Determinants of ICT Use in Dairy Farming: An Assessment Based on Socioeconomic Factors

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools have emerged as important resources for modernising agriculture and allied sectors. In dairy farming, ICT tools support several functions, including access to market information, real-time weather updates and farmer-specific advisory services. This study aimed to assess the use of ICT tools in dairy farming in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh and to examine the association between ICT use and the socioeconomic characteristics of dairy farmers. The study adopted an ex post facto research design. A total of 120 dairy farmers were randomly selected from 12 villages in Hamirpur district, and data were collected using an interview schedule. The results showed that most respondents (44.17%) had a medium level of ICT-tool use, followed by low (40.00%) and high (15.83%) levels. Most farmers were middle-aged, moderately educated, had small or medium landholdings and belonged to the medium-income group. ICT use was mainly associated with television, mobile phones, YouTube, SMS and WhatsApp, whereas advanced tools such as computers, Android applications and Kisan call centres were used less frequently. Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between ICT use and age, education, annual income, landholding, dairy experience, social participation, herd size, training and risk orientation. No significant association was observed for family size or mass media exposure. The findings indicate the need to strengthen digital literacy, improve attitudes towards ICT-based advisory services and increase access to user-friendly applications for decision-making in dairy farming.