Amazon India Improving Farmer Livelihoods & Boosting Crop Yield Using Technology

Agriculture is a major aspect of the Indian economy, employing over 58% of the workforce. Despite agriculture accounting for 17% of India's GDP, farmers confront a number of obstacles that limit their output, including unpredictable weather patterns, limited access to high-quality agri-inputs, a shortage of credit, and shifting market pricing, to mention a few.

Amazon Fresh, a single online destination for daily food needs, seeks to provide customers with the highest quality fresh produce. To accomplish this, we collaborated with farmers through our Amazon Kisan programme to purchase fresh fruit directly from them while also helping them to grow more efficiently.

Amazon Kisan, which launched in 2019, now has over 8,000 farmers registered in the programme, with over 3,000 farmers sending fresh fruit to Amazon's network of 11 collection facilities across the country. Farmers get paid quickly (within five hours) and at fair and competitive prices. Farmers also gain access to expert agronomists who provide customised crop suggestions as well as scientific nutrition and pest management advice. Farmers can use their mobile phones to acquire tailored crop plans and ask questions about their crops.

"I've been working with Amazon for three years. In my farm, I grow a variety of crops such as brinjals, cauliflowers, and cucumbers, which I sell at the Amazon collection centre. Within five hours, the funds are credited to my account. Their Amazon Kisan app has helped me learn more about agricultural cultivation. My home is thriving thanks to Amazon, and my children's schooling has been uninterrupted. I'm feeling empowered and would strongly recommend it to my fellow farmers!" Swati Sanjay Bhalerao of Kalam, Maharashtra, agrees.

"We believe that technological innovations can transform Indian agriculture and dramatically improve the livelihoods of Indian farmers," says Siddharth Tata, Amazon Fresh and Kisan Product Leader. "Partnering with farmers has helped us build a 'farm to fork' supply chain that allows us to serve our customers the highest quality fresh produce."

The 'farm to fork' supply chain begins with farmers receiving information to help them enhance productivity and quality. Farmers are given day-by-day crop growing plans based on characteristics such as soil type and nutrition, crop variety, sowing date, farm size, and more. Farmers can seek assistance if they are affected by bad weather, pest infestations, or disease. Farmers transport their fresh food to a nearby Amazon gathering centre when it is ready for harvest. The produce is subsequently delivered to a processing facility. The fresh fruits and vegetables are then sorted, graded, and packed at processing facilities before being sent to Amazon Fresh fulfilment centres near clients.

Amazon India cooperated with three renowned community radio channels in Maharashtra—Swaranath Community Radio, Sharada Krishi Vahini, and Radio Vishwas—to spread the word and assist more farmers realise the benefits of the Amazon Kisan programme.

The agricultural sector will be transformed by technology, which will improve the lives and livelihoods of Indian farmers. Amazon India aspires to contribute to this shift by assisting farmers in growing healthier crops while providing customers with the greatest quality of fresh goods. Collaboration with community radio stations has assisted us in spreading the news and engaging new farmers who can benefit from Amazon Kisan.

Source-Amazon India

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