Ran VulhtuteThian: The Smart Extension Services through Smart Phone in Picturesque Hills of Mizoram

Abstract

Agriculture is the prime source of livelihood for the majority (85%) of rural population in North-Eastern Region (NER). Apart from agriculture, livestock plays a crucial role in the lives of NER-citizens and are an important component of integrated farming system. Livestock are alternative source of income. Livestock especially pigs and poultry are important in rural economy as crops cultivation is difficult in steep hilly terrain of the state of Mizoram. They need information about farming practices, policy initiatives, best practices of other farmers, and information on market intelligence. There is a need for specific extension strategy at village level to improve the economy and living standards of farming community. The Project entitled Mobile Based Agro-Advisory System in Mizoram was taken up with the help of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meit-Y),Government of India, and implemented in collaboration with Digital India Corporation (DIC) , New Delhi and College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (I), Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram for a period of three years (2019-22) to empower the farmers by providing ‘right information at right time. The project was given a local name “Ran VulhtuteThian” The paper reports the process and achievements of the initiative.