Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), launched a mobile application and web portal for General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES). This innovative platform aims to transform agricultural practices across India by providing real-time estimates and advanced technology integration.
Shri Ahuja emphasized the importance of accurate data for generating trustworthy outcomes and urged all states to adopt the GCES portal and application to ensure credibility. Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW, highlighted the successful integration of advanced technologies in various agricultural sectors and encouraged states to fully embrace the GCES platform for improved outcomes and reliable estimations.
The initiative is set to usher in a new era in the agricultural sector by offering more accurate and real-time monitoring of crop yields. Ms. Ruchika Gupta, Adviser DA&FW, shared the key features of the GCES portal and mobile application, developed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The automation of the GCES process will facilitate timely reporting of crop statistics and ensure data accuracy. Various agencies, including the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, and Directorate of Economics & Statistics, will be involved in conducting Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE) in different states.
Ms. Sonia Sharma, Additional Statistical Adviser DA&FW, presented the revamped process flow of GCES using the web portal and mobile application, currently in the pilot stage. The piloting phase will begin in 12 states and is scheduled for rollout by the third week of October 2023.
Key Challenges Addressed by GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:
- Delay in Reporting: The manual process of data collection, compilation, and yield estimation has led to reporting delays by states. The new process involves the collection of field data using GPS-enabled mobile applications, ensuring timely reporting of crop statistics.
- Transparency: GPS-enabled devices provide precise geographic coordinates for data collection points, eliminating ambiguity or data manipulation regarding collection locations.
Key Features of the GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:
- Comprehensive Information: The platform offers a comprehensive repository of yield estimation data, including village-wise GCES plans, plot details, post-harvest crop weights, and crop damage assessments.
- Geo-referencing: The mobile application allows primary workers to draw plot boundaries and upload photos, ensuring data transparency and accuracy.