Enhanced Features for Faster Beneficiary Selection

The Awas-Plus app plays a critical role in selecting beneficiaries and verifying construction sites for PMAY. It matches data from MNREGA job cards and Aadhaar cards via associated portals. However, earlier versions faced issues due to slow data verification processes on the MNREGA and UIDAI platforms.

Survey Progress and New Initiatives

• Survey Status: As of now, only 900 beneficiary surveys have been completed in the district.
• Government Response: District authorities raised concerns about delays, prompting the launch of the new version.
• Technical Improvements: Kapil Kumar, Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency, shared that the upgraded app enhances functionality and resolves technical glitches, enabling surveyors to work more efficiently and simplifying data verification.

Survey Completion Target and Technology Integration

The government aims to complete the survey process by February, ensuring all eligible beneficiaries receive timely benefits. Key upgrades include:

• Geo-Tagging and 3D Imaging: These technologies enhance transparency and accuracy in data collection.
• Digital Proof System: The app now features Aadhaar-based e-KYC, geo-tagged photos, and time-marked data for robust verification.

How Awas-Plus App Works

The Awas-Plus app offers innovative features for beneficiary identification, such as:

1. Self-Survey and Assisted Survey Options: Beneficiaries can choose between guided or self-service modes for data input.
2. Digital Proof Verification: Geo-tagged images and time stamps ensure transparent and reliable data collection.
3. House Design Templates: The app provides house designs tailored to local climates and geographical conditions for 25-square-meter constructions.

Upgraded Version History

Starting with version 2.0, the app has seen four upgrades, with version 2.13 being the latest. This version promises a smoother, faster, and more reliable user experience, empowering surveyors and beneficiaries alike.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to apply soon and take advantage of the Awas-Plus 2.13 app for their housing needs under PMAY.

December 8, 2024, New Delhi – The rural and agricultural sectors play a vital role in the economic development and sustainable growth of any nation. Recognizing the importance of these sectors, Snail Integral Pvt. Ltd has organized a full-day summit on “Agriculture and Rural Communication Summit 2024” today at Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi.

The purpose of the summit is to discuss the innovative agriculture & rural communication strategies, policy alignment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to bridge the gaps for a Viksit Bharat 2047.

During the summit ‘The SnailShow Coffee Table Book” & Knowledge Paper on ‘Rural Communication and Agriculture in India: Pathways to a Viksit Bharat 2047” was released. The SnailShow Coffee Table Book has highlighted the initiative of top industry leaders in the field of sustainable agriculture.

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While addressing the inaugural session Mr. Deepak Shah, Chairman, SML Limited said “To boost Indian agriculture, we need to reduce dependence on imports, promote local manufacturing, and improve communication with farmers about new technologies. Additionally, simplifying the registration process for patent-acquired molecules can encourage Indian companies to bring in proven, safe, and effective products, ultimately benefiting farmers and the country.”

While addressing the summit Dr. Rajarshi Roy Burman, ADG (Ag. Extension), ICAR highlighted “ICRA has taken many steps towards digital delivery system such as VISTAAR AI Chatbot roll out in 5 states like Madhya Pradesh, UP, Jharkhand, Rajasthan  and Bihar(April end); technology winroom sessions continue for technology and network integration; bluebook and network specifications drafted and shared for reviews; 20 trainings conducted for capacity building and onboarding of extension workers on to VISTAAR ChatBot and 14 Master trainers from 8 pilot states have been trained”.

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Dr. P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, emphasized the importance of sustainability in agriculture, stating that the Indian system of agriculture is based on sustainability. To promote sustainable practices, the government is implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems and developing new seed varieties to reduce chemical and fertilizer use . Effective communication is crucial in supporting these efforts, and educating farmers about sustainable practices can be achieved through digital platforms, workshops, and demonstrations.

Mr. Augusto Rodríguez-Villa, Founder President and CEO, AlgaEnergy, Spain said “In terms of technology collaboration between two countries particularly in  case of our company, AgriEnergy, we are dealing with a group of Indian scientists, that are collaborating together with us in developing new products with high technology. We are developing products that are really very efficient and economically rentable for future agriculture

During the 2^nd edition of “Agriculture and Rural Communication Summit 2024 a knowledge paper on “Rural Communication and Agriculture in India: Pathways to a Viksit Bharat 2047”by Synergy Technofin and Snailintegral was also released.

The report highlights the need for future-forward solutions to transform rural communications and agriculture such as advances in Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain technology. These innovations are set to transform the way farmers work, making data-driven agriculture more accessible and empowering them to increase yields, improve crop quality, and enhance their livelihoods, said Mr. Amit Khare, Founder, Snailintergal

The integration of IoT sensors, satellite data, and AI-driven advisories will provide farmers with precise insights into crop health, soil moisture levels, and weather forecasts. AI-powered tools can analyze local data to offer personalized recommendations on crop choices, irrigation scheduling, pest control, and market prices, leading to potential yield increases of up to 20% in certain regions, said Mr. Sunil Sihag, MD, Synergy Technofin Pvt. Ltd.

Augmented Reality (AR) technology is also poised to play a significant role in agricultural training and development. Through mobile devices, AR applications can guide farmers through tasks such as equipment repair, pesticide application, and crop care, providing step-by-step instructions with visual overlays. Virtual farm tours and training modules can help farmers understand new techniques, such as crop rotation and irrigation, by immersing them in realistic, interactive environments, Mr. Amit Khare, Founder, Snailintergal added.

In addition, Blockchain technology is set to bring transparency and security to agricultural transactions, enabling farmers to sell directly to consumers or retailers, bypassing middlemen. This technology can also foster traceability in the supply chain, allowing farmers to negotiate better prices and reducing economic vulnerabilities.

A knowledge paper has also highlighted the importance of digital literacy, strategic partnerships, and inclusive communication strategies to empower rural India. Key findings includes: collaborating with local schools and institutions to promote digital literacy; empowering women in agriculture to enhance productivity and socio-economic resilience; developing segmented communication strategies to cater to diverse demographics and using local languages and dialects, with voice-based solutions, to overcome literacy barriers. These initiatives will aim to contribute to the mission of making India a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The day long summit has focused on various panel discussions such as sustainability in agriculture: The role of communication to combat emerging challenges; empowering farmer communities through communication: strategies for impact; technologies transforming communication strategies and innovations for effective farmer’s engagement.

Success Story: Use of machines in farming increases both production and productivity. But due to poor economic condition, most of the farmers are not able to buy expensive machines. Selvaperumal, a resident of Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu, set up a Custom Hiring Center (CHC) to provide agricultural machines on rent to farmers. Through this, they are earning a lot by giving machines on rent to farmers.

What is Custom Hiring Center

Custom Hiring Center (CHC) is a place where agri machines are made available on rent to farmers. However, there are small and marginal farmers whose financial condition is not very good due to which they are unable to buy expensive agricultural machines, they get benefit here.

Started business by taking loan

After training at an NTI National Agro Foundation under the Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Center scheme, Selvaperumal decided to purchase a paddy combined harvester. He tried to get a bank loan but it got delayed due to formalities. To avoid losses for one season, he bought a combined harvester using his savings and borrowing from relatives.

Earning lakhs every month

‘Selvaperumal Paddy Harvester’ provides combined paddy harvesters on rent to paddy growers. Selvaperumal runs his harvester for about 150 to 200 hours per month during the harvesting season. Earn Rs 2,30,000 every month on rent of Rs 1300/hour. Every month Rs 90,000 is spent on diesel and Rs 18,000 is spent on maintenance. Selvaperumal himself drives the harvester, so he did not need a driver except an assistant.

According to the management, their average monthly profit during the harvesting season is Rs 1,15,000/-. Selvaperumal also advises paddy growers on the primary components of paddy processing and avoiding post-harvest losses.