Sure, here is an article about mandi rates and USSD SMS:
Mandi Rate and USSD SMS: Providing Farmers with Current Market Prices
A mandi is a marketplace where farmers and traders can buy and sell commodities such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. The mandi rate is the price of a commodity in the mandi at any given time. Accurate mandi rates are essential for farmers as they help them know the current value of their crops and decide when to sell them. However, obtaining mandi rates has traditionally been a challenge for farmers, especially those in remote areas.
To address this issue, the government introduced the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) SMS system. It is a mobile-based service that enables farmers to access mandi rates from their mobile phones. USSD SMS is a text-based communication service that is available on all mobile phones, with no requirement for internet connectivity.
To access mandi rates through USSD SMS, farmers need to dial a specific code provided by their state’s agriculture department. This code will prompt a menu that provides farmers with information about the mandi rates for various crops. Through USSD SMS, farmers can also obtain information about schemes and subsidies provided by the government.
USSD SMS has been well-received by farmers as it provides them with access to real-time mandi rates. This service has helped farmers in remote areas to stay informed about current market prices and make informed decisions on when to sell their crops. The USSD SMS system has also been beneficial for traders who can now obtain real-time market information and make informed decisions about buying and selling commodities.
In conclusion, the mandi rate and USSD SMS system have revolutionized how farmers and traders access information about the market. Farmers can now obtain accurate and real-time information about mandi rates, which enables them to make informed decisions about selling their crops. USSD SMS has helped bridge the information gap for farmers in remote areas and has provided them with access to market information that was previously unavailable to them. The USSD SMS system has helped farmers and traders alike and is an important step towards building a more efficient and transparent agricultural market in India.