GIS

Bharat-VISTAAR’-a multilingual AI tool

The Union budget of India proposes ‘Bharat-VISTAAR’(Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) – a multilingual AI tool that shall integrate the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package on agricultural practices with AI systems. Bharat-VISTAAR is expected to
• Enhance farm productivity through scientific, data-backed advisory.
• Improve farmer decision making by offering personalised and timely information.
• Reduce production risks by predicting and managing climate, pest, and market uncertainties.
• Promote technology adoption in small and marginal farming.
• Strengthen last-mile service delivery, bridging the gap between agricultural research and farm practices. https://vistaar.da.gov.in

Space technology to support different national initiatives in India

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 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. 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