Krishi-DSS: A Satellite-Driven Revolution in Indian Agriculture
Image: Govt Launches Satellite-Based Farm Decision Support System
Image Courtesy: Daily Excelsior
The Indian government has taken a significant step towards modernizing agriculture with the launch of the Krishi-Decision Support System (K-DSS) portal, a geospatial platform that leverages satellite technology to provide farmers with crucial information.
This blog explores the features of the Krishi-DSS, its potential impact on Indian agriculture, and the role of space technology in transforming the sector.
We will also discuss the government’s commitment to improving farmers' livelihoods and ensuring food security in India.
Launch of Krishi-DSS Portal
In a landmark move, the Indian government has unveiled the Krishi-Decision Support System (K-DSS) portal, a satellite-based geospatial platform designed to revolutionize the agricultural sector.
Image: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary
Image Courtesy: LinkedIn
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, officially launched the portal, describing it as a
"milestone in the journey of farmers in the country."
The portal, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, aims to provide farmers with vital information on various aspects such as weather, groundwater levels, soil health, and reservoir storage, among others.
Features and Capabilities of Krishi-DSS
The Krishi-DSS is a cutting-edge geospatial platform specifically tailored to meet the needs of Indian agriculture. It offers farmers a wealth of data, including satellite images, which can help them make informed decisions. The platform covers a wide range of information:
Weather Updates: Real-time weather forecasts and early warnings.
Groundwater Levels: Insights into groundwater availability in different regions.
Soil Health: Data on soil conditions to guide crop selection and farming practices.
Reservoir Storage: Information on water levels in reservoirs, crucial for irrigation planning.
This comprehensive repository of standardized geospatial data is part of the government’s broader Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture initiative, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The Role of Space Technology in Agriculture
Image: Government Launches Satellite-Based Agricultural Support System
Image Courtesy: devdiscourse
The launch of Krishi-DSS underscores the transformative role that space technology can play in agriculture.
During the National Conference on Space Driven Solutions for Agriculture Transformation in India, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi emphasized the importance of satellite technology in providing early warnings for events like rainfall and lightning strikes.
He highlighted that such technology could save lives and property, while also focusing on increasing farmers’ income.
Nilesh M Desai, Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC), noted that the collaboration between the agriculture ministry and the space sector dates back to 1969.
Since then, ISRO has launched numerous satellites that have proven invaluable to the agriculture sector. These satellites enable remote sensing and provide data critical for crop health monitoring, disease detection, and resource management.
Enhancing Farmers’ Income and Food Security
The government’s focus on integrating space technology with agriculture is part of a larger strategy to ensure India’s food security and make farming more prosperous.
As part of this vision, the Krishi-DSS portal will also integrate data related to government schemes and services, making it a one-stop solution for farmers seeking support and information.
Devesh Chaturvedi emphasized that the outcomes of the discussions during the national conference would shape future strategies, r