ICT-enabled Agricultural Extension Services in South Gujarat: Constraints and Suggestions

Abstract

Background: Agricultural extension services in India significantly rely upon Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to bridge the gap between knowledge from researchers and farm-level application. Aim: The present study assessed the constraints to ICT-enabled agricultural extension services in South Gujarat and seek suggestions from agricultural extension personnel to strengthen ICT-enabled agricultural extension services in South Gujarat. Methodology: A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 210 extension personnel drawn from KVKs and line departments across all seven districts of the region. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested interview schedule, with open-ended questions, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Results revealed that inadequate ICT infrastructure in rural areas, insufficient training of extension personnel and high cost of internet plans and smartphones were the three most critical constraints. Extension personnel suggested provision of affordable internet connectivity through government schemes, regular ICT training programmes at district and block levels and development of locally relevant digital content in regional languages as ways of strengthening ICT-enabled agricultural extension services in South Gujarat. Conclusion: There is need for agricultural extension administrators to adopt an integrated approach covering infrastructure development, capacity building, content localization, institutional coordination and policy support for strengthening ICT-enabled agricultural extension in South Gujarat.