From Field to Future: Analysis on the role of ICT awareness among FPO’s in Dang, Gujarat

Abstract

Technology driving the activities of mankind is the current trend in the world. The innovations in Information, Communication & Technology (ICT) field penetrating, perpetuating and proliferating in various sectors of Indian economy is the reality. The innovations sparking in terms of IR 5.0, Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, automation, machine learning and the like are pronouncing more than ever before. However, there are some geographical areas which are far from reality and one such region is Dang region of Gujarat, India where the community has not seen the lights of economic and digital developments. In what way the ICT developments can create an impact on ushering agricultural development ensuring progress in their quality of live has been addressed in this study. This paper is intended to discuss the importance of ICT for development of agriculture sector solving problems of small and marginal farmers, role of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in educating farmers enhancing their digital skills for improving economic status of farmers specifically in the Dang region of Gujarat have been discussed. Strategies and interventions are suggested for digital inclusion of farmers along with exploring innovative technology in farming and cultivation for promoting farmers’ convenient, compatible and competitive business acumen in the contemporary market. The necessity of awareness and adoption of ICT for small and marginal farmers is highlighted.