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How Millet Farmers Use Uzhavan App to Access Agri Information in 2025

how millet farmers use uzhavan app to access agri information
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Explore how millet farmers are leveraging the Uzhavan App to access agricultural information, boost crop yield, and benefit from PM-Kisan and other digital schemes.

India’s agricultural landscape is rapidly evolving with the integration of digital technologies. Among the many tools designed to bridge the knowledge gap between rural farmers and agricultural resources, the Uzhavan App stands out for its user-friendly features and multilingual accessibility. As millet farming gains prominence for its climate resilience and nutritional value, more farmers are turning to digital platforms like Uzhavan to boost productivity and stay informed.

This article explores in detail how millet farmers use Uzhavan app to access agri information, delving into the broader impact of mobile-based platforms on rural farming, particularly in the context of government initiatives like PM-KISAN, Plantix, and eNAM.


The Rise of Digital Farming in Millet Cultivation

India’s millet farmers—traditionally underserved by structured agricultural extension services—are increasingly using smartphones to connect with real-time, localized agricultural advisories. The Uzhavan App, launched by the Tamil Nadu government, allows farmers to access weather forecasts, pest management tips, government scheme updates, and market prices in regional languages.

According to a study conducted by ICAR-IVRI and its regional outreach centers, nearly 35% of surveyed millet farmers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka reported using the Uzhavan App regularly, especially during sowing and harvesting seasons.


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Key Features of the Uzhavan App Benefiting Millet Farmers

Here are the standout features millet growers rely on:

  • 🌾 Real-time Market Prices: Helps farmers make informed decisions on when and where to sell their produce.
  • 📅 Seasonal Crop Advisory: Offers timely instructions for pre-sowing, seed treatment, irrigation, and pest control.
  • 📲 Scheme Notifications: Updates on PM-KISAN, seed subsidies, and organic certification support.
  • 🌦 Localized Weather Updates: Predicts rainfall, temperature, and wind data, essential for dryland millet cultivation.
  • 📞 Helpline Services: Connects farmers directly with agri-scientists and extension officers.

Expanding Digital Access: Farmers and Mobile Literacy

One of the major hurdles in adoption has been mobile literacy. While young farmers are quick to adopt new tools, middle-aged and senior millet growers often require training to navigate digital platforms.

State agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have stepped up by conducting on-ground workshops focused on:

  • App installation and navigation
  • Digital literacy in regional languages
  • Awareness sessions about PM-KISAN portal usage among rural farmers through mobile
  • Troubleshooting issues in accessing schemes like AGMARKNET and eNAM

💬 “Digital tools like Uzhavan are closing the information gap. But we must prioritize mobile literacy among older farmers,” says Dr. R. Murugan, Head of ICT Division, TNAU.


Integrating PM-KISAN with Agri Mobile Tools

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme offers ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers, transferred directly into their bank accounts. However, many farmers, especially in remote millet-growing belts, remain unaware of the claim process.

By integrating PM-KISAN updates into the Uzhavan App, states have simplified the claim procedure. Farmers can now:

  • Check eligibility status
  • Update bank account details
  • Track fund disbursal
  • Lodge grievances

This integration aligns with the government’s goal of enhancing transparency and reducing middlemen in welfare distribution.


Cotton, Rice, and Millet Growers: Differing Patterns of App Use

While the focus keyword revolves around millet growers, patterns across rice and cotton farmers PM Kisan scheme awareness smartphone use also reflect similar trends. Cotton growers often use Plantix for pest diagnosis, while rice farmers show preference for weather prediction features during kharif.

Interestingly, millet growers are more likely to access:

  • Organic farming tips
  • Soil health card integration
  • Drought-resistant seed advisories

Challenges in Accessing Government Portals like eNAM and AGMARKNET

Despite progress, many farmers face issues with low awareness of AGMARKNET and eNAM apps in cotton and rice growers, a problem equally visible among millet farmers.

Barriers include:

  • Poor internet access in interior regions
  • Lack of multilingual support in some apps
  • Confusing user interfaces
  • No structured onboarding or tutorials

State authorities are now addressing these gaps by launching offline helplines and kiosks at village-level cooperative societies.


Smart Farming with Plantix and TNAU Agritech

The Plantix App, an AI-based plant health diagnostic tool, is rapidly gaining traction. Farmers’ knowledge level on using Plantix and TNAU Agritech portal is on the rise, thanks to:

  • Demo sessions in local dialects
  • Training modules via WhatsApp
  • Interactive push notifications on pest threats

These apps are particularly valuable for millets, which are often attacked by shoot flies, aphids, and smuts.


Government Push and Industry Support

Government bodies like ICAR and MoA&FW are increasingly partnering with digital solution providers to build customized ICT tools for millet and dryland crops. The push toward Millets for Nutrition and Climate Smart Agriculture, as part of India’s G20 agenda in 2023, has further fueled digital inclusivity.


Internal and External Resources for Further Learning

To help farmers and students engage deeper with these concepts, here are some valuable internal resources:

Need a school or institution website? Visit Mart India Infotech for expert help.


Conclusion

As India gears up for a Digital Krishi Revolution, tools like the Uzhavan App are proving transformative, especially for niche cultivators like millet farmers. By focusing on digital literacy, targeted schemes, and seamless integration across platforms, the government is equipping farmers with the knowledge to thrive in a technology-first agricultural ecosystem.

To truly capitalize on these gains, further efforts must target regional awareness, app usability, and consistent internet accessibility.


❓FAQs: How Millet Farmers Use Uzhavan App to Access Agri Information

  1. What is the Uzhavan App and how does it help millet farmers?
    The Uzhavan App is a Tamil Nadu government initiative offering agricultural information including weather updates, market prices, and PM-Kisan updates for millet farmers.
  2. How can farmers register for the PM-Kisan scheme through Uzhavan?
    The app includes a PM-Kisan module that allows farmers to check status, update bank details, and lodge grievances.
  3. Is Uzhavan available in local languages?
    Yes, it supports Tamil and other regional dialects to ensure broader accessibility.
  4. Why are millet farmers relying on mobile apps more than before?
    Increasing smartphone usage and access to tailored agri-advisory services have made mobile apps a crucial tool in millet farming.
  5. Are there training sessions available to help use these apps?
    Yes, KVKs and agri-universities conduct workshops to improve mobile literacy among farmers.
  6. Which app is best for diagnosing millet pests?
    The Plantix App offers image-based AI diagnosis for common millet pests.
  7. Do rice and cotton farmers use the same apps?
    While the Uzhavan App is common, cotton growers prefer Plantix, and rice farmers benefit from weather tools and irrigation tips.
  8. What are the common challenges faced in using eNAM and AGMARKNET?
    Low digital literacy, internet issues, and confusing interfaces hinder app usage among farmers.
  9. Can older farmers use these mobile tools effectively?
    With proper training, even senior farmers have successfully adopted Uzhavan and related apps.
  10. How does digital farming improve millet yield?
    Real-time advice, pest alerts, and scheme updates help farmers make timely decisions, improving yield and income.