Object Technology Solutions India (OTSI), a global IT services company, has recently introduced the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India.
This innovative platform, launched in September 2023, marks a significant milestone in providing real-time, standardized, and credible agricultural data to empower stakeholders and enhance the efficiency of agricultural policies.
The UPAg portal is a thoughtfully designed platform aimed at revolutionizing data management within the agricultural sector. It addresses the crucial requirement for objective data, reducing the reliance on subjective judgment in policymaking. The ultimate goal is to foster stability, transparency, and informed decision-making in India's agricultural landscape.
Chandra Talluri, the Chief Executive Officer of Object Technology Solutions India (OTSI), expressed their enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative.
The UPAg portal is expected to boost data accuracy and digital data governance in agriculture, offering users access to real-time, reliable, and standardized information. This objective data will pave the way for more responsive and efficient agricultural policies.
Presently, agricultural data in India is scattered across various sources and is often presented in diverse formats and units. The UPAg portal intends to rectify this situation by consolidating data into a standardized format. This will ensure easy access and comprehension for users and provide a comprehensive assessment of agricultural commodities by amalgamating real-time information on prices, production, area, yield, and trade from diverse sources.
UPAg Portal Key Features
-
Automated Crop Production Estimates- The portal employs an automated process that generates crop production estimates by collating data from various sources, including the Indian Express Group (IEG), Crop Weather Watch Group, Multi-National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC), and state government data. These estimates are invaluable for policymakers and other stakeholders in making informed decisions.
-
Deeper Insights into Agricultural Trends- The data hosted on the UPAg portal allows for a more profound understanding of agricultural trends and resource utilization. This information is crucial for shaping effective agricultural policies.
-
Data Sharing for Local Decision-Making- Collaboration between the UPAg portal and state governments enables the generation of granular-level estimates of crop production. These localized insights are instrumental in informing decisions at the regional and local levels.
-
Primary and Secondary Data Collection- The portal collects primary data related to crop area, production, and yield, as well as secondary data, such as prices and market arrivals. The collection and curation of secondary datasets from various sources, including government agencies, private organizations, and research institutions, improve the accuracy and timeliness of crop production estimates and provide a better understanding of market dynamics.
The UPAg portal serves as a comprehensive and reliable source of data and analytics that can significantly improve decision-making and outcomes in the agricultural sector. By offering standardized, real-time, and objective information, it not only enhances transparency but also empowers policymakers and stakeholders to make more informed and efficient agricultural policies for India.
