ICTs in Information Management and Networking- New Tools and Trends

The demands for Information are changing, from information on crop-technology and packages cf practices in 1960s and 70s to the focus shifting to market prices in national and international markets and value-addition opportunities. The main objective of farmer's concern has shifted from high production to high returns, and hence issues like quality, timeliness and postharvest technology are gaining prominence in the farmers' queries. One of the areas where there is a consensus emerging, is that the existing extension system is unable to cope with the challenges facing the agricultural sector. At the same time extension is recognized as a key imperative in achieving the objectives of enhanced rural farm income. An average farmer in India is deprived of the information regarding latest farming technology and markets. This information is available in disconnected packets across the country. However, the people possessing the information have no cost effective means to reach the rural masses. The farmers too do not have an easy and affordable access to this information. Farmers in developing countries get much of that know-how from family, friends and input dealers. Public and private extensions are additional sources of information for farmers