Introduction

ICTs are technologies offering new ways for communicating and exchanging information and
knowledge. The phrase ICT was coined by Stevenson in his 1997.
Information communication technologies is a term which is currently used to denote a wide
range of services, applications, and technologies, using various types of equipment and software,
often running over telecommunication network. The importance of ICTs is not the technology as
such, but it’s enabling function in access to knowledge, information and communications,
increasingly important elements in today’s economic and social interactions. Communication is
recognized to be an important input for development to disseminate and create dialogue among
different stakeholders about the technologies and issues of agriculture, environment and
sustainable development. Thus, transfer of technology has not to be limited to man methods,
publication, leaflets, folders, bulletins, newsletters, journals, magazine, news paper publication,
rural farm broadcasts or television interviews but has to be supplemented with video
conferencing, massive awareness campaigns through video cassettes, cable net works and other
local farm telecasts. ICT particularly the Internet are transforming all human activities dependent
on Information, including rural development and in other areas. Internet is cheap, powerful,
decentralized and it is in the hands of civil society who can share knowledge and produce
information. The ICT is the term used to describe tools and processes to access, retrieve, store,
organize, manipulate, produce, present and exchange information by electronic and other
automated means. It includes a range of technologies starting from radio, television, telephone up
to modern technologies like mobile phone, multimedia, internet and satellite based
communication systems. ICT in agriculture is an emerging field focusing on the enhancement of
agricultural and rural development in India. It involves application of innovative ways to use
Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) in the rural domain. The advancements in
ICT can be utilized for providing accurate, timely, relevant information and services to the
farmers, thereby facilitating an environment for more remunerative agriculture. Agriculture
continues to be the occupation and way of life for more than half of Indian population even
today. Quick dissemination of Technological information from the Agricultural Research System
to the Farmers in the field and reporting of farmers' feedback to the research system is one of the
critical inputs in Transfer of Agricultural Technology.

The modern world is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the industrial society

that marked the 20th century rapidly gives way to the information society of the 21 st century. It is
being increasingly felt that ICT can be a major vehicle for all round socio-economic
development. ICT can play a spectacular role in societal transformation to realize the concept of
“knowledge Society” in the Indian context. Being an agriculturally rich country, India cannot
overlook the field of agricultural development as the main domain of societal transformation.
Here comes the enormous potential of ICT that has to be harnessed for overall agricultural
development in particular and for societal transformation in general. The emerging Information
Technologies have a significant role to perform in evolving such a paradigm, as was evident
from the interdisciplinary dialogue on Information Technology: Reached the Unreached. The
unrestricted flow of information through ICT processes opens up avenues for the people to view
each other from a different geographical and cultural sphere will lead to broadening of views and
changing of mindsets overtime. It is a fact that horizontal level communication structures and
knowledge networking promotes horizontal flow of information.

Modern ICT have resulted from a break through in information technology, which when
applied to conditions in rural areas, can help to disseminate information, improve farmers’
knowledge, increase their participation and share knowledge with others. It is said that ‘ cyber
extension’ would be the major form of information technology, since farmers still have the
difficulty in accessing accurate information to make timely decisions. It is essential that the
information availability is demand-driven rather than supply-driven. The challenge is not only to
improve the accessibility of communication technology to farmers, but also to improve its
relevance to local conditions and specific situations. Quick dissemination of technological
information from agricultural marketing research system to the farmers and reporting of farmers’
feedback to the research system is one of the critical inputs in transfer of agricultural marketing
technology. ICT will help in providing need based, timely, accurate and quality information at a
faster rate.ICT tools like community radio and handheld computers are being promoted heavily
in developing countries to deliver real-time information on agriculture issues. With the advent of
such new ICT, rural communities can acquire the means to improve their living conditions, learn
about practices world wide, have a constant dialogue with others, and reach a stage where they
make decisions for their own development.

Today it is possible to find a solution to this situation by using the potential of Information and
Communication technologies to meet the location specific information needs of the Farmers. The
information and communication networks are expanding very fast. The number of Internet
connections in India has crossed the two million mark and the number of telephone connections
is over 22 million. The Internet connectivity has touched almost all the districts in the country
and is moving down to the block and Mandal levels. Pilot projects to connect rural community to
the cyber-space are underway at various locations.
The Cyber Extension is not for replacing the existing systems of Communication. ICTs will
augment, in big way, the reach and two-way interaction among the key stakeholders. The new
technology offers new opportunities. It will add more interactivity, speed, two-way
communication, widen the scope of extension and improve quality. It will subtract costs and
reduce time. It will reduce dependency on so many actors in the chain of extension system, and
frankly it will change the whole method of extension in coming decade. “ The continuing rapid
development of telecommunications and computer-based information technology (IT) is
probably the biggest factor for change in extension, one which will facilitate and reinforce other
changes. There are many possibilities for the potential applications of the technology in
agricultural extension (FAO, 1993; Zipp, 1994). IT will bring new information services to rural
areas which farmers, as users, will have much greater control than over current information
channels. Even if every farmer does not have a computer terminal, these could become readily
available at local information resource centres, with computers carrying expert systems to help
farmers to make decisions. However, it will not make extension worker redundant. Rather, they
will be able to concentrate on tasks and services where human interaction is essential – in
helping farmers individually and in small groups to diagnose problems, to interpret data, and to
apply their meaning (Leeuwis, 1993).

Wireless communication networks and GIS-based agro-software technology are reaching rural
India giving them access to vital and updated information on weather, farming technologies,
latest know-how, commodity prices, market trends, international trade, etc.

Despite the usage of advanced ICT tools in many parts of rural India, there are several villages
where advanced farming technologies, and interactive communications networks haven't reached
yet. Access to these technologies will help secure livelihood of many farmers and consequently
build a stronger nation and economy.

Knowledge, information, and data—and the social and physical infrastructures that carry them—
are widely recognized as key building blocks for more sustainable agriculture, effective
agricultural science, and productive partnerships among the global research community. Through
investments in e-Science infrastructure and collaboration on one hand, and rapid developments in
digital devices and connectivity in rural areas, the ways that scientists, academics, and
development workers create, share, and apply agricultural knowledge is being transformed
through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Advancement in scientific research has given rise to the most sophisticated new technology in
information and communication fields that are now drastically changing the concept of a large
size, diversified world to a Global village. Internet plays a vital role in exchanging the
information through e-mail, chat, etc. Farmers can get the improved information services through
the creative use of the Information Technology. Agricultural issues are being covered by national
media like Radio, TV and Newspapers only at macro level due to time constraint. But internet
can go an extra mile by providing the information round the clock in local language, too. In a
developed country like U.S.A., most of the big farmers are using the internet to get information,
to communicate and for buying inputs or selling outputs. In this case a beginning is important for
Indian farmers. So government should focus on Internet, which can provide agricultural
information through portals. Thus by providing information through rural portal, farmer can get
answers about croping strategies appropriate to their fields, based on integrated information on
soil, weather, fertilizer and management of pests. They can also be informed where to get the
proper seeds or nursery plants. There are some of the Agri.portals, which are providing
information about these free of cost. But some portals have redefined the business of agriculture
through e-commerce that would be useful for trading community.
Some Agri.portals have struck several alliances to offer a broad spectrum of services to the
trading community. Those sites would not completely weed out the meddlemen but would cut
down the numbers from the existing 7 or 8 stages to about 2 levels. Due to fluctuations in
commodity prices day to day, some of the Agri.-Business portals have been started to impart
quality market information and analysis to trade participants to enhance their decision taking
abilites. These portals provide information on commodity prices in various National and
International markets, details about the freight market, agricultural commodity news, varieties
and their agronomic operations, news about pests and diseases and remedial measures, weather
news etc. Very few private portals are also providing service on business consulting by assisting
clients with a comprehensive understanding of the likely future in trade for any agricultural
commodity, guidance on broker selection, shipping, handling insurance and regulatory factors in
order to facilitate market entry, providing clients strategies for entering and expanding markets
for food and agricultural products, through e-mail. These portals are used through by passing
various intermediaries in the agri-business that would hope to pass on the cost benefits to end
users.

Keeping in view the importance of RSKs and ICT in agricultural extension the study is
conceptualized with the following objectives

(1) To understand the Concept of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in

agricultural extension.

(2) To know the Multiple Functions like Technical Advice, Inputs for Production, Credit
Support, Marketing Service, Specialized Service, Insurance for Crop/livestock, Subsidy
for Programmes (TICMSIS)) for Agricultural development

(3) To examine and document the existing integration of ICT with TICMSIS in agriculture.

(4) To study the perception, awareness, attitude and knowledge of RSK extension personnel
about ICT.

(5) To formulate effective strategies for integrating ICT with TICMSIS in agriculture

Scope of the study

 This is the era of information technology revolution. Millions of rupees are being
pumped in to the field of ICT to enable agricultural extension services by National and
International agencies to reduce the gap between information haves and information have- nots.
In this ICT agitated era, it is very essential to integrate ICT with agricultural research and
extension systems to provide quality information to make them globally competent. Till now
there are no studies reported on Integrating ICT with multiple functions agriculture development.
Hence, the findings of the study will be useful to the planners, policy makers and researchers in
developing strategies to reach the unreached.

Limitations of the study

Since the study was undertaken as a part of the master’s degree programme of researcher,
the concept could not be explored in greater depth and in a more comprehensive manner due to
constraints of time and resources. The questionnaire used for data collection from the extension
workers of RSKs which shut out any possibility for meaningful interaction with respondents. The
researcher also admittedly feels that since investigation was completely based on expressed
opinions of subjects holding formal positions in the RSKs, their opinion may not be free from
personal bias, though every case has been taken to avoid this and make the study as objective as
possible.

Structure of presentation

The introductory chapter has provided an overview of concepts of ICT, statement of

problem, objectives of study and scope and limitations of study. Chapter II the reader with a
review of literature related to concepts of ICT, multiple functions for agriculture development,
integrating multiple functions with ICT. Chapter III explains the research methods and
techniques used in study. Chapter IV is the main analytical section. This chapter deals with the
analysis of the data. The entire thematic analysis section appears in this chapter. In Chapter V
brief discussion is formulated at the end of each theme to elicit emerging relationships between
and among structured components as well as themes drawn. Chapter VI deals with summary of
research findings, implications and recommendations for further research. Chapter VII deals with
the references and lastly appendices.
Meaning of the terms used in the study

ICT: ICT means development and use of electronic and allied gadgetry for effective generation,
collection, processing, storage, retrieval and use of the information for maximum and speedy
output.

RSK: Raitha Samparka Kendra means “Farmer’s Interaction center”. Construction of such
Centres is a program of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka. These Centres
are to serve as information centers to farmers for providing TICMSIS (Technical Advice, Inputs
for Production, Credit Support, Marketing Service, Specialized Service, Insurance for
Crops/livestock, and Subsidy for Programme).

Perception: It is the process by which we become aware of objects and events in the external
world through various senses like sight, touch, hearing and taste.

Awareness: It comprises of an individual’s perception and cognitive reaction to a condition or

event. Awareness does not necessarily imply understanding, just an ability to be conscious of,
feel or perceive.

Attitude: The emotional reactions usually expressed towards something. Further, attitude is
likely to imply the direction of potential action.

Knowledge: It is the intimate acquaintance with facts. It is the information one has acquired and
can be used in various situations.

Multiple Functions: Any single activity performed in carrying a product from the point of its
production to the ultimate consumer. The multiple functions identified in the study are Technical
Advice, Inputs for Production, Credit Support, Marketing Service, Specialized Service,
Insurance for Crops/livestock, and Subsidy for Programmes.

Assistance in providing Technical Advice:

Help in proving technical advice to adopt recommended technologies. i.e. getting

assistance to see demonstration of crop production technology, getting the technical information
through village meetings/training programmes/distribution of literature etc by exposing farmers
to know the economic aspects of crop. Further help to know the crop production technology at
village level by technical personnel.

Assistance in getting the Inputs for Production:

Extension workers should help farmers in finding out the requirements of inputs for
production and help to obtain these inputs at local level sale point, if not available at local level
sale point, they should arrange to get from the nearest sale point for sustainable production.

Assistance in getting Credit Support:

Credit is the most important input required for technology adoption. Many a time’s
farmer’s particularly with small holdings were not able to adopt the recommended technologies
because of financial constraints. If timely finance is provided, farmers will adopt the
recommended technologies and increase the production. Extension workers should help farmers
in finding out the requirements of credit and in getting loan application, filling, processing and
sanction without any difficulty.

Assistance in getting Marketing Services needed:

Market for the produce is an important factor as many farmers fail in marketing because
of lack of knowledge. Hence, extension workers to provide marketing assistance to farmers in
different aspects like grading, processing, storing, transportation to market, pledge finance,
market price information etc to avoid distress selling and middlemen in marketing for higher
crop production.

Assistance in getting the required Specialized Service:

Many times agriculturists particularly small farmers feel difficult to carryout operations
due to lack of equipments and they stop the particular operation or carry out in their own way
with the available equipment. So extension workers need to help farmers in getting specialized
services needed like machinery and equipment for the use of farmers at local level.

Assistance in getting Insurance Support:

 Farmers need insurance support for technology adoption to escape from risk. The
extension workers should assist farmers in getting insurance cover for the crops/livestock. There
is need to cover all types of crops/livestock under insurance support. However, a modest
insurance policy is a must.

Assistance in getting Subsidy to Programme:

This assistance is required to motivate farmers for technology adoption. Extension

workers need to assist farmers in getting subsidy provided to different programmes. Further, help
in getting application, filling, processing and sanction without any difficulty.

If it is to respond successfully to these challenges, greater attention will have to be paid to

information-based technologies. Strengthened means of dissemination will be needed to transmit this

information to farmers. Both technology generation and transfer will have to focus more strongly than ever

before on the themes of optimization in the management of their available resources by producers,

sustainability, coping with diversity by adapting technology more specifically to agro-ecological or social

circumstances and raising the economic efficiency of agriculture.  To make information transfer more

effective, greater use will need to be made of modern information technology and communication among

researchers, extensionists and farmers. 

Public extension system requires a paradigm shift from top-down, blanket dissemination of

technological packages, towards providing producers with the knowledge and understanding with which

they solve their own location - specific problems.  Continuous two-way interaction among the farmers and

agricultural scientists is the most critical component of Agricultural Extension. 

At present, the issues have been addressed by the Extension Systems of State Departments of

Agriculture, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), KVKs, NGOs, Private Extension Services through

various extension approaches in transfer of technology. A limitation in Transfer of Technology (TOT)

model continues to remain a challenge for the public and private extension systems.  With the availability

of telephone and Internet, it is now possible to bridge this gap to quite a large extent by using an

appropriate mix of technologies.