In a groundbreaking move to harness the power of technology for the benefit of farmers across India, Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), has unveiled a transformative mobile application and web portal for the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES). This digital initiative, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision, aims to revitalize agricultural practices and usher in a new era of precision farming. The launch event emphasized the vital importance of real-time data and advanced technology in agriculture, underscoring the need for accurate information to drive agricultural decisions.

Overview

The launch of the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES) mobile application and web portal by Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), marks a significant milestone in India’s agricultural sector. In alignment with the Prime Minister’s digital vision, this initiative aims to revolutionize farming practices across the nation. 

The GCES platform addresses key challenges such as reporting delays and lack of transparency in crop data collection by introducing GPS-enabled mobile data collection, ensuring real-time reporting and precise location-based data. It offers comprehensive information on crop yield estimation and features geo-referencing for enhanced data accuracy. With support from various departments and agencies, this digital transformation promises to empower farmers with accurate, timely, and transparent crop data, ushering in a new era of precision farming in India.

Key Points

1. Challenges Addressed by GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application

   • • Delay in Reporting: Historically, data collection, compilation, and yield estimation have relied on manual processes, causing significant delays in reporting by states. The new approach involves GPS-enabled mobile applications, ensuring the prompt reporting of crop statistics.
     • Transparency: GPS-enabled devices provide precise latitude and longitude coordinates for data collection points. This information establishes a direct link between data and specific geographic locations, eliminating ambiguity and data manipulation concerns.

2. Key Features of the GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application

   • • Comprehensive Information: The portal and the app serve as an extensive repository of yield estimation data. They provide village-wise GCES plans, plot details where crop cutting experiments are conducted, post-harvest crop weights, and crop driage weight information.
     • Geo-referencing: Geo-referencing is a standout feature of the mobile application, empowering field workers to delineate the boundaries of experimental plots and upload accompanying photos of both the plots and crops. This capability significantly augments data transparency and precision. 

3. Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW, highlighted the successful integration of advanced technologies in various sectors of agriculture. He encouraged states to fully adopt the GCES web portal and mobile application for improved outcomes and reliable estimations.
4. Shri Arun Kumar, Senior Economic and Statistical Adviser, welcomed Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja and discussed ongoing initiatives at DAC&FW to enhance data accuracy and digital data governance in agriculture. He emphasized how these initiatives would usher in a new era of more accurate and real-time crop yield monitoring.
5. Ms. Ruchika Gupta, Adviser, DA & FW, shared essential insights into the GCES portal and mobile application’s development. She emphasized that automation would streamline the GCES process, ensuring timely reporting of crop statistics and data accuracy. Ms. Gupta also mentioned that various agencies, including the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, and Directorate of Economics & Statistics, are involved in conducting Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE) in different states.
6. Ms. Sonia Sharma, Additional Statistical Adviser, DA&FW, presented the revamped process flow of GCES using the web portal and mobile application, which are currently undergoing pilot testing in 12 states and scheduled for rollout by the 3rd week of October 2023.

Conclusion

The launch of the GCES mobile app and web portal marks a significant advancement in Indian agriculture, driven by Shri Manoj Ahuja and the DA & FW. Aligned with the Prime Minister’s tech-focused vision, this initiative addresses reporting delays and data transparency, ushering in a new era of precision farming. GPS integration enables real-time, location-specific data, empowering farmers for informed decisions and promoting data-driven agriculture. As it progresses through pilot testing towards the full October 2023 rollout, the GCES platform promises timely, precise, and transparent crop information, fostering increased productivity and sustainable farming for India’s agricultural communities.This technology-driven approach holds the promise of increased agricultural productivity, sustainable farming, and a brighter future for India’s farming communities.

Farmers, the unsung heroes of our land, toil tirelessly under the sun to cultivate the very foundation of our meals – wheat. Yet, the delicate balance of our food security often hangs in the balance, threatened by price fluctuations, hoarding, and unscrupulous speculation. In a bid to safeguard food security, combat hoarding, and curb speculative practices, the Government of India has introduced crucial amendments to stock limits on wheat. These changes, outlined in the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits, and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023, are set to significantly impact farmers, traders, and consumers alike. With the aim of stabilizing wheat prices and ensuring an adequate supply, these modifications come as a welcome relief in the agricultural landscape.

Overview

To address the rising wheat prices and promote fair trade practices, the Central Government has embarked on a mission to revise the wheat stock limits for various stakeholders. These limits, applicable to traders, wholesalers, big chain retailers, and processors across all States and Union Territories, are designed to foster transparency, prevent artificial scarcity, and stabilize prices. The central aim is to ensure that the golden grains that sustain our nation’s appetite remain both abundant and affordable.

The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits, and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023, issued on June 12, 2023, has been made applicable to all states and union territories in India. These amendments are set to be in force until March 31, 2024. The primary focus of these changes is to address the increasing trend in wheat prices and ensure that there is no artificial scarcity of this essential commodity in the country.

Key Points

1. Revised Stock Limits: To mitigate the rising wheat prices, the Central Government has reduced the wheat stock limits for specific entities. The new stock limits are as follows:

• • Traders/Wholesalers: The wheat stock limit for traders and wholesalers has been reduced from 3000 MT to 2000 MT.
  • Big Chain Retailers: Big chain retailers can now hold up to 10 MT of wheat at each outlet and up to 2000 MT at all their depots.

2. Registration Requirement: All entities involved in wheat stocking are now obligated to register on the wheat stock limit portal, which can be accessed at (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login). This portal is a critical tool for monitoring and enforcing the new stock limits.
3. Weekly Stock Updates: Registered wheat stocking entities must regularly update their stock positions on the portal every Friday. This ensures transparency and accountability in wheat stocking practices.
4. Legal Consequences: Entities that fail to register on the portal or violate the new stock limits will face punitive actions under Section 6 & 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. These measures are designed to discourage hoarding and speculative activities.
5. Stock Correction Period: In cases where entities exceed the prescribed stock limits, they are required to reduce their stocks to the specified limits within 30 days of the notification. This provision ensures that the new limits are adhered to promptly.
6. Government Oversight: Both Central and State Governments will actively monitor and enforce these stock limits to prevent any artificial scarcity of wheat in the country. This oversight aims to maintain fair pricing and ensure the availability of wheat for consumers.
7. Food Security: The Department of Food and Public Distribution is playing a crucial role in overseeing wheat stocks to control prices and maintain an adequate supply. This measure underscores the government’s commitment to food security and affordability for all citizens.

In essence, these measures strike a delicate balance between the interests of farmers and consumers. They seek to shield the farming community from unfair market practices while ensuring that every Indian household can afford the staple that sustains them – wheat.

Conclusion

The recent amendments to wheat stock limits in India mark a significant step in safeguarding food security and ensuring that wheat remains accessible and affordable for consumers. These changes, aimed at countering escalating wheat prices and preventing hoarding, carry legal consequences for non-compliance. Farmers, traders, and consumers can rest assured that the government is actively monitoring and enforcing these limits to maintain a stable wheat market. By revising stock limits and introducing mandatory registration and reporting, the government is taking proactive measures to protect the interests of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector. This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to achieving a balance between fair pricing and food security for the nation.

For all farmers in the aquaculture sector, exciting news awaits as the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, is all set to launch the Report Fish Disease (RFD) App, a revolutionary tool aimed at strengthening disease reporting systems and enhancing aquatic animal disease management in the country. This groundbreaking app, developed by ICAR-NBFGR under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), promises to bring immense benefits to farmers and the entire aquaculture industry. Let’s delve into the overview of this innovative initiative and explore its potential to empower farmers and bolster the aquaculture sector.

Overview

The aquaculture sector has been experiencing remarkable growth over the years, with total export earnings of approximately Rs. 57,586.48 crores in 2021-22. However, the industry faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from aquatic animal diseases. Surveillance for aquatic animal diseases is essential to detect outbreaks early, thereby minimizing their impacts on fish populations, industries, and ecosystems. Early detection is key to effective eradication and containment efforts. The absence of a field-level disease reporting mechanism often leads to underreporting of diseases in aquaculture. However, the RFD app comes to the rescue, creating a seamless connection that links farmers, field-level officers, and fish health experts, thus filling the reporting gap.

Key Points

1. Empowering Farmers: The RFD app is designed to empower farmers by allowing them to report disease incidents in finfish, shrimps, and molluscs on their farms. Through the app, they can collaborate with field-level officers and fish health experts, receiving timely and scientific advice for efficient disease management.
2. Data Storage and Mapping: The app stores disease-related data on a temporal and spatial scale, enabling the mapping of disease cases. This data-driven approach will aid in better understanding disease patterns and implementing targeted solutions.
3. Increasing Farmers’ Income: By improving farmer-based reporting and providing scientific advice, the RFD app seeks to reduce losses caused by diseases, ultimately leading to increased farmers’ income and better livelihoods.
4. Promoting Early Detection: Early detection of diseases is crucial for eradicating and containing outbreaks. The Fish Disease Reporting App plays a pivotal role in promoting early detection, rapid response, and collaboration among stakeholders.

5. Enhancing Fish Disease Management: With its wide-ranging impact, the app promises to revolutionize fish disease management in aquaculture systems. It fosters knowledge sharing and collaboration, contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the industry and ecosystems.

Conclusion

The launch of the Report Fish Disease (RFD) App marks a pivotal moment in the aquaculture sector, offering a transformative solution to disease reporting and management. By harnessing the power of technology and data, this app empowers farmers, promotes collaboration, and ensures the sustainability and growth of the aquaculture industry. Let’s embrace this innovative tool and work together to fortify the health of our aquatic animals, uplift our farming communities, and pave the way for a prosperous and resilient aquaculture future.

In a bid to revolutionize agriculture and uplift farmer’s livelihoods, the Indian Government launched the Soil Health Cards (SHCs) Scheme in 2014-15. This visionary initiative aimed to transform the way farmers perceive and manage their most precious resource – the soil. Under this program, an extensive soil sampling, testing, and SHC generation process was set in motion, assisting State Governments in providing soil health cards to every farmer across the nation. These cards became a compass, guiding farmers towards optimized nutrient management and fostering improved soil health and fertility.

Overview

The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme, introduced in 2014-15, has undergone a technological transformation to empower Indian farmers. The revamped scheme integrates GIS technology into the SHC portal, enabling location-specific insights. The mobile app facilitates precise sample collection, automates geolocation, and QR code integration for direct result linkage. The scheme’s merger with Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes holistic growth. Village Level Soil Testing Labs, set up by youth and groups, educate on soil health. This dynamic shift, combined with comprehensive soil mapping, symbolizes a visionary leap towards sustainable, knowledge-driven agriculture, benefiting both farmers and the nation.

Key Points on Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme

1. Soil Health Card Scheme Evolution: The Soil Health Card Scheme, initiated in 2014-15, has been revamped to enhance its impact and reach.
2. Technological Integration: The scheme now integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) technology into its portal. This upgrade provides farmers with location-specific data, aiding precise decision-making.
3. Mobile Application Advancements: The mobile application streamlines sample collection by restricting it to specific regions. Geolocation tagging is automated, ensuring accuracy and reducing manual errors. QR code integration links samples to test results, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
4. Merger with Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): The Soil Health Card Scheme has become an integral part of RKVY, fostering synergy between agricultural initiatives. Renamed as ‘Soil Health & Fertility’, it promotes holistic agricultural growth and sustainability.
5. Empowerment through Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs): VLSTLs are established by visionary rural youth, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Schools, and Agriculture Universities. Following the established procedure, aspiring entrepreneurs are required to submit their applications, along with the necessary qualification certificate, PAN Card, and Aadhar Card, to the office of the Deputy Director or District Agriculture Officer. These labs educate farmers on soil testing, health card generation, and nutrient recommendations.These training initiatives are orchestrated by both manufacturers and state government authorities.

6. Eligibility and Oversight: Entrepreneurs aged 18-27, along with SHGs and Farmers Producers Organizations, are eligible for VLSTL enrollment. District Level Executive Committees (DLECs) oversee the enrollment process.
7. Knowledge Dissemination: VLSTLs serve as hubs for knowledge transfer from manufacturers and state governments to farmers. They educate farmers on fertilizer and crop recommendations, enhancing agricultural practices.
8. Soil Resource Information Mapping: Detailed soil mapping at a 1:10,000 scale employs satellite data and ground surveys. The resulting digital repository, distinct from Soil Health Cards, aids informed decision-making.
9. Visionary Leap Towards Sustainability: The technological transformation, combined with the scheme’s broader integration, signifies a leap towards sustainable, knowledge-driven agriculture. Farmers are equipped with location-specific data, fostering better resource management.
10. Empowering Farmers and Enriching Agriculture: The revamped Soil Health Card Scheme not only improves soil health but also empowers farmers through technology, knowledge, and holistic agricultural initiatives.

Conclusion

The transformation of the Soil Health Card Scheme into a tech-integrated powerhouse signifies a holistic leap towards empowered agriculture. With GIS technology, mobile app enhancements, and Village Level Soil Testing Labs, farmers gain precise insights and recommendations. This integration with Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana enhances holistic growth. As knowledge flows from VLSTLs, soil mapping, and the innovative tech framework, the grand vision of sustainable, informed farming emerges. This dynamic shift promises not just improved soil health but a future where empowered farmers, armed with data and know-how, elevate Indian agriculture to new heights of productivity and prosperity.