As per budget 2020-21, mapping and geo-tagging of agri-warehousing will be done by _______.

The correct answer is National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Key Points

• As per the Union Budget 2020-21, the government announced the mapping and geo-tagging of agricultural warehousing facilities to improve storage infrastructure efficiency.
• The responsibility for this task was given to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), which plays a key role in agricultural and rural development in India.
• NABARD will assist in identifying gaps in warehousing infrastructure and ensure scientific storage systems are promoted across the country.
• The initiative aims to address issues like post-harvest losses by enhancing logistics and storage facilities for agricultural produce.
• This is in line with the government's vision to boost farmer incomes and reduce wastage in the supply chain.

Additional Information

• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD):
  • NABARD was established in 1982 under the NABARD Act, 1981, to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.
  • It provides credit and financial support to rural infrastructure projects and agricultural initiatives.
  • It also works on institutional development and supervises cooperative banks and regional rural banks.
• Agricultural Warehousing in India:
  • Agricultural warehousing involves the storage of crops to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure timely availability of produce in the market.
  • India faces significant challenges in terms of inadequate warehousing infrastructure, leading to spoilage of crops.
  • Efforts like geo-tagging and mapping aim to streamline storage and logistics in agriculture.
• Geo-Tagging:
  • Geo-tagging refers to the process of adding geographical identification metadata to various media, like photos, videos, or data points.
  • In the context of agriculture, geo-tagging can help identify locations of warehouses and monitor their utilization efficiently.
• Government Initiatives for Farmers:
  • The government has launched various schemes like the PM-KISAN, eNAM, and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to support farmers.
  • Improved warehousing and logistics are critical components of the strategy to double farmers' incomes by 2022.