Empowering farmers through smart farming and technology

In this latest episode of food frontiers series, IBT interacts with Dr. Manoranjan Mishra, Director, Jeevan Rekha Parishad(JRP) a non-profit organization based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha and a key figure behind Smart Farm India, shares insights into the transformative impact of smart farming in rural and tribal communities. He discusses the journey of introducing cold storage solutions, organic farming, precision agriculture, and digital literacy to empower farmers, especially women, in Odisha. With a focus on sustainability, technology, and community involvement, Manoranjan outlines how these initiatives are revolutionizing agriculture and increasing the income and decision-making power of farmers. He also provides valuable advice for young agri-entrepreneurs eager to make a difference in the agricultural sector.

IBT: How are you associated with Smart Farm India?

Manoranjan Mishra: During the COVID period, we started working in Daspalla, known as the vegetable hub of Odisha. With the support of Ajim Premji Foundation and CareToday TV Fund Aajtak, we distributed COVID relief. While in the village, we saw that 60-70% of vegetables were being wasted as there was no market for them, and no cold chain system to store them. Farmers were devastated, and they expressed that if there was a cold chain in place, they could store their produce and sell it when prices were higher.

After discussions, we partnered with Jeevika Trust in the UK, who connected us with Brunel University for a pilot study on cold chain systems. We found it difficult to find a technology partner in India, but eventually partnered with Ice Make to establish a solar cold storage unit in Odasara village, covering five villages and benefiting 1200 farmers. The results were remarkable. For example, farmers stored 10 metric tons of tomatoes in the cold storage and sold them during the lean period at prices as high as 60-70 rupees per kg, compared to 5-6 rupees per kg during the harvest period. This significantly boosted their income.

Encouraged by the success, we established another cold storage unit with the support of Care Today TV Fund Aajtak, helping 500 more tribal farmers. However, we realized that just providing cold storage wasn’t enough. To further support the farmers, we promoted organic farming and precision agriculture. We introduced greenhouse cultivation and drip irrigation, with 12 greenhouses supported by 12 women farmer producer groups. Now, farmers are producing organic vegetables, storing them in solar cold storage, and selling them in Bhubaneswar and nearby markets. This has doubled their income, with prices rising from 10-15 rupees to 40-50 rupees per kg.

This is just one of our success stories in the smart farming solution program, and we’re continuing to build on these achievements.

IBT: How do you see digital literacy influencing the future of farming in rural communities?

Manoranjan Mishra: Digital literacy has proven to be very beneficial for farmers, especially in Odisha. The government has introduced an app called “Ama Krushi,” though it remains largely unknown. To enhance its utility, we developed a complementary app, “Farmex,” in collaboration with CAT First. We trained 500 women farmers who primarily produce organic vegetables on how to use the app effectively.

One key feature of the app is its ability to monitor the temperature of cold storage units remotely. If the temperature exceeds 15 degrees, farmers are alerted, enabling them to take immediate action, either by reducing the temperature or deciding whether the vegetables should be sold. The app also supports marketing by connecting farmers to traders, buyers, and market price information, improving their sales strategies.

In addition, the app helps farmers gain access to modern agricultural techniques like drones and sensors. It has also enhanced their financial literacy, allowing them to connect with banks, micro-credit organizations, and insurance companies. Through digital resources like YouTube, farmers are learning more about vegetable cultivation and advanced agricultural practices.

As a result, these 500 women farmers have improved their productivity and income. The children of these farmers are also utilizing smartphones to access valuable information, improving their farming practices in greenhouses and fields. Digital literacy has thus played a crucial role in enhancing both the productivity and income of these farmers, and we aim to expand this initiative in the future.

IBT: you specifically training women farmers. Have you seen a remarkable change in the lives of these women after they’ve been trained?

Manoranjan Mishra: Yes, definitely. Previously, these women had very little decision-making power, but now, after training, they have gained substantial control over their choices. With the app, they can quickly establish connections with markets, buyers, and traders. They now have access to real-time price information, which allows them to negotiate better deals.

In the past, they were forced to sell their vegetables at throwaway prices, but now they confidently negotiate. They tell traders that if the price isn’t right, they’ll keep the produce in cold storage until the price improves. This empowerment has truly transformed their ability to make decisions and manage their produce effectively.

IBT: How do you involve local communities in the design and implementation of your programs?

Manoranjan Mishra: Yes, in both of the cold storage facilities, we have formed farmer cooperatives, which include both male and female farmers, although women are the dominant group. We have trained them in smart farming, organic farming, and precision agriculture practices, including water resource management, rainwater harvesting, and stream water management.

In one of the villages, there is a stream, and earlier, the water was going unused. However, the farmers have now constructed a check dam to capture and preserve the water, which they use for various purposes, including fish farming and growing crops, especially vegetables. In addition, they’ve developed Nutri gardens in one of the tribal areas where there was no access to water before. Now, with the help of stream water, they are cultivating vegetables, rice, and even engaging in aquaculture. They’ve dug a pond for fish cultivation, which has been incredibly beneficial.

IBT: What vision do you have for Smart Farm India? What other technologies or techniques in the agri tech Do you see, do you want to implement with these people?

Manoranjan Mishra: The vision for Smart Farm India is to integrate both traditional farming techniques and modern agri-tech solutions. We’ve observed that farmers have specific needs, and through our research, we’ve identified areas where we can make significant improvements. One key focus is promoting precision agriculture, such as drip irrigation systems, which we have implemented in a few villages. However, many other areas still lack these facilities, so expanding precision agriculture and utilizing less water, fewer pesticides, and producing more crops to increase farmer income is a key part of our vision.

In addition to that, we aim to promote sustainable farming practices. In tribal areas, many farmers rely solely on rain-fed agriculture and do not cultivate crops throughout the year. To address this, we’re pushing for organic farming through greenhouses and net houses. We’ve already set up these systems in areas with access to water and electricity, but in regions lacking such facilities, we plan to introduce solar-powered irrigation systems and solar greenhouses. Looking ahead, we want to leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence, solar cold storage, and agri-tech apps. Our goal is to ensure that all farmers, both male and female, are using these tools effectively. In fact, we aspire to make the Daspalla block in Odisha a digital-friendly region, showcasing to the government that farmers’ incomes can increase if they are digitally literate. We’ve partnered with an IT company to help develop an app and create a digital ecosystem within the block.

Additionally, we plan to expand digital education programs in schools, colleges, and among farmers. With the support of digital platforms, we aim to connect farmers with markets, increasing access to information and improving productivity. This is our vision for the future.

There are a lot of other foreign organizations also involved in in the Smart Farm India mission. So how do cultural factors influence agricultural practices and acceptance of these new technologies in tribal communities?

Manoranjan Mishra: Cultural factors play a significant role in the adoption of new agricultural technologies in tribal communities. Initially, many farmers resisted modern methods due to their deep-rooted traditional practices. They were hesitant to adopt organic farming or high-tech solutions. However, after seeing the success of greenhouses that allowed for pesticide-free, year-round vegetable production, their attitudes began to shift.

Gender dynamics are another challenge. While women do most of the farming, men traditionally control the income. With the formation of women-dominated Farmer Producer Groups, women are now leading marketing efforts and managing their own income, a significant cultural shift. In community meetings, women once played a passive role but are now taking charge of decisions about crops and sales. They’ve also been trained in soil testing, now advising other farmers on best practices. Challenges like resistance to soil testing and language barriers remain. Initially, many resisted soil testing due to cultural reasons, but with education, they are now embracing it. Language also posed a challenge, as farmers predominantly speak tribal languages. To address this, we are working to provide local-language resources and audio versions of our tools and apps.

Overall, while cultural factors influence the adoption of smart farming, ongoing education and respect for local practices are key to progress.

IBT: If you have any advice to young activate activists or entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the agricultural sector?

Manoranjan Mishra: My advice to young agri-entrepreneurs is to first do thorough research. They need to understand climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture technologies before diving into ventures like smart farming, solar cold storage, or greenhouses. Hands-on experience is crucial.

Many young entrepreneurs start ventures without fully grasping the technologies, which can lead to failure. But failure should be seen as part of the learning process. It’s a stepping stone to success. If you face setbacks, don’t give up on agriculture—use them as lessons, network more, and try again.Entrepreneurs should also focus on building strong networks—connecting with farmers, government officials, NGOs, and others in the industry. This helps spread successful practices and improve marketing opportunities.

Lastly, leveraging digital tools is vital in today’s agriculture landscape. By incorporating technology, young entrepreneurs can make a significant impact on sustainable farming, especially in tribal and rural areas.

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