Mobile Extension in Enhancing the Livelihood of Farmers in India

Abstract

This research article is based on an empirical investigation into mobile advisory services co-created by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the agriculture farmers' community of the Union Territory of Puducherry, India. It seeks to map pattern of mobile advisory use and its impact on agricultural livelihood vis-à-vis agriculture and animal husbandry. This research article investigates the effectiveness of the agricultural extension tool of mobile phone among farmers in areas of rural in Puducherry, during the years 2010-2013. Investigation with the farmers revealed that innovative dissemination of mobile advisory has improved their agricultural productivity. The mobile audio advisories played a vital role in bridging the knowledge gap and scientific solutions between the scientific and farming communities. This research paper analyses farmers' benefits, gaps in mobile advisory services (MAS), perception of mobile messages, socio-demographic, and socio-economic data. As a result, farmers were able to acquire knowledge and skills relating to their livelihoods and make timely decisions to cope with emerging issues and trends in agriculture to an extent of diversifying their cropping pattern. The audio advisories helped farmers with timely information on agriculture. Mobile advisory has also strengthened the local agricultural extension system where farmers have updated their knowledge and skills. These messages enhanced their knowledge in crop management, latest farming technologies, and agriculture-related government schemes and entitlements, and post-harvest techniques along with care and management of livestock. These skills are very much useful for them to get adapted to changing climate scenarios and to have improved livelihood opportunities.