Digital agriculture in India: Problems of inclusion

Source: The post “Digital agriculture in India: Problems of inclusion” has been created based on “Digital agriculture in India: Problems of inclusion”, published in “Business Line” on 25th June 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS-3-Economics

Context: Digital agriculture refers to the use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensors, drones, online platforms, and digital advisory services across the agricultural value chain. The Government of India has promoted digital agriculture through initiatives such as the Digital Agriculture Mission (2024) and Bharat-Vistaar (2026). However, the success of these initiatives depends on adequate digital infrastructure and digital literacy among farmers.

Challenges of Inclusion in Digital Agriculture

1. Inadequate Digital Infrastructure

1. Although nearly 80 percent of rural households have internet access, only 8 percent of them have broadband connections.
2. Most rural households depend on mobile internet, which is often unreliable and inadequate for advanced digital services.
3. Significant regional disparities continue to exist in rural mobile connectivity across states.

2. Limited Access to Smartphones

1. Only about 51 percent of rural adults own a smartphone and have access to the internet.
2. A large section of the farming population is therefore unable to access digital agricultural services and government platforms.

3. Gender-Based Digital Divide

1. Only 37 percent of rural adult women own smartphones and have internet access.
2. This digital gap excludes many women farmers from benefiting from digital agricultural schemes and advisory services.

4. Social Inequalities in Digital Access

1. Ownership of smartphones and internet access is lower among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes than among Other Castes.
2. These inequalities increase the risk of exclusion of marginalized communities from the benefits of digital agriculture.

5. Low Levels of Digital Literacy

1. Many rural households have access to digital devices, but they lack the skills required to use them effectively.
2. Around 27 percent of rural households do not have a single member who can use the internet for informational purposes such as learning, digital payments, or accessing services.
3. Nearly 39 percent of rural adults can be considered digitally illiterate.

6. Poor Digital Proficiency

1. Only 55 percent of rural adults can send messages with attachments using smartphones.
2. Only 40 percent of rural adults can perform online transactions.
3. Very few rural adults possess the skills required to report cybercrime or use advanced digital services.

7. Exclusion from Government Schemes

1. Increasing digitization of agricultural services may prevent digitally excluded farmers from accessing benefits and support.
2. Farmers without smartphones, internet access, or digital skills may be left out of important agricultural programmes.

Government Initiatives

1. Digital Agriculture Mission

1. The Government of India launched the Digital Agriculture Mission in 2024 to create a farmer-centric digital ecosystem.
2. The mission was allocated ₹2,817 crore to promote digital transformation in agriculture.

2. Bharat-Vistaar

1. Bharat-Vistaar was launched in 2026 as an AI-enabled agro-advisory platform.
2. The initiative received an allocation of ₹150 crore in the Union Budget 2026–27.

3. Digital Bharat Nidhi

1. The Digital Bharat Nidhi was established to support the expansion of digital and telecommunication infrastructure in rural and remote areas.
2. However, a large portion of the collected funds remains unutilized.

4. Kerala Model

1. Kerala recognized internet access as a basic right in 2019.
2. The state achieved universal digital literacy in 2025.
3. Kerala also invested heavily in the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) to ensure equitable internet access.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Digital Infrastructure

1. The government should expand broadband and fibre-optic connectivity in rural and remote areas.
2. Unutilized funds under the Digital Bharat Nidhi should be effectively deployed for this purpose.

2. Improve Digital Literacy

1. The government should revive and strengthen programmes aimed at improving digital literacy in rural areas.
2. Special emphasis should be placed on practical digital skills relevant to agriculture and service delivery.

3. Bridge the Gender Divide

1. Targeted programmes should be implemented to improve smartphone ownership and digital literacy among women farmers.
2. Women should be encouraged to actively participate in digital agricultural initiatives.

4. Promote Inclusion of Marginalized Groups

1. Affordable access to smartphones and internet services should be provided to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other disadvantaged groups.
2. Digital platforms should be designed in local languages to improve accessibility.

5. Build Digital Skills

1. Farmers should be trained in digital payments, online transactions, cyber safety, and the use of agricultural applications.
2. Such training will enable them to fully utilize digital agricultural services.

6. Increase Public Investment

1. The government should invest more in rural digital infrastructure, especially in areas where private investment is unlikely to be profitable.
2. Public investment is essential to ensure universal and equitable access to digital services.

Conclusion: Digital agriculture has the potential to improve productivity, transparency, and sustainability in Indian agriculture. However, inadequate digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, gender disparities, and social inequalities continue to limit its reach. Therefore, the government must prioritize inclusive digital development to ensure that the benefits of digital agriculture reach all sections of rural India.

Question: Digital agriculture is being promoted as a transformative approach for Indian agriculture. However, issues of digital infrastructure and digital literacy create challenges of inclusion in rural India.” Examine. Suggest measures to make digital agriculture more inclusive.

Source: Business Line