BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE: APPLICATIONS AND RATIONALE
BANKING FINANCE|November 2020
The use of data and information becomes increasingly crucial for the agriculture sector to improve productivity and sustainability.
Alekh Kumar Sahoo
BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE: APPLICATIONS AND RATIONALE

Introduction

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) substantially increases the effectiveness and efficiency of collecting, storing, analyzing and using data in agriculture. It allows agricultural practitioners and farming communities to easily obtain up-to-date information and thus make better decisions in their daily farming.

Definition

Blockchain is a distributed database existing on multiple computers at the same time. It is constantly growing as new sets of recordings, or 'blocks', are added to it. Each block contains a timestamp and a link to the previous block, so they actually form a chain. The database is not managed by any particular body; instead, everyone in the network gets a copy of the whole database.

Old blocks are preserved forever and new blocks are added to the ledger irreversibly, making it impossible to manipulate by faking documents, transactions and other information. All blocks are encrypted in a special way, so everyone can have access to all the information but only a user who owns a special cryptographic key is able to add a new record to a particular chain.

Blockchain is a digitized, decentralized ledger of all transactions. The transactions are replicated across multiple computers and linked to each other to make any tempering with records virtually impossible. This immutable way of managing records eliminate the need for any central entity managing the transactions. Blockchain should not be confused with the bitcoins. Blockchain is the platform while bitcoin is just one of the many applications that uses Blockchain platform just the way internet is to email.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BANKING FINANCEView all
ICICI Bank partners with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI
BANKING FINANCE

ICICI Bank partners with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI

ICICI Bank announced that it has partnered with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI to its pre-approved customers on the app of the digital payments company.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Indiagold Eyes Major Expansion in India's Gold Loan Market
BANKING FINANCE

Indiagold Eyes Major Expansion in India's Gold Loan Market

Indiagold, a prominent fintech company specialising in gold loans, is set to disrupt the gold loan industry with its ambitious expansion plans and innovative product offerings.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
RBI CIRCULAR
BANKING FINANCE

RBI CIRCULAR

Facilitating accessibility to digital payment systems for Persons with Disabilities Guidelines

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Legal News
BANKING FINANCE

Legal News

The Supreme Court announced the launch of a new webpage on its official website providing summaries of landmark judgments.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
The Role and Impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in NPA Recovery
BANKING FINANCE

The Role and Impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in NPA Recovery

Indian banks, especially grappling with the mounting challenge of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) within Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), are experiencing a significant downturn in their capacity for credit recycling, resulting in reduced business opportunities and declining profits. However, various factors contributing to the severity of NPA problem are including macro-economic, political, and internal factors, emphasizing the complexity of the issue. With this background, the present study puts an effort to look at the role of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in NPA recovery and also showcasing its significance in resolving insolvency and maximizing creditor recovery.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
Big Data in Banking: Analysing its Role, Advantages and Challenges
BANKING FINANCE

Big Data in Banking: Analysing its Role, Advantages and Challenges

Globally Inflation started rising post April 2021 and went above the target range set by most of the Central Banks. It had remained low and dormant for a substantial duration since the global financial crisis. CPI inflation in developed countries such as US, UK and Euro zone, began to exceed their traditional target of 2% and continue to stay at these elevated levels till recent time.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Is SIP Always the Best Option? A Look into Lump-Sum vs SIP During Volatile Markets
BANKING FINANCE

Is SIP Always the Best Option? A Look into Lump-Sum vs SIP During Volatile Markets

SIP is a method of investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, typically monthly, into a mutual fund. It allows investors to buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, a process known as rupee cost averaging.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Strategies for Mutual Fund Retail Investors during market downturns
BANKING FINANCE

Strategies for Mutual Fund Retail Investors during market downturns

When stock markets experience a decline, mutual fund investors often face a sense of insecurity and apprehension. The volatility can lead to impulsive decisions, which, rather than securing financial health, may impair long-term investment objectives.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
The Rise of Green Marketing: Driving Sustainable Change
BANKING FINANCE

The Rise of Green Marketing: Driving Sustainable Change

Green marketing refers to the practice of promoting products or services that are environmentally friendly or sustainable. It involves incorporating eco-friendly elements into various aspects of marketing strategies, including product development, packaging, advertising, and distribution.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
Fraud Risk Management In Banking
BANKING FINANCE

Fraud Risk Management In Banking

Fraud risk management is a fundamental aspect of overall Risk Management within the banking sector. In India, banks adhere strictly to guidelines set forth by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to prevent, detect, and promptly report fraudulent activities.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024