DIGITAL AGRISTACK: THE NEW PUSH IN AGRICULTURE

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • The Indian government is attempting to create a digital stack of agricultural data.
  • Every farmer in the country has a unique number assigned by Agristack.
  • Farmers will be able to make informed decisions about which seeds to buy, what to plant, when to grow it, and how to maximize yields using the agristack.

What is in the News?

The Indian government is attempting to create a digital stack of agricultural data. That is, data about farmers is being stored. Aside from farmer information, the digital agristack also contains data on which seeds to buy, weather updates, what manures and fertilizers to use, insurance, and best agricultural practices to maximize yield.

What exactly is agristack?

Every farmer in the country has a unique number assigned by Agristack. This numbered file will contain the farmer’s personal information. This also covers their financial information. Agri stack will store information about weather, agricultural commodity pricing in India and abroad, new science and research techniques, agricultural regulation, and permissions, in addition to farmer information.

How is it going to work?

Agristack will start by creating a farmer database. The database is then linked to data from programmes and initiatives including the Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Sinchayee Yojana, Soil Health Card, and Fasal Bhima Yojana, among others. In the system, every farmer will have a unique ID. His or her Aadhaar number will be linked to this ID. Farmers’ land holdings will be integrated into this ID. The agristack scheme has collected information on five crore farmers so far.

Concerns

Several experts and farmers worry that the centralized stack will store personal information about farms. It’s risky to keep such sensitive data without a proper data protection statute in place. Furthermore, the land data have not yet been entirely updated. As a result, the system will rely on outdated and erroneous land records. So, what’s the use of making a database if the data in it is incorrect?

Benefits

Farmers will be able to make informed decisions about which seeds to buy, what to plant, when to grow it, and how to maximize yields using the agristack. Other stakeholders, including as suppliers and transporters, can learn about new technology in addition to farmers. Digital Agristack, according to NABARD, is a game changer. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is a financial institution that focuses on agriculture and rural development.

Agristack’s IDEA

The India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture, or IDEA, will conclude the agristack. Agristack’s architecture will be laid out by IDEA. It will lay the groundwork for the development of agriculture-focused technology. This will eventually increase the agricultural sector’s efficiency.

Microsoft’s Role in Agristack

Around five firms have signed memorandums of understanding with the Indian government to adopt agristack. A Unified Farmer Interface will be developed by Microsoft.

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Dr. Kirti Sisodhia

Content Writer

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