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Information network for farmers planned

In order to bridge the communication gap, Karnataka State Agriculture Marketing Board will soon be inducting a state-of-the-art information technology network called 'Agri Marknet'.

K V Mahabalagiri Bhat, general manager (research), KSAMB, said that it was proposed to set up the information network, utilising the Internet.

It would have linkages with the domestic and international markets and would be connected to all 134 Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees in the state. This would help provide farmers with vital international and domestic market information on agriculture commodities.

The KSAMB is also planning to provide weather forecast to farmers in collaboration with the ISRO. Its officers have already held two rounds of discussion with the ISRO, which is using remote sensing technology for weather forecasts and assessment of crop production and their acreage.

According to Bhat, weather forecast will be provided twice a year, prior to the kharif and rabi seasons.

In addition, the KSAMB is planning to establish an Agriculture Commodity Exchange at Bangalore, which will be first of its kind in the country. It will be co-ordinating with the financial institutions for assisting farmers to reduce commodities that are in demand.

The exchange will be designed to provide information on the requirements of the food processing industry and other allied industries, regarding various agriculture commodities. It will also reflect the future market trends relating to commodities. This is likely to reduce the risks farmers and exporters are facing.

The exchange will also enable farmers to formulate plans for the production of specific commodities based on the requirements of the food processing industry. It will also help the growers to produce commodities of the required quality and quantity, so that they can get remunerative prices.

- Compiled from the Indian media

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