Initiative Name: Reliance Foundation – Information Services
Organization: Reliance Foundation
Website: www.reliancefoundation.org
FARMERS’ HANDYMAN
Reliance Foundation’s Information Services programme has been empowering communities since January 2013 by providing reliable and robust information tailored to the local needs of farmers, fisher folks and livestock owners using modern information, communication and technologies. This bridges the gap between lab-derived knowledge and field-based skills. Information is disseminated through audio and dial-out conferences, local cable TV, All India Radio, print media, voice and text messages using Jio Chat and WhatsApp and through field-based programmes and training. These enable farmers to make better decisions in the areas of livelihood, health and disaster vigilance. Themes covered on broadcasts include agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, health, employment, micro-enterprises and skill building. The mobile-based advisories in different thematic areas have reached out to about 28 lakh people since their inception. As part of direct interventions, over 10,000 interactive programmes have been conducted at the community level on various issues such as health, agriculture, livelihood and livestock, reaching out to over 3.4 lakh people.
Reliance has partnered with over 619 information providers and 284 grassroots organisations, including research institutions, line departments, NGOs and knowledge providers. Through these partnerships, information services reach out to the most needy population sub-groups. The entire ecosystem is supported by a Cloud telephony-based toll-free helpline number (1800-419-8800) in the form of providing necessary clarifications.