Transforming Knowledge Transfer System: Impact of Smartphone Agro-Applications on Farmers
Shirish M. Sutar
Research Scholar, School of Agriculture, LNCT University, Bhopal
Dr. Rahul Kumar
Research Guide, School of Agriculture, LNCT University, Bhopal
Keywords: Smartphone agricultural applications, agricultural knowledge dissemination, impact evaluation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Abstract
This research investigates the socio-demographic characteristics of farmers and evaluates the influence of smart phone agricultural applications on the accessibility and utility of farming-related information. Drawing on a sample of 300 respondents, the study focuses on key variables including landholding size, farming experience, and engagement with institutional extension services. Findings reveal a farming community predominantly composed of small to semi-medium landholders (74%), with considerable practical experience (85% possessing over a decade in farming) and robust institutional ties (over 82% maintaining moderate to high contact with extension services).
A comparative assessment demonstrates a notable positive shift in the perceived impact of agricultural information following the adoption of smartphone applications. Specifically, the proportion of farmers reporting low informational impact declined by 32%, whereas those indicating high impact increased by 36%. Post-adoption analysis suggests that for a majority of respondents (66.67%), these applications function as a valuable supplementary resource within their existing knowledge networks. Nevertheless, a significant minority (16%) reported minimal perceived benefits, highlighting variability in adoption outcomes.
The study concludes that smart phone agro-applications contribute meaningfully to bridging information gaps and enhancing on-farm decision-making, serving as an effective complement to conventional extension frameworks. However, the differential effectiveness observed among users underscores the necessity for intentional strategies aimed at improving application design, regional adaptation, and user-centric support mechanisms. Such efforts are critical to fostering greater inclusivity and optimizing developmental impact across diverse agrarian segments.
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2601S01V14P076
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