I am a firm believer and often propagate the usage of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) in Food Security. Do check out my post on IT & Food Security?
The farmers have to register at the mandi and leave their numbers. The registration is done in first-come-first-serve basis and the farmers get an SMS with the information as to when they can come to the mandi to sell their produce. As you can see this is not about innovative technology but is rather a smart usage of the available technology to come out with innovative solutions. But this effectively and efficiently removes the hurdles that the farmers usually face, facilitate smoother procurement and prevents wastage too.
But here I would like bring to your notice how the right usage of ICT can enable changes in the systems that people deem as unchangeable and impossible. The usage of ICT at Harda mandi in Madhya Pradesh can be a case study for central as well as for other state governments. The mandi which procures produce from more than 100 farmers have adopted a novel method to cut large lines and long waits for the farmers.
The farmers have to register at the mandi and leave their numbers. The registration is done in first-come-first-serve basis and the farmers get an SMS with the information as to when they can come to the mandi to sell their produce. As you can see this is not about innovative technology but is rather a smart usage of the available technology to come out with innovative solutions. But this effectively and efficiently removes the hurdles that the farmers usually face, facilitate smoother procurement and prevents wastage too. We have often heard about the problems hampering the government procurement and distribution system, and this kind of news comes as a welcome relief and shows that with the right technology and solutions you can bring in changes.
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