How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regard?

Digital India for the farmer

The Digital India programme can transform agriculture by putting timely knowledge, markets and services directly in farmers' hands, raising both productivity and income.

How it helps

• Better decisions: soil-health data, weather forecasts and advisories improve input use and reduce waste.
• Market access: online platforms let farmers discover prices and sell beyond local mandis, improving realisation.
• Financial inclusion: direct benefit transfer of subsidies and support removes leakages and middlemen.
• Risk cover and services: app-based crop insurance, credit and extension reach remote farmers.

Steps taken by the government

• e-NAM, the electronic National Agriculture Market, integrating mandis online.
• Soil Health Card scheme with digitised nutrient recommendations.
• Kisan Suvidha, mKisan and AGMARKNET for advisories and price information.
• Direct benefit transfer for income support and input subsidies.
• BharatNet rural broadband to extend connectivity for these services.

Realising the full benefit requires bridging the rural digital divide, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring local-language, mobile-first services so that even small and marginal farmers can participate.