The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has announced CROPIC, a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based crop monitoring initiative, marking a significant step in India's digital agricultural transformation. This development is crucial for UPSC and other competitive exam aspirants as it reflects India’s technological commitment to agricultural modernization.
What is CROPIC?
CROPIC stands for Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops. It is an innovative study aimed at collecting comprehensive crop information through field photographs and AI-based analytical models. Under this scheme, crops will be photographed four to five times during their growth cycle, and these images will be analyzed to assess crop health and potential mid-season losses.
This initiative will initially be implemented for two agricultural seasons—Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025-26—marking a significant step towards digitizing India’s crop monitoring systems.
How Does CROPIC Work?
Mobile Application Technology
The CROPIC system operates through a dedicated mobile application developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Its key features include:
Crowdsourced Data Collection: Farmers will directly send photographs via the mobile application.
AI-based Analysis: The images will be analyzed using artificial intelligence algorithms to determine crop type, growth stage, and extent of damage.
Cloud Platform Integration: The entire process will be managed on an AI-based cloud platform.
Web-based Dashboard: A real-time data visualization dashboard will be available for stakeholders.
Insurance Claim Processing
When compensation or insurance payments are required, officials will use the CROPIC Mobile App to collect photographs, making claim assessment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) easier and faster.
Purpose of the Study
CROPIC aims to provide a dual contribution to India’s agricultural system:
Main Objectives:
Crop Health Monitoring: Real-time assessment of crop conditions and stress.
Automation of Loss Assessment: Fast and accurate evaluation of crop damage for insurance claims.
Creation of a Rich Crop Directory: Building a comprehensive database of crop signatures.
Financial Resilience: Providing better financial security to farmers through improved insurance claims.
This initiative is part of digital innovation in agriculture, utilizing computer vision technology and photo-analytic models.
Implementation Timeline and Scope
Phase 1: Pilot Implementation
Launch Date: Expression of Interest (EoI) invited on 5 June 2025.
Initial Coverage: At least 50 districts in each agricultural season.
Geographical Distribution: Districts will be selected from different agro-climatic zones.
Crop Focus: Three major notified crops in each district.
Phase 2: National Expansion
Timeline: Planned nationwide expansion from 2026.
Coverage: Eventually, all crops notified under PMFBY will be included.
Research Period: Pilot studies will continue for the next two seasons.
Financial Provisions
The CROPIC scheme will be funded through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) under PMFBY, with a total budget of Rs 825 crore. This investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernizing agricultural monitoring systems.
The government has also extended PMFBY and related schemes until 2025-26, with a total budget allocation of Rs 69,515.71 crore.
Connection to Broader Digital Agriculture Initiatives
CROPIC is also linked to India’s broader digital agriculture transformation, which includes several other technologies:
Related Technologies:
YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System using Technology): Uses remote sensing for yield estimation, with 30% weightage to technology-based estimates.
WINDS (Weather Information and Network Data Systems): Establishes automated weather stations and rain gauges for local weather data.
Digital Agriculture Mission (2021-2025): A comprehensive initiative promoting AI, IoT, and blockchain in agriculture.
The AI in agriculture market in India is projected to grow from USD 70 million in 2024 to USD 350 million by 2033.
Key Facts for Exam Preparation
Important Facts:
Full form of CROPIC: Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops
Initial implementation: Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025-26 seasons
Coverage: 50 districts in different agro-climatic zones
Funding: Rs 825 crore through FIAT
Integration with PMFBY
Planned national rollout from 2026
Technical Features:
AI-based cloud platform for photo analysis
Mobile application for field data collection
Computer vision technology for crop assessment
Web dashboard for data visualization
Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation
For UPSC Mains: This topic is highly relevant for papers related to Agriculture, Technology, and Governance. Possible questions:
Digital transformation in agriculture and its impact on farmer welfare
The role of AI and technology in modernizing traditional sectors
Government schemes for agricultural insurance and risk management
Integration of technology with existing welfare programs like PMFBY
For UPSC Prelims: Possible questions:
Full form and purpose of CROPIC
Funding mechanism through FIAT
Connection with PMFBY and crop insurance schemes
Timeline and phases of implementation
Related technologies like YES-TECH and WINDS
For State PSC Exams: Focus on:
Agricultural modernization initiatives
Digital governance in agriculture
Use of technology in farming
Crop insurance and farmer welfare schemes
Current Affairs Relevance: This June 2025 development reflects India’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, making it highly important for upcoming competitive exams.
The CROPIC initiative marks a new era of precision agriculture and data-driven farming decisions, aligning with India’s vision of global leadership in agricultural technology and innovation.
