The Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme “National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A)” in the entire country. This centrally sponsored Mission Mode Project (MMP) was introduced in 07 selected States namely Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh.
The Programme aims to achieve rapid development of agriculture in India through ICT enabled multiple delivery channels such as Internet, Government Offices, Touch Screen Kiosks, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Kisan Call Centres, Agri-Clinics, Common Service Centers, Mobile Phones, Broadcast, IVRS, interactive messaging using unstructured Supplementary Service Data and Voice Recognition for ensuring timely access to agriculture related information for the farmers of the country.
Knowledge based information is being provided to farmers through a number of web and mobile based applications including the Farmers’ Portal (www.farmer.gov.in), mKisan Portal (www.mkisan.gov.in) and Kisan Call Centres (KCC).
Details of the activities in these applications include:
1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Interventions:
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has developed 80 portals, applications and websites. The important portals include SEEDNET, DACNET, AGMARKNET, RKVY, ATMA, NHM, INTRADAC, NFSM and APY.
2. SMS Portal/mKisan Portal:
Officers, Scientists and Experts from all over the country are using this Portal for disseminating information on various agricultural activities and providing services through SMSs to farmers in their local languages.
3. Kisan Call Centres:
Kisan Call Centres are working in 14 different locations covering almost all the states. All KCC locations are accessible by dialling single toll free number 1800-180-1551 from 6.00 AM to 10.00 PM on all 7 days a week nationwide.
Weather based Information regarding natural calamities disseminated to farmers under different programmes:
1. Weather related advisory service to farmers under Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture.
2. Development of need based content on weather information and advisories to farmers has been initiated by IMD under the project on “Climate Change Knowledge Network – Indian Agriculture (CCKN-IA)”.
3. IMD in consultation with SAUs, State Department of Agriculture (including Maharashtra) carries out monitoring of drought and other calamities at district level based on the observed rainfall.