1595
Ch Radhika Rani
THERE is no sphere of our lives that is not overwhelmingly influenced by digital technology. Agriculture is no exception to this rapid transformation. Sample this: A farmer of Telangana applies for a copy of his land record in the e-Seva office. Then he submits the document to the banker, who processes it online through the land digital record grid connected to the tehsildar’s office. The banker clears the application and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is generated in which the Rythu Bandhu (Direct Benefit Transfer) amount is transferred. This KCC can be used for buying inputs from a local shop with Aadhaar seeding so that the fertiliser subsidy is paid to the farmer. He checks online the prices of inputs and confirms that these are in order. He then surfs the Net to know about the latest package of practices of crop production. Then the farmer checks the weather forecast app on his smartphone to make sure that his seed sowing is in sync with the showers. He accesses another app to get a tractor for custom hiring. He also takes online assistance to follow the best practices in pest control. After harvesting, he checks the market prices for his crop through an app. He calls up the buyer; the goods are transferred and the payment is credited to his account. This farmer has publicised details of his organically produced vegetables on social media. He is also a member of a WhatsApp group on which agriculture-related information is shared. This farmer’s example amplifies the case for a 360-degree digitisation of our agriculture and rural livelihoods.