The next big thing in farmers of Assam need market
information, not just production
Introduction
Many studies show that most of the farmers in Assam are unable to find new customers, alter market demand, or determine which crops are most profitable to grow. They do not understand that market activities begin with planning a crop's production. Farmers can organise themselves into Commodity Interest Groups (CIGs) or Field Management Committees (FMCs) based on market data to attract local buyers. A Farmers Producing Company may even be formed in the future.
Why farmers should rely on market information
Consumer tastes are constantly evolving. As a result, market information must address the needs of end-users. FICCI cites inadequate market information as a problem in agricultural marketing that has a negative impact on farmers. As a result, farmers in Assam must have access to market information to sell their products. There is a need for guidance on which crops to grow and which markets to pursue by growers.
The most critical consideration in making production decisions is that those decisions must be based on market demands. Producing goods that people want and those farmers can profitably grow is what we mean by this. Marketing is not something that a farmer focuses on after harvesting is complete. On the other hand, marketing should be directing production in response to clear signals from the market as to what customers need. Due to their location in rural areas, most farmers do not have easy access to markets for their products or information about the agricultural market's state.
Where is advantage Assam in agriculture
Due to its strategic location, Assam enjoys a natural trading advantage. It is well-suited to produce agricultural commodities that meet the demands of neighbouring foreign markets. As a result, farmers who are provided with accurate market data before harvest will devise an effective crop production strategy. Even though Assamese farmers produce excellent crops, they cannot profit from their efforts because of market information.
Where is disadvantage Assam in market information
Again, Assam has no market information service provider for developing crop planning. Farmers typically produce following their preferences and areas of expertise. Farmers should produce what consumers want to purchase. Farmers can increase their crop yields thanks to agricultural technology advancements. Farmers should sell their products on the open market to raise their income.
Studies have shown that Assamese farmers desperately need and frequently seek out market information. They were produced for an unknown market with unpredictability in supply and demand. As a result, farmers are having a difficult time selling their goods. As a result, farmers must produce crops without considering the market demand or consumer preferences to get the prices they deserve. It makes farming unprofitable for them, so they try to find new sources of income.
According to FAO, the provision of market information has increased interest in recent years. Governments in countries where the private sector has traditionally played a more significant role in agricultural marketing increasingly realise the need for additional support in marketing education, infrastructure development, and Market Information Services.
How do the farmers sell their products?
The farmers' traditional selling strategy is ineffective at gaining a foothold in the market and making money. To be successful in the market, they must use a marketing strategy. Farmers, traders, and policymakers benefit from better market information access. The development of a market information system that tries to provide information on prices, arrivals, availability, trends, analyses, laws, etc. There must be an effective system that can gather and disseminate relevant data that is friendly to farmers. Providing information on its own is of no use, and farmers must sell their products to support the effort.
Why is Market Information service being necessary to farmers?
The development of a competitive agricultural market and the expansion of the farm sector require easy access to agricultural markets and marketing information. Farmers have difficulty selling their products because they do not know where the market is. In general, they cultivate crops according to their preferences, harvest them, and then look for a market for them.
To successfully sell agricultural products on the market, farmers must be well-versed in market data and have a solid crop plan in place. The first step is to plan production based on market data to sell products. When it comes to developing a production plan, farmers in Assam lack the necessary market knowledge and expertise.
What benefits farmers will receive?
Farmers, traders, and policymakers benefit from timely and accurate market information. Farmers can better negotiate with traders if they have precise market information. Distribution of goods from rural areas to urban areas is facilitated. One of its primary goals is to connect farmers in remote rural areas with urban markets by establishing transparent market prices for the quantities and varieties required by urban consumers. Farmer planting decisions, including those related to new crops, can be guided by historical market data analysis.
The away forward
The World Bank has recently established an Agricultural Market Intelligence Unit at the Jorhat campus of Assam Agricultural University under the APART project. In terms of market information, this is good news for Assamese farmers. It is hoped that farmers will use this data to develop production plans based on market information. Aside from the timely dissemination of market information through various platforms, farmers' participation will play a crucial role in this endeavour. As a result of multiple means, such as mass media, training sessions held at the different places, and the provision of market information to farmers via WhatsApp group or SMS, it will be possible to engage the farmers with the unit.
