Harnessing ICT for rural development - An Indian experience

Various ICT interventions in rural India have proven that rural development can be achieved through ICT interventions aimed at developing markets for business benefits. Improving the lives of millions of economically disadvantaged need not necessarily be a completely noble endeavor. It can definitely be a lucrative one, with a win-win advantage all the way. Innovative e-strategies in rural marketing in India have proven that various barriers to commerce like illiteracy, inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic red tape, corruption and geographical remoteness can be turned around with growing openness to invest and to provide connectivity through internet and of innovative management. E-Choupal provides real time information and customized knowledge through internet enabled kiosks, to farmers on weather conditions, market prices, scientific farm practices and technology; thus enhancing the ability of the farmers to take decisions and align their farm output with market demand and secure better quality and higher production. Wasteful intermediation and multiple handling are reduced, thereby reducing transaction costs and better margins to the farmers. E-Choupal services today reach out to more than 3.1 million Indian farmers Indeed, a digital revolution seems to be changing the lives of millions farmers in rural India. Given the will and good and innovative management practices one can tap the potential of the remotest and most backward areas through e-strategies.