Airtel to be purveyor of Iffco's farm info

GRASSROOTS CONNECTIVITY

The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Ltd (Iffco) has ventured into the rural information and telecommunications field by launching a subsidiary called Iffco Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL).

To begin with, it proposes to utilise the existing telecom network of Airtel for providing agriculture-related information to farmers in east Uttar Pradesh.

The negotiations with Airtel for this purpose were in advanced stages, said Iffco Managing Director U S Awasthi. The new venture would empower the farmers and strengthen the co-operative network in the country, he added.

Under the new venture, the IKSL would identify the telecom and communication products and services that would add value to the life of farmers and retail them directly through the network of co-operative societies.

Iffco has begun using the existing wired communication technology to set up about 200 interactive kiosks at its co-operative societies for passing on information regarding farming practices, mandi prices and other relevant topics on daily basis in the local language.

This would be supplemented with the use of mobile technology. The mobile phones would be used virtually as personalised communication kiosks. Besides, help lines would be created to address specific requirements of farmers regarding business, social and legal matters.

The co-operative sector fertiliser giant, which had record turnover of Rs 10,295 crore in 2006-07, has already made a foray into the fields like insurance and power. It has also picked up 12 per cent equity of the National Commodities and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX).

Iffco's general insurance business began in 2000 with the establishment of the Iffco-TOKIO General Insurance Company as a joint venture with 72.64 per cent equity share. It provides risk coverage to farmers and the rural community.

For power production, Iffco has set up a joint venture with the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board called Iffco Chhattisgarh Power Ltd. The new company would set up a mega power project of 1000 Mw in Sarguja district at an estimated cost of Rs 5,400 crore.