Kisan Call Centre: Enhancing Agricultural Productivity in India
India is primarily an agricultural country and the majority of its population is engaged in farming. Agriculture not only plays a significant role in the country’s economy but also guarantees food security and rural development. However, small farmers in India face several challenges and difficulties, such as low productivity, inadequate access to information, and insufficient marketing facilities.
To address these issues, the Indian government launched the Kisan Call Centre programme in 2004. The Kisan Call Centres are operated under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and offer round-the-clock services to farmers in India through a toll-free number 1800-180-1551.
The primary objective of Kisan Call Centres is to provide farmers with the latest information on farming techniques, crop management, and market trends. The call centres also provide solutions for various technical and non-technical issues faced by farmers, such as the usage of fertilizers, pest control, weather forecasting, seed selection, insecticide and pesticide application, agricultural credit, and insurance.
The trained agricultural experts or scientists at the Kisan Call Centres provide immediate solutions to farmers’ queries and problems. The experts have access to the most recent and reliable information related to agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and sericulture. They answer farmers’ questions in their local language, ensuring that information reaches even those who have language barriers.
The Kisan Call Centre also provides market intelligence by updating farmers on current market prices for different crops and commodities in different regions. This helps farmers to make a better decision regarding choosing the crops that are best suited for their land and fetching a profitable price.
Kisan Call Centre services have enhanced agricultural productivity, generating awareness, and empowering farmers to participate in the agricultural market economy. The programme has been successful in building the confidence of farmers as they feel supported and connected with the agriculture and farming community. The Kisan Call Centers have been a valuable resource and a trusted platform for farmers for more than a decade.
The Kisan Call Centre programme is a remarkable initiative by the Indian government towards empowering farmers. It has not only brought transparency in the agricultural sector but has also contributed to their socio-economic development. The Kisan Call Centre programme has helped farmers adapt better agricultural practices and improve their standard of living by providing them with timely information and market opportunities.
The Kisan Call Centre programme has become an indispensable tool for farmers across India, and with the advancements in technology, it can continue to grow and evolve to serve the ever-changing needs of farmers. With more access to technological advancements in the agriculture sector, farmers would exploit the potential of farming, resulting in enhanced food security and agricultural sustainability in India.