Use of ICT tools in agriculture for enhancing productivity

The workshop on Digital Green was conducted on 29th September, 2017 by Mrs. Erica Raj, Senior Program
Developer at Digital Green. Mrs. Erica has more than a decade of experience designing and implementing
product based solutions both for the development and commercial sectors. The workshop aimed to
address key concerns with respect to Indian agriculture and how technology can be used to benefit the
farmers. A preface to the workshop was provided by professor emeritus Anil Gupta, Head of SRISTI and
HoneyBee Foundation Network. He stressed upon the need for revival of not just government policies for
the agriculture and development sector but demanded active participation by the youth to invest whole
heartedly in to this field. He explained further that making any project financially sound is essential for its
success but social benefit should be given equal weightage.

The second part of the session started with the vision and mission of Digital Green and about its
functioning across 13,592 villages in India. The latest agricultural practices being implemented across the
globe was then explained. This part was interesting as it covered an in-depth process of implementation.
The devices used for video recording were displayed and their usage was depicted through videos
showcasing the implementation at grass root level by farmers who have been thoroughly trained to use
them for various field purposes. Further Mrs. Erica also explained about the android supported mobile
applications that have been provided to field workers for maintain balance sheet and other transactions.
The data stored through such devices is then stored on a central database which can be accessed from
anywhere. The best part about the entire Digital Green model aimed at empowerment of the otherwise
ignorant farmers through technological as well as financial knowledge. Digital Green has also partnered
with other organisations working in the development sector like Bills and Melinda Gates Foundation for
mutual development via knowledge transfer. The entire session was very well received by the audience
who consisted of management graduates from across the country. Mrs. Erica also invited the audience to
work/intern with her organization and get acquainted with their functioning.