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Community Radio For Farmers: Kerala Takes The Lead

By Tanmaya Das
First publised on 2021-02-24 07:30:48

About the Author

Sunil Garodia Tanmaya is a budding journalist

For the first time in India, the Kerala government has established a community radio that aims to educate and inform farmers about various agricultural schemes of the central government and the state government and new trends in the sector. The state agriculture Minister VS Sunil Kumar inaugurated 'Kuttanad 90.0 FM' under the Farm Information Bureau (FIB) of the agriculture department. It will broadcast programs on the various aspects of irrigation and agriculture along with some entertainment.

Although Krishi Darshan is the longest running programme on DD National (it was started in 1967), television is not available in all rural households while radio is. Hence, starting community radio to spread the information is a much better and cost-effective way to educate and inform the farmers.

The community radio station targets the rural audience and provides them with vital information on several social issues, agricultural schemes, proper use of fertilizers etc. Community radios have specific responsibilities that instigate deliberate discussions amongst rural sectors. The community radio reaches remote corners and households and brings information and entertainment to the people.

Unfortunately, it is unable to attract the urban audience and has often been overlooked by the mainstream media. The community radio often circulates its messages in the local language and hence draws the attention of specific communities. Although the community radio stations discuss major issues at the primary level, they have failed to influence the government and bring about effective solutions. Most of the community radio stations are non-profit organizations. Many community radio stations do not have proper infrastructure due to the shortage of funds. Some of the community radio stations have opted for online streaming but are still unable to reach the audience due to minimal funding.

The government must strengthen and encourage more community radio stations and bestow the status of media to the medium. The model of community radio in several states will work effectively only if the central government, along with the state governments, invest in strengthening the services.

pic courtesy: community radio association

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