Digitization and Precision Farming Support

Introduction 

Digitization and Precision Farming Support is an official initiative launched by the Government of India in 2021 to help farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and agricultural entrepreneurs improve productivity and sustainability in agriculture. This agriculture scheme focuses on using digital technologies like remote sensing, data analysis, and smart devices to help farmers make better decisions, reduce costs, and increase yields. It addresses problems such as outdated farming methods, unpredictable weather, and limited access to reliable information. The policy needed behind Digitization and Precision Farming Support is to make agriculture more efficient, resilient, and profitable by bringing modern tools and digital access to rural communities. Eligible groups can apply for assistance and benefits through state portals or farmer service centers, where support and guidance are provided for adoption of precision tools and digital platforms. By promoting the use of technology in farming, this scheme aims to create fair opportunities for all, ensuring that small and marginal farmers in India and states like Maharashtra are included in the process.

Overview of the Scheme

Digitization and Precision Farming Support is a centrally launched scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, approved in September 2024 as the Digital Agriculture Mission. The scheme operates as an umbrella program, aiming to build digital infrastructure and introduce precision farming practices across India.

The key implementing agencies include the Department of Agriculture, State Agriculture Departments, and local Krishi Sakhis (women para-extension workers). States partner through signed Memorandums of Understanding to roll out the program’s digital platforms and services. The mission’s components, such as AgriStack and Krishi Decision Support System, are designed to help farmers access digital tools for crop planning and land management.

Funding Pattern:

• Central share: Approximately ₹1,940 Crore
• Total mission outlay: ₹2,817 Crore
• Share pattern: Predominantly central funding, with additional support for partner states

Coverage—Sectors and Components:

• Digital Public Infrastructure: Farmer ID registry, geo-referenced land database
• Crop surveys via mobile apps
• Remote sensing and GIS for soil, crop, and field analysis
• Support for smart machinery, insurance, and credit delivery
• Training of Krishi Sakhis and rural youth in digital farm practices

Current Status:

• The scheme is ongoing, with rapid rollout in 2024–2025.
• Pilot surveys and soil mapping launched in over 400 districts; nationwide coverage targeted by 2026–27.
• Merged implementation with other major schemes, including Crop Science and Horticulture Missions for scaling up digital reach.

Example: A farmer in Maharashtra can enroll for a digital Farmer ID and receive timely crop advisories, loan eligibility updates, and insurance support, all through a mobile app that connects directly with local agriculture offices.

Objectives 

The Digitization and Precision Farming Support scheme was set up with specific objectives to guide India’s digital transformation in agriculture. These goals support both farmers and the wider agriculture sector in becoming modern, data-driven, and more resilient. The scheme is designed to make farming easier, smarter, and more productive for everyone it reaches while also streamlining access to key government benefits and information.

Key objectives of Digitization and Precision Farming Support are:

• Create and maintain digital identities for 11 crore farmers within three years, helping streamline driver services, land records, and benefit access.
• Build a robust digital public infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture that integrates land, crop, and demographic databases for better service delivery.
• Launch nation-wide digital crop surveys to enable accurate crop sown records and minimize paperwork, with a target of 400 districts in the first phase.
• Support precision farming adoption by providing real-time advisories, remote sensing, and GIS tools to improve soil, weather, and crop health management.
• Facilitate direct and timely access to government schemes, loans, and insurance by reducing manual paperwork and physical visits.
• Promote employment generation for local youth and Krishi Sakhis as digital agriculture support workers.
• Strengthen disaster response and insurance claims through improved digital crop and yield mapping.
• Enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in scheme coverage for all eligible farmers.
• Build knowledge and skills through tech-based training in digital and precision agriculture practices.
• Support better crop diversification and planning using scientific data insights and AI-driven tools.

Each objective aims to make farming easier to manage, safer, and more sustainable for India’s agricultural community while ensuring no eligible group is left behind. These goals keep the focus on practical benefits and long-term success for millions of Indian farmers, self-help groups, and agri-entrepreneurs.

Key Features / Benefits 

Digitization and Precision Farming Support offers several practical benefits to modernize farming, streamline official processes, and empower the agricultural community. These features make it easier for farmers and agri-groups to access support and use technology, no matter their education or background. Each benefit reflects an official commitment to making agriculture more productive, efficient, and accessible across India.

• Farmer Digital ID Creation

Each farmer can get a unique digital ID linked to land and crop records, making eligibility and benefit delivery much faster and more accurate.

(Example: A small farmer in Maharashtra uses the ID to access government schemes and avoid repeated paperwork.)

• Real-Time Crop Monitoring

Farmers receive instant updates on crop sown records, yield estimates, and weather alerts through mobile surveys and remote sensing.

(Example: Timely pest alert helps save a cotton crop from severe damage.)

• Direct Scheme Access and Efficiency

The scheme reduces paperwork and physical visits by allowing farmers to directly access loans, subsidies, and crop insurance through digital authentication.

(Example: A farmer applies for crop insurance directly from a mobile app using his digital ID.)

• Personalized Advisory Services

Farmers get tailored advice on seed choice, fertilizer, irrigation, and pest control via mobile platforms, helping them make better decisions on the spot.

(Example: A rice farmer in Assam receives a message about the best sowing window based on local weather data.)

• Improved Resource Management

Tools such as GPS, GIS, and AI help farmers use water, fertilizers, and pesticides in the right amount and at the right time, reducing input costs and boosting yields.

(Example: Drip irrigation is activated only when soil moisture drops below a set level.)

• Simplified Credit and Insurance

Linking with banks and insurance agencies allows for faster credit approval and claim settlement, especially after crop losses.

(Example: A rainfall-triggered insurance payout arrives soon after an official survey confirms losses.)

• Support for Women and Marginal Groups

Training and employment as Krishi Sakhis are provided for rural women, creating local jobs and digital literacy champions in villages.

(Example: A self-help group leader becomes the go-to digital advisor for her community.)

• Accurate Disaster Response

Geo-referenced maps and digital crop surveys help target support and compensation quickly after floods or droughts.

(Example: After a flood, affected farmers are identified electronically, speeding up relief.)

• Transparency in Subsidy and Market Linkage

All transactions and benefit transfers are tracked digitally, minimizing fraud and ensuring that subsidies reach eligible farmers on time.

(Example: Fertilizer discounts are credited directly to the farmer’s account.)

• Training in Digital Tools

The scheme includes hands-on training for farmers and rural youth in smartphone apps, sensors, and precision machinery, so they can use new technology confidently.

(Example: Young farmers learn to operate crop health apps at a local training camp.)

• Yield and Crop Mapping for Planning

Large-scale soil and crop profile mapping allows for better planning of agriculture inputs and monitoring of production at the district and state levels.

(Example: A district plans seed and fertilizer distribution based on mapped needs for the coming season.)

Digitization and Precision Farming Support aims to build a connected, transparent, and data-driven future for Indian agriculture, ensuring benefits reach the grassroots and bring real improvements to rural livelihoods.

Eligibility Criteria 

Eligibility for the Digitization and Precision Farming Support scheme is set by clear official guidelines to make sure all support is targeted and fair. Each category of applicant must meet specific criteria and submit certain documents to prove their status. This helps government agencies deliver benefits efficiently while keeping the process transparent.

Farmers (Individual Applicants):

Any Indian farmer with a valid Aadhaar card and verifiable land records can apply for benefits. Applicants must be age 18 or above and show residency proof in the relevant state or district. Eligible farmers must link their land records digitally and create a Farmer ID for fast scheme access.

(Required documents: Aadhaar, land records, bank passbook, mobile number.)

Self-Help Groups (SHGs):

SHGs must be officially registered with their state or district authorities and maintain an active status, with bank linkage for direct subsidy transfer. Only groups engaged in active agriculture or allied sector activities qualify.

(Required documents: registration certificate, bank passbook, group minutes, activity records.)

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):

FPOs need to be registered under the Companies Act, 2013 or Producer Company rules, have a minimum official member count (as prescribed by their state), and demonstrate ongoing operations in agriculture.

(Required documents: registration certificate, member list, business plan, bank statement.)

Entrepreneurs/Startups/MSMEs:

Agricultural startups and MSMEs must be registered in India (under Companies Act or UDYAM registration) and show active engagement in agricultural technology or precision farming. GST registration may be required if specified in the official guidelines.

(Required documents: registration certificate, relevant project details, UDYAM/GST if mentioned, DPR/project proposal.)

Special Categories:

Women (Krishi Sakhis), SC/ST applicants, and groups from Northeast or Hilly areas may have relaxed eligibility or priority support if officially listed; they must provide category proof as per scheme norms.

(Required documents: relevant caste/category certificate, region proof.)

Not Eligible:

Non-agricultural entities, duplicate applications, and groups whose primary operations do not match the scheme’s objectives are excluded from assistance.

All applicants must submit these documents as part of their application, with digital uploads preferred for faster processing. By meeting these eligibility criteria and organizing documents properly, beneficiaries can benefit from the Digitization and Precision Farming Support scheme quickly and securely.

Application Process

The application process for Digitization and Precision Farming Support is designed to be simple and accessible, with both online and offline options to ensure maximum participation from farmers and agri-groups across India. Applicants can apply through official government portals or visit local agriculture offices for assistance.

1. 1. Where to Apply:
      Applications can be submitted online via the Digital Agriculture Mission’s official portal or state agriculture department portals once operational. (The central AgriStack portal is accessible at india.gov.in/agri-stack-portal). Offline applications are accepted at nearest Agriculture Extension Centers such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), ATMA offices, or Block Agriculture Offices.
      
      
   2. Registration and Login:
      Users create an account or log in using their Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Farmers must register to obtain a unique Farmer ID, linking land and crop details to their profile.
      
      
   3. Filling the Application Form:
      The form requires:
      • Beneficiary details (name, age, address, Aadhaar)
      • Land and farm details (plot size, location, crop sown)
      • Component selection (type of precision farming or digitization support needed)
      • Bank account information (for direct benefit transfers)
        
        

• Documents to Upload/Submit:

1. • Aadhaar card
   • Land ownership or tenancy documents
   • Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
   • Passport-size photo (if required)
   • Any specific registration certificates in case of SHGs/FPOs or MSMEs
     
     
2. Application Fee:
   There is no application fee for beneficiaries under this scheme.
   
   
3. Acknowledgment and Application ID:
   After submission, an acknowledgment with a unique application ID is generated. This ID should be saved for future reference.
   
   
4. Verification and Field Inspection (If Applicable):
   Authorities may conduct physical verification or surveys through Krishi Sakhis or local officials to confirm farmer eligibility and land details.
   
   
5. Approval and Assistance Release:
   On approval, assistance, subsidy, or services are delivered mostly through direct benefit transfer (DBT) to the farmer’s bank account. Timelines vary but applicants are usually informed within 30–45 days.
   
   
6. Offline Application Route:
   Beneficiaries without internet access can visit local agriculture offices or KVKs where officials help fill and submit applications physically.
   
   
7. Help and Support:
   For assistance, applicants can contact their State Agriculture Department helpline or the central Ministry of Agriculture at 011-23012345 or email helpdesk@digitalagriculture.gov.in.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Ensure name and Aadhaar details match exactly to avoid rejection.
• Upload clear and correct documents as per checklist.
• Double-check bank details for direct payments.
• Submit applications before deadlines to avoid delays.

This step-by-step process helps farmers and agri-groups easily apply online or offline, ensuring they can access the benefits of Digitization and Precision Farming Support smoothly and transparently.

Challenges or Limitations 

While the Digitization and Precision Farming Support scheme offers many benefits, there are practical challenges and limitations that affect its adoption and impact. These challenges are widely recognized by official sources and agriculture experts, and efforts are ongoing to address them. Understanding these common issues helps applicants manage expectations and plan better.

Challenge: High Initial Cost of Technology

Advanced tools like drones, sensors, and GPS devices require significant investment, which is hard for many small or marginal farmers to afford.

→ What to do: Use shared services via Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) or local cooperatives to reduce individual costs.

Challenge: Small and Fragmented Land Holdings

Many Indian farms are small, making it difficult to fully apply precision agriculture methods designed for larger farms.

→ What to do: Focus on low-cost, scalable solutions tailored to small plots, such as mobile app advisories or soil testing kits.

Challenge: Limited Digital Literacy

Many rural farmers lack experience with smartphones or digital platforms, hindering adoption.

→ What to do: Attend government or NGO-led training sessions and seek help from Krishi Sakhis or local extension workers.

Challenge: Inadequate Rural Infrastructure

Lack of reliable internet connectivity and power supply slows real-time data access and use of digital tools.

→ What to do: Use offline-enabled apps and community information centers with internet access (like village digital hubs).

Challenge: Delays Due to Verification and Documentation Issues

Incorrect or outdated land records, identity mismatch, or missing documents can cause application rejection or delays.

→ What to do: Keep all land and identity documents updated and double-check before submission.

Challenge: Seasonal Timing Constraints

Precision interventions must often align closely with crop cycles, leaving a narrow window for application and benefit delivery.

→ What to do: Apply early and plan ahead with local agriculture officers or digital helpline guidance.

Challenge: Coordination Among Multiple Stakeholders

Complexity in managing involved departments, private tech firms, and farmer groups can create overlaps or confusion.

→ What to do: Use officially designated portals and helplines for updates and follow clear process guidelines.

Challenge: Limited Funding Availability and Coverage

Budget caps can restrict the scale or number of beneficiaries in some areas.

→ What to do: Monitor official announcements for new funding cycles and apply promptly.

These common challenges do not diminish the scheme’s overall value but remind users to prepare well and seek official support to maximize benefits. The government continues to work on practical solutions and partnerships to overcome these limitations for wider success of Digitization and Precision Farming Support across India.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

Digitization and Precision Farming Support is strongly connected with several other agricultural missions to provide a comprehensive support system for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs in India. This convergence helps streamline resources, data, and service delivery, making it easier for beneficiaries to access multiple benefits efficiently.

The scheme links officially with major programs such as PM-KISAN (income support), PMFME (micro food enterprises), PMFBY (crop insurance), ATMA (agricultural extension), NFSM (food security and crop production), and RKVY (state agriculture development schemes). For example, a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) using Digitization and Precision Farming tools can simultaneously manage crop planning via the Krishi Decision Support System while benefiting from PMFBY insurance premium support and NFSM subsidy schemes for inputs.

Official updates state that the Digital Agriculture Mission was rolled out in 2024 with an approved budget of ₹2,817 crore, including ₹1,940 crore central share. It is planned to cover about 11 crore farmers by 2026–27, with ongoing expansion in 19 states through signed MoUs. The mission’s future plans include deeper integration with national and state-level agriculture programs to build a robust digital public infrastructure and scale precision farming adoption nationwide.

This policy synergy ensures farmers receive seamless technology, financial, and advisory support under one umbrella, providing a strong foundation for the road ahead in modernizing Indian agriculture with data-driven, sustainable practices.

Conclusion 

The Digitization and Precision Farming Support scheme is vital for modernizing Indian agriculture, benefiting millions of farmers, farmer producer organizations, and rural entrepreneurs. It helps increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve access to government schemes through digital tools and precision farming techniques. Those interested should check their eligibility and apply online via the official Digital Agriculture Mission portal at india.gov.in/agri-stack-portal or visit local agriculture offices for offline support. Preparing key documents like Aadhaar, land records, and bank details ahead of time can speed up the application process and access to benefits. It is important to verify the latest scheme updates and application guidelines regularly on official portals or through helpline numbers to avoid common mistakes and delays.
Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.