Use of Information and Communication Technologies by the Farmers of Hilly Areas of Jammu and Kashmir

Effective communication from different sources and channels are the essence of extension which provides agricultural information and knowledge to the farmers. Keeping in mind the importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the transfer of agricultural technologies, a study on the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by the Farmers of Hilly Areas was conducted in Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir. Out of 12 Blocks, 4 blocks namely Reasi, Arnas, Pouni and Painthal were selected randomly. Twenty villages were selected randomly from these blocks and a total of 120 farmers were selected randomly from these 20 selected villages. An index was developed for studying the use of ICTs by the respondents. It was found that the majority of farmers were having television and mobile phones and most of them were using the television for the entertainment purpose. Extension personnel's were considered as the most credible source of information followed by radio, television, newspaper and computer.