Empowering Farmers through Digital Inclusion: A State-Driven Registry

State governments hold the authority to decide the inclusion of tenant and lessee farmers in their farmer registries, as highlighted by Minister Ramnath Thakur. The Digital Agriculture Mission aims to provide unique farmer IDs for government benefits, ensuring digital access through support structures despite varying internet penetration.

Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur, in a Lok Sabha session, emphasized the autonomy of state governments in choosing whether to incorporate tenant and lessee farmers into their farmer registries.

The Digital Agriculture Mission plays a pivotal role in this process by offering unique farmer IDs that facilitate access to governmental benefits. In response to challenges posed by inconsistent internet access, established networks like Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Common Service Centres (CSCs) are actively assisting in onboarding farmers.

The government has sanctioned a budget of Rs 2,817 crore for the Digital Agriculture Mission, with states conducting camps to ensure comprehensive farmer inclusion.

(With inputs from agencies.)