The Agri-Stack Revolution: Transforming Indian Agriculture with Digital IDs

INDIA’S Agri-Stack REVOLUTION: DIGITAL IDENTITIES FOR FARMERS

Synopsis

India’s ambitious AgriStack initiative is reshaping agricultural governance through digital innovation. The Digital Crop Survey and Farmer Identification Drive aim to assign a unique Digital Farmer ID to every cultivator in the country. So far, more than 72 million IDs have been issued across 14 states, enabling seamless access to benefits under schemes like PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and agricultural credit programs. By FY2026, the government plans to issue over 90 million IDs, streamlining subsidy delivery, improving crop data accuracy, and supporting evidence-based rural policy design.

What is AgriStack?

AgriStack is a comprehensive digital database that integrates farmers’ personal details, land records, and cropping information. Each farmer is assigned a Digital Farmer ID — also known as Kisan Pehchaan Patra — linked to land and crop data, simplifying benefit distribution, scheme monitoring, and access to services.

Why AgriStack Matters

- Eliminates duplication in welfare schemes like PM-Kisan and crop insurance.
- Improves efficiency in subsidy transfers, crop forecasting, and credit delivery.
- Empowers farmers with access to digital platforms for inputs, loans, and advisory support.
- Enables real-time policymaking with accurate data on farm size, crop types, and productivity.

How the System Works

1. Digital Crop Survey (DCS)

Uses geo-referenced maps and satellite imagery to identify and record crops planted on each plot.

2. Farmer Registries

States upload verified farmer data into the AgriStack database, integrating it with land and crop records.

3. Funding Support

The government has allocated ₹4,000 crore for registry creation and ₹2,000 crore for digital crop surveys under FY26 plans.

4. Centre–State Collaboration

29 states and UTs (excluding West Bengal and a few Union Territories) have signed MoUs with the Central Government to adopt AgriStack.

Significance of AgriStack

- Precision Targeting: Ensures only genuine farmers receive PM-Kisan payments or insurance benefits.
- Improved Crop Planning: Helps monitor and manage production patterns crucial for food security.
- Financial Inclusion: Digital IDs enhance access to credit, insurance, and subsidies, especially for small and marginal farmers.
- Data-Driven Governance: Enables predictive analytics for yield, monsoon patterns, and soil health.

State-Level Progress

Uttar Pradesh: Leads with 14.7 million farmer IDs, achieving the highest registry completion.
Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh: Integrated crop and credit data under pilot projects.
Rajasthan & Gujarat: Scaling registry operations rapidly with local verification drives.

FAQs

1. What is the main goal of AgriStack?

To build a digital ecosystem combining data on farmers, land, crops, and markets — improving governance, transparency, and the delivery of agricultural services.

2. How are Digital Farmer IDs created?

IDs are generated after verifying land records, Aadhaar, and crop survey data using geo-tagged village maps.

3. What benefits can farmers access through Digital IDs?

Farmers can receive:
- PM-Kisan direct benefit transfers
- PMFBY crop insurance coverage
- Digital agricultural credit
- Soil health and advisory services

4. Why is the Digital Crop Survey crucial?

It authenticates which crops are grown on which lands, linking that data to loan eligibility and insurance claims, thus reducing fraud and duplication.

5. Which states are leading the farmer ID drive?

Top states include:
Uttar Pradesh: 14.7 million
Maharashtra: 11.8 million
Madhya Pradesh: 9.1 million
Rajasthan: 7.8 million
Gujarat: 5.7 million

6. How will AgriStack help policymakers?

By providing a unified data platform, AgriStack enables:
- Accurate agricultural statistics
- Efficient targeting of government schemes
- Evidence-based rural policy formulation