Use modern tech for timely, accurate agri-data: Agriculture Min

With time lag in agri-data hindering the policy making process, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh asked the Statistics Ministry to use modern technologies like remote sensing to generate "timely and accurate" data related to farm sector.

He also asked the ministry to ensure the National Sample Survey (NSS) to "assess the economic situation of farmers" is conducted once in five years instead of 10 years so that the government can frame timely policies based on the data.

"We are aiming to double farmers' income in five years, for which timely and accurate data is required for making right policies," Singh said addressing an event organised by the Statistics Ministry to commemorate 10th Statistics Day.

In order to address time lag in agri-data, there is a need to use modern technologies like remote sensing, he said, adding that such technologies are now being promoted in his ministry for collecting horticulture data.

"Not only timely data, quality data is also required. Our policies are based on data. If data is wrong, then such policies will not yield any results," Singh said.

The minister also shared how the agri-data helped the government to put in place contingency plan in the last two drought years and envisage various agriculture schemes like Gokul Mission.

On NSS data on economic situation of farmers, Singh said: "This data comes once in 10 years. Can we wait for 10 long years to get this data and then make policy for farmers? What will happen to our small farmers? How do we make schemes to raise their income. I request you to provide such data once in five years." Stating the data is backbone of the policy making, Statistics Minister V K Singh said, "The biggest contribution that statistics can give is assist the planners and policy makers with timely and accurate data." He also emphasised on using modern technologies for this purpose. "Ensure use of technology not only for survey but for data analysis and producing data," he added.

For timely and efficient agri-data data, Statistics and Planning Implementation Secretary T C A Anant today announced the plans to start a pilot project to evaluate feasibility of scientifically incorporating the satellite information into the traditional agriculture yield estimates.

"This pilot is simply a method to see if we can achieve data and information. Based on the pilot study, we will speak to states. I hope in future we will be able to get more accurate data," he added.