ICT platforms for enhancing agricultural productivity: the case study of Tata Kisan Kendra

The potential for application of ICT in the agro-sector is high. New tools and techniques are evolving and the implications of this are clearly visible at a global scale. But the level of penetration of ICT is very low in India since the rural masses are not aware of the new technological innovations. The private initiative taken by Tata Chemicals Ltd started with an objective of providing the farmers with infrastructure support, operational supports, coordination and control of farming activities, and strategic support. Tata Kisan Kendra has been replicated successfully in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. The project has generated learning experiences such as customisation of the project for the rural users, implementation in a phased manner and community learning. The project is scalable and replicable, which Tata Chemicals Ltd keenly looks forward to. It has also managed to look into the economic and cultural sensitivities.