Information Dynamics for Designing Cyber Extension Model for Agricultural Development

Need for developing effective mechanism for communication of farm information and dissemination of technology to the farmers was identified and in this regard, the cyber extension model was envisaged. The study aimed at designing and validating cyber extension model to disseminate technology information to the farmers for solving farm problems and augmenting overall agricultural development. In the first phase of the project the information input, process and output behaviour of the farmers was studied and the information needs of the farmers were identified and prioritised so that the contents of the proposed agri-portal can be suitably developed, which can be used in the subsequent phases. A survey among 60 farmers of villages under Sidhauli block of Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh revealed that major sources of farm information were progressive farmers (53.3%) and input dealers (41.6%). Radio and Television were also used by 31.6 per cent and 21.6 per cent farmers, respectively. The investigation further revealed that a high percentage of farmers were the owners of modern Information and Communication Technologies. Radio was owned by 91.6 per cent farmers, while 81.6 per cent farmers had mobile phones. However, only 3.3 per cent of farmers owned computers. The awareness of respondents about improved technologies was found to be poor. Market related information was mostly accessed through input dealer (65%) followed by radio (60%) and progressive farmers (50%). Progressive farmers were also preferred for information about improved variety (68.3%) and crop production and crop protection technologies. It was observed that farmers were willing to pay for quality information, which could lead to substantial economic return.