INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL MARKETING | Good MBA Colleges in Bangalore

Posted by Prof. G. N. Nagaraja On 18/11/2022 09:30:23

Background
Agriculture is the largest livelihood provider in rural India. In spite of this, the small farmer's gains are not enough compared to the efforts put in and agriculture cost inputs; this can affect the agricultural productivity and food security of the nation. In the agriculture sector, constant application of the latest ideas and better technologies is essential to enhance the economic wellbeing of the farmer. The bane of Indian agriculture is not a lack of technology or R&D efforts; it is inadequacy and inefficiencies in the dissemination of relevant information to the farming sector. So Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in agriculture can act as a driving force in the development process. good MBA colleges in Bangalore

Introduction

Knowledge is a primary resource, no less important than land, labor or capital for improving the lives of people. Knowledge is a useful resource and backed by adequate technological infrastructure and appropriate strategies, it can become a transformational factor for the overall development of agricultural markets. The progress of any market mainly depends on access to information.  
 

Need of ICT in Indian Agriculture

The ratio between farmers and extension workers is very low in India. Although the appointed Village Local Workers (VLWs) disseminate information, there is a lack of accountability. These two issues have created an urgency to effectively address the information needs of poor farmers. In addition, the cost involved in face-to-face information dissemination at the right time and the difficulties of reaching the target audiences have also created the urgency to introduce ICT for this purpose. It is only through the introduction of ICT that information can also be updated and extended at the lowest cost. There are several ICT models in Indian agriculture, which have made a significant difference in agricultural operations. top 20 MBA colleges in Bangalore

Information needs of farmers

The main focus of ICT in agriculture is meeting the farmers’ needs for information. The following are some vital needs of farmers that seem to be imperative for the growth and development of agriculture. MBA hospital management colleges in Bangalore

Market information: Market information including price updates of agricultural commodities of surrounding districts on a daily basis. For farmers, the price updates of markets outside their villages have a higher priority so that they can compare the prices and choose to sell at the appropriate place. top 10 MBA colleges in Bangalore

Information on latest techniques and technologies: Continuous advancement in technology brings up gradation to agricultural machinery and techniques too. Up-to-date information regarding the latest technologies in agriculture and animal husbandry is of immense importance for growth. MBA in data science in Bangalore

Information about rural development programs and subsidies: Provision of detailed information on Government initiatives for rural development for those the programs are addressed. The areas that suffer from droughts, floods, or other natural disasters frequently receive grants and subsidies from the Government. Information related to these programs is particularly important to small and marginal farmers. MBA colleges in Bangalore list

Weather forecasting: Updated information on weather such as temperature, humidity, and forecasts on rains.

Latest (best) packages of practices: Information on “best practices” of cultivation is an important need of the farmers. Information regarding drought-resistant varieties of certain crops can be important for farmers to withstand longstanding droughts in some areas.

Post-harvest technology: Education on post-harvest technology and storage is as vital as pre-harvest. Farmers are getting aware of the value addition of food processing. 

General agricultural news: General news and information related to various agricultural events in villages and districts.

Information on insurance/claim processing: Detailed information on crop insurance schemes, the type of damage covered and compensation offered premiums to be paid, etc.

Input prices and availability: Information relating to the availability of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, manures, etc., and prices.

Early warning and management of diseases and pests: In the areas of continuous droughts, pests and diseases do not generally pose a major threat. However, in other areas this information is useful. 

ICT in Agricultural Marketing

AGMARKNET: Ministry of Agriculture launched the ICT-based Central Sector Scheme of Agricultural Marketing Information Network (AGMARKNET), in March 2000, to link important agricultural produce markets spread all over the country and the State Agriculture Marketing Boards and Directorates. top ten MBA colleges in Bangalore

State Agricultural Marketing Boards (SAMB): Gives sustainable development of agriculture that improves the quality of life of the rural population Identifies the location of markets for connectivity under the Directorates of Marketing Scheme based on the importance of the market in commodity flow patterns.

IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL): Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) is a partnership between IFFCO and the mobile service provider Bharti Airtel. The initiative started in June 2007 and covers more 18 states in India. NAAC accredited MBA college in Bangalore

Kisan Call Centre: The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC), Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India launched Kisan Call Centers in 2004 in every state to deliver extension services and marketing information. The Queries related to agriculture and allied sectors are addressed through the Kisan Call Centers in the local language by the experts of Agriculture / Horticulture Departments, State Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutions, etc. (http://agricoop.nic.in/Policy incentives/ kisanCallfirst.htm).

Barriers in using ICT

  • Insufficient Power availability in rural areas
  • Poor ICT infrastructure
  • ICT illiteracy
  • Non-availability of relevant content
  • Lack of standardization
  • Non-integration of services
  • Poor advisory services and lack of localization

Conclusion

Service providers should gain confidence in the farming community. Awareness has to be created about the use of various ICTs tools. Efforts should be made to incorporate ICT in all endeavors related to agricultural development. The organisations and departments concerned with Agricultural development need to realize the potential of ICT for the speedy dissemination of information to farmers. Government at the national and state levels in India has to reorient agricultural policies so that a fully-fledged strategy is formed to harness ICT’s potential for assisting overall Agricultural development.
 

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