World Farmers' Forum - Empowering Farmers for a Sustainable Future

 

According to Mahatma Gandhi, agriculture is the foundation of the Indian economy. About 58% of Indians still rely primarily on the agricultural sector for their livelihood. About half of the population of the nation is employed in agriculture, which has the distinction of having the second-largest agricultural land area in the entire world.

But for us, this is a time for reflection.

As a result of digitalization, a rise in the use of cutting-edge tools like blockchain, artificial intelligence, geographic information systems, drones, and remote sensing technologies, as well as the introduction of numerous e-farming applications, we are on the cusp of the next stage of farming.

Kisaan Helpline brings to you this article explaining how empowering farmers for a sustainable future is the only way to use our energy and resources efficiently.

Agriculture's Need for Sustainability

1. Environmental Conservation: Sustainable agricultural methods place a high priority on protecting ecosystems and natural resources. Sustainability in agriculture contributes to environmental protection by cutting down on the use of dangerous chemicals, fostering biodiversity, and implementing effective water and soil management methods. By reducing soil erosion, water pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, it protects agricultural land's long-term health and productivity.

2. Food Security: Ensuring food security requires an agricultural strategy that is sustainable. Producing enough food to satisfy the rising demand while preserving the ability to produce food in the future is crucial given the expanding global population. Increasing productivity without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their food needs is the main goal of sustainable agricultural practices. To increase agricultural productivity and protect food supplies, it places an emphasis on integrated pest management, efficient irrigation, soil conservation, and crop rotation.

3. Climate Change Mitigation: Deforestation, land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions—all of which are factors in climate change—are all significantly influenced by agriculture. By reducing carbon emissions, encouraging carbon sequestration in soils, and adapting to changing climatic conditions, sustainable agricultural practices help mitigate climate change. One way to lessen the effects of climate change is to implement agroforestry systems, use renewable energy sources, adopt precision farming methods, and reduce food waste.

4. Economic Viability: The economic viability of farming systems is improved by sustainable agriculture. Farmers can lower input costs, increase yields, and increase profitability by implementing resource-efficient practices. Additionally, by encouraging diversification, high-value products, and market access, sustainable agricultural practices also foster rural development and new opportunities for farmers. Moreover, because they depend on robust ecosystems and use fewer outside inputs, sustainable farming techniques frequently have lower production risks.

5. Social Well-Being: Local communities are positively impacted by sustainable agriculture, which raises social well-being. It encourages ethical business practices, fair trade, and opportunities for employment in rural areas. Sustainable agricultural practices prioritize the welfare of farmworkers, their families, and the local community, promoting social equity and raising standards of living. Sustainable agriculture also increases community resilience and food sovereignty by promoting local food systems and reducing reliance on long-distance food transportation.

Farmers' Empowerment for a Sustainable Future

1. Knowledge and Education: Farmers must have access to information and training in order to be empowered to adopt sustainable practices. This includes sharing knowledge about resource management, cutting-edge agricultural technology, and sustainable farming methods. Farmers' knowledge and skills can be improved through the use of training programmes, workshops, and farmer field schools, empowering them to make wise decisions and successfully implement sustainable practices.

2. Technical Assistance and Support: Farmers must have access to technical support and assistance in order to adopt sustainable practices. The establishment of extension services, which offer farmers direction, counsel, and information on sustainable farming practices, market opportunities, and financial support, can help accomplish this. In order to ensure that farmers successfully adopt sustainable practices, extension workers and agricultural experts can provide on-site assistance, run demonstrations, and help farmers troubleshoot issues.

3. Financial Resources and Incentives: Farmers' ability to make the transition to sustainability depends heavily on their access to financial resources and incentives. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and financial institutions may offer loans, grants, and subsidies aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By offering financial benefits and lowering financial risks, financial incentives like tax breaks or premium prices for goods made sustainably can also encourage farmers to use sustainable practices.

4. Infrastructure and technology: Agricultural infrastructure and technology development and improvement are essential for empowering farmers. Investments in irrigation systems, storage facilities, processing facilities, and transportation networks all fall under this category. Promoting the use of appropriate and affordable agricultural technologies, such as efficient irrigation systems, renewable energy options, and precision farming tools, can also significantly improve farm productivity, resource efficiency, and sustainability.

5. Access to Markets and Value Chains: Farmers' empowerment depends on ensuring that they have fair access to markets and value chains. Farmers can get higher prices for their goods by establishing fair trade standards, fostering direct marketing channels, and facilitating market connections. Supporting the growth of regional and local food systems can also lessen the need for long-distance shipping and give farmers the chance to sell their goods in nearby markets, promoting economic viability and sustainability.

6. Collaboration and Networking: They are essential for the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Farmers can join farmer networks, cooperatives, or associations to share knowledge, work together to solve problems, and promote sustainable farming practices. Collaboration also makes it easier for experts, researchers, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, which promotes innovation and advances sustainable farming methods.

Kisaan Helpline: How Does It Empower Farmers for a Sustainable Future?

Kisaan Helpline can significantly contribute to farmers' empowerment for a sustainable future by offering them priceless assistance and resources. The following are some ways that Kisaan Helpline can promote farmer empowerment:

1. Information Access: Farmers can rely on the Kisaan Helpline for trustworthy information. It can offer advice on environmentally friendly farming methods, crop choice, pest control, soil health, water conservation, and other pertinent issues. The helpline helps farmers make informed decisions and successfully adopt sustainable practices by providing up-to-date, accurate information.

2. Technical Assistance and Advisory Services: Farmers can receive technical assistance and advice from the Kisaan Helpline. Farmers' questions can be answered, they can receive individualized advice, and they can find solutions to particular problems that arise when implementing sustainable farming practices. This assistance can be delivered via phone calls, texts, or online platforms, making access to professional counsel simple.

3. Market Linkages and Value Addition: The Kisaan Helpline can aid farmers in gaining access to markets and value chains through market linkages and value addition. It can offer details on pricing, market opportunities, and market trends for goods made sustainably. The helpline can also advise farmers on value-adding strategies like processing and packaging, which can help boost the worth of their agricultural output and open up new market opportunities.

4. Awareness and Capacity Building: Kisaan Helpline can assist with farmers' capacity building and awareness by hosting training sessions, webinars, and workshops on sustainable agriculture. These programmes can inform farmers about the advantages of sustainable practices, show them how to implement them practically, and improve their abilities and knowledge in this field. The helpline equips farmers with the knowledge and abilities they need to practice sustainable agriculture successfully and independently.

You may contact us for further information or to avail any services.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits and Health Advantages of Including Indian Millets in the Diet?

 

The grain millet is drought-resistant and requires little upkeep. Although it is frequently used to feed livestock, consumer interest is rising. This grain has many uses in cooking and offers a number of health advantages. For thousands of years, millet's nutritional benefits have been appreciated by people. It is mentioned in the Bible's Old Testament as well as in writings from classical Greece and Rome.

Rice and wheat take much longer to mature than millet, which matures almost as quickly. It is the ideal crop because of this, which has aided in its quick spread throughout Asia and into Europe. The sixth-most important cereal grain in the world today is millet.

Let us learn more about millets, their nutritional benefits, and the health advantages of including them in our diet.

Why Do Millets Matter For Our Diet?

1. Nutritional Value: Millets have a high nutritional value and a number of health advantages. They contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, as well as complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, proteins, and essential amino acids. Millets can help people meet their nutritional needs and improve their overall health by being included in their diet.

2. Gluten-free and Easily Digestible: Millets are naturally gluten-free and easily digestible, making them a good grain choice for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. In comparison to some other grains, they are also easily digestible, making them gentler on the digestive system and suitable for people who have digestive problems.

3. Low Glycemic Index: When compared to refined grains, millets have a lower glycemic index (GI), which means that blood sugar levels rise more gradually and steadily. Millets are advantageous for controlling blood sugar levels due to this characteristic, making them a healthy choice for people with diabetes or those trying to prevent the disease.

4. Rich in Antioxidants: Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are just a couple of the many antioxidants that millets are known to contain. These antioxidants contribute to overall health by lowering inflammation, defending the body against oxidative stress, and preventing chronic illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

5. Dietary Diversity and Sustainability: Incorporating millets into our diets fosters dietary diversity and sustainability. They add variety to meals and recipes by providing a special flavor and texture. Millets are also crops that are environmentally friendly. Compared to other grains, they require fewer inputs like water and fertiliser, which increases their resistance to climate change and aids in sustainable agricultural practices.

6. Versatility in Cooking: Millets are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be cooked and used in place of rice or couscous, or they can be added to salads, soups, and stews, or they can be used to make bread and cookies. Their adaptability enables a variety of tasty and healthy meal options.

7. Food Security and Resilience: Millets are hardy crops that can grow in a variety of agro-ecological conditions, including arid and semi-arid regions. This contributes to both food security and resilience. They have the potential to help ensure food security, especially in areas where the cultivation of other staple grains is hampered by water scarcity or environmental issues. We can strengthen agricultural resilience and support sustainable food systems by encouraging the cultivation and consumption of millets.

How to Cook and Consume Millets?

• When cooked whole, millets are a flexible ingredient that works well as a rice substitute.

• Simply mix 1 cup (174 grams) of raw millet with 2 cups (480 mL) of water or broth to prepare it. Then, simmer it for 20 minutes after bringing it to a boil.

• To reduce the amount of antinutrients, remember to soak it overnight before cooking. Before cooking, you could also toast it in a pan to bring out more of its nutty flavor.

• Millets can also be purchased as flour.

• In fact, research indicates that using millet flour in baked goods significantly improves their nutritional profile by increasing the amount of antioxidants in the final product.

• Additionally, this grain is processed to create pasta, non-dairy probiotic drinks, snacks, and pasta. Actually, because it contains live microorganisms that are good for your health, fermented millet functions as a natural probiotic.

• Millets can be used as a component of cookies, cakes, salads, side dishes, and breakfast porridge.

Summary

For thousands of years, people have cherished the ancient grain millet. Additionally, livestock and birds eat millet. It is becoming more and more popular because it grows quickly, resists drought, and uses little water.

A good source of protein, fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals is millet. The protection of cardiovascular health, delaying the onset of diabetes, assisting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling gut inflammation are just a few of the potential health advantages of millet.

An adaptable grain is millet. It can be prepared in a variety of straightforward ways, making it simple for those with celiac disease to incorporate this gluten-free grain into their diets.

What Are the Latest Trends and Innovations in Online Agriculture e-Magazines?

 

Online agriculture e-magazines are electronic periodicals that concentrate on disseminating knowledge, news, insights, and resources pertaining to the agricultural industry. These online magazines cover a wide range of subjects, such as livestock raising, crop cultivation, sustainable farming methods, agribusiness, agricultural technology, rural living, and market trends. To meet the needs of farmers, agricultural professionals, and people who are just interested in the agricultural industry, they act as platforms for the sharing of articles, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, and interactive tools. Online agriculture e-magazines are essential for keeping readers informed about the most recent breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, industry best practices, and innovations.

They offer readers a convenient and accessible way to get useful information, professional counsel, and industry insights, assisting them in making informed decisions, implementing novel practices, and maintaining contact with the agricultural community.

When it comes to producing agriculture-related online magazines and covering the latest trends and innovations in online agriculture e-magazines, Kisaan Helpline is an enthusiast.

Why are modern-day agricultural e-magazines important?

1. Access to Current Knowledge: Farmers, agricultural professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts have a platform to access the most recent news and trends in the sector thanks to e-magazines. They discuss a variety of subjects, such as new farming methods, crop varieties, pest control techniques, agricultural equipment, market trends, and governmental regulations. To make wise decisions and maintain their competitiveness in the industry, those involved in agriculture must stay informed about these developments. People get to know about different trends and innovations in the market through e-magazines.

2. Knowledge Sharing and Learning: Digital e-magazines offer a forum for experts, researchers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and experiences, promoting learning. They frequently include articles, case studies, interviews, and research findings that can improve knowledge of various agricultural issues and practices. People can broaden their knowledge, gain insight from the experiences of others, and adopt cutting-edge, sustainable farming practices by reading these e-magazines.

3. Networking and Community Building: E-magazines can promote networking and community building among people working in the agricultural industry. Sections where readers can comment, ask questions, and share their own knowledge and experiences are frequently included. As a result, it is easier for farmers and professionals from various fields to network, share ideas, and work together to solve problems. Creating a connected and encouraging agricultural community can result in better practices, higher output, and better results for the sector as a whole.

4. Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture e-magazines play a big part in promoting sustainable farming practices, which is important given the rising concern for sustainability and the environment. They frequently include articles on agroecology, conservation agriculture, organic farming, and other environmentally friendly practices. E-magazines encourage the adoption of sustainable practices that can reduce the detrimental effects of agriculture on ecosystems, water resources, and biodiversity by disseminating information about these practices.

5. Market Information and Business Opportunities: For farmers and agribusinesses, e-magazines offer insightful market information and analysis. They cover subjects like consumer preferences, supply and demand dynamics, market trends, and new business opportunities. Farmers can use this information to decide on crops, production levels, pricing schemes, and market entry points with confidence. Additionally, it helps agribusinesses diversify their product offerings, find potential niche markets, and outperform rivals.

Concerning the Kisaan Helpline

Kisaan Helpline, one of India's top portals for agricultural service providers, helps rural communities improve the productivity and sustainability of their agricultural operations. We support farmers in becoming more integrated, connected, and knowledgeable than ever. From land preparation, seeding, and sowing to plant nutrition and protection, we provide you with specialised knowledge that lasts through post-harvesting. We are the top agricultural service provider in India, assisting you in decision-making on the farm, enhancing performance, forecasting future events, and acting more successfully as predicted.

How do e-magazines from Kisaan Helpline benefit farmers?

1. Dissemination of Information: Kisaan Helpline's e-magazines provide a platform for informing farmers about crucial information. They cover a broad range of subjects, such as farming methods, crop cultivation techniques, managing pests and diseases, weather updates, government initiatives, subsidies, market data, and agricultural news. Kisaan Helpline makes sure that farmers have access to current information so they can make wise decisions by providing this information through e-magazines.

2. Expert Counsel: Kisaan Helpline's online magazines frequently contain articles and interviews with agricultural specialists, researchers, and seasoned farmers. These professionals offer helpful recommendations, direction, and best practices for a variety of farming-related issues. Farmers can gain knowledge from their expertise and experiences, which will help them develop their farming methods, boost yields, and effectively deal with problems.

3. Farmer Success Stories: Success stories of farmers are frequently featured in Kisaan Helpline e-magazines. These farmers often made significant strides or overcame difficulties in their farming endeavors. For other farmers, these tales provide motivation and inspiration. By telling these tales, Kisaan Helpline hopes to inspire farmers to use cutting-edge methods and strategies that have been successful in the past.

4. Awareness About Government Schemes and Subsidies: Understanding government programmes and subsidies is important because they support farmers and encourage the growth of the agricultural industry. Farmers are made aware of the various government initiatives, programmes, and subsidies available to them thanks to Kisaan Helpline e-magazines. They offer comprehensive details on the requirements, procedures, and advantages of these programmes. Through easier access to government funding and technical assistance, farmers' overall agricultural productivity and income are increased.

5. Market Information and Agribusiness Opportunities: Market information and agribusiness opportunities are provided by Kisaan Helpline's online magazines, which also cover market trends, price swings, and agribusiness opportunities. Farmers can use this information to make well-informed choices about crop selection, production scheduling, and marketing tactics. It also identifies potential agro processing opportunities, diversification opportunities, and value-adding opportunities, empowering farmers to investigate.

Conclusion

The Kisaan Helpline and the e-magazines they offer are vital to helping Indian farmers. For farmers involved in a variety of facets of agriculture, these e-magazines are an invaluable resource for knowledge, direction, and inspiration.

The Kisaan Helpline shares crucial information about agricultural practices, crop cultivation methods, managing pest and disease outbreaks, government initiatives, market trends, and more through the e-magazines. This guarantees that farmers have access to current and pertinent information that can assist them in making decisions and enhancing their farming methods.

You may contact us to learn more about our subscriptions and services.

Trends and Innovations in Agricultural Practises - News and Analysis

 

The food system is about to break. The transition to a personalized and value-added food and ag ecosystem from a commodity-driven supply chain focused on scale is being driven by changing consumer food preferences and eating habits. We must reimagine a food system where technology enables new collaboration, consumer demand drives production, and sustainability shapes investment decisions in order to adapt to this dynamic environment. Smart strategic planning that is based on an unbiased assessment of the current situation, a data-driven analysis of market opportunities, and expert insight into potential future outcomes is necessary.

In order to deliver innovative approaches that help food companies thrive today and create long-term value in a reimagined food system, EY professionals look beyond vertical silos to understand the forces that are reshaping the industry—from ingredients and data to processing and products to behaviors and brands.

Let us learn more about trends and innovation in agricultural practices so that we are on top of the agricultural game.

Top 10 Agribusiness Trends for 2023

1. Internet of Things

In conventional farming, crop field monitoring necessitates a lot of labour, physical equipment, time, and effort. IoT offers an alternative to these established techniques. An Internet of Things (IoT) device has one or more sensors that gather data and deliver accurate information in real-time through mobile applications or other channels. Numerous tasks are carried out by these sensors, including plant and animal tracking, soil temperature and humidity sensing, and more. Additionally, IoT makes it possible for farms to be remotely monitored, which is more convenient for farmers. In addition, new irrigation systems automate water delivery to crops using IoT sensors.

These include, among others, rain sensors, on-site soil moisture sensors, and evapotranspiration sensors. Innovative sensor solutions from startups that integrate IoT and drone technology are being developed.

2. Farming Robotics

A major issue for farmers is a labour shortage, which is exacerbated by extensive field operations. In order to help farmers with fruit picking, harvesting, planting, transplanting, spraying, seeding, and weeding, startups are now producing agricultural robots. Robots are being used by farmers more frequently to automate boring fieldwork. They use intelligent farming equipment, such as fully and partially autonomous tractors, to harvest the crops. Additionally, auto-steer technology is available on tractors for simpler field navigation.

Additionally, automated systems for managing livestock also employ robots. This includes automatic feeders, milking machines, incubators, and weighing scales. Farmers can concentrate more on raising overall productivity thanks to robots because they no longer have to worry about sluggish farm operations. They also stop errors brought on by people.

3. Computerised Intelligence

AI in agriculture gives farmers timely information about the state of their fields, empowering them to take preventative action. AI helps farmers make informed decisions by providing predictive insights for predicting weather data, crop yield, and prices. Chatbots give farmers advice and suggestions for input. Automated anomaly and disease detection in plants and livestock is made possible by AI and ML algorithms. This makes it possible for prompt detection and, if necessary, corrective action. Additionally, ML algorithms are used in biotechnology to make suggestions for gene selection. Additionally, AI offers farmers who are turned down for credit by banks simple access to financing through alternative credit scoring.

Startups are making use of AI in a variety of ways to develop creative solutions that raise the standard of agriculture as a whole. Harvest Quality Vision (HQV), for instance, is a recent AgriTech innovation that scans and determines the quality and quantity of fruits and vegetables.

4. UAVs

It can be difficult to boost farm productivity while reducing expenses. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, assist farmers in efficiently getting past this inconvenience. Drones gather unprocessed data that can be converted into useful data for farm monitoring. Drones with cameras enable aerial imaging and surveying of both close-by and far-off fields. Precision agriculture is fueled by data that optimizes the application of seeds, water, fertiliser, and pesticides. Drones also make geofencing, grazing monitoring, and livestock tracking easier. They take pictures of fields while flying over them, from straightforward visible-light pictures to multispectral imagery that aids in crop, soil, and field analysis.

5. Precision Farming

In agriculture, sustainability refers to the use of environmentally friendly practices and inputs that have no or very little adverse effect on the environment. Site-specific crop and livestock management, also known as precision agriculture, is an illustration of this. It is a technique whereby farmers increase the quality and productivity of the yield by using precise amounts of input, such as water, pesticides, and fertiliser. The field is divided into various plots, each with a different slope, sunlight exposure, and soil characteristics.

Therefore, applying the same treatment to the entire farm is ineffective and wasteful of time and resources. Many AgriTech startups are working on solutions in precision agriculture to solve this problem and increase profitability while addressing sustainability issues.

6. Applied Biotechnology

Pests and plant diseases cause a significant amount of crop yield to be lost. Despite the fact that agrochemicals are used in fields, they are not the most sustainable option. However, the quality of crops and livestock is improved by the use of biotechnology in agriculture. Plant breeding, hybridization, genetic engineering, and tissue culture are examples of scientific methods that make it easier to identify superior traits in plants.

With increased speed and precision, CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing technology that enables high target specificity. Transgenic plants with desired characteristics, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, pest resistance, and high yield capacity, are produced. This increases the farm's profitability. Additionally, startups use agri-biotech techniques to produce products like biopesticides, bioherbicides, biofertilizers, and bioplastics.

7. Analytics and Big Data

Common farm data is transformed into useful insights by big data and analytics techniques. The foundation for the upcoming farming season is laid by statistics on crop area, production, land use, irrigation, agricultural prices, weather forecasts, and crop diseases. Analytical tools are used to extract information about farm operations from data on weather events, agricultural machinery, water cycles, and the quality and quantity of crops. This makes it possible for growers to spot patterns and connections that might otherwise go undetected. A number of startups are providing farm analytics solutions that help farmers make the most of their field data.

Analytical data, for instance, promotes knowledge of the soil's nutrient levels, acidity, alkalinity, and fertiliser needs and enables data-driven decision-making.

8. Agriculture in a Controlled Environment

The use of conventional farming techniques is constantly hampered by erratic and extreme weather events. Furthermore, it can be extremely difficult to grow crops in densely populated areas, deserts, or other unfavorable environments. Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) helps to overcome this. Plants are exposed to a predetermined ratio of light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients in CEA. There are various growing environments, including greenhouses, indoor farming, and vertical farming, among others. Techniques like hydroponics and aeroponics, which grow soilless plants in a liquid nutrient medium or steam, are being used more frequently.

Another such method is aquaponics, which simultaneously raises fish and plants. Plants purify the water for the fish, while fish provide nutrients to the plants. CEA techniques increase yield, decrease pests and diseases, and create sustainable farming.

9. Regenerative Farming

Traditional farming methods cause soil to crust over and erode over time. Often, the overgrazing, tilling, and plowing don't give the soil much time to recover before the subsequent growing season. On the other hand, regenerative agriculture prioritizes improving soil biodiversity and topsoil revival while causing little to no soil disturbance. It includes a variety of techniques, including crop rotation, no-till farming, and reduced tillage. For instance, to reestablish soil fertility, cover crops are sown to cover the soil in between cropping seasons. Additionally, through sequestration, regenerative farming enables fields to act as carbon sinks. This has a lower effect on climate change and results in fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

10. Technology for Connectivity

Without connectivity technologies like 5G, LPWAN, rural broadband, or satellite-enabled communication, smart farming is not possible. Robots, sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices can communicate quickly thanks to 5G, which makes it easier for them to be adopted. Farmers can now more accurately and immediately monitor the data and take the necessary action. Real-time field data exchange is made possible by high-speed internet using fibre optic cables, which is essential for increasing accuracy. In the end, IoT and other technologies like connectivity support each other to create connected farms.

Conclusion

The demand for sustainable and effective farming practices, as well as developments in technology and scientific research, all drive ongoing trends and innovations in agricultural practices. For farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture industry, staying current on news and analysis in this area is essential.

Sustainable agriculture, which includes techniques like organic farming, precision agriculture, and regenerative farming, has received more attention in recent years. These methods prioritize preserving biodiversity, soil health, and natural resources while minimising the negative effects of agriculture on the environment.

You can get in touch with us to learn more about this topic or to use any of our services.

Connecting Farmers - The Agriculture Portal for Networking and Collaboration

 

Smallholder farmers like Saravanan and Prabhu, who account for 86% of India's agrarian economy, depend on middlemen to reach buyers, and they frequently struggle to make a living wage from their carrots, beets, and other produce.

Farmers have little room to haggle prices at local markets because crop brokers take a sizable cut of the profits. Even worse, they lack the funds and credit necessary to purchase high-quality pesticides and fertilisers to increase their harvest. To maintain their farms and provide for their families, they fight every day. Since farming no longer provides a stable source of income, many of their children are moving away from their communities to pursue other careers.

Though this pattern might be reversed by new technologies that give these farmers access to better prices, Let us learn more about the Agriculture Portal for Networking and Collaboration and how it helps our farmers gain knowledge to increase their efficiency.

Current agricultural connectivity

In recent years, many farmers have started using data about critical elements like soil, crops, livestock, and weather. However, very few people, if any, have had access to cutting-edge digital tools that could aid in transforming this data into worthwhile, actionable insights. In less developed areas, almost all farm work is done by hand and requires little to no modern technology.

Even in the United States, a forerunner in connectivity, only about 25% of farms currently use any connected tools or devices to access data, and that tech isn't exactly cutting edge, running on 2G or 3G networks that telcos plan to decommission or on very low-band IoT networks that are difficult and expensive to set up.

Nevertheless, many simpler use cases, like advanced crop and livestock monitoring, can be enabled by current IoT technologies running on 3G and 4G cellular networks. However, in the past, the business case for implementing IoT in farming did not hold up due to the high cost of hardware. Costs for hardware and devices are currently falling quickly, and several providers are now offering solutions at a price that, in our opinion, will pay for itself within the first year of investment.

However, to fully realise the potential value that connectivity holds for agriculture, these more basic tools are insufficient.

How do networking and collaboration in agriculture benefit from an online portal?

An agriculture portal can help people and organizations involved in the agricultural sector network and collaborate in a number of ways. An agriculture portal can facilitate networking and collaboration in the following ways:

1. Connecting Stakeholders: Stakeholders can be connected through an agriculture portal, which can act as a hub for the interaction of farmers, researchers, agricultural specialists, policymakers, suppliers, buyers, and other interested parties. It offers a platform for these people and groups to connect and communicate with one another.

2. Sharing of Knowledge: The portal can serve as a focal point for the exchange of knowledge, resources, and information about agriculture. Articles, research papers, case studies, recommendations for best practices, and other instructional materials may be included. By providing a venue for knowledge exchange, the portal encourages collaboration and learning among its users.

3. Communities and Discussion Forums: Agriculture portals frequently feature community or discussion forum sections where users can post queries, seek advice, and converse with other members. These forums enable the sharing of concepts, insights, and experiences. Users can work together by exchanging knowledge, tackling problems, and offering solutions.

4. Opportunities for Collaboration: The portal may offer a special area where users can locate and work together on initiatives, projects, or research projects. Users can list their skills, interests, and areas of expertise in profiles or listings, making it simpler for others to find potential partners. This encourages collaboration and networking between people or groups with similar objectives or areas of expertise.

5. Event and Workshop Listings: Calendars of industry events, conferences, workshops, and training sessions are frequently included in agriculture portals. These gatherings offer chances for networking, encountering subject-matter experts, and working with like-minded people. Users can take part in activities that promote collaboration and stay informed about upcoming events.

6. Business Connections: An agriculture portal can act as a marketplace or directory where farmers and agribusinesses can advertise their goods and services. This promotes business partnerships by enabling potential customers, suppliers, distributors, or partners to find and connect with them.

7. Data Sharing and Analysis: Tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization may be included in agriculture portals. Users can spot trends, make knowledgeable decisions, and work together on research or policy initiatives that benefit the sector as a whole by sharing and analyzing agricultural data.

Concerning the Kisaan Helpline

Kisaan Helpline, one of India's top portals for agricultural service providers, helps rural communities improve the productivity and sustainability of their agricultural operations. We support farmers in becoming more integrated, connected, and knowledgeable than ever. From land preparation, seeding, and sowing to plant nutrition and protection, we provide you with specialised knowledge that lasts through post-harvesting. We are the top agricultural service provider in India, assisting you in decision-making on the farm, enhancing performance, forecasting future events, and acting more successfully as predicted.

What are the services offered by Kisaan Helpline and how does it help in networking and collaboration in agriculture?

1. Agri-Advisory: Farmers can get professional guidance on a range of topics related to agriculture, such as crop selection, crop cultivation methods, pest and disease management, enhancing soil health, irrigation methods, post-harvest management, and more. To assist farmers in making wise decisions, agricultural experts offer advice based on scientific knowledge and best practices.

2. Weather Data: Farmers have access to weather forecasts that detail local meteorological data such as temperature variations, rainfall patterns, and other factors. They can use this information to better organize their farming operations and make decisions about crop protection, irrigation, and sowing.

3. Market Information: Farmers can obtain market-related information from the Kisaan Helpline, such as crop prices, market trends, demand-supply dynamics, and details on government procurement programmes. This enables farmers to decide on crop sales, find potential markets, and comprehend price fluctuations with knowledge.

4. Government Schemes and Subsidies: Government Programmes and Subsidies: Farmers can learn more about the various government initiatives, financial aid options, and assistance programmes that are available to them. The helpline offers information on the requirements, the application process, and the required paperwork for utilizing these programmes and benefits.

5. Livestock Management: Farmers can get advice on raising livestock, caring for animals, choosing breeds, managing feed, and other aspects of animal husbandry. Information on vaccination schedules, measures to prevent disease, and general management techniques for livestock is provided by experts.

6. Horticulture and floriculture: Farmers working in these fields can receive guidance on plant selection, cultivation methods, nursery management, greenhouse operations, and produce marketing plans.

7. Agricultural Equipment: Farmers can research the tools, equipment, and machinery best suited to their individual needs. The helpline offers suggestions for choosing, using, maintaining, and obtaining machinery.

8. Plant Protection: Farmers can receive help locating pests, diseases, and weeds that are affecting their crops. The use of safe pesticides, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and effective control measures are all advised by experts.

9. Crop Insurance: Farmers can learn more about crop insurance policies, coverage, and claim procedures. The helpline helps people comprehend the advantages of crop insurance and how to protect their crops from unforeseeable occurrences like natural disasters or crop failures.

With the help of these services offered by Kisaan Helpline, farmers will be better equipped to improve agricultural productivity, adopt best practices, reduce risks, and generally improve their standard of living.