12-digit unique ID for farmers

Subject – Agriculture

Context – For easy access to schemes, Govt plans 12-digit unique ID for farmers, database

Concept –

The government has begun producing 12-digit unique IDs for farmers that can be utilized to avail all farm-related providers below varied schemes “seamlessly”
A unique ID for every farmer is a part of the Government’s initiative to create a database by collating information from varied schemes, corresponding to PM-Kisan, and linking them with land data.
The intent is to create a unified farmer service interface. The unique ID will enable them to seamlessly avail various Government schemes and credit facilities, and help the Centre and state governments in better planning of procurement operations.
So far, the database has been ready for 11 states, together with Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.
A database is being created from current schemes corresponding to PM-Kisan, Soil Health Card and PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
All farmer data in Central schemes will be linked to land record details available with state governments.
Aadhaar will be used as a deduplication mechanism.
Besides, linkage of land parcels via a Geographical Information System (GIS), the place maps are digitised by states, might be used.