e-Krishi is coming!

There has been a number of initiatives in Kerala in agricultural sector led by bodies like Rubber/Coconut/Arecanut/Spices/Horticulture boards and department of Agriculture. There are also several movements driven by initiatives of progressive farmers contributing to value addition methodologies like organic and biodynamic agriculture which have the potential to develop in Kerala. The reach of the schemes and programs can be greatly improved by bringing in all the Stakeholders together. Promotion of Good Agricultural Practices has to be pursued rigorously than ever before in the context of emerging global market situations. This would include efficient use of water resources through micro irrigation, IPM (Integrated Pest Management), INM (Integrated nutrient management), extensive documentation for the purpose of certification and labeling along with stringent laboratory backed monitoring of Chemical and Microbial residues in plant and animal products.

The proposed project, Market driven Agricultural Initiative through IT enabled Agri Business Centres in Kerala State addresses the existing gap in agriculture information flow and transaction management. The project envisages facilitating and enabling farmers and other Stakeholders through Agri Business Centres to interact with Agricultural Service Providers in the Private, Government and Non Government sectors. The project will provide a web based solution enabling the small and medium farmers as well as owners of large landholdings. Piloting shall be done in Malappuram with the participation of the existing Akshaya e-Kendra Entrepreneurs. The facilities and resources of Akshaya e-Kendras in terms of computers, printers, scanners, cameras etc. and intranet/internet connectivity, already established throughout Malappuram District (About 550 e-Kendras), can be leveraged to reach the masses of farming community and other stakeholders in Agriculture sector.

The network of Agri Business Centres shall be driven by a state level resource cell and district level implementation cell. Web based platforms will be used in creating a virtual services gateway for all the participating members. This platform shall cater to all the needs of Information, Communication, Transaction, Payment and potential Integration with related services.

visit : http://e-krishi.org/