Role of ICT in the Agriculture Sector: A Study of Progressive Farmers,Malwa Region, Punjab India

Abstract

The present world scenario of agriculture is facing challenge to address the issue of higher food grain production which is only possible by adopting latest tools of Information and communication Technology (ICT). The role of ICT is important in agriculture sector in order to enhance its productivity. Agrarian state of Punjab famous for Green Revolution in 1970’s in India was chosen as study area as it has one of the most fertile lands for agriculture in Asia drained by three rivers flowing across the entire state. Study was conducted using sample survey method and farmers were interviewed to collect data. The data was input in excel program and statistical tools were applied. The study shows that 90% of famers were using basic information communication tools such as radio, television, telephone helplines and Mobile phones while only 2% use CcTV, GIS, Laser leveling techniques and internet. Mobile phones are the most powerful means of communication among farmers for exchanging agriculture information. Reason: Cost affordability, better network, easy availability and cheap tariff rates. Farmers are dependent on their large Social network and take advice from farm scientists, fellow farmers and friends. The factors inhibiting adoption of ICT were found out to be lack of training (average score 1.91) Inadequate infrastructure (average weighted score 1.67) and cost of equipment (average score 1.41 out of 0 to 2 scale). Reasons for failure of private ICT projects in Punjab when compared to rest of India were found out to be better economic status of Punjab farmers, cropping system and strong social network of agricultural university, farmers, scientists and state government infrastructure.