Determinants of Agricultural Information Services and its Impact on Rice Production in Tamil Nadu

The study assessed the information needs of farm households related to production and marketing activities ana impact on rice production. The primary data were collected from farmers in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu dm the year 2011. The majority of the farmers received the agricultural information from the input dealers, extension offu and cooperative societies. The study assessed that the average willingness to pay (WTP) for the agricultural informa service was Rs. 29.22 per month for a message for every day through mobile services. The age of the farmer and the f size were the significant determinants of the WTP for agricultural information. The information use index was found ti one of the important factors, which had a positive impact on the rice production. The study suggests developing appropr policy to disseminate the agricultural information through mobile phones and other ICT tools to improve the produc efficiency of rice farmers.