Constraints Faced by Dairy Farmers of Andhra Pradesh in Using ICT Tools

Abstract

The application of ICTs has become a vital component in extension, striving to improve agriculture and related fields by providing timely and accurate information. ICT tools have revolutionized information sharing with farmers, yet dairy farmers face challenges in accessing information through these tools. Understanding and addressing these challenges is vital to develop inclusive environment for dairy farmers to boost their farm productivity and sustainability. Thus, a research was conducted in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh to determine various constraints the dairy farmers experience when utilizing ICT tools. The study employed an ex-post facto type research design and data was collected from 120 dairy farmers in 6 villages of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Garrett ranking methodology was adopted to analyse the constraints faced by farmers in using ICT tools. The findings showed that primary constraint faced was lack of sufficient skills in using ICT tools, with a Garrett mean score of 62.21 then poor network connection, high cost and maintenance of ICT tools with 58.98 and 58.59 respectively. The suggestions were also provided by respondents for effective usage of ICT tools, which were analyzed and ranked based on frequency and percentage.  The suggestions included providing trainings on using ICT tools, enhanced network connection and ICT tools developed must be simple, easy to operate and user friendly with 79.17 %, 55.80% and 54.17% respectively.