- Complete the remaining work of the Digital Crop Survey by November 10
- Instructions issued to Collectors regarding the Digital Crop Survey during the Collectors’ Conference
- Emphasis placed on monitoring the survey, rectifying errors, and cross-verifying data
A review meeting regarding the progress of the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) was held today at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel. Collectors from all districts participated in the meeting via video conferencing. Detailed discussions were held regarding the survey’s progress, geo-referencing of land parcels (khasras), polygon creation, verification of actual crop status, and ensuring data quality.
Revenue Secretary Smt. Shammi Abidi informed that 93.84 percent of the Digital Crop Survey work in the state has been completed so far. While instructing officials to complete the remaining tasks on a priority basis, the Chief Secretary stated that the objective of the Digital Crop Survey is to record the area under cultivation for each land parcel based on actual ground reality. To achieve this, he directed that physical verification of crops, geo-tagging, polygon creation, and the uploading of relevant data into the survey system must be ensured.
- Complete the remaining survey work by November 10
The Chief Secretary instructed officials and Collectors to complete the remaining Digital Crop Survey work by November 10 without fail. He directed that land parcels lacking maps or geo-referencing be identified; polygons should be created for them, and crop-related information should be recorded and uploaded to the survey system. For this purpose, the actual status of paddy or other crops in the remaining parcels should be recorded using available village-wise data. Previous years’ crop records should also be referenced as needed. He stated that targets should be set to rapidly complete the remaining work in areas where the survey is already 90% or more complete. Surveyors, Patwaris, and other field staff from the Revenue Department should be mobilized, and progress should be reviewed regularly at the village level. He emphasized that the survey work must not be a mere formality but should be completed based on the actual status of the crops.
- Resolution of Farmers’ Issues in Gram Sabhas
The Chief Secretary announced that Gram Sabhas would be organized starting November 1. He directed that matters related to the digital crop survey be verified and resolved during these Gram Sabhas. Extensive publicity should be undertaken to inform farmers about the Gram Sabhas so that they can raise objections or report issues regarding any errors or discrepancies in their crop data. He instructed that village-wise lists be prepared of farmers whose crop-related information requires verification or correction. Farmers’ grievances should be heard and resolved during the Gram Sabhas, and necessary corrections updated in the records. Collectors should prepare an action plan for the survey—including the Gram Sabhas—and regularly review the applications and cases received for corrections.
- Special Emphasis on Data Quality and Cross-Verification
The Chief Secretary directed that cross-verification be conducted at both district and state levels to ensure the quality of the digital crop survey data. He stated that any errors or data-related discrepancies identified during the survey must be rectified immediately. Accountability will be fixed for the concerned officials and staff, and strict action will be taken in accordance with the rules if negligence is found. He warned that errors discovered after the records are finally frozen would be viewed seriously; therefore, all concerned officials and staff must perform their duties with the utmost responsibility. Regular checks regarding both the progress and quality of the survey should be conducted in every district. He issued specific instructions to record the actual status of all crops—including paddy—and to ensure that no eligible crop area is left out of the survey.
- Registration of Special Category Farmers
The Chief Secretary directed that farmers belonging to special categories be registered separately and their details uploaded to the Digital Crop Survey and AgriStack systems. Emphasis was placed on including information regarding farmers covered under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), farmers from forest-area villages, Gram Kotwars (village watchmen), and government leaseholders. He stated that the survey and registration for these categories of farmers must be completed within the stipulated timeframe, with the relevant reports uploaded by November 10. He gave specific instructions to regularly monitor operations—particularly in tribal districts and FRA areas—and to ensure the accurate registration of eligible farmers and the correct recording of crop-related details. The Chief Secretary remarked that accurate data, transparency, and accountability are essential for the success of the Digital Crop Survey. All officials must ensure that the survey is conducted based on ground realities and that farmers are given the opportunity to voice their concerns and seek necessary corrections. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary also directed Collectors to review the progress of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ works and pay due attention to their implementation.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department; Mr. Siddharth Komal Pardeshi, Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department;Senior officials, including Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Smt. Shammi Abidi, Director of Land Records Shri Vineet Nandanwar, and Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department Smt. Fariya Alam Siddiqui, were present.