Bengaluru (Karnataka): In the first such initiative in the country, the BJP government in Karnataka had launched a mobile app-based crop survey for the farmers, which would provide a clear picture about the crops sown across the state.
Though the survey might prove to be extremely useful as it would give a clear picture about the crops sown and the type of irrigation adopted across all farmlands in the state, using the mobile app is proving to be extremely difficult for the farmers.
The Crop Survey App was developed by the e-governance department of Karnataka. The farmers can download the app from Google Playstore and upload the pictures of their crop along with other details to get information about the relief fund and other things.
Earlier, the government used to collect the details through a survey called 'Bele Sameekshe' by hiring youngsters who had completed PUC/SSLC. Now, the farmers can directly enter the details of the crops they have cultivated just with a few taps on their mobiles.
The government has announced August 24 as the last day for entering the details for the crop survey. Many farmers across the state have done so - either themselves or by taking the help of others to upload the details if they do not own a smartphone.
However, many farmers, who do not own smartphones or are not equipped to handle them, are not able to avail the benefits of the app.
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Many villages in the state still have connectivity issues, as several areas do not have mobile network towers.
Even if people have mobiles, if they do not know how to use them how can they enter details in the app, a farmer questioned the government.
Owing to the coronavirus situation, many schools have started online education, and many farmers spent a lot of money to buy smartphones for their kids.
Most of the farmers are facing financial crunch, making it almost impossible for them to buy smartphones for the survey.
Taking note of the problems faced by the farmers, the revenue department has requested the government to extend the dates of the survey.
