How does e-technology help farmers in the production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (10 Marks,150 Words)

In recent years, the integration of e-technology has revolutionized the agricultural sector, offering farmers innovative solutions to enhance both production and marketing processes. Through a myriad of digital tools and platforms, farmers now have access to real-time data, expert advice, and market information, empowering them to make informed decisions at every stage of their operations. One significant advantage lies in precision agriculture techniques enabled by e-technology, allowing farmers to optimize resource utilization, minimize wastage, and maximize yields. Additionally, e-technologies facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among farmers, researchers, and agricultural experts, fostering knowledge sharing and best practices dissemination. In terms of marketing, e-platforms provide farmers with direct access to broader markets, enabling them to reach consumers globally while reducing dependency on traditional intermediaries. Moreover, e-commerce platforms streamline transactions, ensuring fair prices and prompt payments. Overall, the integration of e-technology not only enhances productivity and profitability for farmers but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and food security on a global scale.

Table of Contents

Answer:

Introduction:

E-technology, which encompasses the internet and related information technologies, plays a pivotal role in bolstering India’s vital agricultural sector. This sector is crucial for ensuring food security, promoting sustainable development, and reducing poverty.

Body:

Ways in which e-technology Helps Farmers in the Production of Agricultural Produce:

Precision Agriculture: E-technology, such as GPS technology by companies like John Deere, enhances precision in farming activities like seeding and harvesting, optimising resource use.
Weather Forecasting and Crop Monitoring: E-technology grants farmers access to up-to-the-minute weather forecasts and tools for monitoring crop conditions. For example, the “Kisan Suvidha” mobile app.
Agricultural Inputs: E-technology platforms facilitate connections between farmers and suppliers of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides. The “SBI Yono Krishi app” is one such example.
Agricultural Machinery: E-technology platforms also link farmers with suppliers of agricultural machinery, enabling them to rent or purchase the equipment necessary to enhance productivity. A case in point is Mahindra’s “Trringo,” offering online tractor rentals.

Climate-Smart Agriculture: Platforms like IBM’s Weather Company provide real-time weather updates, aiding farmers in planning operations and avoiding adverse conditions.
Remote Sensing Technology & Data-Driven Insights: Agencies like ISRO monitor crop health from a macro perspective, aiding in early pest detection and accurate yield prediction.Projects like Microsoft’s FarmBeats offer actionable insights from data analysis, facilitating informed decision-making.
Blockchain Technology & Disease Monitoring: Solutions like AgriLedger ensure transparency in the agricultural supply chain, securing fair compensation for farmers. Apps like Plantix allow farmers to receive expert advice on disease control by uploading images of affected crops.
Surveying Accessibility: GPS-based apps and drones support land mapping and record updating, as seen in the SWAMITVA scheme. Mobile apps like AgriApp offer a wealth of agricultural information, promoting informed decisions.

Ways in which e-technology Helps Farmers in the Marketing of Agricultural Produce:

E-commerce Platforms: Farmers can utilize e-commerce platforms to directly sell their produce to consumers, reducing reliance on middlemen and securing better prices. For example, the e-NAM, like Amazon Saheli and Flipkart Samart platform,.
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 .
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.
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.
Virtual Farm Tours: Initiatives like VR farm tours showcase farming practices transparently to potential buyers.Ex: The Andhra Pradesh government’s use of VR for farm tours plays a pivotal role in rural development.

Government Efforts for e-Technology in Agriculture:

National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A) funds projects using modern technologies like AI, ML, Robotics, Drones, Data Analytics, and Blockchain.
Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) promotes farm mechanization and ‘Custom Hiring Centers.’
National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) creates a unified national market for agricultural commodities, with digital services for traders and farmers.
PM KISAN Scheme transfers funds directly to eligible farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (AGMARKNET) supports agricultural marketing infrastructure.

Conclusion:

Hence, E-technology has transformed agriculture, improving production and marketing. It’s crucial to educate farmers in digital skills to maximize its benefits continually.

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