Why in news?
The government has highlighted the success of Kisan Sarathi, India’s largest digital agro‑advisory platform, as part of its push for smart agriculture. The platform connects farmers with scientists in real time. Recent updates have expanded access through mobile apps and village kiosks. The initiative plays a vital role in empowering farmers and was praised in several reports.
Background
Kisan Sarathi was launched on 16 July 2021 by the Ministries of Agriculture and Electronics & Information Technology. The aim was to deliver timely, local‑language advice directly to farmers. Farmers often lacked access to agronomic information and government schemes. The platform uses the Interactive Information Dissemination System (IIDS) to bridge this gap. It is jointly implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI), the Digital India Corporation and the Ministry of Electronics & IT.
How Kisan Sarathi works
- Large network: The platform links more than 730 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), over 100 ICAR institutes and about 65 agricultural universities. Farmers can connect with experts near their farms.
- Multiple access points: Farmers may access advice through a call centre (Kisan Call Centre), Common Service Centres, a web portal, mobile apps, video consultations and WhatsApp. This ensures reach even in remote areas.
- Personalised advisories: Extension workers and scientists provide crop‑specific recommendations, pest alerts, weather forecasts and information about schemes. Messages are delivered in regional languages.
- Benefits: Farmers receive timely information, leading to better yields and resource use. KVKs and ICAR institutes get feedback from the field to improve research. Policymakers can analyse aggregated data to identify gaps and design schemes.
Importance
Digital extension platforms can transform Indian agriculture. Kisan Sarathi helps smallholders reduce crop losses, improve productivity and understand market opportunities. By integrating government schemes with scientific advice the platform supports the goal of doubling farmers’ incomes. It also promotes transparency and accountability in the delivery of services.
Conclusion
Kisan Sarathi shows how technology and local knowledge can work together. By connecting farmers with experts through multiple channels, the platform empowers rural communities to make informed decisions. Continuous upgrades and community participation will ensure that more farmers benefit from this digital revolution.
Sources: Press Information Bureau