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Not AvailableOwing to several changes, such as shifts in food consumption away from staples towards high-value food products, growing stresses on natural resources, and climate change, Indian agriculture is becoming increasingly knowledge-intensive. Farmers need different types of information— ranging from weather forecasts and advisories, inputs, agronomic practices, pest management, markets and prices. The demand for information has amplified as farmers are tasked with not only enhancing agricultural productivity and conserving natural resources but also other requirements, such as complying with market preferences for diverse, safe and quality food. Adjusting to these changes requires a variety of information, the access to which can differentiate farm households, in terms of returns from farming. While the role of information is becoming increasingly important in improving efficiency of agricultural production, there have been limited efforts towards a rigorous impact assessment of the access to and use of this vital input on the outcomes of farming. In this paper, using data from a nationally representative survey, conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) of the Government of India, we examine farm households’ access to and use of information, and its effects on farm income. Approximately 40% of the farm households in India have access to information on fertilizer application, crop varieties, pest management, marketing, etc. However, only 75% of those who access information, use it in their farming decisions. The distribution of users of information by its source indicates that the government information sources including public extension workers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (agriculture science centres), farm demonstrations, farmers’ trainings and study tours organized by the government agencies, comprise a source of information for only 14% of the farm households. Farmers meet most of their information needs from other sources, including mass media, private sources and social networks. The social networks (progressive farmers, primary cooperative societies and village fairs) are utilized by 29% of the farm households, with progressive farmers being a prominent source. About 23% of the farm households depend on private sources, mainly on input dealers, for their information needs. Mass media sources, such as radio, television and newspaper are utilized by one-third of the farm households. A number of socio-economic characteristics differentiate users of information from its non-users. The users of information have relatively xii larger landholdings, higher endowment of labour and greater access to institutional credit. They are also more educated and better informed about the government policies. Further, the information use also differs by farm size and social status. About 41% of the large farmers (>4ha) use information compared to 20% of the sub-marginal farmers (