Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare launched Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) portal, AIDE mobile app, and Yield Estimation System (YES-TECH) Manual with the aim to provide crucial weather-related information to farmers.
- This has been launched under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Initiatives launched:
| Initiative | Description |
| WINDS (Weather Information Network Data Systems) portal | · WINDS will hosts, manages, and process hyper-local weather data collected by Automatic Weather Stations and Rain Gauges/Rain watch towers at Taluk/Block and Gram Panchayat levels.
· It will provide crucial weather-related information and data to farmers. · It will enhance risk assessment and decision-making in crop insurance, agriculture advisories, and disaster mitigation. |
| AIDE (App for Intermediary Enrolment) mobile app | · A mobile application was introduced to facilitate farmers’ access to various government schemes and benefits. Through the app, farmers can easily enrol and avail themselves of the different agricultural schemes.
· It will ensure a seamless and transparent process, making crop insurance more accessible and convenient for farmers |
| YES-TECH (Technology-based Yield Estimation System) Manual | A manual aimed at implementing a technology-based system for yield estimation in agriculture. The initiative leverages technology to accurately estimate crop yields, helping farmers make informed decisions and plan effectively. |
Other such initiatives available:
| Project/Initiative | Description |
| Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land based observations (FASAL) project | · FASAL project utilizes space technology, agro-meteorology, and land-based observations for accurate agricultural output forecasting.
· It helps farmers make informed decisions based on reliable crop yield predictions. |
| National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) | It enables farmers to access vital agricultural data and services through digital platforms. |
| National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS) | It helps in identifying regions facing drought conditions and facilitates appropriate drought management strategies to support farmers. |
| ISRO’s Geo-platform, Bhuvan | It offers data on plantation, pest surveillance, and weather conditions. It also promotes the use of Kisan Drones for crop assessment and facilitates the digitization of land records to improve agricultural practices. |
Significance:
These initiatives aim to bridge the gap in weather information availability and empower farmers with accurate and timely data for effective planning and decision-making in the agriculture sector.
About PMFBY:
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme launched in 2016 to provide financial support and risk coverage to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
