The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a data-driven digital public good known as DiCRA, which stands for Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture. DiCRA offers open access to essential geospatial datasets crucial for climate-resilient agriculture. This collaborative initiative, guided by principles of open access and powered by cutting-edge data science and machine learning, identifies farms resilient to climate change and vulnerable ones. NABARD will host and manage the DiCRA platform, utilizing its datasets for policymaking, research, and development, with UNDP’s technical support. Over five years, this partnership aims to promote collective climate action and empower rural India economically through innovative platforms and products.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- UNDP (United Nations Development Programme): UNDP is a global organization that works to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable development, and address various social and economic challenges worldwide.
- NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development): NABARD is an apex financial institution in India that focuses on rural development by providing credit and other support to the agriculture and rural sectors.
- Geospatial Datasets: Geospatial datasets refer to geographical data containing information about the Earth’s features, such as land use, elevation, and location, which are crucial for mapping and analysis.
- Climate Resilience: Climate resilience is the capacity of systems, communities, and ecosystems to withstand and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change while maintaining essential functions and productivity.
- Open Data: Open data signifies information that is freely available to the public, often without restrictions, fostering transparency, innovation, and collaboration in various fields, including agriculture and policymaking.
