WHY DO WE NEED IT.

INDIA suffers considerable losses

due to crop damage every year.
140,000 crore for 2006-07.
The only method that the
government has, at present, to find
out statistics of crop losses is
through patwaris.
To verify the claims of crop loss.

Crop Condition Monitoring A

Crop Condition Monitoring B

HOW IT WORKS:
The biomass index is calculated with the help of remotesensing data on rainfall and soil moisture.
The biomass index graph will rise with the growth and
ripening of the crop. If there is an abnormal dip
somewhere, it indicates crop damage either due to
excess heat, irrigation issues or diseases.
The Union ministry of
science and
technology (MoST)
uses biomass index to
monitor crop health.
The model is being
tested in
Haryanaamong the
three major wheat
growing states in the

FAULTS, DRAWBACKS & LOOPHOLES IN THE MODEL:

The model has to run along with the existing system of
Patwaris.
Some scientists say that the biomass index is not a very
reliable indicator as there is no substitute for survey and
surveillance.
There are diseases like yellow rust, red rust and stem
rust affecting wheat. There is this new disease called
the Karnal bunt in which biomass is not affected.

Thank you for your time

References:
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/6558
Down to Earth, 30 sept. 2007 issue.