What Should Farmers Know About Satellite Verification of Groundnut Crop Registrations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Satellite verification enhances the registration process.
- Farmers are encouraged to verify details with local officials.
- Registration deadline extended to September 22.
- Farmers are advised to keep geo-tagged evidence.
- Training on using the mobile app is available.
Gandhinagar, Sep 17 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat has launched a satellite image-based verification system along with digital crop surveys for farmers registering under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme for groundnut procurement.
During the verification process, it was found that less than 10 percent of the registered survey numbers did not have groundnut cultivation. Farmers associated with these plots have received notifications via SMS.
Officials have reassured that these alerts should not induce worry. Farmers who have indeed planted groundnut on their registered fields are encouraged to reach out to their village gram sevak for validation.
Additionally, they can verify their information through the village surveyor or by downloading the Digital Crop Survey–Gujarat mobile app and conducting the survey personally.
Dr. Anju Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, stated that the registration deadline for MSP procurement of groundnut, moong, urad, and soybean has been extended until September 22 to promote broader farmer involvement.
As of September 17, over 8.79 lakh farmers have registered for groundnut, 66,000 for soybean, 5,000 for urad, and more than 1,100 for moong.
Sharma emphasized that farmers receiving SMS alerts despite having cultivated groundnut should remain calm, as procurement will only commence following field verification. Lists of such survey numbers have already been dispatched to district offices for cross-validation.
To facilitate the verification process, the Agriculture Department is also providing training on utilizing the mobile app through the Vande Gujarat channel. Farmers are advised to maintain a geo-tagged photo of their crop as supporting evidence. “The message is clear,” said Sharma.
“Authentic groundnut cultivators need not be concerned. Their produce will be purchased at MSP once verification is finalized.”
In the 2024–25 agricultural season, Gujarat boasts approximately 90 lakh (9 million) farmers and farm workers, constituting about 65 percent of the state's total workforce. The state is a major producer of both food and cash crops.
During the Kharif season, key crops include bajra (pearl millet), maize, paddy (rice), groundnut (peanut), and cotton.
In the Rabi season, crops such as wheat, mustard, cumin, and various vegetables are cultivated. Moreover, sugarcane is grown in select districts.