E-MIRCHA Connecting Farmers to Markets

Digital green: a global development organization, works towards empowerment of smallholder farmers to lift themselves out of of poverty by harnessing the collective power of technology through grassroots-level partnerships

In partnership with

Kalgudi-digital : An AgTech converge platform as a service that connects all agriculture stakeholders forming robust digital communities that collaborate through digital solutions in driving sustainable change in the economics of agriculture ultimately providing gratification for all

Implements: E-Mircha project in AP & Telangana, India

Project Timelines: Initiated as a pilot in 2021-22 with 8 FPOs and scaled up to 4more FPOs in 2022-23

Project Goals: create impact for smallholder Red Chilli farmers in AP & Telangana with a focus on:

• Sustainable production of Red Chillies
• Increase and improved yields
• Quality produce that meet global standards
• Better price realization and returns for the producer

Implementation methodologies:

• Integrated Agri Extension services for Chilli farmersDigitized FPOs and MembersCapacity building workshopsInformation dissemination through timely actionable advisory, price and weather alerts, Instructional videos and agronomic guidance linked to crop calendar

• Creation of access to Forward and Backward Market linkages for Chili farmersIntelligent connections to backward linkages for timely availability of quality farm inputs anticipated and aggregated at FPO level for competitive price advantageStandardized Produce listing replete with location, variety, grade and stock availability for better discoverabilityAccess to forward market linkages expanding market reach

Project Achievements:

19, 290 Farmers digitized

404 RFQ's raised

10% cost reduction in purchase of Agri Inputs Seeds, Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Agri machinery

4800 SKU's listed crop, variety, grade, stock availability and location wise on the Outputs store

7169 tonnes trade enabled through assisted negotiations, Uberised services connecting last mile delivery

Digital Green E-Mircha Project in Collaboration with Kalgudi Digital

Digital Green, a global development organization, is dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers and alleviating poverty through the strategic use of technology and grassroots-level partnerships. This case study explores the E-Mircha project, a transformative initiative undertaken by Digital Green in partnership with Kalgudi Digital, an AgTech platform-as-a-service. The project focuses on improving the livelihoods of smallholder Red Chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India.

The E-Mircha project was initiated as a pilot in the agricultural seasons of 2021-22, initially involving eight Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). By 2022-23, the project had successfully scaled up to include an additional four FPOs. Its core objectives were to promote sustainable Red Chilli production, increase and enhance yields, ensure the quality of produce met global standards, and secure better price realization for the farmers.

Digital Green employed several innovative productivity tools to achieve these goals

• Comprehensive agricultural extension services tailored to the specific needs of Red Chilli farmers were introduced, facilitating the adoption of best practices.
• The project digitized the operations of both Farmer Producer Organizations and their individual members, streamlining processes and data management.
• Farmers underwent capacity-building workshops to enhance their knowledge and skills, equipping them with the tools needed for sustainable agriculture.
• Timely and actionable advisories, weather alerts, instructional videos, and agronomic guidance linked to crop calendars were shared to improve decision-making.
• The project created access to both forward and backward market linkages, ensuring farmers had timely access to quality inputs at competitive prices.
• Detailed listings of produce, including location, variety, grade, and stock availability, were made available, facilitating better market discoverability.
• Forward market linkages were extended to broaden market reach for the participating farmers.

The E-Mircha project has achieved remarkable milestones

• Digitization of 19,290 Farmers: Nearly 19,290 farmers have been successfully integrated into the digital agriculture ecosystem, benefiting from improved access to information and resources.
• A substantial number of404 Requests for Quotations (RFQs) were raised, simplifying procurement processes and enhancing efficiency.
• The project effectively reduced costs by 10% in the procurement of essential agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery, thereby improving the financial health of the? farmers.
• 4,800 SKUs have been Listed. The Outputs store now boasts a diverse range of crop SKUs, each accompanied by essential details such as variety, grade, stock availability, and location, facilitating more informed decision-making and better discoverability.
• The project facilitated the trade of an impressive 7,169 tonnes of Red Chillies through assisted negotiations and innovatively connected? last-mile delivery services.

The E-Mircha project, a collaborative effort between Digital Green and Kalgudi Digital, stands as a testament to the power of technology and strategic partnerships in transforming the lives of smallholder farmers. By promoting sustainability, enhancing yields, ensuring quality, and improving market access, the project has not only empowered the farmers but also contributed to the economic growth of the regions it serves. It serves as a successful model for driving positive change in the agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved.