India’s agriculture sector is undergoing a rapid digital transformation aimed at making farming more transparent, efficient, and future-ready. To ensure that farmers receive the benefits of government schemes in a timely and transparent manner, the government has laid a strong foundation through initiatives such as AgriStack, Digital Crop Survey, Farmer ID, AI-based advisory systems, and drone technology.
As of February 4, 2026, more than 84.8 million Farmer IDs have been issued across the country. Additionally, during the Kharif 2025 season, over 285 million fields were digitally surveyed across 604 districts. These initiatives have streamlined procurement, insurance, credit access, and disaster relief processes, while modern technologies are enhancing precision and preparedness in Indian agriculture.
AgriStack serves as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture, integrating three key databases: the Farmer Registry, geo-referenced village maps, and the crop sown registry. These databases are developed and maintained by state governments and Union Territories, creating a reliable digital source for farmer identification, land records, and crop details.
Through the Farmer ID system, effective integration has been achieved across major schemes such as PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based procurement, agricultural credit services, input distribution, and disaster relief programs. As of February 4, 2026, over 84.8 million Farmer IDs have been generated nationwide.
Digital Crop Survey (DCS) is collecting field-level crop data to accurately assess sowing patterns across seasons. This enables better planning for procurement, fertilizer supply, and agricultural logistics. During the Kharif 2025 season, the survey was conducted in 604 districts, covering more than 285 million fields marking a significant milestone in agricultural data management.
States such as Maharashtra have effectively leveraged AgriStack for scheme implementation, disaster compensation, AI-based advisory services, and agricultural credit facilitation. During Kharif 2025, over ₹14,000 crore was disbursed to 8.9 million farmers as crop loss compensation.
Chhattisgarh implemented Farmer ID and Digital Crop Survey in MSP-based paddy procurement, benefiting more than 3.2 million farmers in a single season. This significantly improved transparency, crop verification, and timely payment processes.
Kisan e-Mitra is an AI-driven voice chatbot developed to address queries related to the PM-KISAN scheme. Available in 11 regional languages, it is gradually being integrated with other government schemes as well. The system currently responds to more than 8,000 queries daily and has resolved over 9.5 million farmer queries to date.
National Pest Surveillance System:
To address the rising threat of pest infestations linked to climate change, the National Pest Surveillance System uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for early detection and timely intervention. More than 10,000 agricultural extension workers are currently using the system. It monitors 65 crops and tracks over 400 pest species, helping safeguard crop productivity.
Namo Drone Didi Scheme:
The government has approved the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme to provide 15,000 drones to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). A budget allocation of ₹1,261 crore has been made for the period 2023–24 to 2025–26. The initiative aims to promote modern technology in agriculture, increase productivity, and reduce operational costs.
The scheme also seeks to enhance women’s income by enabling them to become drone service providers. Major fertilizer companies have already distributed 500 drones. A study by the Agricultural Drone Research and Training Centre (ADRTC), Bengaluru, indicates that drone adoption has created new income streams for SHGs and strengthened women’s economic participation in rural areas.
Seed Authentication and Holistic Inventory (SAATHI): “SAATHI” is a digital platform designed to streamline seed production, quality certification, distribution, and traceability across the country. Under this initiative, the National Seed Grid (NSG) has been established to integrate all seed stakeholders onto a unified digital platform, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the seed supply chain.
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FAQs:
1. What is AgriStack in India’s agriculture sector?
AgriStack is a digital infrastructure integrating Farmer ID, land records, and crop data to improve transparency and scheme delivery.
2. How many Farmer IDs have been issued?
As of February 4, 2026, over 84.8 million Farmer IDs have been generated nationwide.
3. What is the purpose of the Digital Crop Survey?
It collects field-level crop data for accurate procurement planning and policy implementation.
4. What is the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
It provides 15,000 drones to Women SHGs to promote drone technology in agriculture.
5. How does Kisan e-Mitra help farmers?
It is an AI-based voice chatbot that answers farmer queries related to government schemes in multiple languages.
