Prepared by Rakesh Jha Co-Founder & Mentor, Shiva Consultancy Group 📞 +91 9979021275 | ✉ shiva.group@outlook.com
Agriculture remains the lifeblood of India’s economy, supporting livelihoods across the nation and driving our self-reliance agenda. Recognizing the potential of technology to revolutionize this sector, the Government of India has introduced transformative initiatives that blend innovation, empowerment, and sustainability. These initiatives mark a decisive step forward, and we at Shiva Consultancy Group are committed to supporting their implementation for the holistic development of Indian agriculture.
1. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), embodies the government’s resolve to modernize agricultural practices. Through SMAM:
- Farmers receive financial assistance for purchasing advanced agricultural machinery and post-harvest equipment.
- Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) and Village Level Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs) offer machinery on a rental basis, ensuring affordability and access to technology for small-scale farmers.
- Emphasis is placed on promoting kisan drones for precision farming, with support for ownership and demonstrations to encourage widespread adoption.
2. NAMO Drone Didi Scheme
This pioneering scheme is a beacon of empowerment for women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). By the end of FY 2025-26, 15,000 drones will be distributed to “Drone Didis,” enabling them to establish sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In 2023-24, 1,094 drones were distributed, including 500 through this scheme. This initiative is not only about modernizing farming but also about promoting gender equality and fostering entrepreneurship.
3. Digital Agriculture Mission 2024
Launched with an ambitious outlay of ₹2,817 crore, this mission is a comprehensive push toward creating a farmer-centric digital ecosystem. Highlights include:
- Agristack, a unified digital database for seamless agricultural solutions.
- The Krishi Decision Support System, empowering data-driven strategies for farmers.
- Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Maps for targeted nutrient management.
- The introduction of Kisan e-Mitra, an AI-powered chatbot assisting farmers with their queries, including those related to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme.
Through this mission, the government envisions a future where technology bridges the gap between knowledge and action for every Indian farmer.
4. Precision Agriculture Technologies by ICAR
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) leads innovation in agricultural practices. Notable advancements include:
- Smart Sprayers for pomegranate orchards and robotic harvesters for polyhouse tomatoes.
- AI-enabled devices for real-time stress identification in crops, aiding breeding and precision management.
- Deep learning-driven disease identification tools, automated weeders, and variable-rate nitrogen applicators.
ICAR’s pioneering efforts are a testament to India’s scientific prowess and commitment to modernizing agriculture.
5. Soil Health & Fertility Scheme
Since its inception in 2014-15, the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme has been pivotal in encouraging sustainable farming practices. Key achievements include:
- Issuance of 24.90 crore Soil Health Cards (SHCs), enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding nutrient and fertilizer usage.
- Establishment of static, mobile, mini, and village-level soil testing laboratories across the country.
- Extensive outreach programs: 7 lakh demonstrations, 93,781 training sessions, and 7,425 farmer fairs.
The scheme also trains Krishi Sakhis to guide farmers in leveraging SHCs for optimal soil health management.
Shiva Consultancy Group’s Commitment
At Shiva Consultancy Group, we understand the critical role these initiatives play in uplifting Indian agriculture. As a team dedicated to sustainable growth and innovation, we are eager to collaborate with stakeholders to maximize the impact of these policies.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between policy and implementation, ensuring that farmers across the nation can access and benefit from these transformative opportunities.
For inquiries or collaborations, reach out to us: 📞 +91 9979021275 ✉ shiva.group@outlook.com
Together, let’s drive innovation, empower farmers, and ensure a sustainable future for Indian agriculture.