Thiruvananthapuram: The Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare is launching a statewide Digital Crop Survey in Kerala using modern technology to collect digital data on farmers, farmlands and seasonal crops. Specially appointed crop surveyors will visit each allocated survey plot in person to record individual landowners' cultivation details. They will also capture geo-tagged images of farmlands to ensure accurate and efficient data collection.

Based on revenue records, the survey will determine whether each land parcel is agricultural, fallow or non-agricultural land, and collect comprehensive data on the crops being cultivated. Information such as the sowing date for seasonal crops and irrigation methods will also be gathered via a mobile application.

Using geo-fencing technology, data can be entered into the app only from within the respective survey plots, ensuring location accuracy. Geo-tagged photographs of crops will also assist in accurate positioning and future requirements such as field inspections.

Currently, the survey is being conducted twice a year—during the Kharif and Rabi seasons.

The database generated through this process will eventually support farmers in availing benefits from schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and PM-KISAN, and agricultural loans, including Kisan Credit Cards, without requiring field inspections. It will also aid in effective implementation of post-harvest operations like storage, value addition, marketing and export.

Implemented as part of a Centrally sponsored scheme, this initiative is expected to remarkably improve data collection in Kerala’s agricultural sector and help the department plan and execute future projects more effectively. The Department has requested the full cooperation of all farmers for the successful implementation of the Digital Crop Survey.