New Delhi: During a launch event, Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), unveiled the mobile application and web portal for the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES). The innovative use of digital technology will maximize social benefit by providing a wealth of data to support India’s agricultural sector.
Key Features of the GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:
- The portal and the app provide a comprehensive repository of yield estimation including village wise GCES plan and plot details where the crop cutting experiments are conducted, post harvesting crop weight and weight of the crop.
- Geo-referencing is one of the key features of the mobile application, which enables the primary worker to draw the boundary of the experimental plot.
- It will also enable farmers to upload photos of the plot as well as of the crops through it. This feature will ensure transparency and accuracy of the data as well. Key Challenges Addressed by GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:
- Till date data collection, compilation and yield estimation is completely manual process which cause delay in reporting by states.
- In the new process, the field data will be collected using GPS enabled mobile application and will be stored in the server which ensures on time reporting of crop statistics.
- GPS enabled devices provide precise latitude and longitude coordinates for data collection points.
- This information ensures that data is linked to specific geographic locations, leaving no room for ambiguity or manipulation of data regarding where it was collected.
This innovative online platform and mobile app has been intricately designed to revolutionize agricultural practices nationwide. Manoj Ahuja highlighted the significance of real-time estimates and incorporating technology in the field of agriculture. He stressed the importance of data accuracy for generating reliable outcomes, emphasizing that data providers hold the responsibility for ensuring its accuracy. Consequently, he urged all states to adopt the GCES portal and application to enhance credibility.
Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW stated the successful adaptation of advanced technologies in different sector of agriculture and requested states to adopt the GCES web portal and mobile application completely for better outcome and reliable estimation.
Arun Kumar, Sr Economic and Statistical Adviser extended warm welcome to Secretary, DA&FW and apprised the audience of the major initiatives currently being undertaken at DA&FW to enhance data accuracy and improve digital data governance in agriculture. He added that this momentous initiatives set to herald a new era in the agricultural sector by providing more accurate and real time monitoring of crop yields.
Ruchika Gupta, Adviser DA&FW shared the salient features of the portal and the mobile application of GCES. It has been developed by Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare for leveraging technology to enhance the reach, scope, and outcome of government actions in the course of development. She added that the automation of the GCES process will ensure on time reporting of crop statistics and accuracy of the data. Adviser also mentioned about the agencies involved in conducting CCE in different states are Revenue Department, Agriculture Department and Directorate of Economics & Statistics.
Sonia Sharma, Additional Statistical Adviser DA&FW presented the revamped process flow of GCES using the web portal and the mobile application, which are currently at pilot stage. The Piloting of these two has been planned in 12 States and will be rollout by 3rd week of October 2023.
