PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Kheti is a communication concept combining software on mobile camera phones and web 2.0 services. The current Kheti prototype provides a simple interface for a user to create a multimedia package (known as SDS - Short Dialogue Strip) consisting of up to six pictures and an audio track of one and half minute. This can then be sent to a web site where advisors can view photos in high resolution, and then advise the farmers. Kheti has had a short feasibility test in the Sironj Crop Producers' Company, a co-operative of small farmers, in Madhya Pradesh, India. In this trial, five members of the cooperative provided the Kheti services to the co-operative members in 25 villages. In three months, over 200 queries were handled and some significant risks to harvests (and household economies) were mitigated.
JUROR’S EVALUATION
Agriculture is the livelihood of 85% of India's rural community. KHETI is a unique concept, integrating mobile camera phones with web services. The technology has been developed in a participatory manner, involving the farmers in field discussions. The result is that, the user, the marginal farmer, is a codesigner in the process. This also involves capacity building of the stakeholders. These initiatives help in long term sustainability. The project has been piloted successfully with the Sironji Crop Producers Cooperative of small and marginal farmers. The process of handling technology has not only improved incomes and livelihoods of the farmers but also empowered them.
No comments:
Post a Comment