The Punjab government will soon launch e-agriculture services in collaboration through 'Kisan Soochna Kendras', a network of agri based information kiosks with broadband connectivity.

The state government has tied up with the telecom networking company Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited.

Under the government agreement with the company, HFCL would set up over 2000 e-kiosks in the state at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion). This would provide direct employment to around 40,000 youth, a statement from the Punjab government said on Thursday.

It said the entire project would entail zero cost to the state exchequer and this would be the first privately funded socio-professional project of its kind in the farm sector.

The e-agriculture project would provide round the clock information as a part of live and interactive feedback system for quick redressal of the problems related to agriculture and allied sector. The project would be implemented in phases.

State government officials said the project further facilitate constant tie-ups between the rural populace and the departments of the government as well as the Punjab Agricultural University, medical and veterinary institutions.

Each kiosk of 250-300 sq ft area would be equipped with PCs for Internet connectivity with printing facilities.