The Times has picked up on a project we launched through the innovation group at Reuters. Called Market Light it will provide farmers with price and weather information to help them get better prices for their primary products. The Indian agricultural market is beset with information problems throughout the supply chain which leads to poor prices for farmers, heavy intermediation and tremendous wastage (some 30 to 40% of vegetables rot, for examples) throughout the supply chain.
This is a fantastic opportunity to create a business addressing these information problems. Even with the increasing march of cellphones in India, particularly in the rural market, it's non-trivial to address the customer problems in this market, so kudos to Amit and his team for getting their teeth into it.
Why not stream the details continuously thro' FM Radio? Would it not be cheaper and easy to access for all instead of promoting more costly mobile phone?
We have implemented e-Administration, e-Platform for e-Governance, which can be effectively used for all communications and work flow solutions.
Posted by: Kris Dev | October 02, 2007 at 10:52 PM
Why not stream the details continuously thro' FM Radio? Would it not be cheaper and easy to access for all instead of promoting more costly mobile phone?
We have implemented e-Administration, e-Platform for e-Governance, which can be effectively used for all communications and work flow solutions.
Posted by: Kris Dev | October 02, 2007 at 10:52 PM
Great article! Yet I still have to say that the surface-level economic benefits of internet penetration belie the depth of possibility in rural communities. The vast array of information currently online, coupled with the Open Access educational movements, will ultimately bring all of humanity's collective knowledge to the masses. Since this is the most efficient way for us as a planet to progress (technologically, environmentally, socially, etc.) let's find ways to make this reality. If you leave a comment on my blog I'll be able to check out your thoughts and network with you!
http://thesubcontinental.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Valmiki the Younger | October 20, 2007 at 10:57 PM