UPSC Mains Economics
How Does E Technology Help Farmers In Production A
Low Priority
Consistency: 7%
Weightage: 1 / 15 Yrs
High-Yield Trend
1
2023 Questions 1 MCQs
01
PYQ 2023
mains
medium
economics ID: upsc-202
How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.
Official Solution
Correct Option: E-TECHNOLOGY HAS REVOLUTIONIZED AGRICULTURE IN INDIA BY INTEGRATING DIGITAL TOOLS IN BOTH **FARM PRODUCTION AND MARKETING PROCESSES**. IT EMPOWERS FARMERS WITH TIMELY INFORMATION, ACCESS TO INPUTS, PR
e-Technology has revolutionized agriculture in India by integrating digital tools in both **farm production and marketing processes**. It empowers farmers with timely information, access to inputs, precision tools, and broader marketsβcontributing to improved income and sustainability. ## **e-Technology in Agricultural Production** ### 1) **Precision Farming and Data-Driven Decisions** * Use of drones, sensors, and satellite-based tools enables precision in sowing, irrigation, and pesticide application.
* **Example:** Startups like **Fasal** and **CropIn** offer AI-powered crop monitoring. ### 2) **Access to Real-time Information** * Mobile platforms disseminate localized advisories on rainfall, temperature, and pests.
* **Example:** **IMDβs Meghdoot App** gives location-specific weather and agromet advisories. ### 3) **Digital Soil Health and Advisory Services** * Tech-enabled soil testing kiosks and GIS mapping help create customized nutrient plans.
* **Example:** **Bhuvan Krishi Portal** provides spatial information to guide nutrient and water use. ### 4) **Access to Quality Inputs and Services** * e-Agri platforms ensure doorstep delivery of inputs, reducing dependence on local dealers.
* **Example:** **AgroStar App** enables farmers to order seeds/fertilizers via mobile phones. ### 5) **Farmer Education and Capacity Building** * YouTube channels, WhatsApp groups, and mobile apps offer videos and tutorials in vernacular languages.
* **Example:** **Digital Green** trains farmers through community videos to share best practices. ## **e-Technology in Agricultural Marketing** ### 1) **Online Marketplaces and Price Discovery** * e-NAM enables inter-state trade and real-time pricing, reducing cartelization.
* **Example:** Farmers can compare bids from multiple traders across mandis. ### 2) **Direct Farmer-to-Consumer Linkages** * Digital platforms help build trust-based networks between farmers and urban buyers.
* **Example:** **Farmizen** allows consumers to subscribe to fresh produce grown by specific farmers. ### 3) **Digital Payment Systems and Transparency** * Instant mobile payments ensure prompt settlement and reduced chances of fraud.
* **Example:** UPI integration in **Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)** boosts operational transparency. ### 4) **Market Intelligence and Demand Forecasting** * Platforms use machine learning to suggest profitable crop choices based on future demand.
* **Example:** **RML AgTech** provides commodity trend analysis for better market decisions. ### 5) **Logistics and Supply Chain Management** * Apps provide real-time tracking of shipments and connect farmers to cold storage or transport.
* **Example:** **Agribolo and WayCool** offer logistics support and warehousing through digital interfaces. ## **Government Initiatives Supporting e-Technology** * **Digital Agriculture Mission (2021β25):** Integrates IoT, AI, blockchain into farming systems.
* **AgriStack:** Unified database to personalize services like credit, insurance, and extension.
* **eNAM:** Linking 1,260+ mandis across India to facilitate pan-India trading.
* **PM-KISAN and mKisan Portal:** Direct benefit transfer and SMS-based advisories.
* **Drone Rules 2021 & Kisan Drones:** Promote drone use in spraying and crop assessment. e-Technology is redefining Indian agriculture by making farming more **data-driven, market-connected, and farmer-centric**. However, to maximize its potential, efforts must focus on **bridging the digital divide, building digital infrastructure in rural areas, and promoting farmer literacy**, especially among small and marginal cultivators.