New Delhi |
In a quiet village in Uttar Pradesh, farmer Rajesh Yadav recently received his unique farmer ID under the government’s Digital Agriculture Mission. He wasn’t sure what it meant at first, but when an official explained that it would help him access farming schemes, subsidies, and crop-related advice more easily, he saw the potential.
Rajesh is just one of over 20.5 million farmers across India who now have a digital identity under this mission, Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur informed Parliament on Tuesday.
What is the Digital Agriculture Mission?
The Digital Agriculture Mission aims to build a modern, technology-driven farming system in India. With an investment of ₹2,817 crore, the initiative is designed to provide timely and reliable crop-related information to farmers and help them benefit from government policies without middlemen.
At the heart of the project is the State Farmer Registry, which includes all land-owning farmers, including women farmers. States also have the option to include tenant and lessee farmers, ensuring that those who cultivate the land—not just the landowners—can access benefits.
Where Have the Most Farmer IDs Been Created?
As of February 2, a total of 2,05,26,912 farmer IDs have been created across India. The highest numbers are:
- Uttar Pradesh – 1.02 crore
- Madhya Pradesh – 41.87 lakh
- Gujarat – 36.36 lakh
- Maharashtra – 22.54 lakh
- Assam – 1.42 lakh
- Rajasthan – 75,593
Some states are still catching up. The numbers remain low in Chhattisgarh (14,343), Odisha (9,843), Tamil Nadu (3,054), Andhra Pradesh (424), and Bihar (19).
What This Means for Farmers Like Rajesh
For Rajesh and millions of other farmers, this initiative means better access to resources, crop advisory services, and government support. The digital system aims to reduce paperwork, prevent fraud, and ensure that farmers receive their entitlements directly.
The government is also working on Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture, which includes:
- Agristack – a digital database to help farmers get customized advice
- Krishi Decision Support System – a platform to assist in farm-related decision-making
- Comprehensive Soil Fertility and Profile Map – a system to help farmers understand their soil better and improve productivity
The Road Ahead
The government is supporting all states with technical and administrative assistance to implement the Digital Agriculture Mission successfully. With time, this initiative could help small farmers become more independent, informed, and empowered.
As Rajesh says, “If this ID can help me get better crop prices and reduce my dependence on middlemen, I’m all for it.”
The Digital Agriculture Mission is not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring India’s farmers have the tools and technology to secure a better future.
