existing ict initiatives for the agriculture sector: whether the protocols and mechanisms for...

Existing ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector: Whether the Protocols and Mechanisms for Quality Assurance from Knowledge Dissemination Agencies Exist and are Adequate? Seva Ratna M.Moni Deputy Director General (Agricultural Informatics Division & DISNIC Programme Division) National Informatics Centre Department of Information Technology (Government of India) E-mail: [email protected]@hub.nic.in & Vice-President, AFITA, Tokyo (Japan) Vice-President, IAITA, Gandhinagar (Gujarat) Executive Member, INSAIT, UAS, Dharwad (Karnataka) Secretary General, Bhoovigyan Vikas Foundation (An Earth Care Foundation), New Delhi

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 2 Whether the Protocols and Mechanisms for Quality Assurance from Knowledge Dissemination Agencies exist and are adequate? Source : FAO Website

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 3 Farmer & His stakeholders

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 4 National Agricultural Policy - 2000 Fusion of Frontier Technologies Information & Communication TechnologyInformation & Communication Technology Biotechnology Biotechnology GIS & Remote Sensing Technology GIS & Remote Sensing Technology Pre-Post harvest Technology Pre-Post harvest Technology Energy saving Technology Energy saving Technology Technology for Environment Protection Technology for Environment Protection

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 5 Focus : People Felt Needs Reaching the Unreached : Public Services From Digital Divide to Digital Opportunities for sustainable development and economic growth. Fostering agricultural growth, poverty reduction and sustainable resources use. Water, Energy, Education, Health, Agriculture & Rural Development, Biodiversity : Sustainable Development & Earth Care Policies Sustainable Societies in Viable Rural Space : A Cluster of Villages is a viable rural space Globalisation, Liberalisation and Privatisation

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 6 A Powerful Engine to reduce Marginalisation and Vulnerability of small farmers in India A Powerful Engine to reduce Marginalisation and Vulnerability of small farmers in India Reaching the Unreached (i.e. Resource- Poor-Farmers)Reaching the Unreached (i.e. Resource- Poor-Farmers) Agricultural Knowledge & Information System - Integration of People & InstitutionsAgricultural Knowledge & Information System - Integration of People & Institutions Infusion of ICT in Agricultural Sector - A Challenge in the new Millenium

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 7 Session: Information and Communication Sciences & Technology ------ Theme: IT in Public Service Vision: USE I.T. & I.C.T Mission: should use it like Water and Electricity ------------- Topic: Information needs of Indian Public & The NICNET Theme of the Indian Science Congress 2004 Science and Society in the 21st centuryQuest for Excellence. Essentials : Quality Management System in every aspects of Research, Education, Training and Extension for sustainable development

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 8 *Food Security *Nutrition Security *Environmental Security Theme of the Indian Science Congress - 2002

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 9 Food Requirements in 2030 : 260264 million tonnes of food grains 130-152 Mt. of milk 151-193 Mt. of vegetables 84-106 Mt. of fruits 10-14 Mt. of meat 4-5 Mt. of eggs 10-14 Mt. of fish and 12 Mt. of edible oil to provide adequate nutrition to a population of 1.3 billion people. Food Security Population growing at the rate of 1.8% annually

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 10 To achieve the desired objective, there is need for a paradigm shift from commodity centered to ecologically sustainable farming system; a renewed thrust to implement effectively various technological options generated by the scientists representing different disciplines.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 11 Improving Productivity and Alleviating Poverty, Post Harvest Processing and Value-Addition, Managing Resources for Increased Farm Sustainability, Complementing New Technologies with Traditional Knowledge, Nutritional Needs for Human Health, Livestock for Nutrition and Financial Well Being, Environmental and Agricultural Development and Public Policies for Food, Nutrition and Environmental Security. Plenary Sessions of the Congress 2002

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 12 The future growth in agriculture must, therefore, come from :- Xnew technologies which are not only "cost effective" but also "in conformity" with the natural climatic regime of the country; Xtechnologies relevant to rain-fed areas specifically; Xcontinued genetic improvements for better seeds and yields; Xdata improvements for better research, better results, and sustainable planning; Xbridging the gap between knowledge and practice; and Xjudicious land use resource surveys, efficient management practices and sustainable use of natural resources. G.B.Singh, 2000 : "Green Revolution in India - Gains and Pains", 21st Indian Geography Congress, Nagpur (India), January 2-4, 2000.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 13 Productivity Paradigms Industrial Revolution Agricultural Revolution Green Revolution White Revolution Yellow Revolution Blue Revolution Rainbow Revolution Information Technology Revolution Bio-Technology Revolution

Objectives Protocols & Mechanisms for Quality Assurance Knowledge Dissemination Agencies Adequacy ICT Initiatives

Knowledge Dissemination Agencies 600 District Administrations with Agricultural officers upto Village level jurisdiction 89 ICAR Institutions 33 Agricultural Universities ~ 215 Agricultural Colleges 12000 Students pass out every year 280 Krishi Vigyan Kendras Fertiliser Companies (IFFCO. KRIBHCO, GCFL etc) iKISAN in Andhra Pradesh, Parrys in Tamilnadu and Mahendra & Mahendra in Tamilnadu

Adequacy Not Adequate Perception Extension Reforms under consideration McKinsey Report says that Digital inclusion can usher in an additional 1% GDP contribution A Way Forward?

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 17 VInformatics and Productivity A Complementarity Relationship VAGRISNET Agricultural Informatics & Communication Gateway to reach into Rural India A pipeline Project since 1995 VAGMARKNET, DACNET, ARISNET, COOPNET, SeedNET, HORTNET, PPIN, APHNET, FISHNET, LISNET, AFPINET, ARINET, NDMNET, VISTARNET VAgRIS Agricultural Resources Information System : A Needed Domestic Strategy for Sustainable Rural Development VAgricultural Extension : An Agricultural Knowledge & Information System VDial 1551

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 18 VEmergence of an e-Farmer VAgricultural Knowledge & Information System using Geomatics Technology VDevelopment of Specialised Agricultural Extension XML (AeXML) VNIC VISTARNET will use AeXML and Geomatics Technology VTo Achieve Knowledge Society in Agriculture, at least an agriculture information centre in each village is required.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 19 Creation of technologies (- IPR Divide), Diffusion of recent Innovation (- Digital Divide), Diffusion of old Innovation (- Extension Divide), Diffusion of human development skills (- Educational skills). Ref: UNDPs Human Development Report 2001 Technology Achievement Index ICT accelerates globalisation and make access to knowledge and information much easier for the people to attain rural prosperity in respect of:

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 20 One of the major problems of using ICT for rural prosperity is language barrier i.e. localization. Over the years, the Government of India, its institutions and collaborators have striven towards enabling the Internet to support multiple Indian scripts and languages. 13 Language Resources Centres for 18 Indian languages A national policy on localisation is anvil. Localisation

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 21 Peoples needs - A bottom up approach The "I want that and I want it now" effect. India's basic development goals are to eradicate poverty and accelerate human development. Food Security and Nutrient Security. Agricultural Market led extension Reforms. Different people have different needs Micro-level Planning, Grass-root level planning, District Planning, Decentralised Planning, Regional Planning, National Planning Macro Rational, Micro Irrational; Micro rational, Macro irrational One Size fits All - e.g. Green Revolution Pains and Gains People Needs

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 22 'Local government is about meeting people's needs,' Sustainable development and Sustainable Lifestyles. Change social problems into opportunities. Libraries : the life-force for learning Convert people needs into 21st century services. Bringing ICT closer to people needs. (i.e. the new wave of ICT, the related infrastructures and applications and services, will address today's key societal challenges.) ICT Diffusion and Fusion of Technologies for economic growth and sustainable development. Making every citizen and business benefit from ICT. People Needs : The way forward - Information Systems as an Investment and not Expenditure

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 23 Impact of ICT Diffusion on Economic Growth & Sustainable Development The diffusion of ICT throughout all industries is, therefore, far more important than the production of ICT industries per se. Various study results strongly support that the payoff effect of ICT on economic growth can be achieved only through a robust National Information Infrastructure (NII) that supports ICT adoption and application. ICT diffusion derives economic force from the complementary development of a knowledge-intensive society. (Eunice Wang (1999) : ICT and Economic Development in Taiwan : Analysis of the Evidence, Telecommunications Policy, 23(3,4), April/May 1999, pp235-243) In the present crucial decade of this millenium, a high rate of investment in Information Technology capital and a supportive environment are expected to achieve digital economy.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 24 An Information Technology aided age of New Economy - Digital Economy - is emerging and its rapid growth, however, depend on : A higher rate of growth related to investment in Information systems & Applications;A higher rate of growth related to investment in Information systems & Applications; A rise in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth due to information utilisation across the economy and resulting spill-over effects;A rise in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth due to information utilisation across the economy and resulting spill-over effects; An increase in factor utilisation; andAn increase in factor utilisation; and A decline in the non-accelerating inflation rate and rate of unemploymentA decline in the non-accelerating inflation rate and rate of unemployment (Moni.M : New productivity Paradigms and Strategies in the e-age - Government Initiatives on IT-led Development in India,presented at the International Conference on Productivity in the e-age organised by NPC and APO, November 22-24, 2000, at New Delhi)

IT in Public Services: e-Governance & Convergence of core technologies e-Government (e-Service, e-democracy and e-Governance) Government to Government (G2G) Government to Business (G2B) Government to Citizen (G2C) Government to Employees (G2E) Development of appropriate models for each location and each segment of society

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 26 Computerisation of Societal Systems Using Internet Towards Doubling Per Capita Rural GDP in Ten Years. Rural development is a process of sustained growth of the rural economy (agriculture, industry, construction, transportation and commerce). Industrial growth and Economic growth are dependent on production and productivity in agriculture. Agricultural development, along with rural enterprise is therefore the cornerstone for promoting sustainable rural livelihoods The development strategy should, inter alia, facilitate skill improvement, provide employment in rural areas, transfer of appropriate technology for industrialisation, and promote self- reliance among the people, and build-up a strong rural community base. Digital Inclusion to Foster Rural Enterprises

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 27 Agriculture, including crop & animal husbandry, forestry & agro- forestry, fisheries, and agro-industries, provide livelihoods to over 70% of the Indian Population. Agriculture is decentralised but small scale manufacturing(Small & Marginal Farmers) units. Multifunctionality of Agriculture and Land : An Economic Activity (producing goods) and A service to the Community (food security, rural employment, and environmental obligations such as soil conservation, sustainable natural resources management and biodiversity protection) Multifunctional Agriculture the bottom line for integrated rural development An Agricultural Knowledge & Information System for rural empowerment & improved livelihoods (i.e. e-Farmer) is the need of the hour. Digital Inclusion to Foster Rural Enterprises

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 28 The locus of agricultural growth has since been shifted from production front to the processing and marketing front. Rural cooperatives once again emerge as an alternative for making rural economy vibrant through agro and rural based industries. The rural economy can be vibrant iff agro and rural industries are positioned and integrated with the national and global economy. Rural towns are essential to farm households, as they offer economies of agglomeration. Globalisation of Agriculture & Farmers Dependency Relation (i.e. locked into for buying and selling their produce) Digital Inclusion to Foster Rural Enterprises

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 29 A good agricultural production and step-up prices (farm prices) would put more money into the hands of the people living in the rural areas. The McKinsey Analysis on intermediary economics (Fruits and Vegetables) shows that farm-gate price available to the farmers is only 25% of the retail price in Indian condition whereas the same is 70% in the case of DUTCH and the U.S. farmers, where more efficient marketing system is in place. To benefit the farming communities from the new global market access opportunities, the internal agricultural marketing system of the country needs to be integrated and strengthened. Various studies reveal that farmers, on an average, invariably higher price by selling their produce in the regulated markets compared to rural, village and unregulated wholesale markets. Digital Inclusion to Foster Rural Enterprises

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 30 Investment in Agricultural Marketing System to make the agricultural sector vibrant and enable it to face the competition of international trade environment without affecting the livelihoods of those depend on farming. ICTs in agricultural marketing will generate useful databases and information packages for expanding marketing opportunities, especially on-line information on-demand and availability of different products, product specifications with regard to price, quality, pack size, packaging material, quantity and the time frame of supply. Agri-Business, not the Agri-culture is the need of the hour. Agri-Business is an orderly chain of firms supplying inputs to production of agriculture or processors of the output of production agricultural firms. Agri-Business Opportunities in rural areas : Pathways to Rural Prosperity, negating the Hypothesis the more farmers produce, the less they get Digital Inclusion to Foster Rural Enterprises

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 31 Digital Opportunities (Os & 1s) for Fostering Agricultural Growth Digital opportunities for fostering agricultural growth. Our economic and industrial growths are dependent on production and productivity in agriculture. Convergence of core technologies and e-Governance has become the tool for sustainable development and globalisation of economy. Agriculture in India needs a "productivity and quality revolution", which can be brought out through the much-needed reforms: information access, extension services, credit, marketing, pricing, and rural infrastructure (water, roads, bridges, hospitals and schools), in addition to land reforms.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 32 Digital Opportunities To achieve knowledge society in agriculture, the following to happen: An agriculture information centre in each village; Interactive exchange of information for planning and day-to-day operations by farmers; Availability of all the extension and advisory services on demand.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 33 Digital Opportunities The vision 2020 Document of the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (Government of India) envisages that the tools of ICT will : provide networking of Agriculture Sector not only in the Country but also globally and the Centre and State Government Departments will have reservoir of databases; bring farmers, researchers, scientists and administrators together by establishing "agriculture online" through exchange of ideas and information.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 34 Digital Opportunities The National Conference on Informatics for Sustainable Agricultural Development (ISDA) organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and National Informatics Centre (NIC), in May 1995, has given much-needed "roadmap" to usher in "ICT led agricultural development" in the Country. The National Agricultural Policy (2000) lays emphasis on the use of ICT for achieving a more rapid development of Agriculture.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 35 Digital Development in Rural Areas: A Journey started in 1985 with the establishment of NICNET in districts of India DISNIC Programme District Information System in 28 Sectors. DISNIC-Agriculture, DISNIC-Industry, DISNIC-Health, DISNIC-PLAN, etc Agricultural Informatics & Communication ISDA-95 : Informatics for Sustainable Development in Agriculture A ROAD MAP for Agricultural Informatics & Communication ISDA-95 recommended 3-6 % of the Annual Budget Outlay for Agricultural informatics & communication Vittal Committee (1998) recommended only 2-3% for ICT Applications in Governments. DACNET an eGOV4D Programme for the Department of Agriculture AGMARKNET

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 36 AGMARKNET - A step towards Agricultural reforms in India - Networking of APMCs for dissemination of Agricultural produces Market prices information - 735 APMCs by March 2002 and additional 2000 APMCs during 2002-07 and a raod Map to cover 7000 APMCs http://agmarknet.nic.in http://dacnet.nic.in

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 37 AGMARKNET A Powerful ICT Initiative for Rural Empowerment, a Warehousing of data-for- development & a free-trade-zone on Internet A step towards Agricultural reforms in India - Networking of APMCs for dissemination of Agricultural produces Market prices information - 735 APMCs by March 2002, and additional 2000 APMCs during 2002-07; Road Map is to network 7000 APMCs and 32000 Rural MarketsAGMARKNET - A step towards Agricultural reforms in India - Networking of APMCs for dissemination of Agricultural produces Market prices information - 735 APMCs by March 2002, and additional 2000 APMCs during 2002-07; Road Map is to network 7000 APMCs and 32000 Rural Markets (31 May 2002) The AGMARKNET Venture is a heartening initiative from the much criticized and slow-to-react government, especially on the issue of easing infrastructure constraints on Agriculture. Times of India (31 May 2002) The AGMARKNET Venture is a heartening initiative from the much criticized and slow-to-react government, especially on the issue of easing infrastructure constraints on Agriculture. Reaching the Unreached reduction of distress salereduction of distress sale right to informationright to information base for production planningbase for production planning base for marketing-led agricultural extensionbase for marketing-led agricultural extension reduced marketing marginsreduced marketing margins vertical linkages in export crop markets that connect multinational traders to domestic tradersvertical linkages in export crop markets that connect multinational traders to domestic traders An for the Country.An Unified Agricultural Marketing Price System for the Country.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 38 AGMARKNET A Powerful ICT Initiative for Rural Empowerment, a Warehousing of data-for- development & a free-trade-zone on Internet AGMARKNETAGMARKNET A Sun-Shine Website for farmers to bargain better prices for their produce, and marching towards an e-Commerce and e-Business Portal in India. What was a technology push consumer pull What was a technology push in 1990s is taking the shape of consumer pull at grass-root level in India A Step Towards A Step Towards a Digital Inclusion for fostering Rural Enterprises http://agmarknet.nic.in http://www.eapf.net

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 39 AGMARKNET - A major G2C & G2G Application About AGMARKNET "It might be advantageous to have a network down to the mandi level to begin with. This can be progressively extended to villages and household level in due course of time". Sharad Joshi Founder, Shetkari Sanghatana Maharashtra& Former Chairman, High level Task Force on Agriculture (2000) Government of India

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 40 AGMARKNET - "Website to help farmers bargain better ITS a well-known fact that Indian farmers rarely know the actual price and stock level of his produce at the mandis where they come to sell it. A long chain, vested interests and sheer spread of the markets not only makes it difficult for them to take decisions regarding produce mix, but also deprives them of whatever little bargaining power they may have had. Source : Ashish Kotamkar, Asia Pacific Network Information Centre Times News network, Friday May 31, 2002

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 41 AGMARKNET -"Website to help farmers bargain better" Its possible to check out at this site the delivery positions and prices of various commodities and vegetables at practically every mandi in India. The AGMARKNET venture is a heartening initiative from the much criticised and slow-to-react government, especially on the issue of easing the infrastructural constraints on agriculture.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 42 Seen in this light, the AGMARKNETs proposed aim to create a nationwide network for speedy collection and dissemination of market information, could potentially reduce prices paid to intermediaries and bring benefits to a wide cross section of farmers and consumers. The Challenge, if the full potential of such ventures have utilised, is to take IT to rural India in a big way. [email protected]

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 43 Current Objectives E-commerce program Web enrichment to facilitate ICT for Market extension Progressive networking of 7000 wholesale market Information generation and dissemination Training and education, online exchange of information among markets and other users.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 44 Areas of business that are targeted for improvement: User profiling Supply chain (Input Supply) Value Chain CRM SME networks Supplier co-operation

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 45 Solution Architecture Call Center Secure Web- based Access Secure Web- based Portal Access Optimized Mobile Server (power, net BW, cost) Secure Wireless Connection (any Web-enabled phone, SMS) Local App Standard Web Service Interface to other Divisions, 3 rd Parties - Highly Scalable - Secure Optimized Mobile Server Wireless, VSAT, or Low BW Connectivity to other Divisions & 3 rd Parties

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 46 Support for Wireless and Low- Bandwidth Networks Optimized Mobile Server Web Service End-Points Devices with: GSM GPRS SMS 802.11 WiFi Dialup Landline T1 VSAT Secure, Reliable, Optimized Channel 32% - 83% reduction in power consumption on the mobile device 47% - 92% reduction in network bandwidth utilization 37% - 58% reduction in usage cost

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 47 Enhancement of the existing portal (Web-based system) that will enable networked agricultural organization (private and public) to: Build relationships and alliances fasterBuild relationships and alliances faster Re-engineer and integrate their processesRe-engineer and integrate their processes Develop more and better value-added products and servicesDevelop more and better value-added products and services Share knowledge and experiencesShare knowledge and experiences Enhance innovationEnhance innovation Promote Web-based business tradingPromote Web-based business trading

DACNET : An eGOV4D Infrastructure eGov4D e-Governance for Development Information Exchange

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 49

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 50 Reaching the Rural Poor (Un-Reached) How? When? With What? By Whom? A location specific e-Government Model is what required to reach the Rural Poor.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 51 To analyse Information Needs of Agriculture Sector and existing delivery channels w.r.t the following issues:- Whether mechanism for knowledge sharing on rights and access to information is adequate? Whether the Protocols and Mechanisms for Quality Assurance from Knowledge Dissemination Agencies exist and are adequate? ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 52 Good Governance and institutions are indispensable for sound agricultural and rural development in developing countries. Models of e-Government (i.e. digital government) are continuously evolving and improvising to harness the potential offered by the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and deal with new realities in the area of governance, through out the World. Models of e-Government (i.e. digital government)

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 53 Generic Models of e-Government (www. Digital governance.org)are relevant while discussing design of an e-Government for Poor Broadcasting / Wider-Dissemination Model Critical Flow Model Comparative Analysis Model E-Advocacy/ Lobbying and Pressure Group Model.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 54 Studying and influencing the Geometry of Information Flows facilitates direct benefits rather than trickle-down benefits for the disadvantaged community (i.e. the Poor) An essential step towards identifying the missing element Who are our Target groups that we want to reach out to, through ICT for Development projects? What are the key information needs of the disadvantaged community? What are the existing channels by which information reaches to the disadvantaged community? What is the weakest link in the chain of information flows: from source to the disadvantaged community? Geometry of Information Flows

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 55 Who are our Target groups that we want to reach out to, through ICT for Development projects? Small farmers with less than 1 acre of land. Farmers who have land away from roads and markets. Farmers farming in ecologically fragile areas. Newly turned farmers, young and women farmers (for instance in HIV/Affected villages). Farmers lacking credit, tools to enhance land productivity. Geometry of Information Flows

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 56 What are the key information needs of the disadvantaged community? Information on identifying and dealing crop pests and livestock diseases. Technical inputs on how to carry contour bunding, land-leveling, water harvesting activities, composting to increase productivity. Information on government and NGO subsidies and schemes on seeds, fertilizers, horticulture and minimum support price. Information on new crop varieties, irrigation frequency, setting up farm-based enterprises. Information on market prices of the crops, availability of credit, agriculture fairs, soil-testing labs and training programmes. Geometry of Information Flows

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 57 What are the existing channels by which information reaches to the disadvantaged community? Through other farmers, progressive farmers, money lenders, teachers, public phone operator, postman and health workers. Through government officials, agriculture extensionists, agriculture fairs, agricultural universities and NGOs. Through radios, televisions, folk songs and newspapers. Geometry of Information Flows

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 58 What is the weakest link in the chain of information flows: from source to the disadvantaged community? Information may be available at local agricultural centres or in markets but these are not easily accessible by farmers. High levels of illiteracy prevent farmers to benefit from available information. Agriculture extensionists are knowledgeable but do not visit farmlands away from roads or in remote areas. Agriculture extensionists and local agricultural centres do not have updated knowledge of new crop varieties, pest control and government schemes and subsidies. Geometry of Information Flows

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 59 e-Government for Poor: Information, Communication and Poverty Reduction One of the major problems of using ICT for poor is language barrier. Networking of People and Networking of Information are essential. Digital development in Rural Areas: A Journey started in 1985 with the establishment of NICNET in districts of India Digital Development in Rural Areas: Governments Initiatives and Agenda on Agricultural Informatics & Communication in India An agriculture information centre in each village; Interactive exchange of information for planning and day-to-day operations by farmers; Availability of all the extension and advisory services on demand.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 60 AGRISNET

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 61 Agricultural Resources Information System A Needed Domestic Strategy for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Figure2: Components of Agricultural Resources Information Systems DSS, Metadata and Open GIS Water Resources Data Soil Resources Data Climate Resources Data Capital Resources Land Records Data Environment Data Plant Resources Animal Resources Fisheries Resources Infrastructure Data Socio-economic and Statistical Data Remote Sensing Data

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 62 Agricultural Resources Information System A Needed Domestic Strategy for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 63 Agricultural Resources Information System A Needed Domestic Strategy for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Decision Technology System (DTS), built upon the Agricultural Resources Information System, is what required for undertaking: Crop Suitability based on factor endowment Land Suitability Assessment; Land Productivity Assessment; Population Supporting Capacity; Land Evaluation and Land Use Planning; Land Degradation Risk Assessment; Quantification of Land Resources Constraints; Land Management; Agro-ecological Characterization for Research and Planning;

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 64 Agricultural Resources Information System A Needed Domestic Strategy for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Agricultural Technology Transfer; Agricultural Inputs Recommendations; Farming Systems Analysis and Development; Environmental Impact Assessment; Monitoring of Land Resources Development. Livestock (cattle, buffalo, goat, & sheep) Farming Systems Water allocation in an irrigation system Fodder Resources Development Water Bodies (Basin) Planning Systems using Watershed and Agro-Eco Region Planning Concepts

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 65 Pilot Demonstration Projects Typologies A Tribal DistrictA Tribal District A Hill DistrictA Hill District A Dry-land DistrictA Dry-land District A Socially backward DistrictA Socially backward District A Green Revolution DistrictA Green Revolution District A Coastal districtA Coastal district A Dairy-farming DistrictA Dairy-farming District A district dominated by cash crop districtA district dominated by cash crop district A district in a mining/ industrial beltA district in a mining/ industrial belt A district dominated by forest economyA district dominated by forest economy A district dominated by one or two urban centersA district dominated by one or two urban centers A district in arid-zoneA district in arid-zone A district, which is flood prone but having vast wasteland that could be used to generate forest cover.A district, which is flood prone but having vast wasteland that could be used to generate forest cover.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 66 AgRIS : An e-Governance Component of the e-Government for the Poor in India By 2012, AgRIS is expected to be implemented in all 600 Districts of India

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 67 ( A NICNET Based Agricultural Informatics & Communication Network to Usher in Digital Opportunities for Sustainable Agricultural Development in India) A Central Sector Scheme for Strengthening ICT Apparatus for Agriculture & Cooperation in States & UTs Department of Agriculture & Cooperation Ministry of Agriculture ( A NICNET Based Agricultural Informatics & Communication Network to Usher in Digital Opportunities for Sustainable Agricultural Development in India) A Central Sector Scheme for Strengthening ICT Apparatus for Agriculture & Cooperation in States & UTs Department of Agriculture & Cooperation Ministry of Agriculture AGRISNET

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 68 e-communication in the Agricultural Sector to usher in a-Governance in the country AGRISNET DSS DSSDSS DSS DSS DSS DSS DSS DSS

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 69 AGRISNET, AgRIS : A Step towards establishing a location-specific e-Government model for the Poor in India

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 70 DACNET This Scheme had its spread effect on the employees of the Directorates through its IT empowerment component and is being viewed as a model framework for realizing e-governance in other departments of the Ministry.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 88 Digital Opportunities A Positive Force for Agricultural Growth, Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Resource Use in India. What was a technology push in 1990s is beginning to take a shape of consumer pull at grass-root level in India. India is endowed with regional diversities for its uneven economic and agricultural development A journey from digital divide to digital opportunities for sustainable Agricultural development has thus begun in the beginning of the 21st Century. The challenge is to take ICT to rural India in a big way.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 89 RAP Publication 2002/03 Small-Holder Farmers in India : Food Security and Agricultural Policy In India, NIC of the Ministry of Information Technology - through initiatives such as the DISNIC-AGRIS Project, and AGRISNET ( a NICNET based Agricultural informatics & Communication Network) - seeks to reach all agricultural districts and blocks through its massive Gateway networks. Through these networks, farmers will have opportunity to learn of and benefit from new and improved agricultural practicies, to have weather-forecast-based guidance for timely agricultural operations, to be alerted by satellite surveys of pests and diseases, and to access crop-output forecasting and marketing strategies for domestic and for export trade Dr.R.B.Singh, Former Asst. Director General & FAO Regional Representative for Asia & Pacific

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 90 NICs Approach - An Integrated Approach The INTERNET Technology Agricultural Development & Backward Area Development Farm & Non-Farm Linkages

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 91 The PovertyNet in India takes the form of the Governments Digital Initiatives and Agenda (viz., AGRISNET, AgRIS, AGMARKNET, DACNET, VISTARNET, APHNET, FISHNET, HORTNET, SeedNET, PPIN, COOPNET, FERTNET, ARISNET, AFPINET, ARINET, NDMNET, etc), as a step towards "reaching" agricultural knowledge and technology to the rural Poor. PovertyNet in India

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 92 DISNIC : A District level Government Informatics Programme (1987) DISNIC-PLAN : An Informatics Blueprint that covers Villages A Sponsored Project of the Planning Commission Sustainability of Natural Resources Endowment, Full Employment, Empowerment of Women, Production System Planning ICT for Social development ICT for Economic Development DISNIC Programme Revisited

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 93 Regional Workshops at Pune, Panajim, Thiruvananthapuram, New Delhi 28 Pilot Districts (One in each State) One Block in each identified District Many Central Governments have sent in their input parameters for inclusion Many State Agricultural Universities and ICAR Institutes responded positively As many number of Hypotheses facilitating sustainable investment at Village or cluster of villages, as possible. Informatics Blueprint that Covers Villages

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 94 Networking of about 1.46 lakhs Cooperative Societies Localisation for Content Generation : Digital Opportunities e-Government for Poor Induction of 25000 Students (13000 Students from about 215 Departments of Geography and 12000 Students from about 200 Colleges of Agriculture) for ICT enabled Agricultural Development through KVK Agricultural Information Centre at Village level Reaching the Unreached Rural Prosperity

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 95 I wish to conclude..... I thank TASS and IARI for giving me an opportunity to share my experience on evolving strategy, since ISDA-1995 for ICTs for Agriculture and Rural Development which has emerged as a Powerful Engine for fostering agricultural growth, poverty reduction and sustainable resource use. A New Deal for Rural India.

11-January-2005ICT Initiatives for the Agriculture Sector 96 Thanks

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