Perceived Gratification, Difficulties and Suggestion among the Registered Farmers of Integrated Technology Enabled Agri Management System (iTEAMS), Meghalaya, India

Abstract

The 1917 iTEAMS (Integrated Technology Enabled Agri Management System) is an initiative by the government of Meghalaya employing ICT to fulfil its objectives of providing organised evacuation logistics, access to markets and agro-advisories to the farmers upon registering with them. According to the recent data, a total of 84,246 farmers are registered with iTEAMS so far. The present study was conducted to understand the perceived gratification, difficulties and suggestions among the registered farmers of iTEAMS. Empirical data were collected from 120 registered farmers from Ri bhoi district of Meghalaya, India. Findings of the study reveal the majority of farmers were satisfied with the timing of the services offered by iTEAMS, followed by the services provided by the centre to them during the Covid-19 lockdown, in the sale of their produce. The farmers' biggest challenge, according to the findings, was a lack of understanding of how the centre worked. Farmers also expressed a lack of interest in availing of the services. It was observed that the farmers were not completely aware of iTEAMS and there was a lack of interest among the farmers to avail the services. There is a need to spread awareness not just about ICT among the farmers but also about the very many benefits that can be drawn from employing it.