India has long been an agrarian economy, and empowering farmers continues to be central to building a stronger and more developed nation. Policymakers are focusing on improving the “Beej Se Bazaar Tak” journey, and technology is now at the core of this transformation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), drones, satellite mapping, and the JAM Trinity are reshaping agriculture by enhancing productivity, sustainability, and farmer welfare.
AI-powered initiatives like Kisan e-Mitra are making information accessible. This voice-based chatbot, available in 11 Indian languages, answers more than 20,000 daily farmer queries and has already responded to over 95 lakh inquiries about schemes including PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card, and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Similarly, the National Pest Surveillance System, launched in August 2024, uses AI and ML to detect crop diseases early. Covering 61 crops and identifying 400 pests, it has issued over 10,000 advisories by March 2025.
Space technology is also helping through the FASAL Project, which provides crop forecasts using methods developed by ISRO. Geoportals are delivering real-time drought monitoring, while under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, satellite data is being used for yield estimation and dispute resolution. The Krishi Decision Support System further integrates satellite images with weather, soil, and water data for farmers and policymakers.
Drones are becoming essential for precision farming, spraying, and monitoring. The government is promoting their use through subsidies under schemes like the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation and the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, which is providing 15,000 drones to Women Self Help Groups. Drones are also supporting land mapping under the SVAMITVA scheme, with surveys completed in more than 3.23 lakh villages by July 2025.
The JAM Trinity is enabling direct transfers into farmers’ bank accounts, eliminating middlemen and ensuring transparency. On 2 August 2025, the Prime Minister released the 20th instalment of PM-Kisan, transferring ₹20,500 crore to 9.7 crore farmers.
With initiatives such as the Digital Agriculture Mission and e-NAM, technology is becoming part of everyday farming, empowering farmers and strengthening India’s agricultural ecosystem.
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