Indian govt launches digital geo-spatial platform Krishi-Decision Support System

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, has launched the Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS), a satellite-based geospatial platform.

The platform is designed to revolutionize the way Indian farmers manage their crops by providing real-time data on various crucial agricultural parameters.

The launch took place during the National Conference on Space-Driven Solutions for Agriculture Transformation in India, part of the celebrations leading up to the first National Space Day on August 23, 2024.

Features and benefits of Krishi-DSS

Krishi-DSS is the first of its kind in India, and it is tailored specifically for the agricultural sector. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools and data, including satellite images, weather information, reservoir storage, groundwater levels and soil health information. 

The information is accessible to farmers and stakeholders anytime, anywhere, enabling better decision-making and more efficient farming practices. 

The system includes advanced modules for crop mapping and monitoring, which help in understanding crop patterns, promoting crop rotation, and encouraging sustainable agriculture.

The drought monitoring feature provides near real-time data on soil moisture, water storage, and crop conditions, helping farmers stay ahead of potential droughts.

Additionally, the platform supports field parcel segmentation, allowing precise targeting of interventions based on each parcel's unique needs.

Impact on Indian agriculture

The launch of Krishi-DSS marks a pivotal moment in Indian agriculture, with the potential to significantly enhance productivity and sustainability.

By integrating data from various sources, the platform empowers farmers with insights on crop health, weather patterns, and soil conditions, all crucial for optimizing crop yield and managing risks such as pest attacks and extreme weather events. 

Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted the transformational role of space technology in agriculture, emphasizing the need for early warning systems for rainfall and lightning strikes. The platform's ability to provide such warnings could be vital in reducing losses and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

The conference where Krishi-DSS was launched also underscored the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia in advancing the use of space technology in agriculture.

Nilesh M Desai, Director of the Space Applications Centre, pointed out that space technology has been applied in Indian agriculture since 1969, and the new platform represents a significant advancement in this ongoing partnership. 

The Krishi-DSS is part of the broader Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture initiative, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2023 budget.