Online published on 21 July, 2018.
Jharkhand is a plateau state dominated by tribal people. About 80 per cent of the people are dependent on agriculture and allied activities. The agricultural extension activities carried out by Department of Agriculture, Birsa Agricultural University and Non-Government Organization have limited reach. The situation has further worsened with huge vacancy occurring in Department of Agriculture. Moreover, meeting the changing the extension needs of the farmers seem beyond the competence grass root extension functionaries. Information and communication Technology (ICT) has emerged to be the quick, accurate and effective means of communication. To realize the potential of ICT the Department of Information Technology, Government of Jharkhand has formulated its policy and is promoting the use of ICT under e-Governance. The connectivity would be provided up to block level under State 1T’7de Area Network (SWAN) Project. Some private operators have also joined hands to provide value added service based on ICT Many Government and Non-Government Organizations have developed their websites The favourable attitude of the scientists and extension workers, support by the Government, interest of the private sector companies and increasing e-literacy in farm families ’hint towards a better prospect of ICT in agricultural development of Jharkhand.
