What are the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission in India?

Question

What are the key components of the recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission in India?

I. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture, i.e. Agristack, Krishi Decision Support System, Comprehensive Soil Fertility, Profile Maps.

II. Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES).

III. Support for the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecasting Centre (MNCFC).

Identify the correct statements —

1. A. I and III only
2. B. II and III only
3. C. I and II only
4. D. I, II and III only (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — D

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option D.

Key Points

• The Digital Agriculture Mission was approved by the Cabinet in September 2024 with an outlay of about Rs 2,817 crore, and all three components listed are part of it:
• I. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture — this is the foundation layer and includes AgriStack (farmer registry, geo-referenced village maps, crop-sown registry), the Krishi Decision Support System, and the Comprehensive Soil Fertility and Profile Maps.
• II. Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) — replaces manual crop-cutting experiments with a digital, scientifically sampled yield estimation system.
• III. Support for the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecasting Centre (MNCFC) — strengthened under the mission for remote-sensing-based crop forecasting.

Additional Information

• the mission aims to build a farmer-centric digital ecosystem, on the lines of the DPI approach used for Aadhaar and UPI, so that scheme delivery, credit and crop insurance can be targeted accurately.