October 7, 2020
The app will help create a buyer-seller network for vital agri-sector stakeholders in the region.
The Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project will train farmers on using the National Informatics Centre developed platform.
The app connects over 10,000 farmers, 50 producer organisations, and 1,000 verified agri traders.
Through improved communication between stakeholders, the app will also help significantly reduce food wastage.
India’s agriculture sector takes an important step in leveraging technology for growth as Assam Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, announces the launch of the ‘Kisan Rath’ mobile app, designed to connect buyers and sellers of agricultural products. By creating a network for vital agri-sector stakeholders in the region, the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART) aims to expand the reach of Assam’s agri-business to markets across India, as reported by the Hindustan Times on October 7.
As part of its implementation, APART will provide farmers and other agri-business stakeholders with training on how to utilise the mobile app, developed, designed, and technically maintained by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The platform also caters to the multilingual nature of India’s booming agricultural sector by offering many language options, such as Assamese, Hindi, English, and more. The online platform is set to connect over 10,000 farmers, 50 producer organisations, and 1,000 verified agri traders, enabling improved communication across stakeholders on market requirements and significant reductions in food wastage.
Initially released for use by the Government of India, the Kisan Rath app showcases the potential of digitally enabled supply chain networks within the sector. With agricultural exports from India recording a year-on-year jump of over 23 per cent during March 2020 to June 2020, reaching US$3.4 billion, the sector presents a large scope for investment. As the largest employment generator in India, agriculture has long remained the key strength of the Indian economy and is set to feature in the country’s digitalisation efforts. According to NITI Aayog, the adoption of AI solutions in India could lead to a growth of US$957 billion in GDP by 2035, with annual growth appreciating by 1.3 per cent. In addition, the recently launched National AI Strategy and National AI Portal are helping leverage AI-driven technology solutions across many sectors in India, including agriculture.