Farmers seek information on disease and pest management, suitable crop varieties, agronomic practices to enhance returns, market price and linkages. They often rely on progressive farmers in their region. Sometimes information alone is not enough. These gaps contribute to the high yield gap of 40-50% in vegetable cultivation in the country. This is critical for smallholder farmers as 70% of the production comes from them.
We offer market based specific crop advisory to farmers. It is important to also understand the demographic and mobile usage of our target farmers. Based on an understanding of our clients, we offer crop specific information using text, audio, video in vernacular. Farmers are offered the following benefits on paying a fixed subscription fees:
Access to online “pathogaro” – a peer learning space for farmers. This is organised twice in a season
Daily price information of local markets received as a text message
Farmers can call in to enquire about best offers for their produce. We increase the number of traders in touch with the farmers.
Support in making new deals with traders on competitive prices. We also charge a commission on sales facilitated
We follow a cluster approach by focusing in the Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts of Odisha.
We collect and triangulate price across 13 markets in Orissa, including South Odisha. We have developed partnerships with local traders for facilitating sale of produce.
Our work stands on partnerships with expert farmers to anchor the pathogaros and give specific advice where needed to farmers. Crop wise content has been made and is continually enhanced. We identify an I am Kisan bandhu, as a local contact for farmers. They are our local contact point, help to collect and transfer the subscription and are our physical connect with farmers. They are paid a commission on each subscription mobilised.