Perceived benefits and constraints analysis of ‘VASAT’ an ‘ICT’ initiative in India

Abstract

Present day Indian farming community is facing a multitude of problems to maximize crop productivity. ICTs play an important role in information between and among stake holders in agriculture. There is huge potential to harness ICT for agriculture development. VASAT (Virtual Academy for Semi-Arid Tropics) was initiated in Mahboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh by ICRISAT. Exploratory research design was adopted to know perceived benefits and constraints in utilizing the project services by the farmers. Web based agro advisory service was important service that was ranked first with cent percent accessibility. Agro advisory through video conference was ranked second with 52 per cent accessibility. Other services are accessible but less often. In terms of utility web based agro advisory was utilized by 64 per cent followed by agro advisory through video conference utilized by 28 per cent. Overall satisfaction of farmers towards services of VASAT was rated low by 50 per cent and as very low by another 40 per cent.