PNS|Vijayawada
Union Agriculture Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, has announced the selection of 11 states, including Andhra Pradesh, for the nationwide pilot scheme on digital crop survey set to commence in the upcoming Kharif season. Under the scheme, the Andhra Pradesh government will provide 40 percent of the funds as a matching grant, with a Central allocation of Rs 47.59 crore. The successful implementation of this pilot project will require the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Central and state governments.
Addressing a video conference with Chief Secretary Dr. KS Jawahar Reddy and officials from Delhi to discuss the Centrally-sponsored pilot scheme.on Thursday, Ahuja emphasised the need for the development of IT infrastructure related to digital crop survey and highlighted the importance of data sharing between Central and state entities.
Ahuja further said that the completion of the process would lead to more accurate forecasts of various crops. He revealed that the digital crop survey pilot scheme is scheduled to commence on August 15.
Chief Secretary Dr. KS Jawahar Reddy, participating in the virtual conference, praised the initiative of the digital crop survey pilot project. He highlighted the state’s efforts to introduce innovative solutions tailored to local needs and conditions, including successful implementation of agricultural sector reforms such as e-crop registration in Andhra Pradesh.
Chief Secretary Dr. KS Jawahar Reddy informed that the state’s Agriculture department officials have requested clarification from the Union Ministry of Agriculture regarding certain aspects of the digital crop survey. He assured that he will engage in extensive discussions with the officials at the State government level to ensure its successful implementation.
The virtual meeting was attended by Gopalakrishna Dwivedi, Special Chief Secretary, State Agriculture Department, A MD Imtiaz Additional CCLA, and other officials.
