Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Indian Agriculture: An Overview

The application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in agriculture is increasingly important. E-Agriculture is an emerging field focusing on the enhancement of agricultural and rural development through improved information and communication processes. More specifically, e-Agriculture involves the conceptualization, design, development, evaluation and application of innovative ways to use information and communication technologies (ICT) in the rural domain, with a primary focus on agriculture.ICTs promise a fundamental change in all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social interaction, economic and business practices, political engagement, media, education, health, leisure and entertainment. ICTs are most natural allies to facilitate the outreach of Agricultural Extension system in the country. Despite large, well-educated, well-trained and well-organized Agricultural extension manpower, around 60% of farmers in the country still remain unreached, not served by any extension agency or functionary. Information is vital to tackle climate change effects: for this reason, a shift is needed in the agriculture sector to disseminate appropriate knowledge at the right time to the ones who are at the front line in the battle: the farmers, in both developed and developing countries. At the same time, information alone is not enough, but appropriate communications systems are needed to ensure that information come to farmers in an effective, accurate and clear way. The present papers tries to capture some of the ICT initiatives in agricultural sector, with reference to Indian agriculture.