{"id":103415,"date":"2026-05-14T15:42:57","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T10:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=103415"},"modified":"2026-05-14T15:42:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T10:12:57","slug":"technology-missions-in-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/technology-missions-in-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology Missions in Agriculture, Objectives, Schemes, Challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Major Technology Missions in Agriculture<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses, and Maize (TMOPM)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s dependence on imported edible oils and to meet the growing food demand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Main objectives:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase production using improved seeds, fertilizers, and modern techniques<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure availability of quality inputs at reasonable prices<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce post-harvest losses through better storage and processing<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote research to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/nmeo-op\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>National Mission on Edible Oils<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (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\u2019s dependence on imported edible oils by increasing domestic production of oilseeds and edible oils. Two Main Components of NMEO<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>NMEO &#8211; Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focuses on increasing oil palm cultivation and production of crude palm oil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved in 2021 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aims to bring 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm by 2025-26.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Targets 28 lakh tonnes of crude palm oil production by 2029-30.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also promotes setting up nurseries and seed gardens for quality planting material.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>NMEO &#8211; Oilseeds<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focuses on improving production of traditional oilseed crops like mustard, soybean, groundnut, sunflower, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved in 2024 for 7 years (2024-25 to 2030-31).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aims to increase production to 69.7 million tonnes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promotes better seeds, cluster-based farming, and improved processing and marketing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also works on extracting oil from secondary sources like cottonseed, coconut, and rice bran.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Started in 2010, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/national-mission-for-sustainable-agriculture\/\" target=\"_blank\">National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture <\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture and dealing with the challenges of climate change.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Main objectives:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase productivity while conserving soil, water, and other resources<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote climate-resilient practices like drought-resistant crops<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve soil health through organic and balanced nutrient use<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen value chains to increase farmers\u2019 income<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>4. National Livestock Mission<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Launched in 2014, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/national-livestock-mission\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>National Livestock Mission<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 aims to improve livestock productivity and support farmers who depend on animal husbandry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Main objectives:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve breeding, feeding, and management of livestock<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen animal health services like vaccination and treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide training to farmers in modern livestock practices<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve market access and promote value-added livestock products<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>5. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/mission-for-integrated-development-of-horticulture\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was launched in 2014 to promote the growth of horticulture, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Main objectives:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase production and productivity of horticultural crops<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage crop diversification to reduce risks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce losses through better storage, cold chains, and processing<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote exports and improve market linkages<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop infrastructure and support farmer training<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>6. National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This mission focuses on developing the food processing sector to add value to agricultural produce.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Main objectives:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase value addition to farm products<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create employment opportunities in rural areas<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop infrastructure like cold storage and transport facilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve food quality, safety, and export potential<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>7. Mission for Cotton Productivity\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/mission-for-cotton-productivity\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mission for Cotton Productivity<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 \u201c5F vision\u201d &#8211; Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, linking farming with global markets.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Improving Seeds and Productivity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promotes high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient cotton seeds to increase production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Modern Farming Practices:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Encourages techniques like high-density planting and better crop management to improve yields.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Focus on Better Quality Cotton: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special focus on producing high-quality and extra-long staple cotton to reduce imports.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Upgrading Processing Units:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Modernisation of ginning and processing factories to improve cotton quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Reducing Contamination:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Promotes better harvesting, storage, and processing to supply clean and high-quality cotton.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Better Quality Testing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Develops modern testing systems to ensure global standards and reliable quality checks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Branding and Global Recognition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Promotes \u201cKasturi Cotton Bharat\u201d to make Indian cotton a trusted global brand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Digital Market Integration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Connects mandis digitally for transparent pricing and better market access.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>8. Jute Technology Mission (JTM)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Started in 2015, this mission aims to develop the jute sector and promote eco-friendly products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Main objectives:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve production and quality of raw jute.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote research for better jute products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide training and skill development to farmers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage use of jute as a substitute for plastic and synthetic materials.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>9. Technology Mission on Coconut<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Launched in 2014, this mission supports coconut farmers and promotes better production practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Main objectives:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase productivity and income from coconut cultivation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote sustainable and scientific farming methods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support research and development for better varieties.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage entrepreneurship in coconut-based industries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>10. National Saffron Mission (NSM)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Launched in 2010, this mission focuses on improving saffron cultivation, mainly in suitable regions like Jammu &amp; Kashmir.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Main objectives<\/strong>:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase saffron production and improve quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote modern cultivation techniques.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conserve saffron genetic resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support farmers through training and financial assistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>11. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Agriculture Market (<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/e-nam-completes-10-years\/\" target=\"_blank\">e-NAM<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) is an online trading platform that connects different <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/agricultural-produce-market-committee\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>APMC<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2019 Welfare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM)<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Government of India approved the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/digital-agriculture-mission\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Digital Agriculture Mission<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in September 2024 to modernize the agriculture sector using digital technology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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. <\/span><b>Key Components of Digital Agriculture Mission:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>1. AgriStack<\/b><b> (Digital Infrastructure for Agriculture)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/agristack\/\" target=\"_blank\">AgriStack<\/a><\/strong> is the backbone of the mission and acts as a digital database system for agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It includes three main registries developed and managed by State Governments and Union Territories:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farmer Registry<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crop Sown Registry<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geo-referenced Village Maps<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These databases help in creating a complete digital record of farmers, their land, and crops, making it easier to deliver services and benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. Farmer Registry<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It stores detailed information about farmers, such as personal details, land ownership, and crops grown.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farmers get a digital identity, which helps them easily access services like:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agricultural credit<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crop insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government schemes and procurement systems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also supports farmers in joining the digital economy, allowing them to buy inputs and sell produce online in a safe and reliable way.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3. Digital Crop Survey (DCS)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Digital Crop Survey system collects real-time and accurate data about the crops grown on each agricultural plot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It replaces traditional manual surveys, making the process faster, more reliable, and transparent.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This helps the government in better planning and decision-making related to agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>4. Krishi Decision Support System<\/b><b> (Krishi-DSS)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/krishi-decision-support-system\/\" target=\"_blank\">Krishi-DSS<\/a><\/strong> brings together different types of data such as:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Satellite images<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weather data<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soil information<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crop patterns<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water resources like reservoirs and groundwater<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>It provides useful outputs like:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crop maps and soil maps<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automated crop yield estimation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring of droughts and floods<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This system helps the government take better, evidence-based decisions and also supports research and innovation in the agriculture sector.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>5. Soil Resource Mapping<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A nationwide soil mapping project is being carried out by the Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It uses high-resolution satellite images and field data to create detailed soil maps at the village level.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These maps help in:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding soil health<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planning suitable crops<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promoting proper land use and sustainable farming<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme has been implemented since 2015-16 to improve water use efficiency in agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It promotes micro-irrigation systems such as:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drip irrigation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sprinkler irrigation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These methods help in:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saving water<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing fertilizer use (through fertigation)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lowering labour and input costs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing farmers\u2019 overall income<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Financial Assistance under PDMC<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Government provides financial support for installing micro-irrigation systems:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">55% subsidy for small and marginal farmers<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">45% subsidy for other farmers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State Governments may also provide additional subsidies from their own budgets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The assistance is given for a maximum area of up to 5 hectares per farmer.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at improving the agricultural extension system in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It works under the framework of the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), which helps in implementing extension activities at the local level.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The scheme mainly benefits farmers by providing them with knowledge, training, and access to modern tools and techniques. <\/span><b>Key Components (Sub-Missions)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>1. Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This component focuses on creating awareness among farmers about new and improved agricultural technologies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps farmers adopt better farming practices in agriculture and allied sectors like horticulture and livestock.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It promotes training, demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This component promotes the use of modern machines and tools in farming.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It provides financial assistance to set up:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), where farmers can rent machines at affordable rates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hi-tech hubs with advanced agricultural equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps reduce labour costs and improves farming efficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3. Sub Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This component ensures the availability of good quality seeds and planting materials to farmers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It includes programmes like:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seed Village Programme to produce seeds locally<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establishment of seed processing and storage facilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creation of a National Seed Reserve<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps in improving crop productivity and quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>4. Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This component focuses on protecting crops from pests, diseases, and harmful organisms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It includes monitoring, regulation, and capacity building to prevent the entry and spread of foreign pests (biosecurity threats).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It supports farmers in maintaining healthy crops and reducing losses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Technology Missions in Agriculture <\/b><b>Benefits<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Increase in <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/agricultural-inputs-and-productivity\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Agricultural Productivity<\/b><\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology missions have helped farmers use <\/span><b>improved seeds, modern machines, and scientific farming methods.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of this, crop production has increased significantly across many regions of India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better irrigation, timely farming practices, and improved crop management have helped in achieving higher yields from the same land.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Improvement in Crop Quality and Farmer Income<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These missions focus not only on producing more food but also on improving the quality of crops.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better quality produce fetches higher market prices, which directly increases farmers\u2019 income.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved quality has also helped Indian agricultural products become more competitive in international markets, increasing export potential.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Efficient Use of Natural Resources (Water, Soil, Inputs)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern tools like sensors, drones, and smart irrigation systems help farmers use resources more carefully.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also helps in protecting soil fertility and water resources for the long term.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Digital and Technological Transformation of Farming<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission (AgriStack) have created a strong digital system for farmers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farmers can now access important services like government schemes, insurance, loans, and advisories more easily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technologies like AI, data analytics, and satellite monitoring help in better decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Better Market Access and Fair Prices<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Platforms like e-NAM (electronic National Agriculture Market) allow farmers to sell produce online.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This reduces dependence on middlemen, who often take a large share of profits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farmers are able to connect directly with buyers and get better and more transparent prices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Promotion of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Farming<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology missions encourage farmers to adopt environment-friendly agricultural practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is less dependence on harmful chemicals and more focus on organic and balanced farming methods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These practices help protect soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Protection from Climate Risks and Uncertainty<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern technologies help monitor weather patterns, rainfall, droughts, and floods in advance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farmers receive early warnings and advisory messages, helping them prepare better.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This reduces crop damage and improves resilience against climate change and natural disasters.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Growth of Specialized Agricultural Sectors<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missions like MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) have boosted production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These crops often give higher profit compared to traditional grains.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This has encouraged farmers to diversify their farming and reduce risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Employment Generation and Skill Development<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology missions have created new opportunities in areas like agri-tech services, food processing, and farm machinery services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farmers and rural youth are being trained through capacity-building programmes and skill development initiatives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This has helped in generating rural employment and self-employment opportunities. It has also encouraged entrepreneurship in agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Increase in Agricultural Exports<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved quality and better production systems have helped India expand its presence in global markets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Products like spices, fruits, tea, and saffron are now widely exported.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian saffron, for example, has gained strong demand in West Asia and Europe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This has strengthened India\u2019s position in the global agricultural trade market.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Technology Missions in Agriculture <\/b><b>Challenges<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/digital-divide\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Digital Divide<\/b><\/a><b> in Rural Areas:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many farmers in remote villages still lack access to smartphones, internet connectivity, and digital literacy, which limits the use of digital agriculture services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Low Awareness and Training Gaps:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A large number of farmers are not fully aware of new technologies or do not receive proper training to use modern tools effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High Cost of Modern Technologies: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced tools like drones, sensors, and precision farming equipment are expensive, making them difficult for small and marginal farmers to afford.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inadequate Infrastructure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Weak rural infrastructure such as poor storage facilities, limited irrigation systems, and insufficient cold chains reduces the full benefit of technology missions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fragmented Land Holdings: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small and scattered landholdings in India make it difficult to adopt large-scale mechanization and advanced farming technologies efficiently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Data and Privacy Concerns:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Digital systems like AgriStack require large amounts of farmer and land data, raising concerns about data security and privacy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Implementation and Coordination Issues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Differences in implementation between central and state governments sometimes lead to delays and uneven progress across regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Resistance to Change:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some farmers still prefer traditional farming methods and are hesitant to adopt new technologies due to fear of risk or failure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Climate and Environmental Uncertainty:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Despite technology support, unpredictable weather patterns and climate change still create risks that are difficult to fully control.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited Access to Credit:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many farmers still struggle to get easy and affordable credit, which limits their ability to invest in modern agricultural technologies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Maintenance and Technical Support Issues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Lack of proper technical support and maintenance services for advanced tools reduces their long-term usability in rural areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Measures to Improve Technology Missions in Agriculture<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improve <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/indias-digital-public-infrastructure\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Digital Infrastructur<\/b><\/a><b>e:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Expand internet connectivity and mobile network coverage in rural areas so that farmers can easily access digital agriculture services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Increase Farmer Awareness and Training:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Conduct regular training programmes, workshops, and awareness campaigns to help farmers understand and use modern technologies effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Provide Affordable Access to Technology:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Increase subsidies and promote schemes like Custom Hiring Centres so that small and marginal farmers can use advanced tools at low cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthen Rural Infrastructure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Develop better storage facilities, cold chains, irrigation systems, and transport networks to support modern agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promote <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/farmers-producer-organisations-fpos\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Farmer Producer Organizations<\/b><\/a><b> (FPOs):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Encourage farmers to form groups so they can share resources, adopt technology collectively, and improve their bargaining power in markets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ensure Data Security and Transparency: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create strong data protection systems to maintain farmers\u2019 trust in digital platforms like AgriStack.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improve Coordination Between Centre and States:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Strengthen coordination and monitoring mechanisms to ensure smooth and uniform implementation of schemes across regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Encourage Research and Innovation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Invest more in agricultural research to develop region-specific technologies, climate-resilient crops, and cost-effective solutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Technology Missions in Agriculture improve farming with modern technology, better seeds, irrigation, mechanization, and digital tools for higher 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