Constraints Faced by the Farmers in Accessing Services from Digital Agripreneurs

Abstract

The agricultural sector has witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of digital technologies and the rise of digital Agripreneurs. These digital Agripreneurs act as intermediaries, connecting farmers to a range of essential services, including market information, weather forecasts, agricultural inputs, financial services, and advisory support. While these services have the potential to revolutionize farming practices and improve farmers' livelihoods, several constraints hinder their effective access and utilization. The study investigated the constraints encountered by farmers while accessing the services from Digital Agripreneurs in Karnataka. The data were collected among the farmers who were getting services related to crop health monitoring, inputs, weather forecast, and market-related information from these Digital Agripreneurs. The ex-post facto research design was employed; several kinds of constraints were gathered through a literature study and expert opinion. They were given in an interview schedule for the farmers to rank accordingly. The acquired data were analyzed, and ranks were assigned based on Rank-Based Quotient percentage. The major constraints faced by the farmers in accessing services provided by Digital Agripreneurs were Lack of practical evidence on the utility of information (98.71%), Fear of loss on adoption (92.64%), Lack of face-to-face contact to verify the credibility of information (86.29%), Lack of service centers in the vicinity (76.29) and so on. By overcoming these limitations, Digital Agripreneurs can empower farmers with valuable insights, tools, and technologies, leading to enhanced agricultural practices, productivity, and sustainable growth in the sector.