre is also exploring partnerships with countries like the Netherlands and Israel, which are known for their advanced tech-based farming solutions. The collaboration will involve:
- Centres of Excellences (CoEs): An anticipated 100 CoEs over the next five years.
- Existing Projects: 32 CoEs have already been established under the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project across 14 states.
Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs)
The government has established 22 PFDCs nationwide to:
- Purpose: Test and adapt new technologies to meet local needs.
- Locations: These centres are situated at State/Central Agricultural Universities, ICAR Institutes, and IITs across various states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and more.
Financial Support for AI and Machine Learning
The Ministry of Agriculture is also funding projects involving AI and machine learning through schemes like the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- How much is the Indian government considering investing to promote precision farming?
- a) Rs 1,000 crore
- b) Rs 2,000 crore
- c) Rs 3,000 crore
- d) Rs 6,000 crore
- Under which scheme is the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme being launched?
- a) National e-Governance Plan
- b) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
- c) Indo-Israel Agriculture Project
- d) Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
- How many acres of land will the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme cover over five years?
- a) 5,000 acres
- b) 10,000 acres
- c) 15,000 acres
- d) 20,000 acres
- What interest subvention is offered under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) for technological solutions?
- a) 1%
- b) 2%
- c) 3%
- d) 4%
- How many Centres of Excellences (CoEs) are expected to be set up in the next five years?
- a) 50
- b) 75
- c) 100
- d) 125
- Which countries are the Indian government considering collaborating with for tech-based farming solutions?
- a) USA and China
- b) Japan and South Korea
- c) Netherlands and Israel
- d) Germany and France