ICT initiatives in agriculture in IndiaThe field survey and study was undertaken for 22 ICT initiatives in agriculture and allied sector in India, mainly conducted in 48 villages of 11 states in 4 geographic regions from May 2009 to October 2010.

The study includes 1141 farmers out of which 590 were beneficiary farmers and 551 were non – beneficiary farmers. Beneficiary farmers were chosen from ICT utilisers in agriculture and were age matched.

The survey methodology used were: Primary and secondary survey, which includes filling of the Questionnaires, secondary data from Gram Panchayat, conducting PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) for each initiatives, Focused group discussion.

In order to cover all the dimensions of agriculture sector and its sensitive issues and orientation for different technology, a total of 159 parameters were considered, which includes socio – economic, farming priority, sources of information, information need, adoption level, technological orientation, perception of ICT in agriculture and Impact analysis

Statistical calculation of comparison was done using the mean, frequency and t – test and significance was calculated by using the (t) table. Correlation was calculated by using the Pearson correlation method and Linear Regression model was considered.

The 22 survey results were analyzed and following trends were observed:

According to land size, all the farmers were categorized. 62% of the total farmers surveyed were marginal farmers with less than 2.5 hectare of land. 22.5 % were small farmers (2.5 – 5) hectare land, 9% were medium farmers (5 – 10) hectare land and only 6.5% were large farmers having more than 10 hectare of land. Most of the marginal farmers interviewed were from the west zone, whereas most of surveyed large farmers were from South zone.

The penetration of Mobile, as ICT gadget is highest with 69% followed by Television and Radio. Out of 1141 farmers, the highest modality (49%) of information preferred by farmers is in Voice mode, while the rest of two modes (text and Pictorial) are equally weighted.

Almost 50% of the surveyed farmers are willing to Pay. The willingness to pay depends mainly on the quality of Information services and the monopoly of ICT initiator. It also depends upon political scenario in the state and type of crops for which the information is required.

The information required by farmers is of two types: Generic and Specific information. The trend of information need by the farmers varies in different regions. In North and South zone, mainly, Pest and nutrient Management information is required on the other hand in the East zone, farmers mainly require information on Govt. schemes followed by Field Preparation and Input availability. In West zone, farmers mainly require information on Input availability and Pest Management.

As a whole, the most prioritized information required is Pest Management (32%).

After information sought, if we see, to whom they approach for getting this information, then it’s a very interesting approach. Almost 45% of the farmers approach their friends and Neighbors for getting this information. They have deep faith in their farming community, which shows, in India, traditional farming is going on and the scope of ICT implementation is very high for the farming community. A good and massive training for ICT in agriculture can help in the fast spread in this combined sector.

The survey result shows recommended device / interface by the farmers to access the information is Mobile. Almost 50% farmers opt for this and 30% opt for Information Centre.