Agri Ministry to Launch CROPIC
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India is set to launch CROPIC, an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing crop monitoring and loss assessment. CROPIC stands for Collection of Real-Time Observations & Photo of Crops. This initiative is as it leverages artificial intelligence and crowd-sourced data to improve agricultural practices and financial support for farmers.
Overview of CROPIC
CROPIC is designed to gather comprehensive data on crop health through field photographs taken during the crop cycle. The initiative will initially focus on two seasons – kharif 2025 and rabi 2025-26. It aims to create a detailed directory of crop signatures that can be used for various agricultural assessments.
How CROPIC Functions
The CROPIC mobile application will be the primary tool for data collection. Farmers will take photographs of their crops using this app. The images will be analysed to determine the crop type, growth stage, and any damage that may have occurred. This crowd-sourced approach allows for real-time data collection directly from the field.
AI Integration and Analysis
CROPIC employs an AI-based cloud platform for analysing the collected photographs. This technology will facilitate the extraction of vital information regarding crop health. A web-based dashboard will provide visualisation of the data, making it accessible for farmers and officials alike.
Purpose and Benefits
The primary purpose of CROPIC is to support the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The initiative will automate the assessment of crop losses and the subsequent disbursement of compensation to farmers. By using computer vision technology, CROPIC aims to enhance financial resilience among farmers.
Implementation Timeline
The project will commence with pilot studies in at least 50 districts, selected to represent various agro-climatic zones. These districts will cover three major notified crops for each season. The government plans to roll out CROPIC nationwide by 2026, encompassing all crops notified under PMFBY.
Funding for CROPIC
CROPIC will be funded through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT), which has an allocation of Rs 825 crore for technological innovations in crop insurance. This financial backing will support the development and implementation of the initiative.
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