ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal has enhanced its presence in the farmers’ field with the development and deployment of wheat varieties like DBW187 (Karan Vandana) and DBW222 (Karan Narendra). These varieties have been handpicked by the wheat farmers’ of different states. The institute used to sell its seed to the farmers by organising Kisan Melas in the previous years. However this year was different with the government restriction on peoples gathering due to Covid19.
In order to supply the quality seed of recent wheat and barley varieties viz., DBW187, DBW222, DDW47 and DWRB137, the institute created the wheat and barley seed portal for the farmers. The seed portal was designed and made available during the September month and the interested farmer has to fill his name, village, district and state. He has to upload his aadhar card and select the variety and quantity of seed to be purchased. After that he received an OTP to his mobile and a message that his order has been registered with the IIWBR. The guidelines for registration was circulated the Director himself through various digital platforms (https://www.facebook.com/1143475089/videos/10223580557039030/). About 5000 farmers from different states like Haryana, Punjab, U.P., Bihar and Rajasthan registered on the portal during 15.09.2020 to 23.09.2020. The portal was closed after the successful registration of the farmers as per the seed availability. The major task before the institute was to distribute the seeds to the registered farmers. The farmers were called on to receive the allotted seed on specific date and time through bulk SMS from 17th October to 23rd October 2020. There were five counters for the seed distribution to follow the social distancing along with avoiding the social gathering. The payment was received in the various digital modes like QR code, net banking or card swipe. More than 6000 kg seeds were provided to the farmers through this system. The farmers were really happy and satisfied to receive the seed of recent varieties conveniently in the time of Covid19. The story has also been published by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research on its website (https://icar.org.in/content/technological-interventions-efficient-seeds-distribution-duringcovid-19-pandemic)
(Source: GP Singh, CN Mishra, Amit Sharma and Poonam Jasrotia)
See More: https://iiwbr.icar.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Seed-distributuion-story-for-IIWBR-website.pdf
Original Website Link: https://iiwbr.icar.gov.in/
