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e-Krishok : An Inclusive Platform for Farmers360 Degree solution ranging Extension to Market Linkage

Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID)Fin4Ag Conference, Nairobi

July 14, 2014

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Introduction of BIID

BIID is a private sector initiative that offers a range of services

aimed at development and promotion of ICT based information and services market in Bangladesh

It’s distinction lies in clear understanding of issues &

opportunities to benefit the poor with the use of ICTs and

consider local dynamics

BIID envisions in becoming a reliable and leading enterprise offering

strategic planning, implementation assistance and consulting services to public, private and other initiatives in

ICT based services market of Bangladesh and in other developing

countries

BIID’s key strategy is to ensure Making ICT works for poor as an effective tool &

cross cutting issue. And build on the existing system and available as well as

emerging technologies and potential users

Inclusive Business

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www.sme.com.bdProudly Bangladesh

www.ekrishok.com

Partners and Services of BIID

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BIID initiatives in e-Agriculture

e-Krishok - Extension and Market Linkage

eXtension Portal: Knowledge sharing

Extension Process Outsourcing (EPO)

Crop and Floriculture Insurance

Batighar : Shared Access Points

16250 Short Code : Voice and SMS service

Market Linkage Program (MLP)

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Why e-Agriculture?: Constraint Addressed

Access to Information and input(Timely, Relevant, Quality, Easily)

Access to Marketing(Price Info, Options, Linkage, Payments)

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Myth vs Reality : Access to Finance in Agriculture

Farmers are not smart

Farming is not Business

Agriculture

(Profession) is not By Choice

MFIs can meet the demand

of farmers

Farmers are not Bankabl

eProject based

initiatives can

solve the issues

ICT can solve every problems

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Brief on e-Krishok• BIID introduced e-Krishok as its flagship initiative

as a part of e-Agriculture • A service to introduce ICT supported information,

advisory services & market linkage targeted to farmers (as in crop, poultry, fisheries & livestock).

• To facilitate the role of GPCIC / UISC / Batighar / Information centres network as development enabler to contribute to income growth and better living conditions of the farmers, agro-entrepreneurs and other potential income generating groups in rural Bangladesh

• Initial campaign was implemented BIID jointly with GP, ACI and initially supported by Katalyst

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An integrated solution

Demand Driven Approach

Ser

vice

Bas

ket

of

e-K

rish

ok

Acc

essi

bilit

y to

info

rmat

ion

and

mar

ket

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Sustainability – Happy Face of Farmer

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www.sme.com.bdFacilitate Entrepreneurship Development

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• Agriculture is the single largest producing sector of Bangladesh economy and it comprises about 18.29% of the country's GDP and employs around 45% of the total labor force

• Micro and SMEs are the engine of growth• Business is not highly acceptable profession• Agriculture has not yet commercialized (as Business)• Limited opportunity to create value proposition in job• Increased educated unemployment (with low skill)• Govt. including financial sectors are keen to support• BIID focus on rural economy and agriculture sector

Entrepreneurship : Background

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• 18% of global population (age group 15-24)• 35% of Bangladesh population are youth• Youth are vibrant, dynamic & ICT adopter• Future leaders and workforce • Engage in different social and voluntary works• Poverty and unemployment leading to engage

in unethical activities and social unrest • Transformation of local economy through ICT• Contribution to the economy with innovation

Why youth entrepreneurship important?

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BIID Services for Entrepreneurs 1. Advocacy and mobilization of required business development

services (institutionalization) to support the young entrepreneurs;

2. Identify and selection of potential youth entrepreneurs and farmers;

3. Position and create profile of entrepreneurs (Personal & Business) through Branding & communication (Fair, campaigns and events)

4. Conduct feasibility assessment and facilitate financing schemes;

5. Develop Hand book on basics of entrepreneurship, business plan and business ideas (Fact Sheet);

6. Facilitate partnership with relevant organizations and associations;

7. Develop communication materials (success cases & demonstrate);

8. Connect the entrepreneurs to the online resources for business development services through www.sme.com.bd

9. Offer Advisory Services (Voice call & SMS notification) on different value added services for the youth entrepreneurs;

10.Facilitate incubation support for the potential entrepreneurs

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Co

mm

un

icat

ion

is t

he

Key

Fac

ilita

tio

n is

th

e S

tart

ing

po

int

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Young Farmers Needs Guide and support services to Grow

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Major Challenges in youth Entrepreneurship• Demand Side

– Social behavior to ‘business’– Understanding and capacity of the entrepreneurs– Low awareness on long term benefits– Readiness of HR (Academic and Psychological)

• Supply Side– Service providers approach towards micro/small business– Complex and lengthy legal process for registration – Gap between policy and implementation strategy– Low awareness and motivation of stakeholders– Availability of relevant services like access to finance,

training, QC guidelines, market linkage etc.

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Transformation of farmers to entrepreneurs• BIID focus on ‘commercialization’ of agriculture• Facilitate support services like Business Planning

and Profitability Assessment by using Farmbook solution

• Capacity building of farmers to meet the demand of the buyers in terms of quality

• Assist to prepare loan application • Link between farmers to financial institutes• Working with Fis to develop customized

financial products for farmers

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Financial Inclusion and e-Krishok echo system

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e-Krishok echo system .. Contd.

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e-Krishok echo system .. Contd.

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e-Krishok echo system .. Contd.

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Financial Inclusion Services in BIID• Financial Literacy Program (FLP) for MSMEs• Online information repository (

www.sme.com.bd and www.ekrishok.com) • Awareness and promotional campaign – I

want to be an Entrepreneur and Smart Farmer Smart Future

• Help desk on Business Development Services• Business planning service through Farmbook• Introduce customized Financial Product

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• Profiling and motivating farmers as business

• Supportive environment for innovation, access to technology, finance & market for farmers

• Facilitate learning opportunities on access to finance through development programs

• Customized financial products for agri-business

• Partnership between private and public sector

Strategies and Actions Needed

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Open Discussion

Thank You