Soochna Se Samadhaan Sewa
– A Lifelines India Project

 

The Lifelines India Project has its origins in the Digital Inclusion Initiative, which is a part of the Corporate Social  Responsibility (CSR) initiative of British Telecom (BT). Digital Inclusion Initiative assumes that access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) can improve people’s lives and open doors to education, jobs, entertainment and interactions. Launched in August 2004, the Lifelines India project focuses on the creation and exchange of local content in local languages. The Project uses the power of voice as the primary means of information dissemination to provide - Connectivity, Content and Capability.

The project provides voice based information to rural communities via a phone and voice mail-based Q & A service available from both landline and mobile phones. Specifically it provides farmers with access to a network of agricultural experts and database of knowledge that has both an understanding of the local context and the global expertise necessary to enable farmers to resolve issues, boost productivity and develop their businesses.

Approximately 155,000 agricultural queries were raised and answered related to various agricultural problems faced by farmers due to lack of information and knowledge. The coverage area of the project increased from 1000 villages in 12 districts of Bundelkhand region to 1500 villages in same number of villages.

Below are some examples of the impact of the interventions under the Lifelines India Project.


Pankaj, Maurani pur dehaat

I had fodders creeping in my field and it was creating lots of problem for me. I was very distressed and suffered losses. I wanted to get rid of it somehow, but did not know how to go about it. Then I got to know about Lifeline service. I immediately called on the number; a computer recorded my question and gave me solution in 24 hours. I worked on the given solution and now I am free of all the fodders. Whereas earlier I used to suffer losses, now after using the service I have 5% profit. I am very much thankful to this service that solved my problem with such ease and so quickly.

Suresh Gautam, Soopa, Kabrai (Mahoba)
My buffalo was giving very little milk. I wanted to know the reason and a solution for it. I just used the lifeline service. The expert advised me on the kind of feed I should give my buffalo. Now it gives more milk than earlier thanks to the advised meal. I am very happy with this service that gives us solutions at our doorstep and we don’t have to travel miles to see a doctor.

Sukhlaal, Makarbai
My crop was infected with a worm called Bandari. I called on the lifeline number for a solution to get rid of this worm. The experts advised me to use some medicines. After a few days, the worms disappeared and my crop was saved. I am so very much satisfied with the service.

Heera, Imliya
My crop had been drying up over time and because of it I was continuously facing losses. I could not find the reason for this and was very upset. I used this service and after 24 hours I got a solution. The word ‘loss’ is a long forgotten word for me. I am very happy.

Dinesh Kumar Raikbaar, Miataal, Raajnagar, Chhatarpur
I did not know much about the various types of chilies, and because of this lack of information I had limited production. I used this service to learn of different types of chilies. Now I have more production and therefore more income

Kanhaiyaa Laal, Hamirpur
My wheat crop was infected with a disease and was losing color. I got to know about this service and immediately took its help. I applied the given solution and got 100% benefit from it. Now my crop is fully safe and my income has increased double fold. I am very happy with the lifeline services. Earlier we didn’t have access to crop related information but now we have this service to help us and we can get as much information as we need.

Raamnarayan, Bilrakh, Hamirpur
My chickpea crop was affected by frost. I used the lifeline service. In about 24 hours the experts advised me to use some techniques to avoid this situation. The treatment proved beneficial my crop thereafter never were affected by frost.

Om Prakash, Tolaravat Rath, Hamirpur
I had used lifeline service to know about a worm that had infected my mustard crop. The expert on lifeline service prescribed some medicines and explained certain techniques to avoid this situation. This treatment has proved beneficial and my crop is now free from worm infestation

Lallu Prasad, Mamna Sareela, Hamirpur
My pea crop got infected with termites. It was creating a big problem for me and I had no idea of the medicines to treat it. I got to know about the lifeline service. I called on the number and after registering my query the experts advised me to use certain medicines. After a few days the termites were under control and my crop was saved. I am most thankful to this service.

Nandlaal Kushvaha, Seetapur
The flowers growing on my crops were smaller in size than normal. I did not know the reason and found no solution. I had begun to think I will never be able to solve this problem but then I came to know about the lifeline service and I said I would try it just once. I called the number and registered my query. To my surprise I got the solution to my query in just 24 hours. Now I have no problems with my flowers and I am very happy that I have a service at my door step that provides me every kind of agriculture related information.

Akhlesh, Bhojpur, Orchha, Tikamgarh
I wanted to grow more wheat in my field but failed to do so because of lack of information.. One of the villagers told me about this service and I asked the experts how to grow more wheat. They told me how to select better seeds and when to fertilize crops. This information helped me a lot and today I get much more profit than before. I would like to thank the service.

Kishor Sharan Shukla, Ranapura, Jhansi
My brinjal crop was infected with disease. When I saw this, the first thing I did was to call on the lifeline number. After 24 hours the experts advised me on certain kinds of medicines. The medicines were very effective and worked wonders for my crop. Today I get 11 quintal instead of 8 quintals and where earlier my income was Rs.20,000 today I earn Rs.24,000. I am very happy and satisfied with this service.

Ram Kumar, Jhansi
I wanted to grow more varieties of onions in my field and so wanted to know about it. I put this to the experts of lifeline services. They told me about every variety of onion and gave information regarding its seeds. Today I have most of them in my field and my income has increased to Rs.14,000 from Rs.10,000.’

Vinod Kumar, Asta, Jhansi
I was losing the flowers on my jackfruit trees at a very early stage. I called the lifeline service and used the remedies suggested by the experts. Now I have got rid of the problem and it is getting reflected in my increased income, whereas earlier it was Rs.1500, now it is Rs.2500.

Dhooraam, Puchhi, Jhansi
My ox had a bad mouth sore and he was not eating much. This was creating a huge problem in cultivation as the ox had become very weak. To find a solution I called on the lifeline service number. After 24 hours I got my solution. I used the medicine suggested by the experts and after a few applications the mouth sores disappeared. I was very happy with this service and now I use it frequently.
q

Back to Contents

    Subscribe Home

Contact Us

About Us