IT and Indian Agriculture in the Future

                                                                            Technologically it is possible to develop suitable systems, as outlined in the previous sections, to cater to the information needs of Indian farmer. User friendly systems,particularly with content in local languages, can generate interest in the farmers and others This will facilitate modularisation of the task,it may be useful to consider . This places premium on user friendliness anda major. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras, NGOs

                                                     

While developing these systems it is necessary to appreciate that major audience

that is targeted is not comfortable with computers

it may be useful to consider touch screen technologies to improve user comfort levels. It is often

observed that touch screen kiosks, with their intuitive approach, provide a means for quick

learning and higher participation. It is also necessary to provide as much content as possible in

local languages.

                                          Once the required application packages & databases are in place,

challenge is with respect to dissemination of the information

and cooperative societies may be used to set up information kiosks. Private enterprise is also

required to be drawn into these activities. These kiosks should provide information on other areas

of interest such as education, information for which people have to travel distances such as those

related to the government, courts, etc. Facilities for email, raising queries to experts, uploading

digital clips to draw the attention of experts to location specific problems can be envisaged.

working at the grassroots. It is possible to create dedicated networks or harness the power of

Internet to make these services are available to all parts of the country                                            The task of creating application packages and databases to cater to complete spectrum of Indian agriculture is a giant task. The Long Term Agriculture Policy provides an exhaustive list of all the areas that are to be covered. This can be taken as a guiding list to evolve

design and develop suitable systems catering to each of the specified areas.

advantage of having a large number of specialised institutions in place catering to various

aspects of Indian agriculture. These institutions can play a crucial role in designing the

necessary applications & databases and services.

better control and help in achieving quick results. As it is, several institutions have already

developed systems related to their area of specialisation.

                                               For quick results, it may be useful to get the applications outsourced to software companies in India. This will facilitate quick deployment of applications and provide boost to the

software industry in India. In order to avoid duplication of efforts,

promoting a coordinating agency which will have an advisory role to play in evolving standard

interface for users, broad design and monitoring of the progress.

Our country has the

In the post WTO regime, it is suggested that it is useful to focus more on some

agricultural products to maintain an unquestionable competitive advantage for exports. This will

call for urgent measures to introduce state of the art technologies such as remote sensing,

geographical information systems (GIS), bio-engineering, etc. India has made rapid strides in

satellite technologies. It is possible to effectively monitor agricultural performance using remote

sensing and GIS applications. This will not only help in planning, advising and monitoring the

status of the crops but also will help in responding quickly to crop stress conditions and natural

calamities. Challenges of crop stress, soil problems, natural disasters can be tackled effectively

through these technologies. A beginning in precision farming can be encouraged in larger tracts

of land in which export potential can be tilted in our country’s favour.