Easy Access to Experts (Agronomists and Krishi Preraks)
Till September 2006, the extension services were provided through 176 agronomists. However it was then felt that there has to be centralized knowledge pool located at the hub that can conceptualize the overall needs of the farming community in the respective catchments and for implementation purpose community organizers are required at the ground level. What evolved was a structure wherein there would be two subject matter experts designated as Agronomists at the hub level and community organizers designated as Krishi Preraks at the TKS.
Accordingly a front-end cadre of around 150 Krishi Preraks and 60 agronomists has been in place and would be augmented based on the business growth.
Agri Inputs
| Fertilizer |
: Urea, DAP, MOP, NPK etc |
| Specialty Fertilizers |
: Zinc Sulphate, Micro Nutrients, Calcium Nitrate, Organics, Water Soluble Fertilizers |
| Seeds |
: Field Crops, Vegetable Crops |
| Pesticides |
: Entire range |
| Cattle Feed |
: Two Grades |
| Farm Tools |
: Manual Implements, Sprayers, Roofing Sheets, Solar energy devices |
Storebrands
To augment the value of the offering to the farmers, certain key agri inputs across various categories are being supplied under the TKS storebrand. The initiative was launched in 2006 and has seen a tremendous response both from the farmers as well as the franchisees, owing to their superior quality and higher profitability. The store brand sales contributed around 60% of total sales in the category of Value Added Offerings in 2009-10.
Farmers’ Training
With a strong focus on the training and development of farmers, the TKS has already introduced various training programs. A quarterly magazine with relevant information is circulated to the member farmers. Training is also provided by the agronomists-field experts provided at the Tata Krishi Vikas Kendras through farmer meetings and crop seminars covering –
- Customized Training
- Integrated Nutrient Management
- Integrated Pest Management
Agri Services
- Soil Testing
- Advisory Services
- Contract Farming
- Own Seed Production
- Application Services
- Farmer Engagement Programs
Relationship Management – Tata Kisan Parivar
The farmer relationship initiative is being led through Tata Kisan Sansar Parivar membership, a paid value added service, where in key farmers/opinion leaders are enrolled for the membership through invitation. Tata Kisan Sansar Parivar members are provided customized training and accidental insurance for the member and his family. The Tata Kisan Sansar Parivar membership stands at around 30,000 plus as on Mar 10.
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