Description
The SMS-based “Agro-consulting and Ads” by AgroInformAsia is a communication and advertisement tool implemented in Tajikistan that targets farmers in rural areas. The tool provides such information as weather forecasts and market prices, advice on the use of fertilizers, information about diseases and pests, as well as advice on crop input use, post-harvest handling, etc. The tool also serves as an early warning system, sending out SMS alerts in cases of frost, heavy rain, high temperatures, floods, storm warnings, unforeseen weather events, disease and pest outbreaks, etc. SMS-based agro-consulting and ads AgroInformAsia is part of the Agro Space website developed jointly by the AgroInformAsia company in Kyrgyzstan and AgroInform.TJ in Tajikistan as a hub for the hosting of various digital products developed for farmers. The initial version of the system was launched in 2010 by the Neksigol Group under the technical guidance of the UNDP as part of the “Aid for Trade” project, and HELVETAS under the "Local Market Development" project, and Neksigol took full control of the tool in 2016.
Technology
The SMS-based Agro-consulting and Ads by AgroInformAsia is integrated with such technologies as an API connection, a web app for subscription data and knowledge management, and SMS and chatbot tools for the distribution of information. The digital solution is connected to the Neksigol Price Monitoring and Analysis System app via an API, allowing access to market price information on food commodities, agricultural products, inputs and non-food items (such as fuel, unskilled and skilled wage labour rates, etc.). The digital solution sources weather data from the www.agromonitoring.com app via the API, providing information on air temperature, humidity, wind speed and other weather parameters. Furthermore, advice on crop production, planting, irrigation, spraying and harvesting is being accumulated in an adjacent knowledge management database. The system's back end is a web app that allows users to manage their subscription data, message templates and timelines, etc. Users can use the service to reach farmers based on specified criteria, such as location. The information can be determined by the client (e.g. ads) or prepared by the provider as an extension service. Clients can target specific farmers or those listed on the database. Neksigol has been working in cooperation with the World Food Programme (WFP) and CARITAS since December 2022, seeking to add new functionalities to the app, such as allowing farmers to ask questions and obtain feedback from specialists on specific issues (agricultural specialists on agronomy, pests and disease control, livestock, marketing) through an instant messaging service, and providing more accurate and localized hydrometeorological data, etc.
Target
The SMS service targets anyone involved in the agricultural sector, including NGOs engaged in agriculture and rural development projects, governmental agencies, international development organizations, agri-input suppliers, banks, and any other interested stakeholders, providing actionable information to communities. Among the current users are the public “Development of cross-border relations in the Sughd region” organization, the public “Tavonoyon” organization and the public “Women and Society” organization, as well as farmers living in Districts under Republic Subordination, Sughd and Khatlon regions. Neksigol has been cooperating with WFP and CARITAS since December 2022 in efforts to extend the database to include vulnerable smallholder farmers in the districts of Rasht Valley. By December 2022, 15 000 smallholder farmers were listed on the database, which is regularly updated and extended.
Business model
SMS-agroline offers monthly and crop-based seasonal subscriptions, allowing farmers to pay for messages throughout the season through ATMs, mobile wallets or mobile phone credit balances. Most subscriptions are linked to partnerships with donor organizations or projects targeting agricultural and rural development. The following SMS packages are available. 1) Tariff “Weather Forecast”, with a monthly subscriber fee. Every three days, subscribers receive weather forecasts for their district for the following three days. 2) Tariff “Market prices”, with a monthly subscriber fee of 3TJS. 3) Subscribers receive weekly market prices for a single agricultural product from three selected markets (Dushanbe; Khujand; Isfara; staravshan; Kurgan-tyube; Kulyab; Rasht (Garm); Khorug; Market “Kulundi” on the border with Ovchi-kalacha(Kir); Market “Suh” on the border with Isfara (Kirg.); Market “Buka” on the border with Mastcha (Uzb.); Market “Bekobod” on the border with Zafarabad (Uzb.). 3. Tariff “Cotton Index”, with a monthly subscriber fee of TJS 15. Daily subscribers receive the Cotton Index from Liverpool Cotlook. 4. Tariff “Complex” seasonal (1 vegetation period), with a subscriber fee of TJS 15. Subscribers receive regular information and advice on their specific crops, and on the climatic conditions in their farming locations.
Impact
The solution makes use of low-level technologies for the dissemination of agricultural market and climate information and advice, as well as extension services, to vulnerable smallholder farmers in remote locations, raising their awareness and strengthening their capacity. Providing farmers with access to relevant information allows them to manage their agriculture works effectively, and to reduce and counter weather-related risks. Neksigol also sends farmers timely warnings and relevant tips regarding natural disasters as part of its preparedness and resilience campaigns.
Partners
United Nations Development Program; HELVETAS; World Food Programme; CARITAS
Four Betters
Better life
Better production
