Answer:

Various initiatives taken by government to make agriculture a tool for inclusive development with the use of ICT are:

♤ National Agricultural Market through Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund, an online platform.

♤ Soil health card.

♤ TV channel DD KISAN.

♤ E-Mandi is an electronic market platform to sell the vegetables online at the best prices, for both the retailers and the whole sellers by providing a convenient way to keep the transparency in the whole marketing system.

♤ Free software by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation to the UTs and the States and there will be a subsidy by the Government of India up to Rs. 30 lakh per Mandi for their infrastructure. Reforms possible in PDS expansion of PDS coverage, computerization, etc.

♤ mKisan SMS Portal for farmers enables all Central and State government organizations in agriculture and allied sectors to give information/services/advisories to farmers by SMS in their language, preference of agricultural practices and location.

♤ Agriclinics to provide expert services and advice to farmers on cropping practices, technology dissemination, crop protection from pests & diseases, market trends and prices of various crops in the markets and also clinical services for animal health etc.

♤ Krishi vigyan kendras for training and education of farmers, entrepreneurs, farm women, rural youth, financial institutions extension functionaries as well as voluntary organizations.