The implementation of information technology towards agricultural development: New initiatives and strategies

Extract

[...] So for sustainable development of farm population improving the information and communication technology access [ICT] to farms holds the key for human resource development scenario in the country [Senthil kumar, 2003]. Present Status of Technology Transfer in Agricultural Sector The history of transferring farm technologies in agricultural sector shows that it is a great success and a harbinger of green revolution of earlier 1960s. This task has early 1950's from 51 million tones to over 200 million tones in 2000, while the Indian population nearly tripled from 350 million to one billion during the same period. [...]

[...] The electronic journals are also published in regional languages and farmers can gain access to it paying up nominal fee utilize free of cost facility to gain access to new farm information. Geographical Information System Geographical Information System [GIS] is computer assisted method and procedure for the capture, storage and analysis of data having localized information on geographical form. GIS has been used in developed countries with strongest practical application. Data are inputted in the system form different sources by overlaying of maps and retrieved on the basis of user needs. [...]

[...] The entry of corporate in areas of public sector dominance, competition between private players, access to newer technologies and communication devices empowered by new legislations had seen the rise of “Information revolution” in India. Information has become a resource and the quick transfer of information at greater speeds with precision in meeting the targeted audience are initiating great changes in all walks of Indian life. India is becoming an information hub of the world and it is usage in all core sectors is bringing about good dividends in the form of improved production and productivity gains, value adding with development of human resource in all sectors. [...]

[...] Other media of information such as text, graphics, animation and digitalized audio supplements the audio on video discs. Agriculture Websites Websites are hoisted in Internet domain with specialized agricultural information suited to the needs of farmers. Farmers can access this websites and gain newer information and use the available services. Many organizations and corporate have Question and answer sessions for the farmers to ask questions on farm problems and get needed solution For instance, ITC Company has started e-chaupal throughout India for rural villages to gain electronic connectivity in utilizing the services and product of the company by the farming community. [...]

[...] The use of new farm management techniques like contract farming, precision farming and related issues is also gaining momentum in technology transfer as India needs to cater the needs of domestic markets and international markets in changing WTO scenario of near future. Information Technology in Agriculture Computers had started penetrating rural areas especially in villages with access to electricity throughout the nation. This process is being initiated by central and respective state governments, Private Corporate, Non- Governmental Organizations, Educational and Research Institutes like State Agricultural Universities, KVK'S and so on. [...]