Orissa State Launches Aadhaar-Linked Digital ID System for Farmers

The Indian state of Orissa is implementing a new Aadhaar-linked farmer identification system designed to streamline digital agricultural services. The initiative builds upon India’s nationwide mandate for Aadhaar-based welfare payments and marks a significant expansion of digital identity applications in the agricultural sector. The system will integrate multiple agricultural data points, including state land records and livestock ownership information, to create comprehensive digital profiles for farmers.

The digital identity system aims to simplify farmers’ access to government subsidies and benefits while providing real-time access to critical agricultural information. By connecting farmers’ Aadhaar numbers to their bank accounts and agricultural data, the system creates a unified platform for managing farming operations and receiving government support. The integration uses the Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) authentication infrastructure, which has recently expanded to include facial recognition capabilities.

Small and marginal farmers, who make up a significant portion of India’s agricultural workforce, are the primary beneficiaries of this initiative. The registration process requires farmers to provide their Aadhaar number, which serves as the foundation for connecting various agricultural services and data points. Notably, as per UIDAI guidelines, alternative verification methods must be available in cases where Aadhaar authentication fails, ensuring continuous access to essential services.

The Orissa state government is overseeing the implementation of the system, ensuring the necessary technological infrastructure and support mechanisms are in place. The digital initiative forms part of a broader effort to modernize agricultural services throughout the state, following the success of similar agritech innovations in India’s agricultural sector, including biometric systems for livestock management.

The system’s integration with existing agricultural databases and government services aims to reduce administrative complexity for farmers while ensuring timely delivery of benefits. The digital transformation supports broader governmental efforts to enhance technology in agricultural management and service delivery, demonstrating India’s growing commitment to digital identity solutions for public service delivery.

Sources: MENAFN

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December 28, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team