India Launches National Pest Surveillance System
The Indian government has unveiled the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) on August 15, 2024, aimed at bolstering pest disease management across the nation. Spearheaded by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this innovative system leverages cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to deliver real-time pest management solutions to farmers. With a user-friendly mobile app and portal, NPSS assists in identifying pests and mitigating crop diseases effectively.
Advanced Technology for Farmers
The NPSS is designed to empower farmers by providing them with essential tools for pest and disease identification across 61 different crops. It offers tailored pest management advisories for 15 major crops, including cotton, paddy, wheat, and maize. The system is currently accessible in four languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, and Punjabi, ensuring a wide reach among diverse farming communities. Since its launch, NPSS has issued over 10,154 pest management advisories, significantly aiding farmers in protecting their crops and enhancing yields.
Government’s Comprehensive Strategy
The government has implemented a six-point strategy aimed at improving the welfare of farmers and advancing agricultural development. This strategy focuses on increasing crop productivity, lowering production costs, and promoting agricultural diversification. Additionally, it emphasizes adapting to climate change to ensure sustainable farming practices. The Ministry of Agriculture has also introduced various schemes and programs to facilitate effective collaboration between the central and state governments, addressing agricultural challenges at the grassroots level. These initiatives aim to incentivize farmers to cultivate a wider variety of crops, thereby enhancing food security and farmer incomes.
Key Agricultural Schemes and Programs
To support its agricultural objectives, the government has rolled out numerous schemes under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW). Notable programs include the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), which provides financial assistance to farmers, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which offers crop insurance. Other initiatives focus on agricultural mechanization, soil health, and the promotion of farmer producers organizations. These programs collectively aim to create a robust agricultural framework that supports farmers and enhances productivity across the sector.
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