Community Radio For Farmers: Kerala Takes The Lead
Tanmaya is a budding journalist
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By Tanmaya Das
First publised on 2021-02-24 07:30:48
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Tanmaya is a budding journalist
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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
