ICT initiatives in agriculture

in India
The field survey and study was undertaken for 22 ICT initiatives in
agriculture and allied sector in India, mainly conducted in 48 villages of
11 states in 4 geographic regions from May 2009 to October 2010.

The study includes 1141 farmers out of which 590 were beneficiary
farmers and 551 were non – beneficiary farmers. Beneficiary farmers
were chosen from ICT utilisers in agriculture and were age matched.

The survey methodology used were: Primary and secondary survey,

which includes filling of the Questionnaires, secondary data from Gram
Panchayat, conducting PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) for each
initiatives, Focused group discussion.

In order to cover all the dimensions of agriculture sector and its sensitive
issues and orientation for different technology, a total of 159 parameters
were considered, which includes socio – economic, farming priority,
sources of information, information need, adoption level, technological
orientation, perception of ICT in agriculture and Impact analysis

Statistical calculation of comparison was done using the mean, frequency

and t – test and significance was calculated by using the (t) table.
Correlation was calculated by using the Pearson correlation method and
Linear Regression model was considered.

The 22 survey results were analyzed and following trends were

observed:

According to land size, all the farmers were categorized. 62% of the total
farmers surveyed were marginal farmers with less than 2.5 hectare of
land. 22.5 % were small farmers (2.5 – 5) hectare land, 9% were medium
farmers (5 – 10) hectare land and only 6.5% were large farmers having
more than 10 hectare of land. Most of the marginal farmers interviewed
were from the west zone, whereas most of surveyed large farmers were
from South zone.

The penetration of Mobile, as ICT gadget is highest with 69% followed by

Television and Radio. Out of 1141 farmers, the highest modality (49%) of
information preferred by farmers is in Voice mode, while the rest of two
modes (text and Pictorial) are equally weighted.

Almost 50% of the surveyed farmers are willing to Pay. The willingness
to pay depends mainly on the quality of Information services and the
monopoly of ICT initiator. It also depends upon political scenario in the
state and type of crops for which the information is required.

The information required by farmers is of two types: Generic and

Specific information. The trend of information need by the farmers varies
in different regions. In North and South zone, mainly, Pest and nutrient
Management information is required on the other hand in the East zone,
farmers mainly require information on Govt. schemes followed by Field
Preparation and Input availability. In West zone, farmers mainly require
information on Input availability and Pest Management.

As a whole, the most prioritized information required is Pest

Management (32%).

After information sought, if we see, to whom they approach for getting

this information, then it’s a very interesting approach. Almost 45% of the
farmers approach their friends and Neighbors for getting this
information. They have deep faith in their farming community, which
shows, in India, traditional farming is going on and the scope of ICT
implementation is very high for the farming community. A good and
massive training for ICT in agriculture can help in the fast spread in this
combined sector.

The survey result shows recommended device / interface by the farmers

to access the information is Mobile. Almost 50% farmers opt for this and
30% opt for Information Centre.