The Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2025-26, presented in Parliament by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday, has spotlighted Jharkhand's pioneering GIS-based climate-smart agriculture and agri stack scheme as a significant state-level innovation. The survey emphasized that such targeted agricultural reforms, when equipped with advanced technology, hold immense promise for driving positive outcomes across India's agricultural landscape.
Jharkhand's Agricultural Innovation Gains National Recognition
Launched in 2024, Jharkhand's GIS-based climate-smart agriculture and agri stack scheme aims to revolutionize farming practices through farm-level tracking and climate-informed planning. While outcome indicators are still under development, the initiative has been hailed for its potential to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The Economic Survey specifically cited this scheme among select state-level innovations that could propel India's agriculture story forward, underscoring the importance of localized, technology-driven approaches.
State Government's Perspective on the Scheme
In an exclusive conversation with TOI, Jharkhand's Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey clarified that the scheme is fundamentally a central government initiative with two distinct components. Interestingly, Jharkhand introduced these components even before Minister Tirkey assumed office following the November 2024 assembly elections. "We are actively working to accelerate this project to facilitate informed planning within the agriculture sector," Minister Tirkey stated. "We anticipate the Centre will provide all necessary support to address any initial challenges that may arise during implementation."
Current Status and Future Plans
A senior official from the state agriculture department revealed that the scheme is currently in its nascent stages, but efforts are underway to scale it up effectively. The official elaborated on the two primary components: first, the installation of micro-level GIS-based climate monitoring devices to enable agriculture planning aligned with local climatic and environmental conditions; and second, a centralized online application designed to survey and update per-acre details of specific agricultural farms, including land nature and crop outputs.
"Both components are actively being developed," the official confirmed. However, he noted challenges in implementing the agro-climatic equipment, mentioning that tenders have been floated three to four times without attracting suitable players due to the exhaustive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the Centre. "We are exploring ways to fast-track this through convergence with other schemes to overcome these hurdles," he added.
Broader Implications for Indian Agriculture
The recognition of Jharkhand's scheme in the Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights a growing trend towards integrating technology into agriculture to address climate challenges and improve efficiency. As India continues to seek innovative solutions to boost agricultural productivity, such state-led initiatives could serve as models for other regions, fostering a more resilient and sustainable farming ecosystem nationwide.
