Last Mile Delivery of Farm Technology in Providing Effective Crop Solutions to Farmers with a Holistic Approach

摘要

Effective last mile delivery of farm technology is essence of modernization of intensive farming and key to its success. However, in India the agricultural extension system- the engine for the last mile delivery, have failed to meet the expectations. This needs to be rejuvenated and energized in a purposeful manner supported with practical and commercially viable E & D info and farm practices in a need based and location and crop specific manner. Along with, it would be desirable to create an environment of commercializing farming in its true sense by ushering business ike thinking and approach of farmers towards farming, supported by the judicious farm mechanization and dependable market access. For a country of the size of India, mass scale agricultural extension efforts that too in a need based ami location specific manner is a daunting task, which may not be effectively possibly for any single agency be the Pubic or Private, Therefore, we will have to devise and strengthen suitable rural developmental/ extension model(s) preferably based on Pubic Private Partnership (PPP). Effective last mile delivery of farm technology could help to improve farm productivity, quality of produce and profitability in a cost effective manner on a sustained basis, while maintaining soil health, Some of such approaches are described in this paper.