Constraints Encountered in Effective Utilisation of ICT among the Dairy Scientists

Advent of information and communication technology (ICT) use in the agricultural universities and research institutes has transformed the pace of research education and extension activities and service delivery to the farmers. Each technology has some constraints; similarly, the use of ICT in the agricultural universities and research institutes also has some inherent roadblocks. Keeping this in view, the present study was conducted at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) and ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resource s (NBAGR), Karnal, to explore the constraints and suggestions perceived by dairy scientists for use of ICT. Responses from the 94 dairy scientists were collected through structured pretested questionnaire. The study revealed that among the physical constraints, lack of adequate infrastructure facilities (75.53%) was the most important constraint. Among the technical constrains, slow functioning of internet and computers (94.68%) was ranked first followed by frequent electricity failure, virus threat and others. Lack of funding (45.74%) was the important economic constraint. Among the operational constraints, lack of adequate knowledge about hard ware, software and internet browser (82.98%) was ranked first, followed by lack of ICT-oriented education and training (78.72%), lack of expertise and skill in ICT use (75.53%). All these constraints can be overcome by implementing suggestions by respondents like provision of training in ICT use, proper and improved infrastructural facilities and technical help.