21 December2024, New Delhi: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is leveraging advanced technology for accurate crop loss assessment. Technologies such as satellite imagery, drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and remote sensing are being utilized for various applications including crop area estimation, resolving yield disputes, and planning for Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs). These technologies aim to ensure transparency, accuracy, and timeliness in loss assessment, enabling quicker claim payouts.
Strengthening the Scheme Through Technology Integration
To ensure greater transparency and accurate crop loss assessment, the government has taken several steps. The CCE-Agri App allows for direct uploading of Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) data to the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP). In addition, state land records are now integrated with this portal, ensuring accurate and up-to-date reporting of data.
YES-TECH System: Accurate Crop Yield Estimation
For timely and transparent loss assessment and claim settlement, the YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System Based on Technology) was introduced starting with the Kharif 2023 season. This system, based on remote sensing technology, helps in accurate and fair crop yield estimation. In this system, 30% weightage is given to yield estimation derived from YES-TECH. From Kharif 2024, soybean crops have also been included in this system. The initiative is currently being implemented in 10 states, with claim payouts in all 7 states that implemented the system for Kharif 2023 based on YES-TECH.
Operational Guidelines for YES-TECH
Detailed operational guidelines for the YES-TECH system are outlined in the YES-TECH Manual, 2023. States will select a Technology Implementation Partner (TIP), which will operate under the supervision of the Mentor Institute for Technology Roll-out (MITR), a body nominated by the Government of India. MITR agencies like ISRO, ICAR, and other government bodies will oversee the implementation.
To maintain transparency, the system establishes clear timelines for submission of progress reports, and payments to TIPs will be linked to their work progress. A penalty system for violations of timelines and a dispute resolution framework has also been put in place.
Is the System Truly Effective?
There are several questions surrounding the effectiveness of the YES-TECH system. Can this technology provide accurate and timely yield estimates for all farmers? Is the system being implemented correctly at the state level, and are farmers truly benefiting from it? Most importantly, can this system effectively process farmers’ claims and ensure quick payouts?
This information was provided by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
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