New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on October 24 that India has achieved its target of creating 110 million (11 crore) Farmer IDs under the ‘Digital Agriculture Mission’, five months ahead of the March 31, 2027 deadline.
The ‘Farmer ID’ initiative aims to provide farmers with a unique digital identity, making it easier for them to access government schemes, bank loans, Kisan Credit Cards, crop insurance and disaster relief. It is also expected to reduce paperwork, minimize the need for repeated verification, and decrease delays in receiving benefits.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this target was achieved by the night of October 23 through the coordinated efforts of the Centre, state governments, administrations of Union Territories and field-level officials.
According to the ministry, more than 6 crore farmers have received direct benefits under various schemes through a Farmer ID-based service delivery system. The objective of this verified digital database is to enhance transparency, reduce duplication and strengthen coordination among government departments.
Under this initiative, Farmer IDs are expected to facilitate more transparent crop-loss assessments and compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Furthermore, the ‘farmer ID’ will help expedite disaster relief assistance and simplify processes related to agricultural loans and the procurement of crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Union Cabinet approved the Digital Agriculture Mission on September 2, 2024. Chouhan attributed this initial success to the cooperation between the Centre and states, describing it as an example of cooperative federalism. The Ministry said that states and union territories are taking steps, in accordance with applicable rules, to include eligible tenant farmers and those who are actually engaged in cultivation in the digital registry.
Through this initiative, the government aims to further strengthen the farmer registry, ensuring that the benefits of agricultural services and government schemes reach eligible farmers in a transparent, accessible, and effective manner.
(PIB)
