Digital Crop Survey to Tackle Data Gaps in Farm Schemes

Thiruvananthapuram: The Agriculture Department to begin the Digital Crop Survey across the State to collect updated information on farmland, crops, and irrigation. The survey, part of a nationwide Central Sector Scheme, will be conducted twice a year during the kharif and rabi seasons.

Kharif and rabi are the two main cropping seasons in India. Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon (around June–July) and harvested by October, while rabi crops are sown in winter (October–November) and harvested by March or April.

Surveyors appointed for the task will visit selected plots, record details using mobile apps, and upload geo-tagged photographs of the fields. The survey will check if a plot is under cultivation, lying fallow, or used for non-agricultural purposes. It will also record the type of crops grown and whether the land is irrigated.

Officials said the data, linked to revenue records, will help plan better schemes for farmers. The digital database will also support the implementation of government benefits such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, agricultural loan schemes, and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC).

In recent years, audits and government reviews have flagged several issues in the delivery of these schemes. Under PM-Kisan, which offers Rs. 6,000 per year to eligible farmers, over 20 lakh ineligible beneficiaries were found in various states, including income-tax payees and non-farmers. Under PMFBY, there have been cases where farmers could not claim insurance due to incorrect crop data or non-notification of areas by State governments.

In some regions, farmers received payouts much lower than expected, or none at all, despite reported crop losses. For Kisan Credit Cards, the lack of accurate land and crop records has led to delays in loan approvals, or credit being extended to non-cultivating landholders.

Officials say that the Digital Crop Survey, by creating plot-level data with location and crop-specific details, will help reduce such discrepancies, prevent misuse, and ensure timely benefits. The Department said this system will also improve crop reporting accuracy and support quick decisions on disaster relief and input supply.

The Digital Crop Survey is being expanded to more States, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh, after successful pilot projects. Farmers have been asked to cooperate with the survey teams, who will carry proper identification. All data collected will be handled securely, officials added.