AMD set to usher digital revolution in farming

US chipmaker AMD Inc is extending its global 50x15 vision, an objective to provide internet access and computing capabilities to 50 per cent of the world's total population by 2015, to India.

Under this initiative, the company plans to offer computing solutions to the agricultural sector and provide network connections to 6 lakh villages. Subsequently, they plan to focus on other sectors as well.

AMD, which has teamed up with with the National Spot Exchange for Agricultural Produce (NSEAP), intend to connect over 7,500 Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) in the country.

AMD will distribute its personal internet communicator (PIC), a low cost device that offers affordable computing solutions, including broadband connectivity and a pre-installed software, to farmers in the country.

Addressing a press conference here today, Hector de J Ruiz, chairman, president and chief executive officer, AMD, said that his company is introducing its 50x15 vision in India, beginning with the agricultural sector and offering farmers technical assistance so that they become part of the IT revolution. This will help in ushering in a new era of education subsequently resulting in an increase in production.

"AMD cannot do this (50x15 vision) alone in India, so we roped in NSEAP, India's spot exchange for agriculture which links all agriculture produce marketing committees with consumers and products," he said.

The company also gifted 200 PICs to Financial Technologies, the firm that was instrumental in setting up the Multi-Commodity Exchange of India. The unit is priced at $200 internationally and AMD is mulling of providing it for a lesser price. However, finding a local manufacturer to make the PICs in the country and arranging micro finance are the two most important issues that have to be addressed.

PIC has four USB slots and a cable port and can connect to the net with broadband level speeds. However, the box type machine will require an additional screen, keyboard and a mouse to access the net.

The APMC's would require around 50-100 PICs each and India is one of the big markets for the company. The product is already in use in countries like Brazil, the Carribean Islands and Mexico and company sources said they expect to replicate the success in India too.

AMD is not the first company to venture out to bridge the digital divide in India. Tatas, through their Tata Kishan Kendras and Indian Tobacco Company, through its e-choupals are already offering network solutions to different sections of the people.

"This is different, as it is not for procurement of our company, unlike that done by others," Financial Technologues director Dewang Neralla said, adding, that NSEAP will not be procuring the produce.