Technology missions

Published on 11 Mar 2025

Technology missions are government-led initiatives designed to promote the development and application of advanced technologies in specific sectors. In the context of agriculture, technology missions aim to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability through the use of modern technologies.   

Evolution of Technology Missions in India

• 1980s: The Emergence of Technology Missions

• Background: The concept of technology missions was introduced by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in the mid-1980s. The idea was to leverage technology to solve pressing national problems in a focused manner.

• Key Focus Areas: The initial technology missions targeted issues like drinking water, literacy, immunization, telecommunication, and oilseeds.

• Example: The National Drinking Water Mission (1986) aimed to provide safe drinking water to rural areas, utilizing advances in drilling technology and water management.

• 1990s: Expansion and Diversification

• Agricultural Missions: The Technology Mission on Oilseeds (1986) was extended to include pulses and maize, addressing India’s dependency on imports and aiming for self-sufficiency in edible oils.

• Example: The Technology Mission on Oilseeds and Pulses (TMOP) used high-yielding varieties and improved irrigation techniques, leading to increased domestic production and reduced imports.

• Telecommunication Mission: The Telecom Technology Mission (1985) aimed to expand telecommunication networks across the country, leading to significant improvements in rural connectivity by the 1990s.

• 2000s: Focus on Public Health and Energy

• Health and Nutrition: The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) (2005) was launched to address public health infrastructure and services, particularly in rural areas.

• Renewable Energy: The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (2010) aimed to promote the use of solar energy through technological innovations, leading to a substantial increase in solar power capacity across the country.

• 2010s: Digital and Green Initiatives

• Digital India (2015): Aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, focusing on digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and the delivery of services through technology.

• Example: The Digital India Mission brought about a surge in internet connectivity, e-governance, and digital services across the country, particularly in rural areas.

• Green Revolution 2.0: Building on the success of the Green Revolution, newer technology missions were introduced to enhance agricultural productivity sustainably, focusing on climate-resilient crops and modern farming techniques.

• 2020s: Emerging Technology and Sustainability

• Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative (2020): Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on boosting local production and technological innovation across sectors, including pharmaceuticals, defense, and electronics.

Example: The mission emphasizes cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and renewable energy to achieve self-reliance and sustainable development.

Tags:
Economy

Keywords:
Technology missions Agriculture evolution of technology missions

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Indian Economy