E-TEHNOLOGY FOR FARMERS

E-TEHNOLOGY FOR FARMERS

E-technology is revolutionizing the agricultural landscape, empowering farmers with tools and information to enhance productivity, increase profitability, and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

Role Of E-Tech. In Agriculture Production:

5. National Project on Soil Health and Fertility:-Issuance of soil health cards to farmers of the country, so as to provide a basis to address nutrient deficiencies in fertilization practices. Soil Health Card Portal is available where farmers can track soil samples.
   
5. Yield assessments: YES-TECH, a technology-driven yield estimation system, offering methodologies, best practices, and integration insights for accurate yield assessments at the Gram Panchayat level.
   
5. WINDS Portal : It is a centralized platform that hosts, manages, and processes hyper-local weather data collected by Automatic Weather Stations and Rain Gauges at Taluk/Block and Gram Panchayat levels.

The portal enhances risk assessment and decision-making in crop insurance, agriculture advisories, and disaster mitigation, supporting the agricultural sector and rural economy.

5. Precision Agriculture: GPS technology by corporations improve the accuracy of farming practices like seeding and harvesting, which in turn reaps efficient use of resources.
   
5. Weather Forecasting and Crop Monitoring : E-technology provides farmers with real-time weather forecasts and tools to monitor crop conditions. Example Kisan Suvidha mobile app.
   
5. Agricultural Inputs: Connections are made possible by E-technology platforms between farmers and suppliers of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides etc. For example, the “SBI Yono Krishi app”.
   
5. Agricultural Machinery: E-technology platforms like wise connect the farmers with agricultural machinery suppliers, that they can take on rent or buy for enhancing their productivity. For example, Mahindra launched “Trringo,” an online aggregator for tractor rentals.
   
5. Remote Sensing Technology: Agencies such as ISRO utilize remote sensing technology to monitor crop health from a macro perspective, aiding in early detection of pest infestations and predicting agricultural outputs accurately.
   
5. Data-Driven Insights: Projects like Microsoft’s FarmBeats are transforming agriculture by providing farmers with actionable insights derived from analyzing diverse data sources, including drones and satellites, facilitating informed decision-making in agriculture.

5. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain solutions like AgriLedger have been developed to foster transparency in the agricultural supply chain, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their produce through secure and transparent record-keeping.
   
5. Land surveying: GPS based applications and drones effectively supporting land mapping and land record updating. Scheme like SWAMITVA is on this line .
   
5. Irrigation Management: Innovations like sensor-based irrigation systems from companies like Jain Irrigation are fostering water conservation through efficient water management, reducing wastage and promoting the optimal growth of crops.
   
5. Disease Monitoring: Apps like Plantix offer a vital service to farmers, allowing them to receive expert advice on disease control by simply uploading images of affected crops, helping in timely intervention and safeguarding crop health.

Role Of E-Tech. In Agriculture Products marketing:

5. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): It is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
   
5. Market Intelligence: E-technology platforms offer access to valuable market intelligence, including real-time prices and demand trends, enabling informed decisions on crop choices and optimal timing for sales. Ex: The Kisan Suvidha and Agmarknet portal .
   
5. Supply Chain Management: This can involve tasks such as tracking inventory, forecasting demand, and managing transportation.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, food waste can be reduced by up to 50% by using e-technology to improve supply chain management. Companies like ITC have leveraged their e-Choupal network for direct-from-farm procurement over the last two decades.

5. Transparent Product Information: QR codes on product packaging offer transparency and build consumer trust. Ex: In Neemrana where QR codes are used for product packaging is empowering rural areas economically by offering transparent information.
   
5. Direct Consumer Engagement: Leveraging social media platforms for marketing is fostering direct engagement between farmers and consumers, helping in building trust and creating a niche market for farm-fresh products, enhancing rural entrepreneurship.

5. Collaborative Marketing: Aggregator platforms like DeHaat and Ninjacart are pivotal in promoting collaborative marketing by aggregating small farmers’ produce, fostering rural entrepreneurship.
   
   

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES:

1) AGMARKNET:

Agricultural Marketing Information Network (AGMARKNET) was launched in 2000 by the Union Ministry of Agriculture.

It facilitates generation and transmission of prices, commodity arrival information from agricultural produce markets, and web-based dissemination to producers, consumers, traders, and policymakers transparently and quickly.

2) e-choupal:

An initiative by ITC provides alternative marketing channel, information on weather, agricultural practices, input sales, etc.

It is a kiosk located in a village and equipped with computer and internet access, which is managed by trained sanchalak.

3) National Agriculture Market (e-NAM):

The National Agriculture Market scheme (e-NAM) envisages initiation of e-marketing platform at national level and to support creation of infrastructure to enable e-marketing in regulated markets across the country

4) Kisan Call centre:

In order to harness the potential of ICT in Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare launched the scheme in 2004

Main aim of the project is to answer farmers’ queries on a telephone call in their own dialect

5) Village Resource Centres:

Village Resource Centres provide space-based services in the rural areas. They are one of the unique initiatives that use Satellite Communication (SATCOM) network and Earth Observation (EO) satellite data to reach out to the villages to address the needs of the local people in villages themselves.

6) Digital Agriculture Mission:

The Digital Agriculture Mission (2021–2025) aims to support and accelerate projects based on new technologies, like AI, block chain, remote sensing and GIS technology and use of drones and robots

7) Unified Farmer Service Platform (UFSP):

Act as a central agency in the agri ecosystem (like UPI in the e Payments)

Enables Registration of the Service Providers (public and private) and the Farmer Services.

Enforces various rules and validations required during the service delivery process.

8) AgriStack:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has planned creating ‘AgriStack’ – a collection of technology-based interventions in agriculture.

It will create a unified platform for farmers to provide them end to end services across the agriculture food value chain

CHALLENGES

Here are some challenges in e-technology adoption in agriculture, illustrated with real-world examples:

1. Digital Divide and Access:

• Example: A farmer in a remote village in India lacks access to reliable internet connectivity. This prevents them from using weather forecasting apps to plan irrigation or accessing online markets to sell their produce at better prices.
  
• Solution: Expanding internet infrastructure in rural areas through government programs, community-based initiatives, or private sector partnerships is crucial.

2. Cost and Accessibility:

• Example: A small-scale farmer in Kenya cannot afford to purchase a precision farming drone, which could help them identify pests and diseases early.
  
• Solution: Government subsidies, microfinance schemes, or leasing programs could make advanced e-technology tools more accessible.

3. Data Privacy and Security:

• Example: A farmer in Brazil is reluctant to use a farm management software platform due to concerns about their data being misused or sold to third parties.
  
• Solution: Developing clear data privacy policies, implementing robust security measures, and ensuring data encryption can build trust among farmers.

4. Integration and Compatibility:

• Example: A farmer in the US uses multiple e-technology tools for weather monitoring, irrigation, and crop management. However, these platforms are not interoperable, making it difficult for them to analyze data holistically.
  
• Solution: Encouraging the development of open-source platforms and promoting interoperability standards can facilitate seamless data sharing and integration.

5. Lack of Awareness and Training:

• Example: A farmer in Argentina is unaware of the benefits of using soil sensors to optimize fertilizer application. They lack the technical knowledge to understand and utilize such tools effectively.
  
• Solution: Developing targeted training programs, workshops, and educational resources can help bridge the knowledge gap and empower farmers to adopt new technologies.
  

6. Regulatory Barriers:

• Example: A farmer in Indonesia struggles to obtain permits for deploying drones for crop monitoring due to complex and time-consuming regulations.
  
• Solution: Streamlining regulatory frameworks, simplifying permitting processes, and fostering collaboration between government agencies and technology providers can facilitate e-technology adoption.

7. Trust and Skepticism:

• Example: A farmer in China is hesitant to adopt AI-powered pest control systems due to concerns about their effectiveness and potential environmental impacts.
  
• Solution: Demonstrating the benefits of e-technology through field trials, success stories, and independent evaluations can build trust and reduce skepticism among farmers.