Decoding agricultural needs: An in-depth analysis of farmer queries in Punjab's Kisan call center

Abstract

Adopting a demand-driven approach in a rapidly changing agricultural sector is crucial for extension services to remain relevant and impactful in India. In this direction, the article presents a comprehensive analysis of over two million farmer query calls made to the Kisan Call Center in Punjab, India, from January 2009 to August 2023. These preprocessed call logs are a vital link between farmers and agricultural support services, providing valuable insights into the agricultural community's challenges and requirements. Our analysis commences by examining temporal trends in farmer query calls, offering year-wise statistics that unveil the evolution of call volumes over time. Furthermore, we delve into the dataset to provide month-wise insights, shedding light on the seasonality of these queries. By identifying peak months of call activity, we can pinpoint critical periods when farmers require assistance the most. Furthermore, district-wise analysis aids in mapping the geographical distribution of these calls, enabling policymakers and agricultural authorities to target specific regions with tailored interventions. Our breakdown by crop category and query type also provides a granular perspective on farmers' concerns. By categorising calls based on the crops and query types, we gain valuable insights into the distinct challenges faced by Punjab's farmers. This information can guide the development of agricultural policies, extension services, and support programs tailored to address the unique needs of different crop categories and query types. Ultimately, this study underscores the significance of harnessing data-driven insights to enhance agricultural support systems, ensuring India's farming community's long-term sustainability and prosperity.