The Government of India is aggressively integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) into the agricultural sector to enhance crop productivity and farmer livelihoods. Key initiatives include the use of AI-based chatbots like Kisan e-Mitra, satellite-based crop mapping, and the large-scale deployment of Kisan Drones. These technologies aim to streamline the "Seed to Market" (Beej Se Bazaar Tak) journey by providing real-time data on weather, soil health, and pest control. This digital push is central to India's vision of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has intensified the adoption of AI, IoT, and Drone technology. This includes launching AI-powered platforms for pest surveillance and providing heavy subsidies for "Kisan Drones" to modernize traditional farming.
The latest updates were highlighted in July 2025 and September 2025 during parliamentary replies and national conferences in New Delhi, reflecting ongoing implementation across all Indian states.
The mechanism follows a multi-layered digital approach:
This shift is critical for Precision Farming, which reduces the overuse of water and chemicals. It aligns with the UPSC GS Paper III syllabus (E-technology in the aid of farmers) and helps in achieving sustainable development goals (SDG 2: Zero Hunger).
The government launched the Digital Agriculture Mission in 2021. In 2024, the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) was formally integrated with AI to cover over 60 crops and 400 pests.
The goal is to create a "Global Hub for Green Hydrogen" and "Digital Crops." This will lead to reduced operational costs for farmers, higher export quality for crops, and significant carbon credit earnings for India.
Core Concept: Precision Agriculture (PA)
Q1. With reference to 'Kisan e-Mitra', which of the following statements is correct?
A) It is a physical help desk for farmers at district levels.
B) It is an AI-powered chatbot that supports 11 Indian languages.
C) It is a satellite used for mapping barren land.
D) It is a scheme for providing solar pumps.
Answer: B
Explanation: Kisan e-Mitra is an AI chatbot developed by the Indian government to resolve farmer queries digitally in multiple regional languages.
Q2. Under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, what is the maximum percentage of subsidy provided by the government to Women SHGs for a drone package?
A) 40%
B) 50%
C) 75%
2) 80%
Answer: D
Explanation: The government provides a Central Financial Assistance of 80% of the cost of the drone package, up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh.
Q3. The National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) primarily uses which technology?
A) Nuclear radiation
B) AI and Machine Learning
C) Manual field counting only
D) Genetically modified seeds
Answer: B
Explanation: NPSS uses AI/ML for the early detection of pests and crop diseases through field photographs and data analytics.
Q4. Which institution is developing IoT-based devices for enhancing saffron cultivation in India?
A) IIT Bombay
B) ICAR-IARI
C) IIT Ropar
D) IISc Bangalore
Answer: C
Explanation: IIT Ropar's Technology and Innovation Foundation is focused on IoT devices for saffron supply chains.
Q5. What is India's target for Green Hydrogen production annually by the year 2030?
A) 1 Million Metric Tonne
B) 5 Million Metric Tonnes
C) 10 Million Metric Tonnes
D) 20 Million Metric Tonnes
Answer: B
Explanation: The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for 5 MMT production annually by 2030.
Q6. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using 'Kisan Drones'?
A) Precision spraying of pesticides
B) Reducing the cost of farm operations
C) Increasing the manual labor requirement
D) Monitoring crop health
Answer: C
Explanation: Drones reduce the need for manual labor and exposure to hazardous chemicals while increasing efficiency.
PYQ 1:
"The use of drones and artificial intelligence can revolutionize the Indian agricultural sector by addressing the challenges of labor shortage and input inefficiency." Discuss the initiatives taken by the government in this regard.
Answer: Candidates should mention Namo Drone Didi, SMAM financial assistance, Kisan e-Mitra, and Digital Agriculture Mission. Mentioning 80% subsidies and the role of SHGs in service delivery is key.
PYQ 2:
Consider the following statements regarding the National Green Hydrogen Mission:
1. It aims to make India a global hub for the production and export of Green Hydrogen.
2. It will help in the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors like steel and shipping.
3. The SIGHT program is a major financial component of this mission.
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: All three statements are correct as per the Mission guidelines. It covers exports, decarbonization of heavy industries, and includes the SIGHT financial incentive.
Question: Evaluate how the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Drone technology can contribute to the goal of 'Atmanirbhar Krishi' (Self-reliant Agriculture).
Examiners focus on scheme names (Namo Drone Didi) and specific numbers (5 MMT target, 80% subsidy) in Prelims. For Mains, the focus is on the social impact (Women SHG empowerment) and environmental benefits of using AI/IoT. Stay updated on which ports are being declared as "Green Hydrogen Hubs" (Kandla, Paradip, Tuticorin).