Space technology to support flagship national initiatives

The Department of Fisheries with the technology developed by ISRO using NavIC and communication satellite has rolled out the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) project under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to provide safety-of-life and disaster alerts to fishermen. This project is implemented in coastal states including West Bengal. BharatNet Programme also aims to provide broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats. ISRO’s Bhuvan Geoportal provides online services of remote sensing data, thematic maps and geotagging support, facilitating rural planning in line with Digital India needs.

Roof-top Photo Voltaic (PV) potential assessment was done for 98 smart cities using space inputs, including four cities in West Bengal.

Towards agricultural monitoring, Jute Crop Information System is developed to address crop acreage, surveillance of crop condition and production estimate using geospatial approach. Production forecast for Potato, an important cash crop in West Bengal and Crop Area Estimation for Groundnuts is done through remote sensing based methods. Bangla Shasya Bima Scheme, a crop insurance mechanism involving geospatial approach is implemented in association with private insurance provider and technology partner.

www.pib.gov.in