Introduction

India, being one of the largest agricultural producers globally, heavily relies on accurate crop forecasting and monitoring. To enhance precision in estimating agricultural output, especially wheat, ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has developed a semi-automated satellite-based monitoring framework called CROP – Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress. This system has recently been used to project wheat production from eight major states at 122.724 million tonnes as of March 31, 2025.

What is CROP?

• CROP stands for Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress. It is an advanced, scalable, and semi-automated crop monitoring system that uses remote sensing technologies to observe the progress of crops from sowing to harvesting in near real-time.
• Developed by NRSC under ISRO, it caters primarily to seasonal monitoring, particularly during the rabi season when wheat is predominantly cultivated across India.

Objectives of CROP

• To monitor crop sowing, growth stages, and harvesting in near real-time.
• To provide accurate crop yield forecasts to aid policymakers, agricultural planners, and food security experts.
• To minimize dependency on manual field surveys by using advanced space technologies.
• To act as a decision-support tool for agricultural resilience, insurance, and food grain management.

How CROP Works

The CROP framework uses multi-source satellite data from both optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites to track agricultural activities under diverse climatic and environmental conditions.

Key Satellites Used:

These satellites together help detect crop type, monitor health, estimate acreage, and ultimately provide a yield forecast.

Significance of CROP

1. Near-Real-Time Data: CROP provides timely insights on the condition and progress of wheat crops, allowing for quick corrective interventions.
2. Weather Independence: With SAR imaging, crop monitoring is possible even in cloudy or low-light conditions.
3. Policy Planning: The projected wheat production of 122.724 million tonnes will help Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Ministry of Agriculture plan buffer stock, pricing, procurement, and exports.
4. Sustainability: The framework supports climate-resilient agriculture by tracking how extreme weather impacts crop growth.

Why CROP Matters for India

• India is the second-largest wheat producer in the world.
• Timely crop forecasts can reduce post-harvest losses and price volatility.
• Ensures food security by allowing real-time decisions on import/export, storage, and logistics.
• Helps in implementation of crop insurance schemes with reliable satellite data.

Conclusion

The CROP framework marks a technological leap in India’s approach to agricultural monitoring. By combining satellite imagery, automated analytics, and field validation, India is strengthening its food security apparatus. As climate uncertainties and population pressures rise, tools like CROP will be vital in ensuring sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.