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The writer is program lead at S M Sehgal Foundation.
“TV gives everyone an image, but radio gives birth to a million images in a million brains.” — Peggy Noonan, American author
The above quote resonates today as radio will continue to stay for years to come. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and social media, radio remains one of the most trusted and accessible communication platforms, especially for rural communities. As the world marks World Radio Day on Feb. 13, 2025, with the theme “Radio and Climate Change,” the role of radio has become more important in disseminating information into communities to deal with the adverse effects of climate change.
All India Radio (AIR), a public broadcaster that informs, educates and entertains, has been actively playing a unique role in bridging the digital divide and supporting agricultural extension programs in India. “Kisanvani” is a radio program that provides information to farmers in India.
The program is broadcast on AIR stations across the country. It is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
The main goal of the “Kisanvani” program is to teach farmers about things like “diffusion of innovation”, “lab to land”, “knowledge and skill of modern and scientific techniques of agricultural practices to cope with climate change”, “horticulture”, “animal husbandry”, “poultry farming”, “fishery”, “rural banking and self-employment schemes” and allied activities.
Role of Community Radio in Disaster Management
Beyond national broadcasters, community radio stations play an essential role in reaching remote areas. Community radios help communities prepare for and respond to disasters and climate change by providing local information, raising awareness and connecting people to resources. It also plays an influential role in bridging information gaps, empowering local voices and fostering social change.
Unlike the mainstream media, which mainly focuses on broader national and global narratives, community radio serves as a grassroots platform, providing localized and relevant content to the needs of specific communities.
The role of community radio becomes especially crucial during times of disaster, as the changing climate scenario intensifies risks. In such situations, community radio offers timely, region-specific information, helping affected communities respond effectively and build resilience.
During Cyclone Fani (2019), Community Radio Namaskar in Konark, Odisha, served as a critical platform for disseminating real-time warnings and safety measures. The station broadcasts updates on evacuation routes, safe shelter locations and relief efforts. It served as a communication bridge between affected communities and authorities.
Radio Kadal Osai amplifies the voices of the fisherfolk in Tamil Nadu. The radio station primarily caters to the needs of fishermen, providing critical information like weather updates, fish prices and market trends. The station also highlights potential fishing zones, empowering the community with valuable information that enhances their catch and supports sustainable fishing practices in the changing climatic conditions of the region.
In North India, Community Radio Connect FM 107.8 (an initiative of S M Sehgal Foundation) plays a significant role in promoting climate-smart agricultural practices through its live phone-in program, “Gaon Ki Choupal.” The program disseminates information to farmers about the benefits of mini sprinklers, drip irrigation and soil health management — key factors in enhancing crop resilience amid climate change. Listeners actively engage with the programming by calling the station’s phone number to share their experiences, seek expert advice and discuss challenges related to shifting agricultural patterns in a changing climate.
Community radio stations have emerged as vital partners in disaster management and climate change adaptation across India, providing real-time information, raising awareness, empowering local communities, and promoting sustainable practices. Listeners, especially from rural and indigenous communities, possess a wealth of knowledge about agriculture and climate change issues. They have firsthand experience of its consequences, from unpredictable monsoons and prolonged droughts to climate-induced food shortages and industrial pollution. Through community radio, these voices are amplified, fostering a participatory approach to environmental solutions.
Empowering Climate-Smart Communities
India currently has over 500 community radio stations serving diverse communities. Over the past decade, this number has grown significantly. In this evolving landscape, the accountability of this community-led initiative has also expanded. They provide accurate information and practical advice to their listeners on key local issues such as agriculture, water management, education and health, which they adapt in day-to-day practice. This reflects a positive shift from listeners to learners — empowering farmers with real-time information on climate-resilient farming techniques, weather forecasts, government schemes and market trends.
Programs such as Tohfa-e-Kudrat—Jal, Jangal, Zameen, a flagship program of Community Radio Connect, have been airing since 2012 and focus on critical topics like water, soil and forests. Broadcasting 24/7 the program played a key role in enhancing agricultural productivity across more than 300 villages spanning three districts—Alwar and Deeg in Rajasthan, and Nuh (Mewat) in Haryana.
Ratan Singh Prajapat, a listener from village Gurjarwas, Naugaon, district Alwar, Rajasthan, shared his experience that he cultivates crops such as vegetables, chilies, carrots, peas, cauliflower, onions, radishes and coriander. He was worried about the depleting water levels in his region. After listening to Radio Connect’s Jal Jungle Zameen program, he heard a discussion about how farming is possible even with less water. The agriculture expert explained that drip irrigation could help farmers grow crops using minimal water.
He decided to adopt drip irrigation on one acre of his land. He cultivated vegetables using the drip system and soon realized that water consumption was significantly reduced and fertilizer use was more efficient, as water-soluble fertilizers reached the plants quickly. Also, electricity and time were saved too. Earlier, he worked tirelessly in the fields, but the crops did not grow well due to uneven water distribution. Previously, irrigation would take four to five days, but now, the same work was completed in just one to two hours.
Now, Ratan Singh encourages neighbouring farmers to adopt drip irrigation for cultivating healthy, high-quality crops.
Dr. Abdul Rajak, a farmer from Rigarh village, Ferozepur Jhirka block, Nuh, Haryana, shared that due to climate change, traditional crops like gram and peas, once widely cultivated in the region, have completely disappeared.
Fakat Hussain, Station In-Charge of Community Radio Connect, shared that the agriculture program on smart and sustainable agriculture practices is also narrowcast during farmers’ meetings and Kisan Goshtis (farmers’ meeting), ensuring it reaches the farming community. Additionally, farmers express their interests and issues with us through phone calls and WhatsApp listener groups.
Pooja Oberoi Murada, Principal Lead, Outreach for Development S M Sehgal Foundation shared “We actively engage farmers, agricultural experts, local authorities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and community leaders by interviewing them on key agricultural issues and sharing their insights. This approach ensures that the program reflects the community’s real challenges, solutions, and successes, making the content highly relatable and impactful. The program’s content specifically addresses key climate change and agricultural issues faced by the local community, such as water conservation, climate-smart agriculture and soil management.
To further enhance the learning of the farming community, we have developed the game cards ‘Khel Khel Mein Jaane Mitti Swasthya Ka Mahatva’ (Learn the Importance of Soil Health through play cards). This interactive game is designed to engage farmers effectively, helping them easily understand the process and significance of soil testing. These communications for behavior change practices help them to adopt best practices.”
As the world grapples with climate change, the role of radio in climate communication cannot be overstated. It serves as a bridge between scientific knowledge and grassroots realities, empowering communities with information that is timely, relevant and actionable. Radio Connect and similar initiatives continue to demonstrate that radio is not just a medium of entertainment but a vital tool for social change, environmental stewardship and community resilience.
[Related: “Radio Helps Bridge the Information Gap in Rural India“]
