Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) unveiled a mobile application and web portal for the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES). The launch event held on September 21 marked a pivotal moment in the pursuit of more accurate and real-time data in the agriculture sector.
The visionary initiative is in line with the Prime Minister’s emphasis on maximizing the potential of digital technology for social benefits. Ahuja emphasized the critical need for real-time forecasting and technological advancement in agriculture. He emphasized that while data accuracy is critical to generating true and reliable results, the onus is on data providers to ensure that accuracy. He urged all the states to adopt the GCES portal and apply for enhanced accreditation.
DA&FW Additional Secretary Pramod Kumar Mehrada lauded the successful integration of modern technologies in various agricultural sectors and called upon all states to fully utilize the GCES web portal and mobile application for better results and reliable estimates. accept
DA&FW Senior Economic and Statistical Adviser Arun Kumar welcomed Secretary Ahuja and apprised the audience about the important initiatives underway to enhance data accuracy and strengthen digital data governance in agriculture. He described the initiatives as transformative, poised to usher in a new era in agriculture by providing more accurate and real-time monitoring of crop yields.
Ruchika Gupta, Advisor, DA&FW, provided insight into key features of the GCES portal and mobile application. Developed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this technological marvel seeks to enhance the reach, scope and effectiveness of government initiatives in the context of agricultural development.
Automation of the GCES process promises timely reporting of crop statistics and data accuracy. Gupta also highlighted the agencies involved in conducting Crop Experiments (CCE) in various states, including the Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture, and Directorate of Economics and Statistics.
Ms. Sonia Sharma, Additional Advisor, Statistics, DA&FW gave an overview of the new GCES process using the web portal and mobile application, which is currently in the pilot phase. The pilot phase is scheduled to begin in 12 states by the third week of October 2023.
Key challenges addressed by GCES web portal and mobile application:
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Delay in reporting: Historically, data collection, compilation, and production estimation were entirely manual processes, which led to delays in reporting by states. The new process involves field data collection using GPS-enabled mobile applications, which will ensure timely reporting of crop statistics.
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Transparency: The use of GPS-enabled devices provides accurate latitude and longitude coordinates for data collection points. This information links data to specific geographic locations, leaving no room for ambiguity or data manipulation.
Key Features of GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:
1. General Information: The portal and app serve as a comprehensive repository of yield estimates, including village-wise GCES plans, details of plots where cropping experiments are conducted, and post-harvest monitoring. Weight and drain weight.
2. Geo-referencing: A key feature of the mobile application is geo-referencing, which allows field workers to define experimental plot boundaries and upload both plot and crop images. This feature enhances data transparency and accuracy.
First Published: 22 Sep 2023, 07:48 IST