IT revolution and changing face of rural India

The role of Information Technology to develop agricultural research, education and extension to improve quality of life in rural area is well established. IT can help an average Indian farmer to get relevant information regarding agro-inputs, crop production technologies, agro processing, market support, agro-finance and management of farm agri-business. The agricultural extension mechanism is becoming dependent on IT to provide appropriate and location specific technologies for the farmers to furnish timely and proficient advice to the farmers IT can be a best mean not only to develop agricultural extension but also to expand agriculture research and education system.

How can information technology (IT) contribute to rural development? What are the channels through which impacts can be realized, and what are the practical means for realizing potential benefits? This paper examines several ongoing projects that aim to provide IT-based services to rural populations in India. These projects are distinguished by the goal of commercial sustainability, which supports scalability and, therefore, more widespread benefits. The analysis highlights the common building blocks required for successful implementation, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. The paper outlines the conceptual and empirical case for the use of IT in India's rural development. The research study provides a broad discussion of the potential role of IT in broad-based economic development. The study also examines the conceptual issues from the perspective of demand for, and supply of IT-based services to rural populations in a developing country. The paper discusses the lessons of some of the efforts underway in India, including the work of Aksh, Drishtee, ITC, n-Logue and TARAhaat.