Information and Communication Technology and its Potential to Transform Indian Agriculture

Abstract

The role of Information Communication Technology in enhancing food security is well established and has been recognized at worldwide forums like World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) 2004-2005. Information Technology includes use of computer, internet, geographical information system, and mobile phone, besides traditional media. Every sphere having to do with agriculture has scope for information technology to make significant contribution, but in a few areas, its impact can be instantaneous. The present era, also known as the information era, requires creation of information expressway interlinking farmers, markets, corporate, agricultural scientists, and buyers of agricultural products. This may help producers to realize maximum share from the price paid by end consumer. In the present agricultural marketing system, middlemen share a significant portion from price paid by end consumer, and what the farmer gets is residue. Thus, the two major areas where information technology intervention can create progress are creation of information expressway for farmers; and strengthening farmers’ linkages to supply chain. These two aspects have been discussed with the help of initiatives like AGMARKNET, NDDB Procurement Process, e-Choupal, and EID’s Parry’s Corner. The effort is to facilitate learning with real life examples as contrasted against pure and abstract discussion based learning.