Usage of Mobile Phone Technologies of Agricultural Extension Services Utilized by Farmers
I Rasheeth Abbas *
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, AC and RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
K Ramakrishnan
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, AC and RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
R Velusamy
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, AC and RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
G Selvarani
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, AC and RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
B Sivasankari
Department of Agricultural Economics, AC and RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigates the different types of agricultural informations obtained by the farmers through mobile phone technologies of agricultural extension services in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. The research examines the penetration of mobile phones, farmers' familiarity with various agricultural apps and services, and the impact of these technologies on farming practices. Through surveys and interviews with 150 farmers, the study reveals the awareness level of the farmers in using mobile phones for agriculture. The results indicate regarding the Government schemes related to agriculture more number of farmers (13 per cent) using mobile phones, this highlighting the potential for mobile technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and knowledge dissemination in the region. This research contributes to understanding the role of digital technologies in modernizing agricultural extension services in rural India.
Keywords: Agricultural information, extension services, farmers, mobile phone technology, rural India