APMC solution using mobile AgentsAbstractDevelop an application using mobile agents where in whenever any farmer wants to know prices of a product at various APMC’s. The solution using mobile agents will dispatch mobile agents to various APMCs and collect the current price of the product and notify the farmer.

INTRODUTION

In a Country like India with 70% of its population living in the villages and depending on agriculture as their main occupation, accurate and timely information about the market prices of the agricultural commodities is of extreme significance. Agricultural Marketing in India is undergoing a significant metamorphosis because of economic liberalization and globalization. Advancement in communication and information technology has made the world a smaller place and a larger market at one go.

The availability of prompt and reliable market information about what is happening in the market i.e. what quantities are arriving and what prices are quoted for different commodities considerably improve the decision making capability of the farmers and strengthens their bargaining power.

At present, the information is disseminated through various media like radio, newspapers, blackboard display and public address system at market yards. The information provided by these methods is stale and does not help the farmers sufficiently in taking decisions in marketing their produce. The farmers are also not able to know about the prices prevailing in other markets, as the Market Committees are able to disseminate information only in respect of their own markets. The farmers are, therefore, left with no alternative but to dispose of their produce in the nearest market, even at uneconomic prices.

Market information is equally needed by other market participants in arriving at optimal trading decisions. To fully utilize the new emerging trade opportunities for the benefit of farming community, agriculture marketing information system in the country needs to be strengthened and Information and Communication Technology has a vital role to play in the process.

Our project makes, easy way to disseminate the market information like prices of agricultural products to end users is done using mobile equipments. using a mobile phone a farmer or other end users can easily access market information just by accessing site through mobile WAP and also sending a message from mobile phones.

Mobile: It is estimated that as much as half of the world’s population may now own a mobile phone. This is roughly twice the number of credit card holders. About 80% of the US population is thought to own a mobile phone.

The World Bank estimates that more than two-thirds of the world's population live within range of a mobile phone network.

It is expected that around 2.3 trillion SMSs will be sent in 2008.

The mobile phone product market is very complex with some 1,500 different kinds of handsets available around the world, with over 450 different configurations, from different screen sizes to a variety of operating systems (Symbian, Windows Mobile, Linux, Palm) and functionalities.

Mobile AgentsMobile Agent (MA) systems have for some time been seen as a promising paradigm for the design and implementation of distributed applications. A mobile agent is a program that can autonomously migrate between various nodes of a network and perform computations on behalf of a user. Some of the benefits provided by MAs for creating distributed applications include reduction in network load, overcoming network latency, faster interaction and disconnected operations. In the past, a range of roles for agents have been explored such as information retrieval, automating repetitive task and workflow. MAs are useful in applications requiring distributed information retrieval since they move the location of execution closer to the data to be processed. Software mobile agents help people with tedious repetitive job and time consuming activities.

PROBLEM DEFINITION

E-APMC:It is mobile based application, which provides information about agriculture market product prices to

the end users. This system has been developed, keeping in mind the understanding and knowledge of the stakeholders (Traders, Commission Agents and Officials, Farmers) in performing the operations on the computer system using mobile.

Objectives: To establish a information network for speedy collection and dissemination of market information

(i.e. current product prices)for its efficient utilization and to help farmers, commission agents through utilization of mobile.

To ensure flow of regular and reliable data(prices) to producers, traders and consumers to derive maximum benefit of their sales and purchases.

To increase the efficiency in marketing by effecting improvement in the existing market information system.

Scope: The project ensures to gives information about APMC to end users using mobile phones. This system is WAP enabled. Easily Accessible in mobile phones which are WAP compitible. Mobile phones which are not WAP enabled are retrieve market rates through SMS application. This System is not restricted, rural area farmers can access this system.

Technology used for implementation

Microsoft Office Front Page:

Definition: FrontPage is designed to hide the details of pages' HTML code from the user, making it possible for novices to easily create web pages and sites.

Features

Some of the features of FrontPage

FrontPage 2003 consists of a new Split View option to allow the user to code in Code View and preview in Design View without the hassle of switching from the Design and Code View tabs for each review

Dynamic Web Templates (DWT) were included for the first time in FrontPage 2003 allowing users to create a single template that could be used across multiple pages and even the whole Web site

Interactive Buttons give users a new easy way to create web graphics for navigation and links, eliminating the need for a complicated image-editing package such as Adobe Photoshop

The accessibility checker gives the user the ability to check if their code is standards compliant and that their Web site is easily accessible for people with disabilities. An HTML optimizer is included to aid in optimizing code to make it legible and quicker to process

Intellisense, which is a form of auto completion, is a key new feature in FrontPage 2003 that assists the user while typing in Code View. When working in Code View, Intellisense will suggest tags and/or properties for the code that the user is entering which significantly reduces the time to write code. The Quick Tag Editor shows the user the tag they are currently in when editing in Design View. This also includes the option to edit the specific tag/property from within the Tag Editor

Code Snippets give users the advantage to create snippets of their commonly used pieces of code allowing them to store it for easy access whenever it is next needed

FrontPage 2003 includes support for programming in ASP.NET a server-side scripting language that adds interactivity to Web sites and Web pages

Tomcat Server :

Apache Tomcat is a webcontainer which allows to run servlet and JavaServer Pages based web applications. Most of the modern Java web frameworks are based on servlets and JavaServer Pages and can run on Apache Tomcat, e.g. JavaServer Faces, Struts, Spring.

Apache Tomcat also provides per default a HTTP connector on port 8080, e.g. Tomcat can also be used as HTTP server even though the performance of Tomcat is not as good as the performance of the Apache HTTP server.

WAP:

The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is a result of the WAP Forum’s efforts to promote industry-wide specifications for technology useful in developing applications and services that operate over wireless communication networks. WAP specifies an application framework and network protocols for wireless devices such as mobile telephones, pagers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The specifications extend and leverage mobile networking technologies (such as digital data networking standards) and Internet technologies (such asXML, URLs, scripting, and various content formats). The effort is aimed at enabling operators, manufacturers, and content developers to meet the challenges in building advanced differentiated services and implementations in a fast and flexible manner.

WAP is positioned at the convergence of two rapidly evolving network technologies, wireless data and the Internet. Both the wireless data market and the Internet are growing very quickly and are continuously reaching new customers. The explosive growth of the Internet has fuelled the creation of new and exciting information services.

Most of the technology developed for the Internet has been designed for desktop and larger computers and medium to high bandwidth, generally reliable data networks. Mass-market, hand-held wireless devices present a more constrained computing environment compared to desktop computers. Because of fundamental limitations of power and form-factor, mass-market handheld devices tend to have:· Less powerful CPUs,· Less memory (ROM and RAM),· Restricted power consumption,· Smaller displays, and· Different input devices (eg, a phone keypad).

Similarly, wireless data networks present a more constrained communication environment compared to wired networks. Because of fundamental limitations of power, available spectrum, and mobility, wireless data networks tend to have:· Less bandwidth,· More latency,· Less connection stability, and· Less predictable availability.

Many of the current mobile networks include advanced services that can be offered to end-users. Mobile network operators strive to provide advanced services in a useable and attractive way in order to promote increased usage of the mobile network services and to decrease the turnover rate of subscribers.

The WAP specifications address mobile network characteristics and operator needs by adapting existing network technology to the special requirements of mass-market, hand-held wireless data devices and by introducing new technology where appropriate.

The objectives of the WAP are:· To bring Internet content and advanced data services to digital cellular phones and other wireless terminals.· To create a global wireless protocol specification that will work across differing wireless network technologies.· To enable the creation of content and applications that scale across a very wide range of bearer networks and device types.· To embrace and extend existing standards and technology wherever appropriate.

WML:

This specification defines the Wireless Markup Language (WML). WML is a markup Language based on [XML] and is intended for use in specifying content and user interface for narrowband devices, including cellular phones and pagers.WML is designed with the constraints of small narrowband devices in mind. These constraints include:· Small display and limited user input facilities· Narrowband network connection· Limited memory and computational resourcesWML includes four major functional areas:· Text presentation and layout - WML includes text and image support, including a variety of formatting and layout commands. For example, boldfaced text may be specified.

· Deck/card organisational metaphor - all information in WML is organised into a collection of cards and decks. Cards specify one or more units of user interaction (eg, a choice menu, a screen of text or a text entry field). Logically, a user navigates through a series of WML cards, reviews the contents of each, enters requested information, makes choices and moves on to another card.Cards are grouped together into decks. A WML deck is similar to an HTML page, in that it is identified by a URL [RFC1738] and is the unit of content transmission.

· Inter-card navigation and linking - WML includes support for explicitly managing the navigation between cards and decks. WML also includes provisions for event handling in the device, which may be used for navigational purposes or to execute scripts.

· String parameterization and state management - all WML decks can be parameterised using a state model. Variables can be used in the place of strings and are substituted at run-time. This parameterization allows for more efficient use of network resources.

HTML:

Web pages are written using HTML (hypertext Mark-up Language), which consists of plain text, with certain formatting and control commands embedded using LESS THAN and GREATER THAN symbols, eg. <hr> . A page can include text, links to graphics files in .gif or .jpeg format, links to other sections of the page, links to other web pages (your own or other people's) and links to other Internet resources, eg. e-mail. Therefore your text can be broken up with pictures and click-on links that take you automatically to other sections or pages, or load up the viewer's email software, with your email address automatically inserted. Although HTML is an agreed standard, not all browser programs (Internet Explorer or Netscape) will behave in exactly the same way, when displaying your pages, so do expect some variation! For example, having bold and italic text is not included in the original standard. Some browsers will display the text as both bold and italic, whilst others will display one style and ignore the other. As new HTML standards appear, older browsers will not recognise all the enhanced features that are offered.

To create a page you need a text editor or HTML editor, an Internet browser such as Netscape or IE (Internet Explorer), to test the page and see what it will look like once developed.

4.Existing Systems E-MANDI is a web-based application with 3-tier architecture. The e-MANDI system is a comprehensive system, meeting all the requirements of the APMCs. It has been built with number of features for easier use by the APMC staff, traders and Commission Agents. E-MANDI has been designed by incorporating the rules and regulations defined in APMC Act.

Features: Online system – It is online system where-in the APMC activities are recorded as and when it takes

place. The user with minimum knowledge of computer can use this system and do his/her operations.

Reduction in book keeping and reporting system – This system eliminates the need of preparing the number of reports at the APMC for sending it to the higher offices. The calculation of daily minimum, maximum and modal prices and arrivals of commodities is eliminated.

. APMC progress on the web-site – It will help to post the activities of the each APMC on the web-site

directly.

INDUSTRIES

Mandi

APMC/GOVT FARMERS

TRADERS/CA’S

DRAWBACKS1. This is not WAP enabled, means not accessible in mobile phones

2. This System is not reachable to rural areas. Only restricted to APMC centers.

AGMARKNET:

Agricultural Marketing Information Network

Role of AGMARKNET

Market information is provided in one form or the other for the benefits of market users like producers , traders and consumers.

Using conventional methods causes delay.

AGMARKNET - Improvement in the present market information system

Project Aim

To establish a nation-wide market information network

To computerize market data

To ensure regular flow of reliable data

To increase the efficiency in marketing

Mandi

Network for agmarknet portal

Benefits:

Agricultural Research

Agro-meteorology

Agricultural Marketing

Agricultural Engineering & Food Processing

Agricultural Extension & Transfer of Technology

Credit & Co-operation

Crop Production and Protection

Environment and Forest

Fertilizers and Manure

Fisheries

Irrigation & Drainage System

Live Stock, Dairy Development & Animal Husbandry

Rural Development & Planning

Soil & Water Management

Watershed Development

Waste Land Development

Agriculture Market Resource Center—AgMRChttp://www.agmrc.org/homepage.htmlIf there is one national information resource for value-added agriculture, this is probablyit. Top notch resource. Sometimes contains too much information without a filteringmechanism. The website flow is good, however. Once you find some good sources, follow the links. These also lead to great information. The following categories contain articles,references, and research bulletins useful in obtaining information on agricultural businesses:• Investigate Value-Added Products (Commodities & Products)• Explore Market and Industry Trends (Explore Market & Industry Trends)• Create and Operate a Business (Create & Operate a Business)• Locate Consultants and Businesses (Locate Consultants & Businesses)

Agriculture Utilization Research Council—State of Minnesotahttp://www.auri.org/research/research.htmAURI was created and is supported by the Minnesota state legislature, and its purpose isto help develop new uses and new markets for the state’s agricultural products. Contains reports and studies of alternative agriculture, energy sources, and more. Do some digging around on this site. It is not as logically laid out as AgMRC’s (above), but there is a lot of very interesting information hidden in the newsletters and research reports. A lot of theirgrant projects offer confidentiality; however, they do offer a lot of useful information aboutwhat, how, and where on many agricultural projects. Some initiatives include:• AURI Fuels• Biodiesel• Community Manure Food Waste Digestion System• Growing Hybrid Poplar Trees as a Crop• Manure Digester• Meat Goat Initiative• Meat Goat Enterprise Budget• Meat Industry Impact Study• Multi Species Report• Oilseed Executive Summary

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA)

http://www.attra.orgThis is a super resource about sustainable agriculture which I almost left off the list untilprompted by a user. The publications are excellent, and they provide additional informationabout grants, breaking news, ask the expert, a “question of the week” and highlights of local,regional, USDA and other federal sustainable ag activities.

Center for Profitable Agriculturehttp://cpa.utk.edu/level2/educmaterials/default.htmThis partnership between Tennessee Farm Bureau and The University of TennesseeInstitute of Agriculture provides assistance for producer projects by Extension specialists. Thissite lists all the projects undertaken with a useful 2-3 paragraph description of each project. Inaddition, the site hosts some nice Extension-type educational materials. Pages of interest on thissite include:• Value-Added Projects• Educational Materialso Extension Publicationso Information Sheetso Presentations and Slide Showso Other

Government SitesEconomic Research Servicehttp://www.ers.usda.gov/Truly a wealth of information provided on their website. It provides more technical dataabout consumption and markets than the websites above, but is the best place to go for historical databases. You might want to go directly to their Food Sector page at:http://www.ers.usda.gov/Browse/FoodSector/ for more information directly applicable to the ag sector. Don’t ignore, however, their Food and Nutrition Assistance and Diet, Health, and Safety sites if you have a business proposition which would involve these issues.

National Agricultural Statistics Servicehttp://www.nass.usda.govAgain a wealth of databases at your finger tips. NASS provides production-level, orfarmgate, information.

6.PROTOTYPE IMPLIMENTION

6.1Wap Network Architecture For mobile Applications:The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is a result of the WAP Forum’s efforts to promote industry-wide specifications for technology useful in developing applications and services that operate over wireless communication networks. WAP specifies an application framework and network protocols for wireless devices such as mobile telephones, pagers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The specifications extend and leverage mobile networking technologies (such as digital data networking standards) and Internet technologies (such as XML, URLs, scripting, and various content formats). The effort is aimed at enabling operators, manufacturers, and content developers to meet the challenges in building advanced differentiated services and implementations in a fast and flexible manner.

APMC maintain WAP sites which customer's access using a WAP compatible browser on their mobile phones. A WAP based service requires hosting a WAP gateway. Mobile Application users access the APMC's site through the WAP gateway to get the required content present in the website. The following figure demonstrates the framework for enabling mobile applications over WAP. The actually forms that go into a mobile application are stored on a WAP server, and served on demand. The WAP Gateway forms an access point to the internet from the APMC.

6.2 SMS NETWORK ARCHITECTUR

SMS – Short Messaging ServiceSMS uses the popular text-messaging standard to enable mobile application based e-APMC. The way this works is that the customer requests for information by sending an SMS containing a service command to a pre-specified number. The e-APMC responds with a reply SMS containing the specific information.The main advantage of deploying mobile applications over SMS is that almost all mobile phones are SMS enabled.An SMS based service is hosted on a SMS gateway that further connects to the Mobile service providers SMS Centre. There are a couple of hosted IP based SMS gateways available in the market and also some open source ones like Kannel.

Mobile Mobile service centre

SMS APPLICATION APMC DATABASE

SMS GATEWAY

SMS CENTRE

5.1 DATA FLOW DIAGRAM

DABASE

PROCESSING

APMC/GOVT

AGENTS

FARMERS

7.SUMMARY

This project mainly provides wap and User Friendly system, which is wap based system where-in the APMC activities are recorded as and when it takes place. The user with minimum knowledge of mobile can use this system and access APMC information. And also it provides Role based Access in which different level of users will be operating this system.

The project also provides sms based retrival of information.The main advantage of deploying mobile applications over SMS is that almost all mobile phones are SMS enabled.

8.REFERENCES

1. Farmers2. APMC Officers3. Agents4. Agriculture Market Resource Center—AgMRC http://www.agmrc.org5. e-mandi – Online System for APMC National Informatics Centre, Bangalore6. Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Department:

www.krishimaratavahini.kar.nic.in