By leveraging advanced systems like YES-TECH for crop insurance and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, the government aims to ensure financial security, higher incomes, and a brighter future for India’s farmers.

In a significant step toward modernising crop insurance mechanisms, the Government of India has introduced advanced technology-driven systems under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, informed the Lok Sabha today that the updated framework will ensure accurate yield estimation, timely compensation, and increased transparency for farmers across the nation.

YES-TECH: A Technological Leap for Accurate Yield Estimation

The agriculture ministry has rolled out the Yield Estimation System Based on Technology (YES-TECH) starting from the Kharif 2023 season to enhance precision in crop yield assessments. The initiative leverages satellite imagery, drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and remote sensing technology to streamline crop damage evaluation, ensuring efficient payout of claims. YES-TECH was initially launched for paddy and wheat crops, where 30 per cent weightage was assigned to technology-derived yield estimates. From the upcoming Kharif 2024 season, soybean has also been added to the programme, the minister said.

Thakur emphasised that YES-TECH has already been successfully implemented in 10 states, with claim payouts for Kharif 2023 completed across seven of them. The system aims to migrate fully to remote-sensing-based yield estimation in the future, improving fairness, objectivity, and transparency in assessing losses.

Detailed guidelines for YES-TECH implementation have been provided in the YES-TECH Manual, 2023. Under the new system, Technology Implementation Partner (TIP) agencies selected by states will carry out yield assessments under the supervision of Mentor Institutes for Technology Roll-out (MITR), such as ISRO and ICAR. Financial assistance will also be extended to states to facilitate the smooth adoption of the technology.

To ensure accountability, the system includes clearly defined roles for stakeholders, including state governments, insurance companies, TIPs, and MITR agencies. Progress timelines, penalty mechanisms for delays, and grievance redressal frameworks have been incorporated into the manual, guaranteeing efficiency and adherence to deadlines.

The minister said that the union government retains the authority to amend, clarify, or review any provisions of the YES-TECH Manual. Thakur highlighted that this structure eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures transparency in yield assessments, directly benefitting farmers through quicker and fairer claim settlements.

Doubling Farmers’ Income: A Multifaceted Approach

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to doubling farmers’ income by adopting a range of strategic interventions. The minister said that while agriculture is a state subject, the union government supports state efforts through schemes, policy reforms, and budgetary provisions. The budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has seen a remarkable increase from Rs. 21,933.50 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Key strategies for increasing farmer incomes include improving crop productivity, reducing production costs, agricultural diversification, and enhancing climate resilience. Various schemes have been launched under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) to address specific needs of farmers, including income support, modernised farming practices, and infrastructure development.

Some major schemes include:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Providing income support to small and marginal farmers.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan MaanDhan Yojana (PM-KMY): Ensuring old-age security for farmers.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Promoting post-harvest management projects.

Per Drop More Crop: Encouraging micro-irrigation technologies to improve water use efficiency.

National Food Security and Nutrition Mission: Enhancing food grain production and nutritional security.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Supporting climate-resilient horticulture practices.

Formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): Strengthening collective bargaining power and market access.

The government has also launched the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to mobilise investments for infrastructure gaps. The programme has facilitated projects such as 18,606 custom hiring centres, 13,724 warehouses, and over 3,000 sorting and grading units, strengthening agricultural supply chains.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has documented over 75,000 success stories of farmers who have doubled their income by utilising multiple government schemes in tandem. Minister Thakur noted that this reflects the success of a comprehensive, integrated approach to agricultural development.

Mitigating Climate Change and Market Volatility

The government has also undertaken measures to address the challenges posed by climate change and market volatility. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promotes practices such as micro-irrigation and integrated farming systems to enhance agricultural resilience. Rainfed Area Development (RAD), another component of NMSA, focuses on sustainable agriculture in vulnerable areas.

To mitigate market risks, initiatives like the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) and Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) have been implemented. e-NAM facilitates transparent digital trade across 3,771 market yards, covering over 300 commodities. Meanwhile, PM-AASHA ensures price support for farmers, protecting them from market fluctuations.

Thakur further highlighted that the government is promoting digital solutions to empower farmers. Platforms such as the Agmarknet portal, Kisan Suvidha app, and e-NAM provide real-time updates on agricultural commodity prices and market arrivals. The government is also working with stakeholders to integrate agricultural marketing with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), enhancing farmers’ access to alternative markets.

The initiatives announced by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on Tuesday underscore the government’s determination to improve the lives of farmers through technology, policy reforms, and increased investments. By leveraging advanced systems like YES-TECH for crop insurance and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, the government aims to ensure financial security, higher incomes, and a brighter future for India’s farmers.

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