Harnessing Benefits of Communication Technology Through Phone-In Programme: A Case Study

Abstract:     
By and large extension organizations in developing countries have two major problems when it comes to having face-to-face contacts with the farmers and researchers: first, physical distances and the second, lack of transportation facilities. Information technology (IT) is already making headway in the area of rural and agricultural development. The phone-in technology can bypass these physical barriers to a great extent. The article explores the potential contribution of ICT to livelihood of farmers of various categories and efficiency of agricultural sector in India. Specific objectives of programmes are as: (i) Content analysis to understand the nature of farmers queries (ii) To understand the diverse social and economic issues arising out from this programme, and (iii) To classify the received phone-calls on states and districts-wise. It was found that this technology can give better results among well organized learning community in the form of farmers’ associations, cooperatives, women’s groups, etc. It is hoped that it may open up the existing limitations and will encourage every farmer to access the facility across the state boundary.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 9

Keywords: Phone-in Live, ICT, Technology Transfer

Accepted Paper Series