NRN gives call for improving teledensity

Bangalore, Nov 9 (UNI) Infosys Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy today drew attention to the need for improving teledensity and connectivity in India.

Stating that teledensity and connectivity in the country were one of the lowest in the world, he emphasised that both electronic and knowledge connectivity were essential to obtain the desired effect.

Mr Murthy was speaking after inaugurating the fifth international conference of Asian Federation of Information Technology for Agriculture, hosted by the Indian Society of Agriculture Information Technology, Dharwad, here.

Underlining the need for newer IT applications in solving the problems of rural India, he said IT must be affordable. IT was very much relevant to agriculture as it had the potential to transform a traditional farmer to e-farmer. He quoted the success of the e-chaupal initiative by the Indian Tobacco Company, which had benefitted more than 3.5 million farmers and was expected to cover 16 per cent of rural India in the near future.

He lauded the Bhoomi programme of the Karnataka Government, which had maintained 20 million land records in the State. IT was also used in Tamil Nadu for executing complex designs by silk industry.

Karnataka Agriculture Marketing Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, speaking after releasing the conference publications, said the new agriculture policy of the State was on the anvil. He detailed initiatives taken by the Government, including 'Bhoomi', 'Krishi Marata Vahini' and 'Raita Mitra Kendras'.

In his welcome address, State Principal Secretary (Agriculture and Horticulture) A Ramaswamy, emphasising more attention for the development of horticulture, poultry and livestock, stressed the need for moving from the traditional grain-based strategy to diversification.

Stating that Karnataka was aiming to become a significant player in global agricultural trade by leveraging IT technology, he said ''we should welcome knowledge with open arms when she comes to our portals, but we should not make the mistake of forgetting her more bashful sister, wisdom.''

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