By Anamika Bahuguna
Considering the uncertainties of monsoon, IFFCO Kisan has started advisory services during this monsoon season to reach out to farmers by giving them expert advice through call, SMS and social media regarding the remedial measures so that they can avoid crop losses.
Monsoon has always been a gamble for Indian Agriculture as well as for the whole economy of the country. Our agriculture sector has been enduring the inconsistent monsoon since decades, and the prospects of Indian Economy largely revolve around the Monsoon.
Mr Sandeep Malhotra, CEO, IFFCO Kisan, said “We are working at better pace to reach out to farmers for the weather updates and remedial measures. In our newly launched initiative, we have started advisory services under the name of ‘Monsoon Tips’ for farmers. We wish to fulfil our commitment towards the farming community and empowering farmers and connecting the grassroots.”
On the other hand, IFFCO Kisan mobile app provides instant access to weather forecast like rainfall possibility and expected wind speed. Farmers can add the preferred location for the weather forecast. It will help farmers to take remedial measures/corrective action for agriculture and farming-related activities.
The USP of IFFCO Kisan Mobile app is its – ‘Ask the expert’ option, through which the farmers can write, record and even send pictures of their problems, which will be solved by the agriculture experts in their preferred local language.
This season is very critical for farmers as almost 75% of the annual rains can be witnessed in this season only – which is from July to September. India has terrible track records in terms of rainfall, as the country had been seeing back to back drought years. Considering that the country had already witnessed the driest June in 5 years due to delay in Monsoon.
Due to continuous rainfall shortage over the years, there is a possibility of deficient monsoon in some parts of the country that could become grim for farmers and economy as well. India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted deficit July monsoon and a near-normal rainfall in Monsoon 2019.
Meanwhile, Skynet has predicted below-average rainfall, citing the El Niño and rain deficit possibility. It is a reason to be worried for the agriculture sector as a crop cycle of Kharif crops grown majorly in southern and eastern India will be affected. Monsoon 2019 can elevate the agrarian distress as Kharif crops are dependent on the timing of the rain as well as the quantity of rainfall.
There’s a dire need to be extra cautious this monsoon. The bureaucracy, farming communities, Corporates, farmers, and the entire population has to take initiatives in terms of saving the water and environment and making our country a better place to live in.