Title: UTILIZATION PATTERN OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY BY THE FARMERS

Authors: Samanpreet Kaur, Aamir Hamid Shah and Tariq Iqbal

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: agricultural information, digital literacy, farmers, fertility management

Volume: 41

Issue: 2

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.2.0007

Abstract: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays significant role in enhancing agricultural productivity and dissemination of timely information among farmers. In recent years, the use of ICT in agriculture has increased considerably due to rapid advancement in digital technologies and improved connectivity. However, their utilization pattern varies across different regions and categories of farmers, depending upon their socio-economic characteristics, level of awareness and access to technological resources. Despite the growing importance of ICT in agricultural development, there is limited understanding regarding their actual usage pattern among farmers in Punjab. Therefore, the present study was carried in Jalandhar and Tarn Taran districts of Punjab, on the basis of highest and lowest literacy rate, respectively, to analyze the utilization pattern of ICT among farmers. From each district, two blocks were selected randomly and further, 30 farmers were selected randomly from each block to make a sample size of 120 farmers. For the purpose of data collection, a well-structured interview schedule was used to ensure reliability and accuracy of information. The findings of the study revealed that farmers widely used ICT tools, especially mobile phones/ smart phones on a daily basis by 66.67 per cent farmers of Jalandhar and 63.34 per cent by Tarn Taran, for agricultural purposes. Farmers mainly utilized ICT for obtaining information related to soil fertility management, weather information and recent agricultural practices. The results further suggest that although ICT have strong potential in agriculture, their effective utilization is influenced by factors such as accessibility, awareness and digital literacy. Strengthening digital literacy and promoting ICT content in local language (punjabi) can significantly enhance the adoption and efficient use of ICT tools among farmers.