Digital India is reshaping the farm economy. Now it needs a last-mile push

Ziraat Times Editorial Board

The completion of 11 years of the Digital India programme is an appropriate moment to assess not only how far the country has progressed digitally, but also how technology is reshaping one of its oldest and most important sectors—agriculture. While digital transformation is often associated with urban services, online payments and e-governance, its impact on Indian farming deserves equal recognition.

The achievements are significant. Rural connectivity has expanded rapidly through BharatNet, Common Service Centres and increasing smartphone penetration, enabling millions of farmers to access government services without travelling long distances. Direct Benefit Transfers linked to the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile ecosystem have reduced delays and leakages in subsidy payments, while digital identity has made welfare delivery more transparent and accountable.

Agriculture-specific platforms are also beginning to create a more integrated digital ecosystem. The generation of over nine crore Farmer IDs under AgriStack marks an important step towards targeted service delivery. Integration with platforms such as e-NAM has improved access to agricultural markets, while AI-powered advisory services like Kisan e-Mitra, Kisan Sarathi and the nationwide network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras are helping farmers obtain information on crops, weather, pest management, insurance and government schemes with greater ease than ever before.

Digital payments have further simplified agricultural transactions. Farmers can receive payments directly into their bank accounts, purchase inputs through digital platforms and increasingly participate in formal financial systems. These developments have strengthened financial inclusion and reduced dependence on intermediaries.

Yet, Digital India’s agricultural promise remains only partially fulfilled. Many farmers, particularly in remote and hilly regions, still struggle with unreliable internet connectivity, limited digital literacy and language barriers. The availability of digital platforms alone does not guarantee meaningful adoption. Small and marginal farmers also require confidence that their personal data will remain secure and be used transparently.

The next phase of Digital India should therefore prioritise quality over scale. First, governments must invest in last-mile digital extension by training village-level agricultural facilitators who can help farmers use digital platforms effectively in local languages. Second, digital advisory services should become more location-specific by integrating real-time weather, soil health, market prices and pest surveillance into a single farmer-friendly interface.