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COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
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Theme 2: Recent Trends in Agriculture and Resource Management

Improvement in decision support and attitude of farmers through Information and communication technology and skill improvement for enhanced production

Jitendar Kumar Chauhan, Kohima Noopur, Shivraj Singh Panwar and A. S. Panwar

College of Fishery Science, (CAU, Imphal), Tripura west
jkcagra@gmail.com

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) encompasses a wide range of technologies used for the manipulation and communication of information, including radio, television, computers, the internet, cell phones, network hardware, satellite systems, and more, along with the various services and applications associated with them. ICT plays a crucial role in providing essential access to information and markets, connecting rural and marginalized populations to global information resources and opportunities. A majority of farmers hold favourable attitudes towards ICTs and the extent of ICT tool utilization is positively correlated with factors such as availability, accessibility, control over and skill in using these tools. Training in ICT tools and awareness campaigns prove helpful in enhancing agricultural production. ICTs also offer flexibility in delivering information related to various farming practices, including crop information, specific commodities, market prices, technological advancements and global competitiveness tracking. Improving skills through ICT training enhances decision–making abilities. In the realm of agricultural decision-making, men traditionally hold the primary role, followed by women. Among tribal farm women, factors such as personal and health status significantly impact decision support, with education level being a key factor influencing decision-making ability. Education level, family size, landholding and socio-economic orientation also influence farmer’s attitudes toward extension approaches. Economic motivation contributes positively to farmer’s attitudes towards adopted farming practices and their communities. Age does not appear to be barrier to developing positive attitudes towards ICT adoption. Instead, factors such as education, farming experience, social participation, motivation, scientific orientation and innovativeness are associated with user’s attitudes. All of these factors collectively contribute to improving the attitude of farmers towards innovative technologies, making the right decision, and finally contributing to increasing production and productivity at the household level.

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India