Community Radio (CR)

Concept

• Community Radio is a non-profit, small-scale, and participatory radio service.
• Operated by the community, for the community, focusing on local issues, culture, and needs.
• It empowers local people by giving them a voice in their own development.

In Agriculture

• Farmers receive localized information on weather, pest control, crop practices, and government schemes.
• Content is in local languages/dialects, easy to understand.
• Farmers can also share their experiences → two-way communication.

Examples of Community Radio in Agriculture

1. KisanVani – Initiative of All India Radio (AIR), started in 2004, broadcasts farm advisories in local languages.
2. Apna Radio 90.4 FM – Pantnagar University of Agriculture & Technology, Uttarakhand.
3. Gurgaon Ki Awaaz 107.8 FM – Focuses on farmers, migrant workers, and women in Haryana.
4. KisanVani CR – Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) – Provides farm updates to Tamil Nadu farmers.
5. Radio Adanur – Run by University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka).
6. Radio Namaskar (Konark, Odisha) – Shares rural development, agriculture, and health information.
7. PUSA Radio (Delhi) – Run by ICAR-IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), focuses on farmers’ needs in Hindi and local dialects.

Advantages:

• Low cost, wide rural reach.
• Effective for illiterate farmers (audio).
• Increases participation and trust.

Limitations:

• Limited broadcasting range (10–15 km).
• Needs strong community participation.

Internet Radio

Concept

• Internet Radio (also called Web Radio or Online Radio) uses the internet as a broadcasting medium.
• Accessible through smartphones, computers, and smart devices.
• Offers live streaming or recorded programs on-demand.

In Agriculture

• Provides 24×7 access to agricultural programs.
• Farmers can listen to expert talks, government advisories, training sessions, market updates.
• Example: Online platforms streaming Krishi programs.

Advantages:

• Global reach, not limited by geography.
• Combines with podcasts for offline listening.
• Interactive – can integrate with apps, SMS, WhatsApp.

Limitations:

• Dependent on internet connectivity.
• Requires digital literacy and smartphones.

Examples of Internet Radio in India

1. Kisan Radio (ICAR-IARI, New Delhi) – Online radio service providing crop advisories, weather info, pest management, and government schemes.
2. Krishi Community Internet Radio (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University – TNAU) – Offers farm-based programs in Tamil via online streaming.
3. Digital Radio (Pusa Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Delhi) – Shares expert talks, market updates, and success stories through online platforms.
4. Radio Kisan (Odisha) – An internet-based channel that streams farm-related programs for farmers.
5. ICAR-KVK Web Radio Services – Several KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) run internet radio/podcasts for local farmers (e.g., KVK Baramati, Maharashtra).
6. Agri-Podcasts on Internet Radio Platforms (Spotify, Gaana, Apple Podcasts) – Used by agricultural universities and NGOs to broadcast farm education.