e-technology in the aid of farmers Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;

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NATIONAL E-GOVERNANCE PLAN IN AGRICULTURE (NEGPA): TOWARDS THE MISSION OF DIGITAL AGRICULTURE
NeGPA aims to achieve rapid development in Indian Agriculture Sector through use of Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

Important Points:

• 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.

1. Remote Sensing
2. Geographical Information System
3. Data Analytics and Cloud Computing
4. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
5. Internet of Things
6. 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.

SOURCE:PIB