Progress in Generating Unique Digital Farmer IDs
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare reported significant progress in creating Unique Digital Farmer IDs, with over 10.18 crore IDs generated as of 20th July 2026. These IDs are designed to streamline the direct transfer of subsidies and technical advisories to farmers across India. The state-wise breakdown shows Uttar Pradesh leading with 2,43,52,649 IDs, followed by Maharashtra with 1,35,05,033 IDs, and Madhya Pradesh with 1,13,53,326 IDs. Other states with substantial numbers include Rajasthan (87,23,010), Karnataka (64,43,972), Gujarat (62,25,462), Bihar (55,31,133), Andhra Pradesh (50,42,388), and Telangana (50,02,227).
Integration with Agricultural Schemes and Satellite Technology
The Farmer IDs enable integration with multiple Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes including registrations under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna (PM Kisan), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY), Minimum Support Price (MSP) based procurement, access to credit delivery, input distribution, and disaster relief. The integration of satellite imagery has significantly optimized PMFBY operations through four key initiatives: Yield Estimation System based on Technology (YES-TECH) uses satellite remote sensing data and crop yield estimation models to generate technology-based crop yield at insurance unit level; Smart Sampling for Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) uses satellite-derived vegetation indices to identify variations in crop health and optimize CCE planning; Dispute Resolution utilizes remote sensing for objective assessment of crop conditions to resolve area discrepancy and yield disputes between State Governments and Insurance Companies; and Rapid Crop Damage & Inundation Assessment employs multi-temporal satellite imagery for rapid mapping of affected areas during natural calamities through automated workflows of the Krishi Decision Support System (DSS).
Drone Technology Adoption and Training Programs
The Ministry has implemented several initiatives to promote agricultural drone usage. Under the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM), financial assistance of up to 50% is provided for agriculture graduates and Small and Marginal farmers of the North Eastern States for procuring kisan drones, while other farmers receive 40% assistance. Additionally, 40% financial assistance is provided for establishing Custom Hiring Centres of Kisan Drones. A total of 2,122 drones have been distributed/approved under the SMAM scheme. The Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs) at Budni (Madhya Pradesh), Hisar (Haryana), and Biswanath Chariali (Assam) are DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organizations that have trained 155 drone pilots to date. Under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, which is exclusively for identified Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), a comprehensive 15-day training program on agricultural drone operation including Drone Pilot Licence is conducted at 274 DGCA-approved RPTOs across the country. The scheme has provided 1,094 drones to selected SHGs, with members trained as drone pilots.