ICT/ E-Technology for farmers
Information and communication
technology to farmers is related to linking the farmers together and as well
with a central authority for addressing their concerns, imparting them useful
information with respect to increasing their productivity in agriculture,
several tools for managing agriculture in a better way, grievance redress
and taking their feedbacks & action taking on the same. A number of initiatives have been taken by the
government as it has launched significant mobile applications, launched the
websites like Government e-marketplace for selling the products.
This needs to be drilled down and
more awareness needs to be spread so that the initiatives are successful in
achieving their purposes. Besides, the government has to make sure that the implementation
is close to expectation and authentic as well. Fake reports should not be generated in the name of development. Last five year India has changed
its trajectory and moved closer in achieving the mission of e-governance. Today all the government ministries have a website and all the current initiatives can be found in one place. It has created
several portals and interfaces to connect with not only the farmers but as well
to a larger audience from different backgrounds. This is a good sign and certainly a sign of change.
Scope:
- Weather Forecasting including rains, storms, heat situation, water availability
- Authentic news dissipation like the pricing of various commodities, MSP related information
- Checking the quality of the soil
- Counseling of the farmers not only with respect to agriculture but as well as the loan related information, depression adjustment, education, entrepreneurship ideas, etc.
- Upload live videos and imparting training or suggesting a solution to specific problems with the help of experts
- Better transparency in taking the direct feedbacks with any non-cooperation with the local authority, cheat conduct etc.
Overall, Information & Communication technology has great potential
and can cover matters holistically. It could prove to be a game changer if
used judiciously and with the right intent. We need to keep in mind that agriculture directly or indirectly employs almost 60% of the population. Yet, because of the lacunas and the small percentage contribution(~15%) to the Gross Domestic Product of the country, it has implications on the income and lifestyle of those involved. Every day almost 45 farmers commit suicide in India. India needs to adopt a farmer first policy and work incessantly for their betterment.
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