13-Dec-2022: Kisan Rail

To implement the budget announcement 2020-21, a Committee was constituted on Kisan Rail and Krishi Udan. The Committee constituted a sub-committee for detailed deliberation and preparation of concept note under convenorship of Executive Director, Railway Board.

Ministry of Railways after due deliberation with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has started operating Kisan Special Trains for transportation of perishable horticulture / agriculture products, dairy, fisheries etc. These trains are multi-commodity, multi-consignor/consignee services, running in a time-tabled manner with stoppages at all major stations.

The first Kisan Rail was flagged off from Devlali (Maharashtra) to Danapur (Bihar) by Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Shri Piyush Goyal, then Hon'ble Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry on 7th August 2020, for transportation of perishable agriculture/horticulture products, dairy, fisheries etc.

The 100th service of Kisan Rail was flagged off by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the route from Sangola (Maharashtra) to Shalimar (West Bengal) on 28th December 2020.

Currently, a total of 2359 trips of Kisan Rail trains have been operated on 167 routes, wherein nearly 7.9 lakh tones of consignments have been transported.

The routes for Kisan Rail are decided on demand received from farmers and other stakeholders. Whenever a demand for Kisan Rail for a particular route is received, arrangements are made by the concerned Zonal Railway for supply for rakes and operation of Kisan Rail train, duly considering the operational feasibility of the proposed route.

17-Dec-2021: Transportation of Agricultural Products through Kisan Rails

In compliance to the announcement made in Union Budget 2020-21, Kisan Rail trains have been introduced by Indian Railways to enable speedy movement of perishables including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fishery and dairy products from production or surplus regions to consumption or deficient regions. Kisan Rail services are time tabled as well as demand based. Kisan Rail enables farmers to utilize the vast railway network to gain access to distant, bigger and more lucrative markets. It is based on the concept of multi commodity, multi consignor, multi consignee and multi stoppages. There is no minimum limit on quantity that can be booked, enabling small farmers to reach bigger and distant markets.

Potential circuits for movement of Kisan Rail services are identified in consultation with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Agriculture/Animal Husbandry/Fisheries Departments of State Governments as well as local bodies and agencies, Mandis etc., and based on demand, rakes are provided on priority for running of Kisan Rail services.

Since the launch of first Kisan Rail service on 7th August 2020 and upto 28th November 2021, Indian Railway have operated 1,642 Kisan Rail services, transporting approximately 5.4 lakh tonnes of perishables including onion, banana, potato, garlic, pomegranate, oranges, capsicum, cabbage, cauliflower, and other fruits and vegetables. These services have operated from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

So far, no difficulties have been faced during the transportation of goods through Kisan rail services. Halts, number of trips and composition of time-tabled Kisan Rail services and introduction of new services are finalized in consultation with farmers and consignors.

1-Dec-2021: Nearly 1,600 Kisan Rail services operated since launch of the service in August, 2020

In compliance to the announcement made in Union Budget 2020-21, Kisan Rail trains have been introduced by Indian Railways to enable speedy movement of perishables including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fishery and dairy products from production or surplus regions to consumption or deficient regions. Kisan Rail services are time tabled as well as demand based.

Since the launch of first Kisan Rail service on 7th  August 2020 and upto 19th  November 2021, Indian Railway have operated 1,586 Kisan Rail services, transporting approximately 5.2 lakh tonnes of perishables including onion, banana, potato, garlic, pomegranate, oranges, capsicum, cabbage, cauliflower, and other fruits and vegetables. These services have operated from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Potential circuits for movement of Kisan Rail services are identified in consultation with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Agriculture/Animal Husbandry/Fisheries Departments of State Governments as well as local bodies and agencies, Mandis etc., and based on demand, rakes are provided on priority for running of Kisan Rail services.

So far, no difficulties have been faced during the transportation of goods through Kisan rail services. Halts, number of trips and composition of time-tabled Kisan Rail services and introduction of new services are finalized in consultation with farmers and consignors.

19-Mar-2021: Benefits of Kisan Rail to Farmers

The Kisan Rail services are planned by railways in a way to ensure easy accessibility to farmers.  Most of the services have originated from small stations such as Devlali, Sangola, Sangli, Yeola, Nagarsol, Dhahanu Road, Dhoraji, Mahuva, etc., which lie within agricultural zones.  The Kisan Rail trains also have adequate stoppages to facilitate enroute loading.  Besides, there is no restriction on the minimum quantity to be booked in Kisan Rail services, to enable small and marginal farmers to benefit from the scheme.  Upto 12th March 2021, around 373 Kisan Rail services have operated on 43 routes, transporting approximately 1.2 lakh tonnes of commodities.

12-Feb-2021: Kisan Rail Services

Under the Kisan Rail Project, Railways have so far operated Kisan Rail services on the following routes:

1. Devlali/Sangola (Maharashtra) to Danapur/Muzaffarpur (Bihar)
2. Anantpur (Andhra Pradesh) to Adarsh Nagar (Delhi)
3. Yeshwantpur (Karnataka) to Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi)
4. Warud/Nagpur (Maharashtra) to Adarsh Nagar (Delhi)
5. Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) to Howrah (West Bengal)
6. Sangola (Maharashtra) to Howrah (West Bengal)
7. Sangola (Maharashtra) to Shalimar (West Bengal)
8. Indore (Madhya Pradesh) to New Guwahati (Assam)
9. Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) to New Guwahati (Assam)
10. Indore (Madhya Pradesh) to Agartala (Tripura)
11. Jalandhar (Punjab) to Jirania (Tripura)
12. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to New Guwahati (Assam)
13. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Chitpur (West Bengal)
14. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal)
15. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Naugachia (Bihar)
16. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Fatuha (Bihar)  
17. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to  Baihata (Assam)
18. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Malda Town (West Bengal)
19. Dahanu Road (Maharashtra) to Adarsh Nagar (Delhi)
20. Tarkeshwar (West Bengal) to Dimapur (Nagaland)
21. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Agartala (Tripura)
22. Dhoraji (Gujarat) to New Guwahati (Assam)
23. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Dhupguri (West Bengal); and
24. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Gour Malda (West Bengal)

Since the launch of first Kisan Rail service on 7th August 2020 and upto 5th February 2021, Indian Railways have operated 208 Kisan Rail services, transporting approximately sixty-eight thousand tonnes of perishables including fruits and vegetables.

However, in order to facilitate storage of perishables, temperature controlled Perishable Cargo Centres have been established at Nashik, Singur, New Azadpur, Raja Ka Talab/Varanasi, Ghazipur and Fatuha. In addition, cold storage Reefer Park has been developed at Inland Container Depot, Dadri and a cold storage facility has been established at Rai, Sonipat.

10-Feb-2021: To boost farmers’ income, additional commodities (Mandarin & Turmeric) included for the subsidy through Kisan Rail transportation

To incentivise farmers to transport their agricultural produce through Kisan Rail, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Food Processing Industries have included Mandarin (a variety of Orange) and Turmeric (raw) in the list of eligible Fruits and Vegetables for 50% transportation subsidy through any type of train service provided by Indian Railways under Operation Greens – TOP to TOTAL. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is providing 50% subsidy on transportation of any Fruits and Vegetables through any type of train service provided by Indian Railways under Operation Greens – TOP to TOTAL.

Eligible Items under subsidy already:

Fruits- Mango, Banana, Guava, Kiwi, Litchi, Papaya, Mousambi, Orange, Kinnow, Lime, Lemon,  Pineapple, Pomegranate, Jackfruit, Apple, Almond, Aonla, Passion fruit and Pear;

Vegetables - French beans, Bitter Gourd, Brinjal, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chillies (Green), Okra, Cucumber, Peas, Garlic, Onion, Potato and Tomato.

Kisan Rail ensures agro products reach from one corner to another corner of the country in a quick time by faster transportation benefitting both the farmers and the consumers. The Kisan Rail catering to the requirements of small farmers and small traders is proving to be not only a game changer but also a life changer as it fulfils the endeavour of increasing the income of farmers.

Kisan Rail is surely changing the lives of farmers with the assurance of better price with faster & cheaper transportation, providing seamless supply chain, preventing the destruction of perishable farm produce thereby opening up the scope to increase the income of farmers.

It is worth mentioning that Indian Railways is continuously making efforts to move the agro products through freight trains. Even during the lockdown, the freight trains of Indian Railways were moving to ensure continuous supply of essential commodities so that no part in the country should face any hardship. There has been significant improvement in loading of crops like wheat, pulses, fruits, vegetables with more rakes.

3-Feb-2021: Kisan Rail Yojana

Under the Kisan Rail Project, Railways have so far operated Kisan Rail services on the following routes:

1. Devlali/Sangola (Maharashtra) to Danapur/Muzaffarpur (Bihar)
2. Anantpur (Andhra Pradesh) to Adarsh Nagar (Delhi)
3. Yeshwantpur (Karnataka) to Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi)
4. Warud/Nagpur (Maharashtra) to Adarsh Nagar (Delhi)
5. Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) to Howrah (West Bengal)
6. Sangola (Maharashtra) to Howrah (West Bengal)
7. Sangola (Maharashtra) to Shalimar (West Bengal)
8. Indore (Madhya Pradesh) to New Guwahati (Assam)
9. Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) to New Guwahati (Assam)
10. Indore (Madhya Pradesh) to Agartala (Tripura)
11. Jalandhar (Punjab) to Jirania (Tripura)
12. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to New Guwahati (Assam)
13. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Chitpur (West Bengal)
14. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to New Jalpaiguri (Assam)
15. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Naugachia (Bihar)
16. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Fatuha (Bihar)
17. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Baihata (Assam); and
18. Nagarsol (Maharashtra) to Malda Town (West Bengal)

No Kisan Rails has been introduced through PPP arrangements so far.

Since the launch of first Kisan Rail service on 7th August 2020 and upto 22nd January 2021, Indian Railway have operated 157 Kisan Rail services, transporting approximately fifty thousand tonnes of perishables including fruits and vegetables.

Potential circuits for movement of vegetables, fruits and other perishables are being identified in consultation with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Agriculture/Animal Husbandry/Fisheries Departments of State Governments. The assessment is being done on the basis of seasonal availability of these items, so as to obtain efficiency and economies of scale. Commodities booked via Kisan Rail trains are charged at ‘P’-scale of parcel tariff. 50% subsidy in freight, which is borne by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) under the “Operation Greens (TOP to TOTAL)” Scheme, is being granted on transportation of fruits and vegetables through Kisan Rail Services.

No Reefer Rail Container or Refrigerated Parcel Van has been procured for this purpose so far. However, temperature controlled Perishable Cargo Centres have been established at Nashik, Singur, New Azadpur, Raja Ka Talab/Varanasi, Ghazipur and Fatuha. In addition, cold storage Reefer Park has been developed at Inland Container Depot, Dadri and a cold storage facility has been established at Rai, Sonipat.

In order to increase food chain supply, Railways have withdrawn the busy season surcharge applicable on food grains, till further orders. Besides, the freight of food grains has been kept stable from 01.04.2015. As a result of these measures the loading of food grains has increased from 27.69 million tonnes during April to December in 2019-2020, to 50.47 million tonnes during corresponding period of 2020-2021. The priority in rake allotment accorded for transportation of food-grains has also been upgraded from ‘D’ to ‘B’ category to ensure timely supply of rakes.

29-Jan-2021: Indian Railways have so far operated Kisan Rail services on eighteen routes.

As per the announcement made in the Union Budget 2020-21, Indian Railways has started running Kisan Rail train services, to transport perishables and Agri-product, including milk, meat and fish.

This is multi-commodity, multi-consignor/consignee, multi-loading/unloading transportation product which is aimed at providing wider market to Kisan.

The primary objective of running Kisan Rail trains is to increase the income in farm sector by connecting production centers to markets and consumption centers.

Railways have been actively pursuing with various stake holders – including Ministry of Agriculture, state governments, and local bodies – to plan roll out of Kisan Rail services. Based on demand pattern and feedback received from stakeholders, Railways have so far operated Kisan Rail services on eighteen routes.

The first Kisan Rail train was flagged-off on 07.08.2020 between Devlali (Mah) and Danapur (Bihar).

These Kisan Rail trains are run on time-tabled paths, and their punctuality is strictly monitored to avoid any en-route detentions and delays. These services have been introduced on 18 (eighteen) routes so far. Till 22nd Jan, 157 services of Kisan Rail have been run, transporting more than 49,000 Tonnes of consignments.

Utilization of these services is being monitored on a regular basis to ensure optimal utilization of Railway stock (Parcel Vans).

Primary commodities being transported via Kisan Rail are onion, tomato, oranges, potato, pomegranate, banana, custard-apple, carrots, capsicum, and other vegetables.

Commodities booked via Kisan Rail trains are charged at ‘P’-scale of parcel tariff. Under ‘Operation Greens – TOP to Total’ scheme of Ministry of Food Processing Industries a subsidy of 50% is being granted on the transportation of fruits and vegetables via Kisan Rail. This subsidy is being granted upfront at the time of booking itself, to the consignors/farmers – so that the benefit reaches the farmers without any hassles or procedural delays.

A Detailed Project Report for running Kisan Rail trains is also under preparation, through M/s RITES, which will assess important aspects of the project so as to obtain efficiency and economies of scales.

28-Dec-2020: PM flags off 100th Kisan Rail

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the 100th Kisan Rail from Sangola in Maharashtra to Shalimar in West Bengal today via video conferencing. Union Ministers, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Shri Piyush Goyal were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister termed the Kisan Rail Service as a major step towards increasing the income of the farmers of the country. He expressed happiness that even during the Corona pandemic, 100 Kisan Rails were launched in the last 4 months. He said this service will bring a major change in the economy related to farming and will also increase the strength of the country's cold supply chain. He added no minimum quantity has been fixed to transport through Kisan Rail so that, even the smallest produce will be able to reach the big market properly at a low price.

The Prime Minister said the Kisan Rail project not only shows the commitment of the Government to serve the farmers but also serves as a proof of how fast our farmers are ready for new possibilities. He said farmers can now sell their crops in other states as well, in which farmers' rail (Kisan Rail) and agriculture flights (Krishi Udaan) have a big role. He said that  Kisan Rail is a mobile cold storage to move perishable things like fruits, vegetables, milk, fish, etc., with complete security. “India always had a large railway network, even before independence. Cold storage technology was also available. Only now this strength is being harnessed properly through Kisan Rail” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister said a facility like Kisan Rail has given millions of small farmers of West Bengal a huge facility. This facility is available to the farmer as well as the local small businessman. He said experts in the field of agriculture and experiences from other countries and new technology are being incorporated into Indian agriculture.

Perishable rail cargo centres are being constructed in the vicinity of railway stations where farmers can store their produce. The effort is to supply as much fruits and vegetables as possible to the household. Extra produce should reach the entrepreneurs engaged in production of juice, pickle, sauce, chips etc., the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister remarked that the Government’s priority is focussed on storage-linked infrastructure and processing industries associated with value addition in farming products. He said about 6500 such projects have been approved under Mega Food Parks, Cold Chain Infrastructure and Agro Processing Cluster, under the PM Krishi Sampada Yojana. Rs 10000 crore have been sanctioned for micro food processing industries under AatmaNirbhar Abhiyan package.

Shri Modi said that it is the participation and support of the rural people, farmers and youth that makes the government’s efforts successful. Farmer Producer Organizations(FPO’s) and cooperative groups like women Self Help Groups get priority in agri-business and Agri-infrastructure. Recent reforms will lead to expansion of Agri business and these groups will be the biggest beneficiaries. Private investment in agriculture will support the government's effort to help these groups.  “We will keep on marching on the path of strengthening Indian agriculture and Kisan with full dedication” The Prime Minister added.

26-Dec-2020: PM to flag off 100th Kisan Rail on 28 December

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag off the 100th Kisan Rail from Sangola in Maharashtra to Shalimar in West Bengal on 28th December 2020 at 4:30 PM via video conferencing. Union Ministers Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Shri Piyush Goyal will also be present on the occasion.

The multi-commodity train service will carry vegetables such as cauliflower, capsicum, cabbage, drumsticks, chillies, onion, as well as fruits like grapes, oranges, pomegranate, banana, custard apple etc. Loading and unloading of perishable commodities will be permitted at all enroute stoppages with no bar on size of consignment. The Government of India has extended a subsidy of 50% on transportation of fruits and vegetables.

About Kisan Rail: The first Kisan Rail was introduced from Devlali to Danapur on 7th August, 2020, which was further extended upto Muzaffarpur. As a result of good response from the farmers, its frequency was also increased from weekly to three days in a week. Kisan Rail has been a game changer in ensuring fast transportation of agriculture produce across the nation. It provides a seamless supply chain of perishable produce.

9-Sep-2020: Inaugural run of South India’s 1st and country’s 2nd Kisan Rail between Anantapur and New Delhi flagged off

The inaugural run of Anantapur – New Delhi Kisan Rail was flagged off today through video link by Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The programme was presided over by Shri Suresh C. Angadi, Union Minister of State for Railways. The Kisan train will run between Anantapur in Guntakal Division of South Central Railway and Adarsh Nagar in Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that the Kisan Rail will help in strengthening the agricultural economy, while Shri Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the state’s popular fruits will now be able to reach other areas in the country easily.

Shri Tomar said that Gaon-Garib-Kisan have always been the priority of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Efforts have been made in every budget to make provisions for strengthening the agricultural economy and doubling of farmers’ income, which are now beginning to bear fruit. Kisan Rail and Kisan Udaan had been announced in this year’s budget so that farm produce is able to be transported all over the country in less time. On 7th August, the first Kisan Rail was flagged off between Devlali in Maharashtra and Danapur in Bihar as a weekly service, which was later made bi-weekly due to increasing demand. Now the 2nd Kisan Rail will benefit farmers of the states coming en route. The Union Agriculture Minister expressed appreciation about the implementation of the new agriculture ordinances and the Rs 1 lakh crore Agri Infrastructure Fund in Andhra Pradesh. He said that in Anantapur fruits and vegetables are being grown in more than 2 lakh ha area, and the Kisan Rail will prove very beneficial to farmers of this region. Kisan Udaan service will also be started soon.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said that horticulture is an important activity in the state. AP has 1st rank in the country in the production of tomatoes, coconut, papaya and chillies and is the biggest fruit producing state in South India. During the Covid situation, transportation of this horticultural produce to North India had become difficult. A number of special trains were run from Anantapur to Mumbai during the lockdown so that the horticultural produce could reach other parts of the country.

Minister of State for Railways Shri Suresh C. Angadi said that Kisan Rail is being started to help in the speedy transportation of farm produce to distant places, in keeping with the goal of doubling farmers’ income. Farmers can now sell their produce wherever they get better price without spoilage due to reduction in transportation time. This facility will also help in increasing agricultural exports.

The function was also attended by Shri Parshottam Rupala and Shri Kailash Choudhary, Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri B. Satyanarayana, Shri M. Sankaranarayana and Shri K. Kannababu, AP Govt Ministers, Shri T. Rangaiah, Member of Parliament, Anantapur and other public representatives, dignitaries and senior railway officials through virtual program.

Brief about Anantapur – New Delhi Kisan Rail

Introduction of Kisan Rail is conceptualized to provide priority to the farming sector and facilitate transportation of perishable agricultural products to various market places across the country. India’s second and South India’s first Kisan Train commenced its inaugural run from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh to Adarsh Nagar in New Delhi today. Anantapur is fast becoming the Fruit Bowl of Andhra Pradesh. More than 80% of the 58 lakh MT of fruits & vegetables in the district is marketed out of the state, particularly to the north Indian States of Delhi, UP, Punjab and Haryana among others. A major portion of the fruits and vegetables produced in Anantapur are transported out of the state. Earlier this was being transported by roadways. Starting a Kisan Rail will be particularly helpful in benefitting the small farmers and traders in marketing their product across the country in a safe, economical and speedy manner.

South India’s 1st Kisan Rail train service between Anantapur - New Delhi will cover a distance of 2150 kms in 40 hours. The rake is loaded with 14 parcel vans – 04 vans load meant for Nagpur and another 10 Vans load for Adarsh Nagar – totalling 332 tonnes. The inaugural Kisan Rail is loaded with tomato, bananas, sweet orange, papaya, muskmelons and mangoes. It caters to the requirements of small farmers and traders for transportation of their perishable produces such as fruits and vegetables. It will take less time and cost in comparison of road transport ensuring less damage to the farm produce while transportation.

13-Dec-2022: National E-Governance Plan in Agriculture

As of now, National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) for funding to the states will continue.

Portal (farmer.gov.in) has been developed to serve as one stop window for the farmers for accessing information on agricultural activities.

The Government has various digital initiative to modernize agriculture such as:

1. Development of KisanSuvidha mobile application to facilitate dissemination of information to farmers on the critical parameters viz., Weather; Market Prices; Plant Protection; input Dealers (Seed, Pesticide, Fertilizer) Farm Machinery; Soil Health Card; Cold Storages &Godowns, Veterinary Centres and Diagnostic Labs. With market information, farmers are better informed about markets to sell produce, prevailing market prices and quantity demanded in the market. Thus, they can make informed decisions to sell produce at the right price and right time.
2. The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has also compiled various mobile apps developed by ICAR, State Agricultural Universities and KrishiVigyanKendras and uploaded on its website. These mobile apps developed in the areas of crops, horticulture, veterinary, dairy, poultry, fisheries, natural resources management and integrated subjects, offer valuable information to the farmers, including package of practices, market prices of various commodities, weather related information, advisory services, etc.
3. Launching of e-National Agriculture Market initiative to provide farmers an electronic online trading platform.
4. Use of space technology for various programmes/areas such as Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land-based Observations project, Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geo-informatics project, National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System, Rice-fallow Area Mapping and Intensification, geo tagging of infrastructure and assets created under RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojana, and Crop Insurance.

12-Feb-2021: Towards the Mission of Digital Agriculture

A Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) was initially launched in 2010-11 in 7 pilot States, which aims to achieve rapid development in India through use of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) for timely access to agriculture related information to the farmers. In 2014-15, the scheme was further extended for all the remaining States and 2 UTs. The scheme has been extended up to 31.03.2021.

Under Phase-II of the scheme, funds were released to States for carrying out the activities viz. site preparation of offices for installation of hardware and establishment of computer training labs, procurement, installation and accounting of hardware/system software. The back-up power arrangements, wherever required, Setting-up of State Project Management Unit (SPMUs) and hiring of manpower on contract basis, connectivity for the locations for installation of hardware and Data Digitization Customization of applications as per State/UT’s specific requirements.

Realizing the significance of new digital & emerging technologies, the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) has recommended further expanding and augmenting of the digital agriculture initiatives of Government of India. The report focused on modern management of agriculture viz. Remote Sensing; Geographical Information System; Data Analytics and Cloud Computing; Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning; Internet of Things; Robotics, Drones & Sensors and Block-chain.

In order to infuse modern information technologies in the farm sector, the NeGPA guidelines were amended in 2020-21 and funds were released for sanctioning projects for customization / shifting of web & mobile applications already developed by the States, to the platform to be developed using digital/emerging technologies. Several States have come forward to utilize this amended policy and accordingly pilot projects have been sanctioned in various States to make use of emerging technologies.

Besides, the new initiatives of creating Farmers’ Database, Unified Farmers Service Platform (UFSP) etc would bring a paradigm change in accessing the data relating to farmers and can be used to develop customised solutions, make better plans and monitor their implementation.

Unified Farmer Service Platform (UFSP): UFSP is a combination of Core Infrastructure, Data, Applications and Tools that enable seamless interoperability of various public and private IT systems in the agriculture ecosystem across the country. UFSP is envisaged to play the following role:

• Act as a central agency in the Agri ecosystem (like UPI in the e Payments)
• Enables Registration of the Service Providers, public and private
• Enables Registration of the Farmer Services G2F, G2B, B2F and B2B
• Enforces various rules and validations required during the service delivery process
• Acts as a Repository of all the applicable standards, API’s and formats
• It shall also act as a medium of data exchange amongst various schemes and services to enable comprehensive delivery of services to the farmer.

Farmers Database:

For better planning, monitoring, policy making, strategy formulation and smooth implementation of schemes for the farmers a nationwide Farmers Database linked with land records is being created with the following objective:

• Develop nationwide database of farmers
• Keep a record of unique farmers.
• Unique farmer ID (FID) to uniquely identify a farmer
• To know benefits availed by a farmer under various schemes

This Centralized Farmers Database shall be useful for various activities like issuing soil health cards, dissemination of crop advisories to the farmers, precision farming, smart cards for farmers to facilitate e-governance, crop insurance, settlement of compensation- claims, grant of agricultural subsidies, community/village resource centres etc.  The data of 4.3 crore farmers linked with land records have already been verified and the database would be unveiled shortly.