The Indian government has recently launched the Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS), a pioneering geospatial platform designed to revolutionize agriculture in India by offering farmers real-time data and insights. Developed through a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Space, this platform integrates satellite imagery with comprehensive data on weather, soil health, water resources, and crop conditions.
On August 16, 2024, the platform, unveiled by Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, alongside Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department, offers comprehensive access to data such as satellite images, weather patterns, soil health, and groundwater levels.
Krishi-DSS represents a transformative leap in agricultural innovation, integrating various advanced modules to support sustainable farming practices. The platform’s crop mapping and monitoring capabilities allow for a deep analysis of cropping patterns, aiding in the promotion of crop rotation and diversification. Its drought monitoring feature delivers near real-time updates on critical indicators like soil moisture and water storage, enabling proactive responses to potential crises.
Moreover, the “One Nation-One Soil Information System” within Krishi-DSS offers detailed soil data, helping assess crop suitability and implement effective soil-water conservation measures. The platform’s ground truth data library further fosters innovation by providing essential resources for researchers and the agri-tech industry.
The launch programme underscored the immense potential of space technology in addressing agricultural challenges and ensuring food security for India’s growing population. The event emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and the need for user-friendly, farmer-centric solutions to ensure that the benefits of space technology reach the grassroots level.
As India continues to harness space technology for agricultural advancement, Krishi-DSS stands as a beacon of innovation, driving the nation towards a resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
