Agricultural Data Management Framework (ADMF) 2023

This document provides a framework for managing agricultural data in Telangana, India, with the aim of promoting efficiency and protecting the rights of individuals. It is intended for government agencies, agricultural information providers, users, and data service providers operating within the region. This framework seeks to streamline data processes, responsibilities, and practices to benefit all stakeholders, while empowering farmers with control over their personal data.

Key Insights

Aims and Objectives

The primary objective is to ensure that agricultural data is managed efficiently for the advancement of the agriculture sector, while always protecting the rights of individuals.

Applicability

The framework applies to:

• All departments and agencies of the Government dealing with agriculture, horticulture, and allied activities.
• The Information Technology and Communications Department of the Government.
• All Agricultural Information Providers (AIPs), Agricultural Information Users (AIUs) and Data Service Providers (DSPs).

Definitions

Key terms defined within the framework include:

• Agricultural Data: Information related to agricultural business, production, and services.
• Agriculture Information Provider (AIP): Entities providing, creating, updating, securing, and maintaining agricultural data.
• Agriculture Information User (AIU): Entities receiving agricultural data from AIPs.
• Data Management Officer (DMO): Officers appointed by AIPs, AIUs, and DSPs to monitor data-related activities and ensure compliance with the Framework.

Principles of ADMF

The implementation of this Framework is guided by the following principles:

1. Notice and Consent Framework:
   • Data principals (farmers) must be provided with clear notice and give consent before their personal data is collected or processed. “Data principals must be provided with clear and conspicuous notice prior to collection or processing of personal data for a specific and lawful purpose, and must give their consent for the collection and processing of such personal data.” (p. 7)
2. Purpose-Based Limitation:
   • Processing of personal data should only be for the purposes specified in the framework.
3. Fair and Lawful Processing:
   • Collection and processing of data must be fair, lawful, and limited to what is necessary.
4. Responsibility and Accountability:
   • Every AIP, AIU, and DSP must designate a Data Management Officer (DMO).
5. Ease of Access with Responsible Sharing:
   • Agricultural data shall be accessible to the AIUs in an easy and convenient manner to accelerate the development of innovative technology solutions and their deployment to benefit the stakeholders.
6. Rights of Data Principals:
   • Data principals have the right to access, correct, and delete their personal data. “The data principal shall be provided access to their personal data and informed of the history of its uses and sharing with AIUs, if so requested by the data principal.” (p. 8)
7. Technological and Operational Safeguards:
   • All entities must establish safeguards for data security and privacy.

Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC)

• The IDC is chaired by the Secretary, Agriculture and includes representatives from various departments (Irrigation, Planning, Revenue, IT, etc.).
• The IDC can invite officials from other relevant departments, industry representatives, experts, and civil society organizations.

Functions of the IDC

The functions of the IDC include:

• Prescribing reporting formats.
• Issuing guidelines on qualifications, method of appointment, role, and responsibilities of DMOs.
• Issuing procedures to qualify and empanel DSPs.
• Issuing technical guidelines on data sharing methods.
• Notifying minimum safeguards, technical standards, and data formats.
• Developing policies, business processes and resources for enabling interoperability.
• Developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Coordinating with other agencies and departments of the Government.
• Updating and amending SOPs.

SOPs for Agencies Managing Agricultural Data

The IDC is responsible for issuing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to:

• Institutional Arrangement for Data Management (designating DMOs).
• Data Service Providers (qualifying and empanelling DSPs).
• Technical methods for sharing data.
• Quality of datasets.
• De-identification and anonymization.
• Compliance requirements.
• Capacity building.

Grievance Redressal

• Every AIP and AIU should designate a grievance redressal officer.
• A person aggrieved by the processing of agricultural data can make a complaint.
• An appellate panel is constituted by the IDC to consider appeals.

Key Statistics & Data

• The agriculture sector in Telangana involves 5 million farmers.
• This sector contributes about 15% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

Methodology

The document outlines a policy framework and establishes standard operating procedures (SOPs) for managing agricultural data. It involves defining key terms, setting principles, and creating an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to oversee implementation. The framework also provides guidelines for data collection, processing, sharing, and protection.

Implications and Conclusions

The ADMF 2023 aims to modernize agricultural data management in Telangana, balancing innovation with data privacy. Its successful implementation requires collaboration among government departments, agricultural stakeholders, and technology providers. By streamlining data processes and empowering farmers with control over their data, the framework seeks to improve agricultural productivity and profitability. Areas for further development may include specific technical standards for data interoperability and detailed guidelines for emerging technologies.