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The Centre plans to invest ₹6,000 crore in smart farming using AI, drones, and data to boost crop yields.
The Indian government plans to invest ₹6,000 crore in promoting precision farming, a modern approach that uses smart technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and data analytics to enhance crop production. This initiative aims to improve the use of resources while minimizing environmental impact.
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Under the Union Ministry of Agriculture’s new Smart Precision Horticulture Programme, the initiative will cover 15,000 acres from 2024-25 to 2028-29, benefiting around 60,000 farmers. The programme will be launched as part of the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme.
Farmers will receive financial assistance under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), which offers loans with a 3% interest subsidy for adopting smart farming technologies. Eligible entities include individual farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The fund supports the purchase of drones, AI-based solutions, and other modern farming tools.
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Smart farming maximizes the efficient use of resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides. It also helps farmers increase production quality and quantity, ensuring sustainable farming and protecting them from climate change uncertainties.
The government plans to collaborate with countries like the Netherlands and Israel, known for their advanced farming technologies, through Centres of Excellence (CoEs). Around 100 CoEs are expected to be set up in the next five years. So far, 32 CoEs have been established under the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project across 14 states.
Additionally, the Centre has established 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) across the country. These centers test new technologies and adapt them to local conditions.
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With this ₹6,000 crore investment in smart farming technologies, the government is set to revolutionize Indian agriculture by making it more efficient and sustainable, benefitting farmers and boosting crop yields across the country.