IIT Mumbai Sets Up aAQUA - An SMS Based Helpline For Farmers
By Nikhil Pahwa - Mon 10 Dec 2007 08:18 PM PST
The Telegraph has a story on an SMS based helpline for farmers set up by IIT Mumbai: aAQUA (almost all questions answered), is a scheme that enables farmers to enquire about rainfall patters, disease forecasts, efficient milking of buffalos, and importantly- providing market information; answers to questions like “the rates for cucumbers in the Kolapur market” and “a list of Indian exporters for stevia”. The IIT is apparently in talks with a handset manufacturer for a phone with features just for farmers. Readers will remember that market information is also being provided by Reuters (NSDQ: RTRSY) in India - at Rs. 60 (around $1.5) per month. This goes a step beyond just market information, but one can’t really comment on the efficacy of either without giving them a go.
