TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Method for ICT Mediated Knowledge Based Extension Service
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method, process and system of ICT (Information Communication Technology) Mediated Knowledge Based Extension Service for efficient delivery and high quality of services for holistic enhancement of agriculture productivity, sustainability and profitability on location specific basis at single or multiple geographic regions or areas.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various patent documents describe methods of analysis of agricultural extension services such as JP Patent No. 2005135235 which discloses a crop information management system to ascertain the amount of pesticide residue and its traceability information which can be browsed and retrieved anytime anywhere via the Internet; U.S. Patent No. 2001037182 ( also published as US 6751576 (B2), WO 0169403 (A1), NZ 520941 (A), MXPA 02008714 (A), and JP 2003532869 (T) ) discloses a process for analyzing agricultural products at various locations. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for analyzing the traits of various agricultural products including plant seed, the resulting crop, food items made from the crop, and the like, at various locations; WO Patent No. 2008010234 discloses eSagu as a tool for IT-based personalized Agro-Advisory system to improve farm productivity by delivering agro-expert advice in a timely and continuous manner to each farm from pre-sowing stage to post-harvesting stage; CN patent 1409251 (A) discloses management information system for agriculture and aquaculture which includes collection of information from the producers and facilitating its sharing by the producers; and CN patent 1302033 (A) discloses the space-time positioned collecting, processing and analyzing of field culture information.

Basic differences between other agricultural extension services and ICT Mediated Knowledge Based Extension Service
About existing agricultural extension services or extension delivery mechanism:
The existing extension service is operated under the central scheme on "Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms" across the country. The scheme is implemented through Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) created as a registered society at the district level with the main responsibility for implementing all technology dissemination activities at the district level. ATMA is supported by a Governing Body (GB) and a Management Committee (MC). Under each ATMA, there is Farm Information Advisory Centers (FIACs) at the block level and operated by Block Technology Team (BTT) of technical advisors and a Farmer Advisory Committee (FAC). Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) based on commodity are promoted at block/village level. The set up include establishment of State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) at the state level to provide HRD support in extension delivery mechanism. There is a provision for preparation of Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) by each ATMA for implementation of extension programmes in each district.
Considering different functional areas of ATMA and associated institutional arrangements, the overall level of satisfaction of the beneficiaries is 25%. The linkage of research, extension, farmers and marketing agencies were found to be very weak. Though ATMA based extension service facilitates in acquiring new knowledge about improve crop and livestock management practices, the follow up programmes seem to be not adequate for developing positive attitude towards such improved technologies.
The SREP which is the basic document for implementation of extension program in a district, in many instances, the strategic issues in research and extension indicated did not match with the real situation in the operating areas. There is need for making the technology support services of ATMA more demand driven and location specific with multiple technological options. There seems to be lack of adequate follow up of the training programs and demonstrations with input and information support and further encouraging appropriate public-private partnership.

About the proposed ICT Mediated Knowledge Based Extension Service
The method for ICT Mediated Knowledge Based Extension Service is conceptual-mix which includes Situational Analysis of Farming System, Location Specific Planning, Problem Solving Mode of Implementation, Results Based Monitoring, Inbuilt Risk-Alert System, Micro Level Market Information, Process Based Management, and finally Inbuilt Decision Support System. It takes into account the real time information and socio-economic background of farming systems based on real-time resource mapping including micro flora profiling and dynamic block and village socio-economic profiles; the concept of Location Specific Planning includes customized trainings based on dynamic block profile including real-time weather, water and soil resources, joint diagnosis on farmers' "felt" needs, and related Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK); ICT based System for implementation of agricultural extension programme by providing advisory services and needed inputs observing real time crop conditions; ICT based monitoring system of agricultural extension programme through real time cropped area and crop growth; Risk assessment and Quick Alert based on real-time data captured right at the location of risk; market information and intelligence on demand-supply situation of quantity and quality of farm commodities in the local markets, extension programme management based on unified process of inter-sectoral, inter-organizational and interpersonal communications coupled with consensus-building, negotiation, networking and multidisciplinary capacity building in a multi-cultural settings; and ICT based Decision Support Systems (DSS) facilitating efficient agriculture management and decision making by the farmers and all other stakeholders.
The difference between ICT Mediated Knowledge Based Extension Service and other Agricultural Extension Service are as follows:
(Table Removed)
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of this invention is to move away from the concept of technology transfer
to the concept of technology application.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method of providing knowledge instead of
providing information.
A further object of this invention relates to process of ICT enabled implementation based on
real time crop condition, ICT based result monitoring mechanism through real time cropped
area and crop growth and risk assessment and Quick Alert System (QAS) to transmit
information on likely crop hazard for instant advise.
The another object of this invention relates to rational unified process of extension
programme management in a multicultural settings at different levels and ICT based
Decision support System to facilitate decision making by the stakeholders based on the
databases on situational analysis, evaluation and problem solving.
Still another object of the present invention relates to provide online market intelligence for
higher profitability.
The outcome of the system will bring increase in productivity and profitability of crop sector in inclusive manner covering vast spectrum of farm holdings across the defined area.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1. The present invention provides a process of planning location specific farming system based educational and communication activities to facilitate adoption of technology at different geographic regions.
2. This invention provides an ICT enabled system for implementation of agricultural extension programme by providing advisory services and needed inputs based on real time crop conditions.
3. This invention provides Risk assessment and Quick. Alert System (QAS) based on real time data captured right-at the location of risk, enabling timely information to the farmers as well as the decision making authority.
4. It gives an ICT enabled result based monitoring system is done through real time cropped area and crop growth.
5. The present invention relates to a process of ICT based market intelligence to facilitate decision making by the farmers based on demand-supply situation of quantity and quality of different agricultural produce.
6. ICT based Decision Support Systems (DSS) facilitating efficient agriculture
management and decision making by the farmers and all other stakeholders.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The figures and its description of present invention have been simplified to illustrate the elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating for the purpose of clarity, other elements of a conventional telecommunication network, e.g., the operating system details and modules of the intelligent platform of the network have not been described here. Figure. I illustrate the flow chart of operation model
The figure II, III, IV indicate the online map of Basti district of Utter Pradesh, eleven blocks of
district with risk status, summary of customized farmer training organized and its block wise
details, weather information and agro-met advisory.
Figure V indicates the cropped area and crop condition, expected yield and availability of
produce in the market on real time basis.
The details of risk affecting crops and animals and area under crop/number of animals
affected and estimated lost in Kudaraha block of Basti district have been indicated in Figure
VI.
Finally, Figure VII indicates the market price available quantity and quality in different
markets and further details in different blocks of the district.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Achievement of targeted 4 per cent growth rate in agriculture is a great challenge as the agriculture in India is significantly influenced by a large number of biotic and a biotic condition in different agro-ecological and agro-climatic zones in the country. Effective management of existing resources is the key for increasing productivity and profitability of agriculture, which requires knowledge based extension service facilitating application of technology, instead of traditional extension service operating on technology transfer mode. The technology transfer mode of extension has been successful for the well endowed production system with largely uniform farming systems practiced by resource rich farmers. On the other end, there are wide diversity in farming systems often called as Complex, Diverse and Risk prone Agriculture practiced by the large majority of resource poor farmers, which requires more knowledge for application of technology on location specific basis in different farming systems and even within a farming system depending on the variation in resource endowments.
Earlier the capital was considered as the scarce factor in production and transfer of capital was considered as the key instrument of growth. Knowledge is now considered to be more important a factor in development, knowledge accumulation and application are the key to drive development processes. There has been revolution in information and communication technology facilitating rapid growth in systematic assimilation and dissemination of relevant and timely information which has dramatically improved the ability to access the universe of knowledge and communicate. Today the farmers not only require knowledge of improved technology, but also large volume of information related to weather, market, availability of inputs, government schemes, sources of credit, and quality requirement for the agricultural produce. ICT mediated information enables the farmers to access and locate needed information to improve their farm productivity, simulate the growing season, plan for weather contingencies, visualize precision data, decide on treatments, manage finances, buy inputs, monitor prices in local as well as other markets, and sell outputs. The farmers get linked with various agencies like Business, Systems, Research institutions, Public administration, Credit institutions, Market agencies, other farmers and other unlimited partners. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with
its potential to hold a large volume gf information through information technology and further communication through networking provides a great opportunity for access and further application on location specific basis.
The present invention relates to a method for ICT Mediated Knowledge Based Extension System is a powerful process for developing understanding on various technologies and related information by engaging the farmers and other end users through multiple forms of representations on interconnection mode for working out solutions to a number of real life problem situations.
Further, the process is complementary to insufficient extension staff and transport facilities, language barrier, reduced resources for public extension services, in geographical terrain and in areas where physical visits may not be possible as frequently as required. Furthermore, such knowledge based extension system facilitates in developing a Rural knowledge Society through Knowledge empowerment, social mobilization of the community, empowering rural people in decision making, increased food security through higher agriculture production, and higher economic security from the production with quality specification, increased on-farm and non-farm employment, and increased capital flow. ICT supports a different management model for extension service, creates a different supportive role of the Government, facilitate in institutionalizing a unique public-private-community partnership at the grass root level, provide opportunities for the farmers to adopt appropriate and affordable technologies, and overall facilitate community mobilization and improved functional understanding of the farmers.
The project provided decision support system (DSS) to help officials of line department, policy makers and planners to take advantage of database to prefix the targets and make availability of inputs and arrange for management of gluts and short supplies. Furthermore, the presence of online weather, soil maps, crop area and crop growth database can predict the yield in advance before the produce actually hits the market. The "Online" information on weather, soil and crop management ultimately saves the farmers from unexpected losses and resultant distress. System in place for record of weather data and crop data in various institutions at present is not available on line; moreover its association with real cropped area
under various crops, growth conditions and soil conditions has not been dovetailed at the field level.
Finally, the present invention provides an innovative method of analysis of farming systems; a process of planning location specific farming system based educational and communication activities; ICT based process of implementation of agricultural extension programme; ICT based results monitoring mechanism; Risk Assessment and Quick Alert Communication System (QAS); ICT based acquiring, analyzing and providing market information; a method of extension programme management; and an ICT based Decision Support Systems (DSS).
Operation of ICT Mediated Knowledge Based Extension Service:
The operation of ICT Mediated Knowledge Based Extension Service is as follows:
1. Method of analysis of farming systems
In an embodiment, the proposed system of analysis takes into account the real time information both on bio-physical and socio-economic background of the farmers in the targeted villages. It is based on resource mapping including micro flora profiling and based on dynamic block and village profiles. The bio-physical parameters include not only information on crops and livestock but more specifically their interaction between and among different crops and livestock and also with various natural resources like weather, soils, water, pests and diseases, and other related factors determining the technical feasibility and economic viability of various production practices. In addition to the information on existing bio-physical parameters, real time information is collected by establishing meteorological station at block level to facilitate precise advisory services on real time basis including risk assessment and quick alert on likely effect of sudden changes of weather parameters on crops and immediate remedial measures. The socio-economic endowment of the targeted villages having important bearing on adoption of improved technology includes existing process of social stratification like caste and religion structure, education status, village based cottage industries, overall economic status of the villagers specially holding size and purchasing power.

Weather conditions and soil types directly determine the cropping pattern in a particular village. The weather parameters include mainly rainfall, temperature and relative humidity; and that of soils include texture (clay, clay loam, loam, sandy soil, river bed soil etc), nutrient status, organic matter, pH, water holding capacity and duration of water logging in case of water logging situations. The factors contribute to the choice of specific crop/variety, sowing time, cultural operations, harvesting time and over all crop duration. Unlike conventional focus of farming system, the available water resources both surface as well as under ground are ascertained including nature of water and depth of under ground water. The details of the crops grown in the area are analyzed including horticultural crops particularly fruits and vegetables and the choice for specific varieties, prevalence of pests and diseases, availability and utilization of organic waste and other composts, status of farm mechanization and extent of use of farm machineries, tools and implements, status of animal husbandry and extent of utilization of animal power. Market information being one of the key component in the present extension system, the particulars of market infrastructure are collected which include location of markets, distance from the village, frequency and mode of transportation and type of road which affect market the demand of crops and its by products.
2. Process of formulating farming system based location specific customized farmers' trainings and on-farm demonstrations
In another embodiment, the customized training programmes and technology for on-farm demonstrations are formulated based on the information collected on both bio-physical and socio-economic situations of the villages including the information on block profile and resource mapping besides the assessment of felt needs of the farmers based on analysis of the results of Participatory Rural Appraisal. The important considerations in the process of customization are soil and water resources, soil micro flora, and real time weather and related Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) of the farmers besides their socio-economic background.
Such customized training programmes and on-farm demonstrations cover specific interventions like implication of soil fertility status, selection of quality planting material including its duration to fit into the farming system, seed replacement, nursery management,

optimum amount and time of use of input, method of input application, water scheduling, control measure for pests and diseases based on its seasonal incidence including natural control, application of manures and fertilizers, seasonal weeds control, management of natural resources and farm resources within cropping season, post harvest handling, packaging, storage, use of market intelligence and marketing. Similar customized training programmes are formulated on animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries to cover the entire farm sector for its holistic development.
3. ICT based system for implementation of agricultural extension program
In yet another embodiment, the unique feature of the proposed extension system is its implementation by providing advisory services based on real time crop conditions. Such services include weather forecasting, weather and crop advisory; SMS based services; solution to farmers' problems through call center; cropped area, crop conditions and yield assessment; market information on quality, price and quantity of arrivals, minimum support price and day to day market rates, availability of agricultural inputs and there prices; and forecast on expected arrivals of farm commodities in Mandis as assessed from Crop condition and yield assessment.
4. ICT based monitoring system of agricultural extension programme
In further embodiment, ICT based monitoring system of agricultural extension programme is done through real time cropped area and crop growth providing much needed flexibility for appropriate advisory services and even redesigning the format and procedure based on the change in situations on real time basis.
5. Risk Assessment and Quick Alert Communication System
Still further embodiment, Risk assessment and Quick Alert Communication System (QAS) is based on standard short message service to capture real-time data at the location of risk and to provide timely information to farmers as well as decision makers both at the project level

and line departments about the risk or crop hazard from insect, diseases, micro nutrients deficiency, low and high temperature, frost, high pressure winds, floods, drought etc. and need for immediate remedial measures. The software is independent of internet access and can be operated even where internet connectivity is not available. Each Block Resource Person (BRP) under Agriculture Center (AC) of a district is provided with a QAS device. The device contains pre-loaded digital forms which are filled up by the BRPs and the data is immediately transferred to a central server. The BRPs can also review the old data and update the status accordingly. Similarly data on the crop from all the BRPs of all ACs, are digitally stored in a central server, where it is analyzed for assessment of risks and reports are generated through automated software. Based on the weekly reports of different districts / blocks / agriculture centres / villages, weekly e-alert is sent to the respective BRPs into their QAS devices to inform about fresh alert and also to remind to follow up the old cases. An online web link is given to the concerned authorities in charge to effectively monitor the progress of work of the program in different districts.
6. ICT based market information system
In yet another embodiment, the information include market rates of major agricultural commodities of the nearest markets, quantity and quality of produce received in the nearest market, and expected gluts and shortages of agricultural commodities, area sown and crop conditions and yield assessment. This information is upgraded on weekly basis and available on line to facilitate appropriate strategies.
7. Extension programme management system
In yet another embodiment, the proposed Extension programme management system involves inter-sectoral, inter-organizational and interpersonal communications coupled with consensus-building, negotiation, networking and multidisciplinary capacity building in a multicultural settings.

Uniformity in form and structure is the characteristic features of present extension system. An extension program cannot be successful based on such a straight-jacketed approach. Especially, any extension program is required to be imp lemented among the farmers with large variations in their ethnic background including cast, religion etc. The uniformity being the basis for the existing extension system does not provide such scope of flexibility due to variation in cultural settings.
8. ICT based Decision Support Systems (DSS)
In yet another embodiment, the proposed extension programme provides a decision support system (DSS), through various databases; which help the officials of line department, policy makers and planners engaged in development of agriculture to take advantage to prefix the production targets and work out logistics for inputs as well produce management. Furthermore, the presence of online weather, soil map, crop area and crop growth database can predict the yield in advance before the produce actually hits the market. The "Online" information on weather, soil and crop management ultimately saves the farmers from unexpected losses and resultant distress.
Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the ensuing description of further embodiments of the invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that other embodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departing from the inventive concept. Thus, the following drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
Example 1 Method of analysis and process of formulating farming system and implementation
Fig. II, III, IV illustrates a risk status of different districts; Customized training programmes and technology for on-farm demonstrations are formulated based on the information

collected on both bio-physical and socio-economic situations of the villages. Customized training programmes and on-farm demonstrations cover specific interventions like implication of soil fertility status, selection of quality planting material including its duration to fit into the farming system, seed replacement, nursery management, optimum amount and time of use of input, method of input application, water scheduling, control measure for pests and diseases based on its seasonal incidence including natural control, application of manures and fertilizers, seasonal weeds control, management of natural resources and farm resources within cropping season, post harvest handling, packaging, storage, use of market intelligence and marketing. The unique feature of the proposed extension system is its implementation by providing advisory services based on real time crop conditions which include weather forecasting, weather and crop advisory.
Example 2 Operation model of farming system analysis
Fig. I. Flowchart illustrating the information on existing bio-physical parameters, real time information is collected by establishing meteorological station at block level to facilitate precise advisory services on real time basis including risk assessment and quick alert on likely effect of sudden changes of weather parameters on crops and immediate remedial measures. This information is upgraded on weekly basis and available on line to facilitate appropriate strategies.

We Claim:
1. A method of identification and problem solving in agriculture by adopting a new process
of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and integration of related data for
holistic enhancement of agriculture productivity, sustainability and profitability on location
specific on real time basis comprising:
I. Block Level Resource Person (BLRP) prepare block profile by collecting all the
data of the fields.
II. Facilitation of district Level resource Person (DLRP) in planning of location specific farming system based education and communication activities including customized farmers training and on-farm demonstration.
III. Real time data on crop growth and coverage is transferred continuously to the central computer through mobile by BLRP.
IV. Data is analyzed by central computer and advise is developed and send back to BLRP.
V. BLRP deliver the advice to the farmers through mobile SMS distribution service.

2. According to claim I, the data is collected through mobile e-form on condition of crop on real time basis.
3. According to claim I, the data is transferred through mobile to central computer at project headquarter.
4. According to claim I, the problem is analyzed by group of multidisciplinary senior experts at project headquarter depending on nature of risk/hazard from pest/diseases, nutrient deficiency, sudden change in weather, moisture stress and other related crop, livestock and fishery conditions.
5. According to claim I, advises are transferred to the BLRPs as well as farmers through Quick Alert System (QAS) devices and further BLRPs gives personalized advises to farmers according to their queries to give immediate solution.
6. A process of ICT based acquiring, analyzing and providing market information at block level to facilitate decision making by the farmers.

7. A method of extension programme management involving interpersonal, inter-sectoral and inter-organizational communications coupled with consensus-building, negotiation, networking and multidisciplinary capacity building in a multi-cultural settings as appropriate at different levels.
8. An ICT based Decision Support Systems (DSS) consisting of situational analysis, evaluation and problem solving facilitating decision making by the farmers, policy makers, planners, scientists, exporters and importers for efficient agriculture management.