Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget 2024 speech, announced the introduction of Agristack as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agricultural sector. Agristack aims to bring over six crore farmers under a unified digital land registry system, providing a transformative boost to Indian agriculture.
What is Agristack?
Agristack is envisioned as a comprehensive repository of farmer-related information, integrating various data points such as:
- Farmer identity (linked to Aadhaar)
- Land records
- Crop details
- Income and insurance information
- Loans and revenue history
This data will be collected through advanced technologies, including satellite imagery from ISRO, AI, machine learning, GPS, and real-time crop monitoring tools. Each farmer will be assigned a unique digital ID linked to their land and Aadhaar records.
Pilot programs for Agristack are already underway in states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Why is Agristack Needed?
Currently, farmer-related data is scattered across multiple departments, often requiring manual access to outdated or inaccurate records. Agristack will consolidate this data into a single digital ecosystem, streamlining the process for accessing and utilizing farmer information.
Key issues Agristack seeks to address include:
- Inefficiency in current systems of record-keeping.
- Difficulty in targeted delivery of government schemes.
- Lack of reliable data for policy-making and financial services.
Agristack is expected to revolutionize the sector, much like Aadhaar transformed digital payments in India.
How Will Agristack Benefit Farmers?
Improved Decision-Making
Agristack will serve as a digital ecosystem connecting farmers with government agencies, agritech companies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. Tools like the Krishi Decision Support System and Soil Profile Maps will enhance crop productivity and resource utilization.Access to Financial Services
By providing a structured dataset on farmers’ land and income, Agristack will enable fintech companies and banks to assess creditworthiness, simplifying access to loans and insurance.Cost Reduction for Private Companies
Private agribusinesses and fintech firms will gain free access to farmer data, reducing their onboarding costs and enabling them to reach critical mass without extensive groundwork.Data-Driven Policymaking
Consolidated data will empower the government to design better agricultural policies, ensuring targeted delivery of subsidies and schemes while improving real-time monitoring of agricultural activities.Livelihood Enhancement
By formalizing farmer records, Agristack aims to uplift farmers’ livelihoods by improving access to government schemes, technology, and financial products.
Implementation and Collaboration
Agristack will be implemented by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with state governments’ revenue and agriculture departments. The government will also partner with private-sector companies to strengthen the digital infrastructure and ensure seamless delivery of services.
In 2021, a task force was set up to develop a white paper on Agristack, followed by pilot projects in various states. With its full implementation planned over the next three years, Agristack holds the potential to digitally transform Indian agriculture, paving the way for a more efficient, productive, and inclusive farming sector.
