Farmers’ awareness level and adoption regarding usage of ICT for crop production

Abstract

The study assessed farmers' awareness and adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in agriculture in Hisar and Kaithal districts of Haryana. A total of 80 farmers were randomly selected, and data were gathered using an interview schedule. Farmers' awareness and adoption levels were evaluated on a two-point continuum scale. Results indicated that 57.61% of farmers were aware of ICT tools, with mobile phones being the most recognized (68%). However, awareness of advanced technologies like GPS, drones, and precision agriculture tools was low (34%-42%). Adoption rates were similarly low for advanced tools, primarily due to cost, lack of training, and complexity. Social media platforms like WhatsApp (52%) were widely used for information sharing, while traditional media showed moderate awareness. Although farmers expressed interest in sustainable practices and climate-smart agriculture, a significant gap existed between awareness and adoption. The study concluded that targeted training and financial support are needed to bridge this gap and promote wider use of ICT tools in farming.