Representational photo
TFP Bureau,Raipur; August 23, 2024: Chhattisgarh is set to launch a digital crop survey across the state as part of the Agristek project, with the initiative commencing on September 9 and concluding by September 30. Under the direction of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, therep districts of Dhamtari, Mahasamund, and Kabirdham have been selected for a pilot project, where every village will participate in the survey. Selected villages in other districts will also be included in this effort.
The survey is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Government of India, to digitize crop data collection. The goal is to ensure accurate and timely agricultural information, which is crucial for policy-making and resource allocation.
Pilot Project and Statewide Implementation
In the pilot districts, the digital crop survey will cover all villages, while in other districts, the survey will be conducted in selected villages. The digital crop survey will involve 20 surveyors in each village, selected by the Tehsildar through the Patwari. Surveyors must meet specific criteria, including a minimum education level of 10th pass, and priority will be given to those with degrees in agriculture or science. Additionally, surveyors are required to have an Android mobile device with internet access, a bank account, and an Aadhaar number.
Training for surveyors will be completed by September 7 to ensure they are well-prepared for the task. The surveyors will receive an honorarium of Rs 10 per Khasra (land parcel) for accurate and timely data collection and uploading.
Supervision and Progress Monitoring
The digital crop survey will be closely monitored at various administrative levels to ensure accuracy and efficiency. The Halka Patwari will supervise the surveyors daily, while the entries made by the surveyors will be verified by the Revenue Inspector within two days. The concerned Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar will further review the work to ensure its accuracy.
To facilitate effective oversight, an implementation committee has been formed at the state level, and similar committees will be established at the district and tehsil levels. Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma has instructed that all district collectors ensure the committees are formed and functioning before the survey begins.
Weekly Reporting and Accountability
Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management, Mr. Avinash Champawat, has directed that weekly progress reports on the survey be sent to the department every Wednesday. The district collectors will be responsible for ensuring the quality and timely execution of the survey.
This digital crop survey marks a significant step towards modernizing agricultural data collection in Chhattisgarh, with the potential to provide more accurate insights into crop production and assist in better decision-making for the state’s agricultural sector.
