Image Source: AgriTimes
Key highlights
India's drive towards Atmanirbhar (self-sufficient) agriculture is gaining momentum with technology-based programs—solar irrigation pumps, drone-based spraying of crops, and smart farming—gaining ground, changing the face of agriculture for millions of farmers. Recent government initiatives, such as the path-breaking Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, stand to fast-track the above in 100 low-productivity districts across the country.
Solar Pumps Light Up Irrigation
New solar-powered pumps are being installed on a large scale, lowering the reliance on expensive diesel and erratic electricity. Farmers are allowed by these pumps to provide sustainable irrigation to fields, cutting operating expenses and releasing agricultural revenues for investment in improved seeds, inputs, and storage.
The integration of the new scheme into 36 central programs, state-level initiatives, and private partnerships facilitates effective rollout and maintenance, particularly in areas with irregular power.
Drone Spraying: Where Precision Meets Productivity
The use of drones for spraying pesticides and fertilizer is quickly gaining ground, enabling even coverage, input savings, and drastic cuts in manual labor. This change not only boosts productivity but also tackles farm safety by reducing direct human contact with chemicals.
States and districts will be provided with focused assistance for drone training, operation, and service models, particularly essential for smallholders and collective groups of farmers.
Smart Farming and Data-Driven Decision Making
Technology-based interventions—IoT sensors, AI-powered advisories, mobile applications, and remote crop monitoring—are now mainstream for a majority of the beneficiaries. These solutions offer real-time weather alerts, fertilizer suggestions, and market price information, enhancing yield and resilience to climate shocks.
District-level Agriculture and Allied Activities Plans, informed by consultations with progressive farmers, make sure that digital and smart farming solutions are adapted to local conditions and scaled where they are most effective.
Empowering Farmers, Guaranteeing Self-Sufficiency Significant direct finance, structured credit, and post-harvest infrastructure such as cold storage and processing are provided to the 1.7 crore beneficiary farmers of the scheme.
Particular emphasis on women's involvement, mechanization of farms, and diversification of crops into fruits, beekeeping, and animal husbandry assists in widening rural livelihoods' base.
Real-time feedback and constant monitoring via a central dashboard will enforce accountability and guarantee the mission dynamically adjusts to local realities.
At an outlay of ₹24,000 crore per annum for six years, Atmanirbhar Krishi—driven by renewable energy, intelligent automation, and strong data—heralds a new era of sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive Indian agriculture.
Sources: PIB, Times of India, NDTV, PM India, MyScheme
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