Constraints faced and suggestions sought to overcome constraints in utilization of ICT tools in transfer of technology from the respondents of north Kashmir, J&K state

The study on constraints faced and suggestions provided to overcome constraints in utilization of ICT tools was carried out in all the three (03) districts of North Kashmir (Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora) in the state of J&K. Out of a list of 11855 farmers who were directly connected to Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), State Development Departments, SKUAST - Kashmir Agromet Field Unit and receiving updates via Farmer Portal, a sample of 350 farmers was selected through Stratified Random Sampling proportional to size from each district with the condition that the selected respondents had at least utilized two ICT tools during 2020. A well-structured interview schedule was prepared keeping in mind the objectives of the study. It was pretested in a non- sampled area and minor refinements were made to perfect the schedule. Personal interviews were used to gather data, which was analyzed using appropriate statistical tools/tests. Most significant constraints faced by the respondents in the utilization of ICT tools as per their rank/s were: high cost of ICT gadgets like smart phones, computers etc., due to unavoidable circumstances in J&K State mobile and internet facility is snapped frequently and lack of sufficient skills in usage of ICT tools. The suggestions provided by the respondents to overcome the constraints in utilization of ICT tools as per their rank were : cost of ICT tools to be reduced by providing subsidies frequent snapping of mobile and internet facility to be avoided and trainings on usage of ICT tools to be organised.