ISRO and Space Technology in Indian Agriculture: Transforming Crop Forecasting, Insurance, and Decision-Making
13 August 2025, New Delhi: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is harnessing space technology to enhance agricultural planning, crop forecasting, drought monitoring, and crop insurance in India. Key initiatives include the FASAL project, drought monitoring systems, technological integration in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and the development of advanced decision-support platforms.
FASAL Project for Crop Forecasting
Under the Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land-based Observations (FASAL) project, production forecasting is carried out for major crops including rice, wheat, tur, rapeseed & mustard, rabi jowar, cotton, jute, sugarcane, soybean, lentil, and gram. This integration of satellite imagery with agro-meteorological and field-based data enables more accurate and timely yield predictions.
Drought Monitoring with ISRO Collaboration
For drought monitoring, the Ministry has developed a Geoportal in collaboration with the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad. This portal compiles multiple drought indicators—rainfall patterns, soil moisture levels, remote sensing-based crop health, and water storage data—helping authorities and farmers prepare and respond effectively.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, shared these developments in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting how ISRO’s space technology is becoming a critical tool in India’s agricultural transformation.
Space Technology in PMFBY
Space technology is also being deployed in PMFBY for Smart Sampling in Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), yield estimation, and dispute resolution related to area and yield claims. This ensures transparency and accuracy in crop insurance settlements.
Krishi-DSS: Cloud-Based Geo-Spatial Platform
The Krishi Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS) is a cloud-based geo-spatial platform that integrates satellite data, weather information, soil layers, water resources, and field data. Equipped with specialised algorithms, Krishi-DSS supports agricultural management and informed decision-making for multiple stakeholders.
YESTECH for Transparent Yield Estimation
Between 2019 and 2023, pilot studies were conducted using satellites, UAVs, simulation models, and AI/ML techniques for yield estimation at the Gram Panchayat level. Based on successful trials, YESTECH (Yield Estimation System using Technology) has been rolled out for paddy and wheat from Kharif 2023, and soybean from Kharif 2024, ensuring faster and more transparent claim settlements for farmers under PMFBY.
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