m-Kisan

The m-Kisan Portal is an initiative of the Government of India aimed at empowering farmers through mobile-based information and communication services. Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 2013, the portal serves as a centralised platform for disseminating timely and relevant agricultural information to farmers across the country using mobile technology. It represents a major step in leveraging digital tools for rural development and agricultural extension.

Background

With over two-thirds of India’s population depending directly or indirectly on agriculture, access to accurate and timely information is vital for enhancing productivity and profitability. Traditionally, agricultural advisory services relied on physical visits, training, and printed materials, which often failed to reach remote areas.
To address these challenges, the Government of India developed the m-Kisan Portal under the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA). The platform was designed to provide location-specific, crop-specific, and weather-based information directly to farmers’ mobile phones, ensuring real-time communication between agricultural experts and rural producers.

Objectives

The main objectives of the m-Kisan initiative are:

• To deliver information and advisories to farmers through SMS and voice messages in regional languages.
• To improve decision-making by providing updates on weather, pest control, market prices, crop management, and government schemes.
• To bridge the information gap between agricultural institutions and the farming community.
• To enable government departments and research bodies to communicate directly with registered farmers.
• To promote digital inclusion among rural populations, integrating them into the national digital ecosystem.

Key Features of the m-Kisan Portal

• SMS and Voice-based Services: The core feature of the platform is its capacity to send short message service (SMS) and interactive voice response system (IVRS) messages to farmers registered on the portal.
• Multi-language Support: Messages are transmitted in local and regional languages, ensuring accessibility and comprehension for farmers across different linguistic regions.
• Farmer Registration: Farmers can register on the m-Kisan platform through Common Service Centres (CSCs), Kisan Call Centres, or directly via their mobile phones.
• Integrated Data Sources: The system integrates information from various government departments, including meteorology, soil health, agricultural universities, and market price databases, to ensure accuracy.
• Targeted Messaging: Information is customised based on geographical location, crop type, and season, allowing farmers to receive advice relevant to their specific needs.
• Two-way Communication: Farmers can also send feedback, queries, and requests for information, promoting an interactive advisory process.

Types of Information Delivered

The m-Kisan portal covers a wide range of topics critical to agricultural practice and rural livelihood:

• Weather Forecasts: Daily and seasonal weather updates to aid planning of sowing, irrigation, and harvest activities.
• Pest and Disease Alerts: Early warnings about pest infestations or crop diseases to enable preventive action.
• Fertiliser and Soil Health Advice: Guidance based on soil test results and nutrient management requirements.
• Market Prices: Regular updates on commodity prices in local and national markets.
• Government Schemes and Subsidies: Information on central and state-level agricultural support programmes.
• New Technologies and Best Practices: Details about innovations in crop cultivation, irrigation methods, and equipment.

Implementation and Reach

Since its inception, the m-Kisan Portal has achieved extensive outreach:

• Over five crore (50 million) farmers have registered to receive advisories through mobile phones.
• More than 4,000 crore messages have been transmitted through the system since its launch.
• The service functions in partnership with various state agricultural departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions.

The platform is integrated with other major digital agriculture initiatives such as Kisan Call Centres (KCCs) and the Soil Health Card Scheme, forming part of the government’s comprehensive strategy for digital agricultural transformation.

Benefits

• Real-time communication: Farmers receive timely advice that can prevent crop losses and improve yield.
• Cost-effectiveness: The use of mobile messaging reduces dependency on physical visits or printed materials.
• Enhanced awareness: Farmers gain better knowledge about weather patterns, input use, and market conditions.
• Increased productivity: Accurate information enables more informed farming decisions.
• Inclusivity: The system reaches farmers in remote and marginalised areas, many of whom have limited access to extension services.

Challenges

Despite its success, several challenges persist in the effective utilisation of the m-Kisan platform:

• Mobile connectivity issues in remote or hilly regions can hinder message delivery.
• Literacy barriers limit the comprehension of text messages for some farmers.
• Data accuracy and localisation remain a concern, as generic messages may not always suit local conditions.
• Limited feedback mechanisms restrict farmers’ ability to engage in interactive communication.

To address these issues, efforts are ongoing to incorporate voice-based advisories, regional dialects, and integration with mobile applications and digital kiosks to enhance inclusivity.

Significance

The m-Kisan Portal is a cornerstone of India’s Digital Agriculture Mission, aligning with the government’s broader vision of “Digital India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India). It demonstrates how mobile technology can transform traditional agriculture into a more information-driven and data-supported system.
By empowering farmers with access to real-time information, m-Kisan contributes to:

• Improved agricultural productivity and income levels.
• Reduction in risks associated with climate variability and market fluctuations.
• Greater adoption of sustainable farming practices.
• Strengthening of institutional linkages between farmers, research bodies, and policymakers.

Broader Impact

The m-Kisan initiative has redefined agricultural extension in India by making it more interactive, accessible, and farmer-centric. It bridges the gap between rural communities and scientific knowledge, ensuring that farmers are informed participants in the country’s agricultural growth story.