E-technology has brought about transformative changes in the agricultural sector, especially in a diverse and vast country like India.
E-technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce
1. Access to Information: KISAN TV Platform offer guidance on seed selection, pest control, and best farming practices, tailored to regional and crop-specific needs.
2. E-Governance Initiatives: e-NAM (National Agriculture Market): A pan-India electronic trading portal, it networks existing Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
3. Kisan Call Centres: Farmers can get real-time advice from agricultural experts through a toll-free number.
4. Mobile Applications: Apps like “IFFCO Kisan” and “Agri App” offer information on market prices, weather forecasts, and agricultural advisories.
5. Soil Health Cards: Using technology, the government issues soil health cards to farmers. These cards provide information about the health of soil, which helps farmers improve productivity by optimizing fertilizer use.
6. Remote Sensing Technology: Satellite imagery and drones can monitor crop health, assess damage from natural calamities, and evaluate soil health, enabling timely interventions.
7. Online Marketplaces: Platforms like “BigHaat” and “DeHaat” connect farmers directly with buyers, eliminating middlemen, and ensuring better prices for their produce. They also provide access to quality agricultural inputs.
8. Access to Credit and Insurance: Fintech platforms provide farmers with access to credit based on data analytics, enabling them to invest in better agricultural inputs.
Conclusion:
However, challenges like limited internet penetration, digital literacy, and infrastructure issues in rural areas need to be addressed to fully harness the potential of e-technologies in agriculture.
