Reuters Market Light, the crop information service division of Thomson Reuters group has partnered with Idea Cellular to increase the reach of its crop information service in Maharashtra and Goa circles. Idea Cellular will be distributing Krishi Vouchers, pre-paid cards with a value of Rs. 75 and a validity period of one month, at its stores and customer care points in the two states. With the cards, farmers can pay for RML's monthly SMS alerts service. Idea has set up the toll free short code 58090 which is handled by Reuters Market Light executives who will help them register their preferences for crops, locations etc. SMSs are sent in Marathi and English. The information on offer with the card is limited to: Market prices and arrivals in 3 markets for each of the 2 crops chosen by the farmer (choice of 49 crops available). A 24 hour local weather forecast relevant to the farmer’s taluka Information on best practices of production for 2 crops News that could impact production, placement and realization RML already offers its standalone service in Maharashtra as well as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. It charges Rs 175 for 3 months, Rs 350 for 6 months, Rs 650 for 1 year. A strategy report on RML's service, delivery, plans and competitors is on Medianama. Read: Reuters Market Light Goes To Himachal; Pan-India With Nokia; Txt vs GPRS vs Voice Vaulting Over The Distribution Hurdle; Competitors; Sachet Pricing? Reuters Market Light has been essentially a premium service till…
