At Krishify, we are committed to bridging the gap between technology and on-ground support to ensure farmers benefit the most. In collaboration with PI Industries, we’ve launched an innovative phygital program that combines on-ground farmer engagement, digital awareness and community-building. This initiative focuses on educating farmers about pre-emergent weed management while fostering a connected and informed farming network.
Why This Program Matters
The first 40 days of the wheat crop are critical for managing weeds, especially Phalaris minor, which can reduce yields by up to 70% or even lead to complete crop failure. Scientific research underscores the importance of proper soil preparation and the timely application of herbicides to combat weed competition effectively.
To address these challenges, Krishify and PI Industries adopted a proactive approach, engaging with farmers before the sowing season to share best practices and highlight the value of pre-emergent weed management.
Awkira: Hero of this Program
A core element of this program is Awkira (Pyroxasulfone 85% G), a cutting-edge pre-emergent herbicide introduced by PI Industries. Awkira is specifically designed to tackle weeds like Phalaris minor, ensuring that wheat crops grow healthy and productive.
What’s in a Community-Driven Phygital Approach?
The combination of on ground farmer engagement, digital tools and touch points is key to scaling this initiative.
- On-Ground Farmer Engagement: Krishify team visits farmers and farmer groups in target areas, conducting training sessions to raise awareness about the benefits of Awkira. Farmers are educated on the importance of pre-emergent weed management and the correct application of Awkira to optimise their crop growth and reduce costs.
- Building a Digital Farming Community: All farmers visited are onboarded onto a white-labelled community hosted on the Krishify app. This platform serves as a hub for continuous engagement, where farmers access:
– Informative videos on pre-emergent herbicide application.
– Real-time agronomy support from experts.
– Marketing materials and product integration into the Package of Practices, complemented by timely updates to enhance awareness. - Interactive Support for Farmers: Within these communities farmers can post queries, share crop images or videos, and get quick responses from experts. This two-way communication fosters trust and helps farmers make informed decisions.
Amplifying Awkira’s Awareness
To further boost Awkira’s visibility, we deployed a multi-channel social media strategy, collaborating with farmers and local micro/macro-influencers from Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. This targeted campaign:
- Reached a combined audience of more than 1.8 million viewers through organic content.
- Highlighted real-world benefits of using Awkira in wheat farming.
A special campaign celebrated Awkira users who shared their success stories on social media. The response was overwhelming, with:
- 475+ video uploaded by farmers.
- Over 14 Lakh views, showcasing Awkira’s impact.
Key Achievements of the Program
Krishify teams with the support of PI’s local sales teams have been addressing key farming challenges by promoting the proper use of Awkira:
- Avoiding Misapplication: Farmers previously applied herbicides during the first irrigation, leading to yellowing and stunted growth in wheat.
- Optimal Timing: Farmers are now advised to apply Awkira within three days of sowing to eliminate weed growth early and ensure healthy crop development.
- Farmers Engaged On-Ground: 2,000+
- Demand Generated: Over 12,000 acres of wheat fields.
The results have been promising, with farmers observing noticeable improvements in yield and reduced weed pressure.
Conclusion
This phygital program is transforming wheat farming by combining personal engagement with digital empowerment. By leveraging PI Industries’ innovative solutions like Awkira and Krishify’s robust community platform, we’re not just improving yields—we’re building a future where farmers have the knowledge, tools, and support to succeed.
Together, we’re driving innovation in agriculture. For more contact us!
