Friday, October 23, 2009

Weather inputs for farmers on mobile phones

handygo Ltd, a leading wireless solution provider in mobile and value-added services, has tied up with India Meteorological Department (IMD) to provide farmers with meteorological inputs through Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS).

Farmers will receive not just weather forecast, but also advice on agricultural inputs for various kinds of crops prepared by in-house agricultural experts.

handygo launched its services in 21 districts of Punjab and 20 districts of Haryana, and now plans to focus on 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh; Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.

MOU WITH IMD

After signing a memorandum of understanding with the IMD, handygo has extensively researched and gathered information about various regions of the country and the local agriculture pattern.

Agricultural scientists at handygo process the technical data into information which is easily accessible and understandable to farmers updated twice on a weekly basis.

Provided in the vernacular language, the inputs pertain to selection of crops and their varieties, proper sowing time, pest and disease control, optimum timing and dose of fertiliser, post-harvest advice, irrigation management and decision-making based on weather information.

Details on sourcing bank loans as well as mandi rates will also be made available. Farmers need to dial 55678 on mobile phones to receive required information at Re 1 a minute. handygo has tied up with local telecom operators for this service.

TO EXPAND

According to Mr Praveen Rajpal, CEO of handygo, the company intends to expand services to all parts of the country.

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