Prasar Bharati may launch ‘krishi’ channel for farmers

India’s national TV network Doordarshan (DD) could soon launch a channel devoted exclusively to farmers and agriculture.

DD reports that its parent public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati (PB), is actively considering a 24-hour agriculture-based channel which could leverage the expertise Doordarshan has in creating programs for farmers and rural audiences and telecast them to a wider audience.

According to the PB Act, agriculture is one of the fields to which Prasar Bharati is required to pay special attention

The broadcaster is also considering what would be the most appropriate model for the launch of the channel.

Since crop patterns and requirements of farmers differ from region to region, it is being considered whether one channel with different time slots for regional content would be more suited or whether more than one channel is required to reach out to the diverse agro-regions of the country.

DD reports that while Prasar Bharati is exploring the possibilities, a final decision would be taken only after proper discussions, including with the government.