Nokia launches phones for farmers

Leading mobile phone maker Nokia has launched cellphones, which will help farmers get instant information on farm prices in 'mandis'.

The company claimed that the new phone could display information in two languages and offer graphically rich user interface.

The company will be selling the devices first in Maharashtra and later to other states as also to select countries in Asia and Africa, officials said today.

The new devices costing about Rs 2,000 will also help users access education and entertainment services. Agriculture service will contain information on seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, market prices and weather.

The content will be available for Rs 30 to Rs 60 per month depending upon the information availed.

Nokia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) at an event here chaired by state Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.

MSAMB will provide its expertise in the areas of commodity prices from its network of 291 local 'mandis' or market yards.

Nokia India Managing Director D Shivakumar said the company has tied up with Idea Cellular to offer the service and is talking to other mobile operators as well.