Matir Katha (meaning “Words of the Earth”) is a pioneering Information and Communications Technology (ICT) driven e-governance project launched by the Government of West Bengal to provide comprehensive, real-time agricultural extension services to farmers.

Initially introduced on a pilot scale in October 2013 and scaled statewide by June 2015, the project was developed by the state IT agency, WEBEL (West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation Limited). It serves as a single-window digital platform connecting rural farmers directly with agricultural experts and policymakers.

Inter-Departmental Collaboration

The portal functions as a collaborative hub, integrating data and solutions across five core state departments:

Key Features & Services

▫️Last Mile Expert Advice: Field-level workers called Krishi Prajukti Sahayaks (KPS) or Krishi Sahayaks are equipped with tablet PCs and internet connectivity. They visit farms, capture real-time images or videos of pest damage / diseases, and upload them directly onto the portal for instant specialist troubleshooting.

▫️24/7 Toll-Free Helpline: Farmers can bypass the internet entirely and speak to agri-experts over a dedicated toll-free number (1800-103-1100) operational 12 hours a day (7 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday).

▫️Localization & Accessibility: To bridge the technical and linguistic divide, the information on the portal and the dedicated “Matir Katha – Krishoker Katha” mobile app is provided in the local Bengali language.

▫️Crucial Farm Information: The application provides a continuous stream of data regarding weather forecasts (72-hour updates), localized soil health metrics, optimal crop calendars, current Mandi (market) prices, and seed/fertilizer availability.

▫️Online Licensing & Automation: Entrepreneurs can easily apply online for retail licenses for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring transparency and reducing processing time to under 30 days.

▫️Direct Subsidy Access: The portal processes applications for key state financial grants, including Farm Mechanization Subsidies (40% to 50% discount on mini-tractors and power tillers) and solar pump installations.

Core Objectives

▫️Empowering Farmers: To equip small and marginal farmers with scientific cultivation techniques to boost crop yields and lower operational risks.

▫️Better Price Realization: Providing real-time market rates directly at the farm gate so farmers can sell their produce at fair prices without exploitation by intermediaries.

▫️Data-Driven Governance (G2G): Generating weekly, block-level Management Information Systems (MIS) reports to help state planners formulate agile, field-accurate agricultural policies.