Technology Missions in Agriculture, Objectives, Schemes, Challenges

Technology Missions in Agriculture are special government programmes designed to improve farming by using modern science and technology. These missions focus on increasing agricultural production, improving the quality of crops, and helping farmers earn better incomes. They promote the use of better seeds, irrigation methods, machinery, and advanced farming techniques. By doing so, Technology Missions aim to make agriculture more efficient, sustainable, and capable of meeting the growing food needs of the population.

Major Technology Missions in Agriculture

1. Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses, and Maize (TMOPM)

• Launched in 1986, this mission aimed to increase the production of oilseeds, pulses, and maize in India. It was mainly introduced to reduce the country’s dependence on imported edible oils and to meet the growing food demand.
• Main objectives:
  • Increase production using improved seeds, fertilizers, and modern techniques
  • Ensure availability of quality inputs at reasonable prices
  • Reduce post-harvest losses through better storage and processing
  • Promote research to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties

2. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)

• The National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) is a government initiative aimed at making India self-reliant in edible oil production under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It focuses on reducing the country’s dependence on imported edible oils by increasing domestic production of oilseeds and edible oils. Two Main Components of NMEO
• NMEO – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)
  • Focuses on increasing oil palm cultivation and production of crude palm oil.
  • Approved in 2021 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • Aims to bring 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm by 2025-26.
  • Targets 28 lakh tonnes of crude palm oil production by 2029-30.
  • Also promotes setting up nurseries and seed gardens for quality planting material.
• NMEO – Oilseeds
  • Focuses on improving production of traditional oilseed crops like mustard, soybean, groundnut, sunflower, etc.
  • Approved in 2024 for 7 years (2024-25 to 2030-31).
  • Aims to increase production to 69.7 million tonnes.
  • Promotes better seeds, cluster-based farming, and improved processing and marketing.
  • Also works on extracting oil from secondary sources like cottonseed, coconut, and rice bran.

3. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

• Started in 2010, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture and dealing with the challenges of climate change.
• Main objectives:
  • Increase productivity while conserving soil, water, and other resources
  • Promote climate-resilient practices like drought-resistant crops
  • Improve soil health through organic and balanced nutrient use
  • Strengthen value chains to increase farmers’ income

4. National Livestock Mission

• Launched in 2014, National Livestock Mission  aims to improve livestock productivity and support farmers who depend on animal husbandry.
• Main objectives:
  • Improve breeding, feeding, and management of livestock
  • Strengthen animal health services like vaccination and treatment
  • Provide training to farmers in modern livestock practices
  • Improve market access and promote value-added livestock products

5. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture was launched in 2014 to promote the growth of horticulture, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
• Main objectives:
  • Increase production and productivity of horticultural crops
  • Encourage crop diversification to reduce risks
  • Reduce losses through better storage, cold chains, and processing
  • Promote exports and improve market linkages
  • Develop infrastructure and support farmer training

6. National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP)

• This mission focuses on developing the food processing sector to add value to agricultural produce.
• Main objectives:
  • Increase value addition to farm products
  • Create employment opportunities in rural areas
  • Develop infrastructure like cold storage and transport facilities
  • Improve food quality, safety, and export potential

7. Mission for Cotton Productivity 

• The Mission for Cotton Productivity is a government initiative aimed at improving cotton production, quality, and sustainability in India. It also supports the textile industry and works towards making India self-reliant in the cotton sector. The mission follows the “5F vision” – Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, linking farming with global markets.
  • Improving Seeds and Productivity: Promotes high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient cotton seeds to increase production.
  • Modern Farming Practices: Encourages techniques like high-density planting and better crop management to improve yields.
  • Focus on Better Quality Cotton: Special focus on producing high-quality and extra-long staple cotton to reduce imports.
  • Upgrading Processing Units: Modernisation of ginning and processing factories to improve cotton quality.
  • Reducing Contamination: Promotes better harvesting, storage, and processing to supply clean and high-quality cotton.
  • Better Quality Testing: Develops modern testing systems to ensure global standards and reliable quality checks.
  • Branding and Global Recognition: Promotes “Kasturi Cotton Bharat” to make Indian cotton a trusted global brand.
  • Digital Market Integration: Connects mandis digitally for transparent pricing and better market access.

8. Jute Technology Mission (JTM)

• Started in 2015, this mission aims to develop the jute sector and promote eco-friendly products.
• Main objectives:
  • Improve production and quality of raw jute.
  • Promote research for better jute products.
  • Provide training and skill development to farmers.
  • Encourage use of jute as a substitute for plastic and synthetic materials.

9. Technology Mission on Coconut

• Launched in 2014, this mission supports coconut farmers and promotes better production practices.
• Main objectives:
  • Increase productivity and income from coconut cultivation.
  • Promote sustainable and scientific farming methods.
  • Support research and development for better varieties.
  • Encourage entrepreneurship in coconut-based industries.

10. National Saffron Mission (NSM)

• Launched in 2010, this mission focuses on improving saffron cultivation, mainly in suitable regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
• Main objectives:
  • Increase saffron production and improve quality.
  • Promote modern cultivation techniques.
  • Conserve saffron genetic resources.
  • Support farmers through training and financial assistance.

11. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)

• The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is an online trading platform that connects different APMC mandis across India to create a single national market for agricultural produce. It is fully funded by the Central Government and implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• The main aim of e-NAM is to help farmers get better prices by giving them access to more buyers and markets. It also makes the trading process more transparent, efficient, and farmer-friendly. Through this platform, farmers can check prices, sell their produce, and receive payments directly in their bank accounts.

Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM)

• The Government of India approved the Digital Agriculture Mission in September 2024 to modernize the agriculture sector using digital technology.
• The main aim of this mission is to create a strong Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture, which will help in building a connected and efficient digital ecosystem for farmers across the country.
• It focuses on making farming more data-driven, transparent, and farmer-friendly, so that farmers can get timely and reliable information related to crops, weather, and government services. Key Components of Digital Agriculture Mission:

1. AgriStack (Digital Infrastructure for Agriculture)

• AgriStack is the backbone of the mission and acts as a digital database system for agriculture.
• It includes three main registries developed and managed by State Governments and Union Territories:
  • Farmer Registry
  • Crop Sown Registry
  • Geo-referenced Village Maps
• These databases help in creating a complete digital record of farmers, their land, and crops, making it easier to deliver services and benefits.

2. Farmer Registry

• It stores detailed information about farmers, such as personal details, land ownership, and crops grown.
• Farmers get a digital identity, which helps them easily access services like:
  • Agricultural credit
  • Crop insurance
  • Government schemes and procurement systems
• It also supports farmers in joining the digital economy, allowing them to buy inputs and sell produce online in a safe and reliable way.

3. Digital Crop Survey (DCS)

• The Digital Crop Survey system collects real-time and accurate data about the crops grown on each agricultural plot.
• It replaces traditional manual surveys, making the process faster, more reliable, and transparent.
• This helps the government in better planning and decision-making related to agriculture.

4. Krishi Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS)

• Krishi-DSS brings together different types of data such as:
  • Satellite images
  • Weather data
  • Soil information
  • Crop patterns
  • Water resources like reservoirs and groundwater
• It provides useful outputs like:
  • Crop maps and soil maps
  • Automated crop yield estimation
  • Monitoring of droughts and floods
• This system helps the government take better, evidence-based decisions and also supports research and innovation in the agriculture sector.

5. Soil Resource Mapping

• A nationwide soil mapping project is being carried out by the Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI).
• It uses high-resolution satellite images and field data to create detailed soil maps at the village level.
• These maps help in:
  • Understanding soil health
  • Planning suitable crops
  • Promoting proper land use and sustainable farming

• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme
  • The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme has been implemented since 2015-16 to improve water use efficiency in agriculture.
  • It promotes micro-irrigation systems such as:
    • Drip irrigation
    • Sprinkler irrigation
  • These methods help in:
    • Saving water
    • Reducing fertilizer use (through fertigation)
    • Lowering labour and input costs
    • Increasing farmers’ overall income
• Financial Assistance under PDMC
  • The Government provides financial support for installing micro-irrigation systems:
    • 55% subsidy for small and marginal farmers
    • 45% subsidy for other farmers
  • State Governments may also provide additional subsidies from their own budgets.
  • The assistance is given for a maximum area of up to 5 hectares per farmer.

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National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)

• The National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at improving the agricultural extension system in India.
• The mission focuses on making agricultural services more farmer-driven, practical, and accessible, so that farmers can easily learn and adopt new technologies and better farming practices.
• It works under the framework of the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), which helps in implementing extension activities at the local level.
• The scheme mainly benefits farmers by providing them with knowledge, training, and access to modern tools and techniques. Key Components (Sub-Missions)

1. Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE)

• This component focuses on creating awareness among farmers about new and improved agricultural technologies.
• It helps farmers adopt better farming practices in agriculture and allied sectors like horticulture and livestock.
• It promotes training, demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing activities.

2. Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)

• This component promotes the use of modern machines and tools in farming.
• It provides financial assistance to set up:
  • Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), where farmers can rent machines at affordable rates
  • Hi-tech hubs with advanced agricultural equipment
• It helps reduce labour costs and improves farming efficiency.

3. Sub Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)

• This component ensures the availability of good quality seeds and planting materials to farmers.
• It includes programmes like:
  • Seed Village Programme to produce seeds locally
  • Establishment of seed processing and storage facilities
  • Creation of a National Seed Reserve
• It helps in improving crop productivity and quality.

4. Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP)

• This component focuses on protecting crops from pests, diseases, and harmful organisms.
• It includes monitoring, regulation, and capacity building to prevent the entry and spread of foreign pests (biosecurity threats).
• It supports farmers in maintaining healthy crops and reducing losses.

Technology Missions in Agriculture Benefits

• Increase in Agricultural Productivity
  • Technology missions have helped farmers use improved seeds, modern machines, and scientific farming methods.
  • Because of this, crop production has increased significantly across many regions of India.
  • Better irrigation, timely farming practices, and improved crop management have helped in achieving higher yields from the same land.
• Improvement in Crop Quality and Farmer Income
  • These missions focus not only on producing more food but also on improving the quality of crops.
  • Better quality produce fetches higher market prices, which directly increases farmers’ income.
  • Improved quality has also helped Indian agricultural products become more competitive in international markets, increasing export potential.
• Efficient Use of Natural Resources (Water, Soil, Inputs)
  • Modern tools like sensors, drones, and smart irrigation systems help farmers use resources more carefully.
  • Water, fertilizers, and pesticides are applied in the right amount at the right time, reducing waste. This leads to lower input costs and higher efficiency in farming.
  • It also helps in protecting soil fertility and water resources for the long term.
• Digital and Technological Transformation of Farming
  • Initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission (AgriStack) have created a strong digital system for farmers.
  • Farmers can now access important services like government schemes, insurance, loans, and advisories more easily.
  • Technologies like AI, data analytics, and satellite monitoring help in better decision-making.
• Better Market Access and Fair Prices
  • Platforms like e-NAM (electronic National Agriculture Market) allow farmers to sell produce online.
  • This reduces dependence on middlemen, who often take a large share of profits.
  • Farmers are able to connect directly with buyers and get better and more transparent prices.
• Promotion of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Farming
  • Technology missions encourage farmers to adopt environment-friendly agricultural practices.
  • There is less dependence on harmful chemicals and more focus on organic and balanced farming methods.
  • These practices help protect soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.
• Protection from Climate Risks and Uncertainty
  • Modern technologies help monitor weather patterns, rainfall, droughts, and floods in advance.
  • Farmers receive early warnings and advisory messages, helping them prepare better.
  • This reduces crop damage and improves resilience against climate change and natural disasters.
• Growth of Specialized Agricultural Sectors
  • Missions like MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) have boosted production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
  • These crops often give higher profit compared to traditional grains.
  • This has encouraged farmers to diversify their farming and reduce risk.
• Employment Generation and Skill Development
  • Technology missions have created new opportunities in areas like agri-tech services, food processing, and farm machinery services.
  • Farmers and rural youth are being trained through capacity-building programmes and skill development initiatives.
  • This has helped in generating rural employment and self-employment opportunities. It has also encouraged entrepreneurship in agriculture.
• Increase in Agricultural Exports
  • Improved quality and better production systems have helped India expand its presence in global markets.
  • Products like spices, fruits, tea, and saffron are now widely exported.
  • Indian saffron, for example, has gained strong demand in West Asia and Europe.
  • This has strengthened India’s position in the global agricultural trade market.

Technology Missions in Agriculture Challenges

• Digital Divide in Rural Areas: Many farmers in remote villages still lack access to smartphones, internet connectivity, and digital literacy, which limits the use of digital agriculture services.
• Low Awareness and Training Gaps: A large number of farmers are not fully aware of new technologies or do not receive proper training to use modern tools effectively.
• High Cost of Modern Technologies: Advanced tools like drones, sensors, and precision farming equipment are expensive, making them difficult for small and marginal farmers to afford.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Weak rural infrastructure such as poor storage facilities, limited irrigation systems, and insufficient cold chains reduces the full benefit of technology missions.
• Fragmented Land Holdings: Small and scattered landholdings in India make it difficult to adopt large-scale mechanization and advanced farming technologies efficiently.
• Data and Privacy Concerns: Digital systems like AgriStack require large amounts of farmer and land data, raising concerns about data security and privacy.
• Implementation and Coordination Issues: Differences in implementation between central and state governments sometimes lead to delays and uneven progress across regions.
• Resistance to Change: Some farmers still prefer traditional farming methods and are hesitant to adopt new technologies due to fear of risk or failure.
• Climate and Environmental Uncertainty: Despite technology support, unpredictable weather patterns and climate change still create risks that are difficult to fully control.
• Limited Access to Credit: Many farmers still struggle to get easy and affordable credit, which limits their ability to invest in modern agricultural technologies.
• Maintenance and Technical Support Issues: Lack of proper technical support and maintenance services for advanced tools reduces their long-term usability in rural areas.

Measures to Improve Technology Missions in Agriculture

• Improve Digital Infrastructure: Expand internet connectivity and mobile network coverage in rural areas so that farmers can easily access digital agriculture services.
• Increase Farmer Awareness and Training: Conduct regular training programmes, workshops, and awareness campaigns to help farmers understand and use modern technologies effectively.
• Provide Affordable Access to Technology: Increase subsidies and promote schemes like Custom Hiring Centres so that small and marginal farmers can use advanced tools at low cost.
• Strengthen Rural Infrastructure: Develop better storage facilities, cold chains, irrigation systems, and transport networks to support modern agriculture.
• Promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Encourage farmers to form groups so they can share resources, adopt technology collectively, and improve their bargaining power in markets.
• Ensure Data Security and Transparency: Create strong data protection systems to maintain farmers’ trust in digital platforms like AgriStack.
• Improve Coordination Between Centre and States: Strengthen coordination and monitoring mechanisms to ensure smooth and uniform implementation of schemes across regions.
• Encourage Research and Innovation: Invest more in agricultural research to develop region-specific technologies, climate-resilient crops, and cost-effective solutions.