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ICTs in Agriculture- Connecting farmers to Knowledge

In agriculture technology, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) include networks, mobile devices, services, and applications that aid in the processing, management, and exchange of data, information, or knowledge with a target audience. They include traditional telecommunications, television and video, radio, CD-ROMs, cell phones, and smart devices, as well as several modern technologies such as computers and the internet, sensors, Geographic Information Systems, satellites, and the like. The primary goal of ICT is to transfer information from one location to another.

Impact of ICT on Agriculture

Information and Communication Technologies in Agriculture 

In agriculture technology, 'Information and Communication Technologies' (ICTs) include networks, mobile devices, services, and applications that aid in the processing, management, and exchange of data, information, or knowledge with a target audience. They include traditional telecommunications, television and video, radio, CD-ROMs, cell phones, and smart devices, as well as several modern technologies such as computers and the internet, sensors, Geographic Information Systems, satellites, and the like. The primary goal of ICT is to transfer information from one location to another.

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in agricultural and rural development is now a reality. Mobile devices have already increased the efficiency of smallholder agriculture. Satellite and remote technologies for food traceability, sensory detection, real-time reporting, and field status updates are among the more advanced ICT applications on the rise.

Impact of ICT on Agriculture 

When discussing modern farming technology, it is necessary to recognize the role of ICT as a decision support system for farmers. Farmers can stay up to date on all recent information with the help of ICT. This includes weather, agriculture, and newer and more advanced methods of improving crop quality and production.

ICTs have significantly altered the way people, governments, and businesses, both large and small, operate in the modern world. Nearly 60% of the global population has internet access, and mobile internet is now the most widely used channel for internet access globally. The widespread adoption of ICTs has enabled better communication and the delivery of services and information to people who previously lacked access.

With the introduction of new, advanced agricultural technologies, the global agriculture sector has been able to surge ahead and transform the way producers cultivate, harvest, and distribute agricultural commodities. E-agriculture, or the use of technology in Indian agriculture, has accelerated agricultural and rural development by implementing novel approaches to improve existing information and communication processes.

Benefits of ICT in Agriculture

  • It has the potential to launch new agricultural and rural businesses, such as e-commerce, satellite office real estate, rural tourism, and virtual small-scale farm corporations.
  • Techniques such as geographic information systems can aid in policy formulation and evaluation for agro-environmental resource management, disaster management, and optimal farm output.
  • Farm management, risk management, information or knowledge transmission, and other factors can improve farm management and agricultural technology, allowing for competitive and sustainable farming with safe products.
  • It can provide tools and systems to ensure food traceability and reliability, which have historically been issues with farm products.
  • It has the potential to facilitate rural activities and provide the more secure and comfortable rural living with services comparable to those found in metropolitan areas, such as remote public services, entertainment, and telemedicine.
  • Resource management that is effective (development, conservation, allocation, and use).
  • Farmers' profitability and output increased as a result of improved advice systems.

Read more: Top 5 Robotic Applications in Agricultural Industry 

Role of ICT- MODERN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY REVAMPING

ICT has played an important role in empowering farmers through knowledge and increasing their capacity to achieve rural and agricultural development goals. Some of the key areas in agriculture where ICT plays an important role are:

Governance and regulatory policy

Agriculturists' widespread adoption of digital technologies is resulting in an exponential increase in the availability of a wide range of big data that can aid in better policy-making and monitoring, as well as help transform the agriculture sector.

Agricultural extension and consulting services

Innovative media platforms powered by ICT bridge the gap between farmers on one end and agricultural researchers and extension agents on the other.

Enhanced market access 

Through the transfer of information from traders, ICT-enabled market information services improve farmers' access to nearby markets and their awareness of current consumer demands.

Environmental friendly agriculture

Budget-friendly mobile phones, internet, and other information dissemination services, in addition to improving rural farmers' access to climate-smart solutions and the knowledge to use them.

Disaster management early warning system (EWS)

ICTs provide governments and communities with actionable and real-time disaster prevention and management information.

Risk management and financial inclusion

ICTs improve rural and smallholder farmers' access to financial services, allow them to find affordable insurance schemes and risk management tools and provide them with information about financial services that are available to them.

Read more: Role of Artificial intelligence in Agriculture

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