Collection of Real-Time Observations & Photo of Crops (CROPIC)
New scheme to study crops using AI: What is CROPIC
Context: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is set to launch CROPIC, an AI-driven study aimed at gathering crop information through field photographs. This initiative will enhance crop monitoring, automate loss assessment, and streamline compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
What is CROPIC?
- CROPIC stands for Collection of Real-Time Observations & Photo of Crops.
- It involves photographing crops four-five times during their cycle to assess their health and potential mid-season losses.
- The study will be conducted for two seasons initially:
- Kharif 2025
- Rabi 2025-26
Why is CROPIC significant?
- It will help monitor crop health and stress using real-time images.
- It will automate crop loss assessment, ensuring faster compensation for affected farmers.
- The study will contribute to building a rich directory of crop signatures, aiding future agricultural research.
- It is part of digital innovations in agriculture, fostering financial resilience for farmers.
How Will CROPIC Work?
- Farmers will crowd-source field photographs using the CROPIC mobile app, developed by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- The collected images will be analysed for: Crop type, Crop stage, Crop damage and its extent.
- The AI-based cloud platform will process the images, and a web-based dashboard will visualise the data.
- Officials will also use the CROPIC mobile app to collect photographs when compensation or insurance claims need to be processed.
Timeline of the Project
- The Agriculture Ministry invited an Expression of Interest (EoI) on June 5 to select agencies for conducting the study.
- Initial rollout: At least 50 districts per season covering different agro-climatic zones. Each district will include three major notified crops (crops covered under PMFBY).
- Future expansion: Eventually, all crops notified under PMFBY will be covered. Nationwide rollout expected from 2026 for all major crops.
Funding for CROPIC
- The project will be funded under the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) within PMFBY.
- FIAT has a total outlay of ₹825 crore for various technology innovations in crop insurance schemes.
Conclusion
CROPIC is a groundbreaking initiative that leverages AI and digital technology to enhance crop monitoring, automate loss assessment, and improve financial resilience for farmers. With its planned nationwide rollout in 2026, it promises to revolutionise agricultural insurance and compensation mechanisms in India.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- PMFBY was launched on February 18, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The scheme aims to protect farmers from crop losses due to natural calamities like droughts, floods, hailstorms, diseases, and pests.
- It provides financial support to farmers, stabilising their income and encouraging innovative agricultural practices.
It utilises modern technology like: Satellite imagery, drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and remote sensing.
