As of July 20, 2026, India has created over 10.18 crore unique Digital Farmer IDs under the AgriStack digital public infrastructure. Announcing this in the Rajya Sabha on July 24, 2026, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Ramnath Thakur highlighted that these IDs streamline direct subsidy transfers, PM-KISAN registrations, PMFBY insurance claims, and MSP procurement. Uttar Pradesh leads the state-wise generation with over 2.43 crore IDs. Simultaneously, satellite technology through YES-TECH and Krishi DSS, along with Kisan Drones under SMAM and the Namo Drone Didi scheme, are modernizing crop yield estimation and disaster assessment across the nation.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provided an official update in Parliament regarding the progress of the Digital Agriculture Mission. Over 10.18 crore unique Digital Farmer IDs have been created to streamline governance in the farm sector. The update detailed progress across digital identity creation, satellite imagery integration for crop insurance, and the rollout of agricultural drones under central schemes.
The written reply was submitted in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Ramnath Thakur on July 24, 2026. Data on Farmer IDs was compiled as of July 20, 2026, across all Indian states and Union Territories.
1. Digital Identification: Each farmer receives a unique identity linked to land records, serving as a single point for scheme benefits (PM-KISAN, PMFBY, credit access).
2. YES-TECH & Smart Sampling: Satellite remote sensing data combined with crop yield models generates yield estimates at the Insurance Unit level, optimizing Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs).
3. Automated Dispute & Damage Assessment: Time-series satellite imagery via the Krishi Decision Support System (DSS) tracks floods or droughts to resolve claims between states and insurers rapidly.
4. Drone Deployment: Subsidized procurement under SMAM (40% to 50% subsidy) and Custom Hiring Centres (40% assistance) enables affordable drone operations, supported by 15-day licensed pilot training at 274 RPTOs.
📌 [BACKGROUND — verify independently]
📌 [BACKGROUND — verify independently]
India's creation of over 10 crore Digital Farmer IDs represents one of the largest agricultural Digital Public Infrastructures globally. While developed nations like the USA and Netherlands rely on private farm management software, India’s public-led digital stack model sets an international benchmark for developing nations in rural financial inclusion and satellite-based crop monitoring.
Core Concept: AgriStack and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Agriculture
Q1. As of July 2026, which Indian state has generated the highest number of Digital Farmer IDs? [Easy]
A) Maharashtra
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Rajasthan
Answer: C
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh leads the country with over 2.43 crore (24,352,649) Digital Farmer IDs generated.
Q2. Under the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM), what percentage of financial assistance is provided to agriculture graduates for purchasing Kisan Drones? [Easy]
A) 25%
B) 40%
C) 50%
D) 75%
Answer: C
Explanation: SMAM provides up to 50% financial assistance to agriculture graduates and small/marginal farmers of North Eastern states for procuring Kisan Drones.
Q3. What is the primary function of YES-TECH implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)? [Moderate]
A) Direct credit disbursement to farmers' bank accounts
B) Technology-based crop yield estimation at the insurance unit level using satellite remote sensing
C) Automated distribution of high-yield variety seeds to farmers
D) Real-time tracking of drone pilot licenses issued by DGCA
Answer: B
Explanation: YES-TECH leverages satellite remote sensing and crop yield models to generate technology-based yield data at the insurance unit level, supplementing traditional Crop Cutting Experiments.
Q4. Under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, who among the following are the primary target beneficiaries for receiving agricultural drones and pilot training? [Moderate]
A) Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
B) Identified Women Self Help Groups (SHGs)
C) Individual Large Scale Farmers
D) Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs)
Answer: B
Explanation: The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is exclusively designed for identified Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to equip them with drones and pilot training.
Q5. Which of the following location pairs correctly identifies the Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs) serving as DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organizations? [Moderate]
A) Nagpur (Maharashtra), Patna (Bihar), and Ludhiana (Punjab)
B) Budni (Madhya Pradesh), Hisar (Haryana), and Biswanath Chariali (Assam)
C) Anand (Gujarat), Karnal (Haryana), and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)
D) Cuttack (Odisha), Hyderabad (Telangana), and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
Answer: B
Explanation: The FMTTIs located at Budni (MP), Hisar (Haryana), and Biswanath Chariali (Assam) are DGCA-approved RPTOs conducting drone pilot training.
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the integration of technology in PMFBY operations:
1. Smart Sampling uses satellite-derived vegetation indices to plan Crop Cutting Experiments, eliminating manual selection bias.
2. Krishi Decision Support System (DSS) utilizes time-series satellite imagery primarily for fertilizer quality testing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [Tricky]
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct; Statement 2 is incorrect because Krishi DSS utilizes satellite imagery for rapid crop damage, flood inundation mapping, and drought assessment, not fertilizer quality testing.
Q7. With reference to financial assistance for Kisan Drones under SMAM, consider the following assertions:
1. Non-NE general farmers receive 40% financial assistance for purchasing Kisan Drones.
2. Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) receive 75% financial assistance for establishing drone hubs.
Which of the assertions is/are correct? [Tricky]
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Explanation: General farmers receive 40% financial assistance, and Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) also receive 40% (not 75%) financial assistance for establishing drone hubs under SMAM.
Q8. Digital Farmer IDs enable direct integration with which of the following agricultural services and schemes in India?
1. PM-KISAN registrations
2. Minimum Support Price (MSP) based procurement
3. Access to institutional credit delivery
4. Disaster relief disbursements
Select the correct answer using the code given below: [Tricky]
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 2, and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: D
Explanation: Digital Farmer IDs integrate seamlessly with PM-KISAN, PMFBY, MSP procurement, institutional credit delivery, input distribution, and disaster relief.
PYQ 1:
With reference to the 'AgriStack' initiative in India, which of the following statements best describes its primary objective?
A) Creation of a national price-fixation board for all horticultural crops
B) Building a national Digital Public Infrastructure to provide seamless, targeted services to farmers
C) Replacing all existing private crop insurance companies with a single state enterprise
D) Mandatory conversion of all traditional farms into organic farming units by 2030
Answer: B
Explanation: AgriStack aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) connecting land records, farmer identities, and crop details to streamline direct subsidy delivery, insurance, and credit.
PYQ 2:
Consider the following statements regarding agricultural modernization initiatives in India:
1. The Yield Estimation System based on Technology (YES-TECH) eliminates the need for any field-based Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs).
2. The Namo Drone Didi Scheme focuses exclusively on training members of Women Self Help Groups as licensed drone pilots.
3. Drones distributed under the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM) receive up to 100% subsidy for all categories of farmers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 2 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because YES-TECH supplements CCEs rather than completely eliminating them. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because subsidies under SMAM range from 40% to 50%, not 100%.
PYQ 3:
Assertion (A): The integration of satellite remote sensing and time-series imagery significantly reduces the turnaround time for PMFBY insurance claim settlements.
Reason (R): Automated workflows in systems like Krishi DSS provide objective, verifiable data for crop inundation and yield loss, minimizing disputes between State Governments and Insurance Companies.
Select the correct option:
A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer: A
Explanation: Time-series remote sensing provides objective proof of crop health and flood damage, eliminating manual discrepancies and subjective yield disputes between states and insurers, thereby accelerating claim settlements.
Question 1 (150 words): Discuss how the generation of unique Digital Farmer IDs under AgriStack can transform direct benefit transfers and agricultural credit delivery in India.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture, anchored by over 10.18 crore unique Digital Farmer IDs created as of July 20, 2026, marks a structural shift in farm governance. By creating a single verifiable digital record linking a farmer's identity to geo-referenced landholdings, AgriStack eliminates ghost beneficiaries and administrative leakages in schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY.
Furthermore, financial institutions face significant friction in assessing creditworthiness due to fragmented land records. Digital Farmer IDs allow banks to seamlessly verify land details and crop patterns, expanding access to formal institutional credit while curbing reliance on informal usurious moneylenders. In addition, real-time linkage with disaster relief and MSP procurement systems ensures that government payouts reach genuine tillers without delays.
To maximize its potential, complete integration across all state land registries and robust data privacy safeguards under the DPDP Act must be enforced, turning digital identity into a catalyst for sustainable farm income.
Question 2 (250 words): Analyze the role of emerging technologies—such as satellite imagery and agricultural drones—in mitigating climate risks and modernizing crop insurance in India.
Indian agriculture remains highly vulnerable to climate anomalies, including erratic monsoons, localized flash floods, and dry spells. Modern technological interventions, particularly satellite remote sensing and agricultural drones, are redefining risk management under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Historically, crop insurance settlements suffered from chronic delays caused by manual Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) and prolonged disputes between state governments and insurance firms. The introduction of systems like YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System based on Technology) and Smart Sampling leverages satellite vegetation indices to evaluate crop health at the granular Insurance Unit level. This objective, time-series data replaces manual bias, resolves area discrepancies rapidly, and accelerates claim disbursements. Furthermore, automated platforms like the Krishi Decision Support System (DSS) utilize multi-temporal satellite imagery for rapid mapping of flood inundation and drought severity, ensuring timely emergency assistance.
In parallel, agricultural drones promoted via the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM) and the Namo Drone Didi Scheme (which has deployed 1,094 drones to women SHGs) introduce precision agriculture. Drones enable targeted spraying of nutrients and pesticides, minimizing input wastage and environmental degradation while providing high-resolution aerial imagery for localized loss assessment.
However, challenges such as rural digital literacy, remote sensing cloud-cover interference during peak monsoons, and the need for scalable drone maintenance infrastructure persist. A concerted policy push connecting high-resolution space technology with grassroots custom hiring centers is essential to build a resilient, technology-driven agricultural safety net.