Mangaluru: The advantage of technology has been immense in this age. Boon of technology comes to the forefront when it reaches and alleviates the woes of backbone of our economy, farmers.

One such initiative by the Agriculture Department in the state along with the central government is Lab to Land, the Krishi Sanjeevani Vans as part of the National Krishi Vikas Yojana. Speaking to News Karnataka, Y.S. Ningangowdra, Assistant Technical Manager, Moodbidri informed that “our agriculturists reside in rural areas, many of them are uneducated and are not familiar with modern technologies. They face problems, difficulties and confusion at different stages of yielding and scientific solution for the same on immediate basis is hard to come by. Therefore, to address this problem the Agriculture department of Karnataka launched this initiative”.

Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa launched Krishi Sanjeevani Vans on January 7, 2021. The 40 vans operating under the scheme visit agricultural fields to conduct water and soil tests, as well as provide pest control recommendations to boost yield. The vans that arrive at the fields will also assist in the analysis of the conditions and meet the needs of the farmers in terms of soil fertility, pest control, appropriate crops, and weeds at that particular time. Thus, the Agriculture Department’s staff will also be able to recommend solutions based on the water, soil, and pests that are afflicting the crops. 

Ningangowda says, “In case of any problem or need of guidance from experts a peasant can call the Sanchari Nanna Arogya Chikitsalaya on a free helpline number 155313 and the van will arrive directly to the field. The van has personnel armed with a Diploma in agriculture. The vehicle also has e-sap technology which provides expert advice. The vehicle also has geo-fencing technology which helps the officials of the Agriculture Department to get in contact with technical staff in the field, and for which no mobile network is required. The vehicle also has soil testing, fertiliser kit, pest testing kit apart from apps of e-sap technologies.”