New scheme to study crops using AI: What is CROPIC

📰 In News: CROPIC – AI-based Crop Monitoring Study

Launched By: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Full Form:CROPIC – Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of CropsKey Features:

• Objective: Use AI + field photographs to assess crop health, stress, and mid-season losses.
• Coverage:
  • Pilot: Kharif 2025 & Rabi 2025-26.
  • Initially in 50 districts per season, across different agro-climatic zones.
  • To be scaled nationwide by 2026 for all major crops under PMFBY.
• Implementation:
  • Mobile App developed by Agriculture Ministry.
  • Photos crowd-sourced from farmers + collected by officials.
  • AI-based cloud platform → photo analysis → dashboard visualization.
• Purpose:
  • Build crop signature database.
  • Automate loss assessment & compensation under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
• Funding: Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) under PMFBY (₹825 crore outlay).

Significance for UPSC:

• Links Agriculture + AI + Insurance (PMFBY).
• Part of Digital Innovations in Agriculture.
• Enhances financial resilience of farmers.
• Pilot phase → full rollout in 2026.
  
  
  Updated: June 11, 2025 06:34 PM IST | Indian Express