Digital Literacy among Farmers

**Executive Summary** This document, dated December 2, 2025, outlines initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to promote digital literacy among farmers in India. These initiatives leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve crop productivity and address agricultural challenges. Key initiatives include "Kisan e-Mitra" and the National Pest Surveillance System. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Digital Inclusion:** * The government aims to ensure farmers, including those without mobile phones, can access digital services through existing support facilities. * The Government is making digital applications available in local languages through the integration of Bhashini Platforms. * **AI Initiatives:** * The government employs AI methods to improve crop productivity, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods. * **Kisan e-Mitra:** A voice-based AI chatbot assists farmers with queries related to PM KisanSammanNidhi, PM FasalBhimaYojna, and Kisan Credit Card, supporting 11 regional languages. Handles over 8000 farmer queries daily and so far, more than 93 lakh queries have been answered. * **National Pest Surveillance System:** Utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, allowing timely intervention for healthier crops. It is used by over 10,000 extension workers, supports 66 crops and over 432 pests, and uses AI-based analytics with field photographs for satellite-based crop mapping in crop-weather matching. **Impact Analysis** **Farmers** * **Impact:** Improved access to information, services, and support for agricultural practices. Enhanced ability to manage crops, mitigate pest attacks, and improve productivity. * **Action Required:** Utilize available digital resources and support facilities like Kisan e-Mitra and the National Pest Surveillance System to access relevant information and assistance. **Extension Workers** * **Impact:** Provides over 10,000 extension workers with tools to detect pest infestation in crop issues, allowing timely intervention for healthier crops. * **Action Required:** Use the National Pest Surveillance System tools to provide timely intervention and assistance to farmers.

Key Entities Referenced