ROLE OF WHATSAPP IN TRANSFER OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

Aims: To study the role of WhatsApp in transfer of agricultural technology, to study the constraints faced by farmers while using WhatsApp, to obtain suggestions from the farmers to overcome the constraints. Study Design: Ex-post facto research design was used for the study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, MPKV, Rahuri, between August 2020 and July 2021. Methodology: The present study was conducted under jurisdiction of two KVKs i.e. KVK, Bhabhleshwar and KVK, Dahigaon, Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra with sample size of 120 respondents from 12 WhatsApp groups. The data was collected on role of WhatsApp in transfer of agricultural technology, constraints and suggestions givenby the farmers. Results: As regards role of WhatsApp in transfer of agricultural technology it was observed that Out of total 120 respondents more than half of the respondents (50.83 %) had reported moderately important role of WhatsApp in transfer of agricultural technology, followed by highly important (33.34 %) and less important (15.83 %) role of WhatsApp in transfer of agricultural technology. The important constraints reported by majority of respondents regarding use of WhatsApp were farmers faced constraint of poor internet connectivity, messages authenticity, language problem, lack of time to check messages, Suggestions given by the farmers about constraints regarding use of WhatsApp were poor network problem should be resolved, while the other suggestions were, training must be arranged for proper use of smart phone and WhatsApp. Conclusion: Farmers viewed WhatsApp as a 'easy' communication app that solved problems using audio-visuals and provided an on-time response during a crisis in their agriculture activities, according to the findings. Distractions and exposure to uncontrolled communications or material were two of the most serious problems that resulted from the use of WhatsApp. Regardless of its drawbacks, social media has proven to be a significant tool for pluralistic extension, bringing all participants in the Agriculture Information System together and making them shareholders in development