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Ranchi, Jan. 30: Farmers of the state can soon get information on agriculture and other necessary tips just at the click of mouse or through SMSes.
The Jharkhand government has decided to introduce e-governance in the agriculture sector under the Centre’s National e-Governance Programme in Agriculture. A portal will be floated that will cater all information related to the field online.
Recently, the Union agriculture ministry conducted a four-day workshop in Delhi to work out modalities for execution of this scheme that is likely to be implemented in the next financial year.
Apart from providing information on soil conditions in the state, the website will also offer suggestions on balanced use of fertilisers, organic farming, type of seeds that need to be cultivated on particular soil et al to help farmers get optimum results. Another window will deal with information on good agriculture practices, prevalent prices, dealer network and quality control.
“Farmers will get SMS alerts on weather forecast and crop impact, minimum support prices, arrival of different standardised commodities in market yards etc. under this programme. Their grievances too will be addressed through SMSes,” agriculture minister Satyanand Jha Batul said.
But the question remains as to what extent the farmers will be benefited with computers and Internet connectivity still being a distant dream in rural areas.
“Initially, we will concentrate more on SMS alerts. We intend to set up a separate call centre for responding to farmers’ complaints. Our government is serious about expanding the ambit of e-governance,” Batul added.
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