Government launches Innovative Mobile Application and Web Portal for General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES) to Revolutionize Farming Practices

Source: The post is based on the article “Government launches Innovative Mobile Application and Web Portal for General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES) to Revolutionize Farming Practices”  published in PIB on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare(DA&FW) has launched the mobile application and the web portal for GCES (General Crop Estimation Survey).

What is the General Crop Estimation Survey(GCES)?

Estimates of crop production are obtained by multiplying the area under crop and the yield rate. 

The yield rate estimates are based on scientifically designed crop cutting experiments conducted under the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES). 

What are the key features of the mobile application and the web portal for GCES (General Crop Estimation Survey)?

Comprehensive Information: The portal and the app provide a comprehensive repository of yield estimation including village wise GCES plan and plot details where the crop cutting experiments are conducted, post harvesting crop weight and driage weight of the crop.

Geo-referencing: Geo-referencing is one of the key features of the mobile application, which enables the primary worker to draw the boundary of the experimental plot and upload photos of the plot as well as of the crops through it.This feature will ensure transparency and accuracy of the data as well.

What are the key challenges addressed by GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application?

Delay in Reporting: Till date data collection, compilation and yield estimation is a completely manual process which causes delay in reporting by states. 

– In the new process, the field data will be collected using GPS enabled mobile application and will be stored in the server which ensures on time reporting of crop statistics.

Transparency: GPS enabled devices provide precise latitude and longitude coordinates for data collection points. This information ensures that data is linked to specific geographic locations, leaving no room for ambiguity or manipulation of data regarding where it was collected.