• The government has launched an unified portal for agricultural statistics (UPAg) that will empower stakeholders to access credible and objective data for taking informed decisions.

• The UPAg, developed by the ministry of agriculture, is a crucial component of digital public infrastructure for agriculture.

• The platform, designed to streamline and enhance data management in the agricultural domain, marks a significant step towards a more efficient and responsive agricultural policy framework.

• This initiative aligns with the principles of e-governance, bringing smartness, transparency, and agility to India's agriculture sector.

Highlights of UPAg portal:

• Currently, agricultural data is scattered across various sources and often presented in different formats and units. UPAg Portal aims to consolidate this data into a standardised format, making it easily accessible and understandable for users.

• Reliable data is crucial for accurate policy decisions. UPAg portal ensures that data from sources like Agmarknet is vetted and updated in a timely manner, providing policymakers with accurate information on agricultural prices.

• To form a comprehensive view of any crop, multiple variables need to be considered, including production, trade, and prices. UPAg portal brings together data from various sources, providing a holistic assessment of agricultural commodities.

• Data updates at different times, causing delays and inefficiencies. UPAg portal offers real-time connectivity with data sources, reducing the time and effort required for monitoring and analysis.

• The portal standardises data on prices, production, area, yield, and trade, making it accessible in one location, eliminating the need to compile data from multiple sources.

• It will perform advanced analytics, offering insights such as production trends, trade correlations, and consumption patterns, aiding policymakers in making informed decisions.

• The portal will generate granular production estimates with increased frequency, enhancing the government’s ability to respond to agricultural crises swiftly.

• Commodity profile reports will be produced using algorithms, minimising subjectivity and providing users with comprehensive insights.

• Users will have the flexibility to use the portal’s data to prepare their own reports, promoting data-driven decision-making.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store