The Indian government launched the Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS) on August 16, 2024. This digital platform is designed to manage agricultural data across the country, offering information like satellite images, weather updates, and soil health details, all accessible from anywhere at any time.

Platform Overview

Krishi-DSS was developed through a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Space. It collects detailed information about farming, from large agricultural areas down to specific soil properties, helping farmers and policymakers make better decisions.

Key Features

• Drought Monitoring: The platform tracks drought conditions by providing updates on soil moisture, water levels, and crop health, enabling the government to respond quickly.
• Crop Weather Watch: This feature continuously monitors how weather affects crops, including harvest progress and instances of crop residue burning.
• Field-Parcel Segmentation: By identifying specific field units, the system helps understand the unique needs of each area, allowing for more targeted farming interventions.
• Soil Information System: Krishi-DSS gathers detailed soil data, such as soil type, pH levels, and overall health, which is crucial for determining the best crops for specific lands.

Applications and Benefits

The data provided by Krishi-DSS helps farmers and the government make informed decisions. It supports the development of solutions tailored to farmers’ needs, including:

• Personalized Advisories: Customized advice based on specific agricultural conditions.
• Disaster Alerts: Early warnings for threats like pest outbreaks and extreme weather.

Krishi-DSS represents a significant advancement in using technology to improve agriculture in India. By integrating extensive data, it aims to increase productivity, support research, and enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector.

About the Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture oversees food production, land management, and agricultural policies. Established in many countries, it often works with rural development programs. The first agricultural ministry was created in France in 1826. In the U.S., the Department of Agriculture was founded in 1862, launching important programs like the Cooperative Extension Service. The ministry is also involved in research, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing food security. It plays a role in international agreements on agricultural trade and climate impacts, shaping global food systems.