Education & Skilling New India
How Atal Innovation Mission is paving the pathway to a Viksit Bharat?
In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, technological advancements have become the cornerstone of sustainable growth and resilience. At the forefront of this transformation stands the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a visionary initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare aimed at empowering farmers and streamlining operations through cutting-edge technology. As we delve into the realm of futuristic farming, it’s imperative to explore the profound impact of PMFBY and its role in shaping the future of agriculture in India.
Technological Innovations: Pioneering Change
The recent launch event heralded a new era in crop insurance with the introduction of groundbreaking technological advancements. The YES-Tech Manual and WINDS Portal emerged as game-changers, revolutionizing the way crop insurance is administered and weather data is managed. The YES-Tech Manual, developed after rigorous testing, provides a comprehensive guide for accurate yield estimation at the Gram Panchayat level, ensuring precise assessments and efficient risk management. Complementing this, the WINDS Portal serves as a centralized platform for processing hyper-local weather data, enabling informed decision-making and enhanced disaster mitigation strategies.
Delinking Subsidies: Empowering Farmers
One of the most significant strides towards farmer empowerment is the delinking of subsidies, a groundbreaking step announced by the Minister of Agriculture. This move ensures that farmers receive claim payments independently, without being dependent on state actions, thus providing them with much-needed financial security and relief. By decoupling subsidies from bureaucratic processes, the government has streamlined the disbursement mechanism, fostering trust and reliability among farmers.
Cost-saving Measures: Driving Efficiency
The PMFBY’s impact transcends financial assistance, as evidenced by the substantial cost-saving of 11,000 crores. This reflects the effectiveness of new initiatives and underscores the government’s commitment to optimizing resources for farmers’ welfare. Furthermore, the reduction in premiums, from as high as 17%-18% to 8-9%, exemplifies the government’s dedication to crafting farmer-friendly policies and ensuring equitable access to crop insurance.
Transparency and Equity: Redefining Paradigms
The perception of excessive profits by insurance companies has been debunked, thanks to the transparent and equitable models recommended by the Centre and adopted by the States. Premium reductions are not confined to major states but are witnessed across all implementing states, with some even assuming full responsibility for farmer premiums. This shift towards a more transparent and equitable system fosters trust and accountability, laying the foundation for a resilient agricultural ecosystem.
Door-to-Door Enrolment: Enhancing Accessibility
The introduction of the AIDE app on the Android platform marks a paradigm shift in the enrolment process, bringing it directly to the doorstep of farmers. This door-to-door approach ensures a seamless and transparent process, making crop insurance more accessible and convenient for farmers. By leveraging technology to bridge the gap between farmers and insurance services, the PMFBY is democratizing access to financial protection and fostering inclusivity in the agricultural sector.
Adapting to Climate Change: A Call to Action
Amidst the technological advancements and policy reforms, the specter of climate change looms large over agriculture. Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Shri Kiren Rijiju, aptly emphasized the need to adapt agriculture to climate change through responsive scientific mechanisms. The shifting agricultural landscapes, exemplified by the migration of apple crops to higher altitudes, underscore the urgency of embracing sustainable practices and leveraging technology to mitigate climate risks.
Conclusion: Towards a Resilient Future
In conclusion, the PMFBY stands as a beacon of hope and progress in India’s agricultural journey. By embracing technological innovations, fostering transparency, and prioritizing farmer welfare, the scheme is laying the groundwork for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector. As we embark on the path of futuristic farming, let us heed the call to action, harnessing the power of technology and collective effort to build a sustainable future for generations to come. The PMFBY is not merely a scheme but a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to farmer empowerment and agricultural growth in India.
Author : Rishita Maroo
Author Description : Rishita Maroo, pursuing BAJMC- Journalism and Mass communication from JECRC University. I am a passionate writer, love to write and express my words on pen. Had an experience of 1 year in content writing, blogging, article writing and freelancing recently completed internship with Dainik Bhaskar.
Disclaimer : The views, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this blogs belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of author’s employer, organisation, committee or any other group or individual.
