Agricultural Technology and Innovation — Policy Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
N/A (Policy/Act)	2007	The National Policy for Farmers (NPF) 2007, often referred to as the M.S. Swaminathan Committee Report, provided a comprehensive framework for farmer welfare. While not a constitutional amendment, it significantly 'amended' the policy approach to agriculture by emphasizing technology dissemination, credit, market access, and risk management.	Shifted policy focus towards holistic farmer welfare, recognizing technology as a key driver. Influenced subsequent schemes and programs aimed at improving farmer income and agricultural productivity.
N/A (Act)	2001	The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPV&FRA), 2001, was a landmark legislative 'amendment' to India's intellectual property regime concerning agriculture. It provided a sui generis system for protecting plant breeders' rights while simultaneously safeguarding farmers' traditional rights over seeds.	Encouraged plant breeding and R&D by providing IPR protection. Crucially, it empowered farmers to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share, or sell farm produce including seed of a protected variety, balancing innovation with farmer interests, especially relevant for seed technology and GM crops.
N/A (Policy/Rules)	2021	The Drone Rules, 2021, replaced the earlier Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021, significantly liberalizing the regulatory framework for drone operations in India. This 'amendment' in regulations facilitated easier deployment of drones for various applications, including agriculture.	Boosted the adoption of drone technology in agriculture for precision spraying, crop monitoring, and mapping. Reduced regulatory hurdles and compliance costs, encouraging agri-tech startups and farmers to utilize drones more widely, thereby enhancing efficiency and resource management.