Information Technology in Agriculture Development-Need and Scope

The role of information technology to develop agricultural research, education and extension to improve quality of life in rural area is well established. IT can help an average Indian farmer to get relevant information regarding agro-inputs, crop production technologies, agro processing, market support and management of farm agri-business. Information technology (IT) has a major role to play in all facets of Indian agriculture. In addition to facilitating farmers in improving the efficiency and productivity of agriculture and allied activities, the potential of IT lies in bringing about an overall qualitative improvement in life by providing timely and quality information inputs for decision making. The personnel who work for the welfare of Indian farmers, such as extension workers, do not have access to latest information which hinders their ability to serve the farming community effectively. This paper focuses on the requirement of information technology for Agricultural Production, Research, Education and Agribusiness for the socio-economic development of a nation. Hence, it will bring a highly developed agriculture by its worthwhile contributions to the society by narrowing down the enormous gap between the researchers and farmers. Information technology is that it is far more interactive and personalized that can render service particularly the information as per the needs and requirements of the farmers. Such a facility would make a favourable impact on adoption and utilization of the improved and innovative techniques in agriculture.