Title: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ACCESS AND INFORMATION UTILIZATION AMONG WOMEN DAIRY FARMERS

Authors: Harsh D. Patel, R. S. Ghasura and U. M. Patel

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: digital technology, information utilization, women dairy farmers

Volume: 41

Issue: 2

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.2.0028

Abstract: Women play a crucial role in dairy farming in India, contributing significantly to livestock management, milk production, and income. With the increasing emphasis on digital extension services and technology-driven advisory systems, understanding the level of access to digital tools and information-seeking behaviour of women dairy farmers has become essential. The present study was undertaken to analyze the socio-economic profile, access to digital technology by women dairy farmers. The study was conducted at Mahila Pashupalak Talim Kendra, Kamdhenu University, Anand and data were collected from 100 women dairy farmers through a structured interview schedule. The study examined socio-economic characteristics, digital access, information utilization and constraints faced by the respondents. The findings revealed that a majority of women dairy farmers belonged to the middle-age group and possessed primary to secondary level education, with most maintaining small to medium herd sizes and having moderate farming experience. The level of digital access was found to be moderate, as a significant proportion of respondents relied on basic mobile phones and shared devices, with limited smartphone ownership. Internet connectivity was also identified as a major issue, with many respondents reporting poor network availability. Information utilization through digital platforms was relatively low, with only a small proportion of respondents using social media regularly for dairy-related knowledge. The study concludes that improving digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and providing targeted training programs are essential to promote effective utilization of digital technologies among women dairy farmers, thereby improving their productivity and livelihood outcomes.