Assessing Farmers' Knowledge on e-NAM: Advancing Agricultural Market Transformation in Nizamabad District, Telangana, India

Abstract

The study assesses farmers' knowledge of the Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) in Nizamabad district, Telangana, a key agricultural hub producing crops like turmeric, maize, and pulses. e-NAM, a digital initiative, aims to improve price discovery, reduce transaction costs and empower farmers. However, adoption has been slow due to factors like low awareness, limited digital literacy, and infrastructure challenges. The study involved 120 respondents, including 60 farmers, 20 market officials, 20 traders, and 20 commission agents. Data were collected using structured interview schedule, and statistical tools were employed to analyze knowledge levels and identify adoption barriers.  Findings revealed that 43.4% of farmers had medium knowledge, 40% had low knowledge, and 16.6% had high knowledge of e-NAM. In contrast, market officials showed a higher level of awareness, with 60% having high knowledge, followed by traders (60% with medium knowledge) and commission agents (65% with medium knowledge). The analysis indicates the need for targeted capacity-building programs, such as workshops and hands-on training, to enhance knowledge, especially for farmers, traders, and commission agents. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of user-friendly digital tools, video tutorials in local languages, and improved internet connectivity were highlighted ad critical factors to bridge the digital divide. The study emphasises the importance of enhancing farmers knowledge off e-NAM to ensure its effective adoption. Policy interventions, such as subsidies for digital tools and improved connectivity are essential for addressing knowledge gaps. Strengthening the role of market officials through advanced training could streamline norms implementation, promoting market efficiency, reducing intermediaries influence and enhancing farmers income levels