Goa Launches Digital Crop Survey to Modernize Agriculture

Panaji, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: Roque Dias

Margao

In an effort to modernise Goa’s farming sector, the agriculture department has decided to commence a Digital Crop Survey (DCS) across the state during the kharif season starting August 1 to combine land records and crop information into one simple system. This initiative marks a significant step towards the digitisation of agriculture in Goa, aiming to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the farming community.

The decision to implement the Digital Crop Survey follows the successful completion of a pilot project in the villages of Raia, Old Goa, and Surla in December 2023. This pilot project covered a total of 6,000 land parcels, allowing the agriculture department to test the feasibility and effectiveness of the digital survey approach. The pilot's results provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology into agricultural practices.

The agriculture department has appointed approximately 200 temporary surveyors and plans to add another 200 to conduct the survey across lakhs of land parcels, spanning 425 revenue villages in 191 panchayats. The scale of this undertaking highlights the government's commitment to modernising agriculture and ensuring that farmers have access to reliable and up-to-date information about their land and crops. The survey is scheduled to be completed by September 15, aiming for a swift turnaround to facilitate timely access to data for farmers.

According to Director of Agriculture Chandrahas Desai, the central government has launched Agristack, a digital initiative designed to modernise the farming sector and provide a unique digital identity to farmers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to leverage technology for agricultural enhancement, ensuring that farmers can benefit from various government schemes and services. By integrating land records, crop details, and government benefits into a single system, the survey is expected to make farming more transparent, efficient, and farmer-friendly.

Assistant Director of Agriculture Saieesh Gandhi elaborated on the practical aspects of the survey, stating, "We have acquired data from the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records. Surveyors will visit sites to capture geo-tagged photographs and record crop data via a mobile application, which will subsequently be verified. We will not record ownership or cultivator details at this stage; those aspects will be addressed during the second phase when Plot IDs and Farmer IDs are issued." This phased approach allows for a more streamlined process, ensuring that the immediate focus remains on crop identification.

Gandhi further explained that the 45-day survey will focus primarily on crop identification, which is a crucial aspect of understanding agricultural practices in Goa. Once the Plot ID and Farmer ID are linked, farmers will benefit from easier access to bank loans—typically up to Rs 1.6 lakh—and accurate crop insurance coverage based on precise record data. This financial support is essential for farmers, particularly in a state where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and the livelihoods of many families.

According to the existing Records of Rights (RoR), there are approximately 6.5 lakh land parcels in Goa cultivating various crops. Gandhi noted, "We will obtain land conversion data from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) office to ensure the survey is comprehensive and verified." This data will be essential for understanding the dynamics of land use in Goa, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about land conversion and its implications for agricultural sustainability.

While the survey will primarily focus on crop identification, sources indicate that it will also determine the extent of converted agricultural land and its current status. This aspect is particularly important in the context of Goa's unique geographical and environmental challenges, where agricultural land is often under pressure from urbanisation and development. Additionally, the survey will aim to identify specific areas of barren land across the state, providing insights into potential areas for future agricultural development or rehabilitation.

However, the implementation of the Digital Crop Survey is not without its challenges. Surveyors may face difficulties in areas where land parcels are enclosed by fences or gates, potentially hindering access to certain plots. Such logistical challenges could impact the accuracy and completeness of the data collected, making it essential for the agriculture department to develop strategies to address these issues proactively.

Furthermore, the timing of the survey has raised some concerns among local farmers. "The government’s initiation of parallel land record surveys in the state ahead of the general assembly elections has created space for doubts," remarked a farmer, reflecting a sentiment shared by others in the agricultural community. There is a perception that the survey may be politically motivated, with some farmers expressing skepticism about the government's intentions and the long-term benefits of the digital initiative.

Despite these concerns, the Digital Crop Survey represents a pivotal moment for agriculture in Goa. The integration of technology into farming practices has the potential to revolutionise the sector, providing farmers with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their crops and land. As the survey progresses, it will be crucial for the agriculture department to maintain transparency and engage with the farming community to build trust and ensure that the benefits of the initiative are realised.

As Goa embarks on this digital journey, the implications of the Digital Crop Survey extend beyond mere data collection. By establishing a comprehensive digital framework for agriculture, the state could pave the way for improved agricultural policies, enhanced access to resources, and a more resilient farming community. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states in India, highlighting the importance of embracing technology in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.