Farming Life Cycle: Steps a farmer performs and what information is required at each step?
FARMING STEPS A farmer performs following eight major steps from crop selection to harvesting: Crop Selection Land Preparation Seed Selection Seed Sowing Irrigation Crop Growth Fertilizing Harvesting The steps are also shown in Fig. 1. SOURCES OF INFORMATION Farmers typically rely on following sources of information: - Agriculture department of provincial government. - Fellow farmers. - Field agents of seed, pesticide and fertilizer companies. - TV and radio programs. - Newspapers. CHALLENGES AND ROADBLOCKS IN INFORMATION FLOW Farmers typically face following challenges in receiving timely and personalized information: - Farmer has to travel to offices of agricultural department for information. - This is a costly and time consuming activity. - Availability of government officials is unpredictable. - Radio or TV programs are broadcast at a predefined schedule which may or may not be convenient for the farm...