Prof Ramesh Chand launches Portal www.upag.gov.in for Agricultural Stats

Member of NITI Aayog, Professor Ramesh Chand, officially launched the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg Portal) at www.upag.gov.in. This innovative platform addresses governance challenges in India’s agriculture sector, streamlining data management and enhancing policy efficiency.

Professor Chand commended the initiative as a significant investment in agriculture data management, emphasizing its potential for substantial impact. He urged a shift in mindset towards milestone changes. The portal provides stakeholders with real-time, reliable, and standardized information, promoting more responsive policies. Objectivity in data leads to stable, transparent decisions. Research suggests that every $1 invested in data yields a $32 impact.

Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, highlighted other initiatives like the Krishi Decision Support System and farmer registry. The UPAg Portal is envisioned as a public good, offering reduced search costs and access to credible, granular data.

Sr. Economic and Statistical Adviser, Shri Arun Kumar, discussed ongoing efforts to enhance data accuracy and digital data governance. Adviser DA&FW, Ms. Ruchika Gupta, outlined the UPAg Portal’s features, addressing challenges like lack of standardized and verified data.

Key Challenges Addressed:

1. Standardized Data: The portal consolidates agricultural data into a standardized format for easy access and understanding.
2. Verified Data: UPAg Portal ensures reliable data for accurate policy decisions.
3. Dispersed Data: It integrates data from various sources, providing a comprehensive view of agricultural commodities.
4. Frequency Variables: Real-time connectivity with data sources reduces delays in monitoring and analysis.

Key Features:

1. Data Standardization: It compiles prices, production, area, yield, and trade data in one location.
2. Data Analysis: The portal offers advanced analytics for production trends, trade correlations, and consumption patterns.
3. Granular Production Estimates: It provides detailed production estimates with increased frequency.
4. Commodity Profile Reports: Algorithms minimize subjectivity, offering comprehensive insights.
5. Plug and Play: Users can use the portal’s data to prepare their own reports.

The UPAg Portal is part of the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture, leveraging data for sectoral growth. It aligns with e-governance principles, bringing transparency and agility to India’s agriculture sector. This initiative is a significant step towards more efficient and responsive agricultural policies.