Information & Communication Technology In Agriculture

Introduction

Information and Communication Technology services provide access to the knowledge, information, and technology that farmers require to improve the productivity and to improve the quality of their lives and livelihoods. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) contains three main technologies

1. Computer Technology
2. Communication Technology
3. Information Management Technology

The scope of ICT has advanced so much that today they are defined as a booming of technology that is utilized for collection, storage, and sharing of information & knowledge among people using multiple devices and multiple mediaReview of Literature Rabindra Kumar M (2012) in the work entitled, “Role of Information in Agricultural Development of Odisha”, aims to discuss areas of information needs for various stakeholders in the agricultural sector in the developing state of Odisha. Access to right information and its proper utilization for the farming community is the order of the day which needs to be practiced in the state.

The author suggested that extension professionals should carry publicity materials and distribute success stories in agriculture so that it may make a significant impact on farmers with needed information. Hence, extension professionals working in agricultural sector should develop better visioning and empower the farmers with latest technology and farming practicesBibishabana et.al (2012) in their work entitled, “Information technology in agriculture development - Need and scope”, observed that the role of information technology to develop agricultural research, education, and extension to improve quality of life in the rural area is well established. In addition to facilitating farmers in improving the efficiency and productivity of agriculture and allied activities, the potential of IT lies in bringing about an overall qualitative improvement in life by as long as timely and quality information inputs for decision making.

This paper focuses on the requirement of information technology for Agricultural Production, Research, Education and Agribusiness for the socioeconomic development of a nation. Hence, it will bring a highly developed agriculture by its worthwhile contributions to the society by narrowing down the enormous gap between the researchers and farmers Chahal S.S et.al (2012) in the work entitled “Impact Assessment of Reuters Market Light (RML) in Agricultural Information Dissemination in Punjab”, has examined the impact the Reuters Market Light on agricultural information dissemination in Punjab. As per the result of the survey, a vast majority of respondent subscribers belonged to the large or medium category of farm holdings, indicating that the scheme was being utilized mainly by the economically better-off farmers.

The author observed that the information should be given through phone call rather than by SMS so that farmers can interact with the officials of the RML scheme for a better understanding of the message. According to an author, if farmersare provided with the latest and reliable market information on different crops, it will go a long way in making farming a more remunerative venture Chahal S.S et.al (2012) in the work entitled “Impact Assessment of Reuters Market Light (RML) in Agricultural Information Dissemination in Punjab”, has examined the impact the Reuters Market Light on agricultural information dissemination in Punjab.

As per the result of the survey, a vast majority of respondent subscribers belonged to the large or medium category of farm holdings, indicating that the scheme was being utilized mainly by the economically better-off farmers. The author observed that the information should be given through phone call rather than by SMS so that farmers can interact with the officials of the RML scheme for a better understanding of the message. According to an author, if farmers are provided with the latest and reliable market information on different crops, it will go a long way in making farming a more remunerative ventureInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) in AgricultureFarms need a method for communicating with each other farms and with specialists who might be at different places, earlier communication use to be done through messengers and postal services. At present ICT as with all technologies was introduced for rural useEarly ICT adoption in agriculture can be separated into two aspects:A). ICT use in communicationB). ICT use in Agriculture Data StorageA).

ICT use in communicationFinally, telephones themselves displaced telegraphs as the vital mode of communication and the age of ICT use in agriculture started in earnest. Example the agricultural bodies such as the Ministries of Agriculture were associated along with the rest of each government, individual farms were late adopters and even until this day a large percentage of smaller farms are not extensively connected. ICT use in Agricultural Data Storage Individual farms were slow to implement data storage technology because they had to consider not as much of information to track and record. As the advent of industrial agriculture quickly increased the complexity of farming methods and the scale of production, efficient data storage became a necessity for individual farms as well.

Features of Information and Communication Technology. Some of the features are can be summarized as follows:

1. Speed The tremendous progress of telecommunication has killed the distance in between and turned the world to a global village
2. It is a store-house of information which enhances the knowledge of people for innovation and the ability to access them for free.
3. Saves time and opens up new areas in various agricultural activities
4. Unifying and magnifying features of the digital technology. The technology of virtual reality is helping areas of research in individual disciplines.
5. The information is available instantaneously from any point on the globe around the year and twenty-four hours a day
6. Here communication is interactive as it also involves the farmers
7. The communication is dynamic and ever-growingImpact of ICT Application in Agriculture

Faster and efficient redressal of Improving Information Availability and Delivery of Services for sustainable agricultural growth and livelihood are the main aims of providing ICT services to the farming community. The well accessed information by the ICT results in increasing productivity thereby increasing the sustainability of agriculture. The importance of ICTs application is summarized in the following accounts

Improved information contact and delivery of services to the farming community. Improved productivity and profitability of farmers through improved advisory systems. Efficient and Increased utilization of information by stakeholders for their decision makingfarmers’ grievances. Better monitoring of government schemes, which directly impact the farmer

• Improved transparency and accountability
• Direct feedback from the farming community to the decision makers in the state
• Resourceful management (Development, Conservation, allocation, and utilization) of resources Impacts of ICT in the agricultural sector
• Raise long-term growth potential through increased productivity and resultant improvement in overall individual competitiveness.

The competitiveness is increase by exchange of first-hand information from one farmer to other wherein, the knowledge on crop cultivation and cropping pattern increases which may result in better yield. Create employment chances (both high skilled and low skilled). This not only helps in exchange information but also improves the skills of farmer towards adapting to new crops and allied activities. This also generates employment; the government operated Raitha Samparka Kendra, Kissan Call Centre and other information kiosks manned by personnel who provide employment opportunity and links unskilled, low skilled and skilled under one umbrella.

Spread education and literacy

The literacy is not literacy in the mere sense of reading and writing, literacy refers to enhanced knowledge and awareness of new things and technology. The ICT brings in new information and their by educates farmers on new inventions and innovations in the field and literates them.

• Provide universal information services. The information communication revolution had made the whole universe into a global village. The result of which and benefit of which can be reaped by farmers. For example, a farmer in a remote village of India can connect to a farmer in a remote village of Germany, thanks to technology that has made this possible. This paves way for universalization of knowledge
• Deliver e-Governance (leading to transparency and better accountability). Of late, all agricultural data and information are digitized. This provides free access to these e-resources from anywhere and at any point in time. This has in a way brought in checks and balances in the system. This has created transparency. Going by one example of ‘FORTNET’ a national government website, which gives detailed information on fertilizer supply to each state and o the respective district also. This increases transparency and brings in accountability.

Advantages of ICT

The advantages of ICT can be summarized as follows

Real economic value is added either because of saving resulting from the use of ICT or an increase in revenue or profitability. The language and medium used to communicate with the farmers were significant contributing factors in the farmer’s response to the programme. Proper conceptualization and execution are achieved by including multiple- agencies in a win-win partnership. Trust is built with stockiest, support center operators and even the government by using local champions as facilitators. This is an essential element for a success in any system.

Planning is after augmented by bundling many services together with basic or original facilities to make them genuinely comprehensive. Additional faith in the system is created when a solution is developed locally. Other community members find it particularly suitable if other farmers are directly involved in training and can demonstrate a solutionImportance of ICT in Agriculture. These include water shortages, decreasing soil fertility, effects of climate change and a rapid reduction of fertile agricultural lands due to urbanization

ICT is used to accelerate the food growth rate by using technologies to perform tasks like predict weather situations, learn about the latest methods to advance farming productivity and gauge the levels of supply/demand based on economic statistics.

To continue quality and supply, new approaches and technological innovations are required to cope with these challenges and to enhance the livelihoods of the rural population

Three essential roles which ICT can play are in enhancing agricultural production, improving market access, and capacity building and empowerment

Use of ICT in Enhancing Agricultural Production Farmers (especially small ones) often face threats from many factors like poor soils, drought, erosion, and pests. Key areas where ICT can help improve this is by providing up-to-date information about pest and disease control, early warning systems, new varieties, new ways to optimize production and regulations for quality control

Capacity-Building and Empowerment

ICT technologies can be used to strengthen communities and farmer organizations strengthen their capacities and better represent their constituencies when negotiating input and output prices, land claims, resource rights, and infrastructure projects

Rural communities can interact with others via the use of ICT which reduces social isolation that they would otherwise be facing. Besides that, ICT technologies can make processes like law-making and land-title approvals more transparent

Improving Market Access

Providing up-to-date information on the market prices of merchandises, inputs and consumer trends

This can progress a farmer's negotiating position and their livelihood, while enabling farmers to make improved decisions about future crops and commodities, and also the best time and place to sell and buy goodsInformation and communication technology (ICT) Services The Following are the Common Services Provided through ICT

1. ICT helps to improve Agricultural Resources
2. Provides information on Inputs Supply services
3. Services on Monitoring Agricultural Production
4. Service on Agricultural Produce Management
5. Agricultural Marketing and Sales Management
6. Service on Knowledge Management
7. Service of Risk Management
8. Services on Agro - Advisory and Agricultural Extension
9. Farmers Help Desk
10. Information about Scheme Monitoring
11. Enterprise Resource Management

ICT and Agriculture

ICT can act as an accelerating force behind the efficiency of Indian agricultural markets. Knowledge is a useful resource and backed by adequate technological infrastructure and appropriate strategies, it can become a transformational factor for the overall development of agricultural markets. According to the Jones (1997), “agricultural extension is an essential device for the delivery of knowledge and guidance as an input for up-to-date farming. The need is of a shift of focus from a distribution of technology to the delivery of knowledge and information. This is possible with the use of Information and communication technologies which can make the agricultural extension a more diversified, knowledge determined system for the meeting on demand of farmers’ information needs

ICT can continuously introduce newer sets of information services to agricultural markets anywhere farmers can have a better control

Access to such new information causes is a crucial requirement for the sustainable development of the farming systemsInformation needs of Farmers. The main focus of ICT in agriculture is conference the farmers’ needs for informationThe following are some self-motivated needs of farmers that seem to be imperative for the growth and development of agriculture

Market Information

Market info including price updates of agricultural commodities of surrounding districts on a daily basis. For farmers, the price brings up-to-date of markets outside their villages have a higher priority so that they can compare the prices and choose to sell at the appropriate placeInformation on latest techniques and technologies. Continuous improvement in technology brings up gradation to agricultural machinery and techniques too. Up to date information regarding the latest technologies in agriculture and animal husbandry is of immense importance for growthInformation about subsidies and rural development programs. Provision of complete information on Government initiatives for rural development for those the programs are addressed. The areas that suffer from droughts, floods or other natural disasters frequently take grants and subsidies from the Government. Information associated with these programs is particularly important to small and marginal farmers

Weather forecasting

Weather forecasting related update information such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, winds forecasts etcLatest (best) packages of practices. Information on a best practice of cultivation is an essential need of the farmers. Information relating drought-resistant varieties of certain crops can be relevant for farmers to withstand longstanding droughts in some areas

Post-harvest technology Information

On post-harvest technology and storing is as vital as pre-harvest. Farmers are receiving awareness on the value addition of food processing

General agricultural news

General agricultural news and information regarding several agricultural events in villages and districtsInformation on insurance/claim processing. Detailed info on crop insurance schemes, the type of damage covered and compensation offered premiums to be paid, etc.Input prices and availability: Information relating to the availability of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, manures pesticides etc. and prices

Early warning and management of diseases and pests

In the areas of continuous droughts, pests and diseases do not commonly pose a signification threat. However, in other areas this information is useful. Also, early threatening in case of some crops like sugarcane is important.

Soil testing and soil sampling information

Information related to testing of quality or nature of the soil is signification for farmers as the soil directly relates to the productivity of crops. If this information is readily available to the farmers, it prepares farmers to get the best produce given the resources

Reasons for Delay in Agricultural Information in India

The primary purpose of the extension is to transfer the agricultural advanced technology and research to the farmer, and feedback of field problems to the research system. the Latest information and knowledge on the subject play a significant role to full fill this purpose. There is an information delay between farmers and agriculture researcher in India because

Media, Information Management and ICT are not properly used

The Significance of the Present Study

The present study forms part of agricultural economics by emplacing on the primary sector growth and development. Services and facilities those are available for farmers to become efficient and smart to enhance their agriculture production particularly. Information and Communication Technology is of utmost importance which determines the effectiveness and utilization of services and facilities to improve both farmer and nation at macro and micro level. Thereby, Information and Communication Technology is a signification variable in determining agricultural production and farmers’ efficiency in farming activities. So present study focuses on how ICT is emphasized in the agriculture sector and awareness and impact to the farmersSuccess Story of ITC’s e–Choupal–A Private Sector InitiativeThe term “Choupal” is a Hindi word, which means the assembly point in a village

The Indian Tobacco Company (ITC) is a multi-billion-dollar private corporation with business interests in tobacco, hotels, consumer products and, more relevantly, in agricultural inputs and commodities. In 2000 through its International Business Division, ITC embarked upon a path-breaking idea to directly reach smallholder farmers with an aim to develop a unique business relationship with them using ICT. The project was named e-Choupal to signify its use of ICT as a communication medium and was based on the knowledge sharing found in the traditional “Choupal” model, but it took the concept one step further. It eliminated the intermediaries such as local intermediaries who purchased the produce from farmers in User-friendly Interface of RDA’s Agriculture Information Service local ‘mandi’ (local agriculture marketplace). Initially, a few soybean growing villages of Madhya Pradesh state of India remained selected for the pilot phase of the project. ITC supplied an e-Choupal kit to each village with the following devices:

• A standard personal computer (PC) through an operating system, multimedia kit, and connectivity interface
• Connection lines via moreover telephone or VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)
• A power supply containing of UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and solar-powered battery backup

A dot-matrix printerThe (e-Choupal) site makes available links to following critical information and knowledge resources:

• Weather Information: local weather forecasts to help farmers choose agricultural operations
• Best Agricultural Practices: Information for farmers to rise their productivity
• Market Information: Options to determine world demand, world production, ‘mandi’ trading volume, and ‘mandi’ price lists

So ICT enhances the farmers’ production efficiency and minimizes their risk and burden in farm activities. In this background, an impact study on the awareness and utilization of ICT in agriculture in India was taken up. The study also provides, a brief agricultural profile of India. The study revealed the signification ICT policies and programmes under the public sector to promote agriculture sector. Further, the study focused on the role of ICT in the agriculture sector at global, national and state level.

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