Kerala’s Agriculture Department is embarking on a state-wide initiative to implement a comprehensive Digital Crop Survey. This ambitious project aims to create a robust, up-to-the-minute database of farmers, their land holdings, and the specific crops they cultivate across the entire state.
Specially trained crop surveyors will play a crucial role, visiting designated plots to meticulously record essential data. Each surveyed location will be geo-tagged and photographed, ensuring accuracy and verifiable information.
This survey is a vital component of a larger nationwide Central Sector Scheme. The resulting detailed database is expected to empower the State Agriculture Department with invaluable insights, enabling more effective planning and the introduction of new, targeted agricultural programs.
Data collection is meticulously carried out, referencing existing revenue records. Surveyors will determine whether a plot is actively cultivated, lying fallow, or designated as non-agricultural land. Key information such as the types of crops grown and irrigation methods used will also be documented. All collected data is efficiently uploaded using a dedicated mobile application, streamlining the process.
Conducted bi-annually during both the kharif and rabi cropping seasons, this survey will create a dynamic resource. Ultimately, this comprehensive database will be instrumental in helping farmers access critical Central government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (income support). Furthermore, it will facilitate easier access to various agricultural loan schemes and the widely beneficial Kisan Credit Card.
The Agriculture Department emphasizes the importance of farmer cooperation, urging everyone to participate actively in this significant crop survey to ensure its success and maximize collective benefits.