(a) whether the Government is using high resolution remote sensing data to bring efficiency in implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has achieved the objectives of PMFBY with the use of remote sensing services; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a) Yes Madam.
(b) Usage of remote sensing for PMFBY is being implemented by Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW). Under the present guidelines of PMFBY, use of satellite remote sensing data has been recommended for addressing issues like area discrepancy, yield dispute resolution, loss assessment, on-account payment and Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE) Planning. Accordingly, protocols have suitably been defined and adapted by PMFBY.
The DAC&FW, through MNCFC, has used satellite remote sensing data for Yield dispute resolution in few areas/ locations. Block level area estimates of major crops are being generated, under the Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agrometeorology and Land based observations (FASAL) project of MAC&FW for addressing area discrepancy issues. Also 9 organisations are involved in conducting pilot studies of optimising CCEs.
(c) & (d)
The objectives of PMFBY towards the use of satellite remote sensing and UAV data is for area estimation, yield estimation, loss assessment, risk zoning, etc., to ensure early settlement of claims to eligible farmers against their crop yield loss.
Amongst these, remote sensing-based approaches have already been made operational and protocols have been developed and included in the revised guidelines (e.g. area discrepancy, yield dispute resolution, risk zoning, etc.).
However, for validations of few modules/technology solutions, Government is conducting pilot studies through different agencies, for establishing the technology solution for adoption under PMFBY.
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