Myth Bursting — I

There’s a whole lot of myths around agriculture in India. Dispelling these myths is pivotal in reshaping the notions that prevent effective management of supply chain in agriculture.

It is only after the fact is distinguished from fiction that improved agriculture production can become viable. So, lets begin the myth bursting journey by shattering one of the most popular myths.

The farmers don’t want to switch from traditional agriculture practices to modern techniques.

While its normally believed that farmers, with their skewed perception of new-age agricultural practice and techniques, will choose to stick to traditional methods of crop production, it is not the case. And it’s time we move away from this long standing misconception.

FarmGuide — farmer using mobile phone

As part of a virtual training programme, many farmers recently learned about modern tools that provide information on soil variability, moisture and nutrient levels, rainfall variability, and timing of key operations.

The government is also aiming at penetration of software solutions and upgrading telecommunication infrastructure in the deeper pockets of India for bridging the gap between farmers and other stakeholders.

Let’s put three things straight:

1. Innovation intrigues farmers as much as it excites other people.
2. They are more than willing to embrace modern techniques as long as it improves farm economics and reduces farm risks
3. They might even have recommendations on how to make technology accessible and affordable for them.

All you need to do to overcome this myth is interaction with farmers. As we are saying this only after speaking to fair number of farmers about challenges in raising agriculture productivity, and ways in which they want to be supported.

When asked if he would be appreciative of new-age farming methods, Ram Mohan, a farmers from a remote village in Haryana, says

“I am always looking for ways to be more efficient in farm operations. If technology promises better access to good quality inputs, connectivity with the market and reduction in post harvest losses, why not?”

“We see mobiles, computers and satellites make other people’s life easier. We are immensely hopeful that they can work wonders for us too.” he adds.

Moving on from agriculture being a source of livelihood, farming community in India wants to be updated with the most recent and updated technology to turn farming into a profitable business that helps them improve their lives.

And they are voicing it.

This story was originally published in the official FarmGuide blog on 14th December, 2017.