The primary objective of agricultural technology development in the latter half of the 20th century was to enhance the productivity of farms. In order to remain competitive in the global market, Indian farmers require access to the most up-to-date knowledge. This can be achieved by providing them with timely and accurate information, which can be facilitated through the use of new information technologies that have emerged in non-agricultural fields. There are several IT tools available in the Indian context for the transfer of agricultural technology, including radio, television, video, telephone, mobile phone, printed media, computer, and internet.
This book is the result of the extensive research work conducted by the editors, who have gained valuable insights into the use of information technology as a tool for transfer of technology. Both the public and private sectors have recognized the potential of this tool and are using it to the benefit of farmers. Several initiatives have been undertaken in this regard, such as the Village Knowledge Centres of MSSRF, E-Choupals of Indian Tobacco Company, Kisan Kendras of Rallies, Kisan Bharath Kendras of United Phosphorus Limited, Cyber Extension services of EID Parry's, Kisan Call Centres (KCC), and AGRISNET AGMARKNET. These initiatives serve as examples of the potential of information technology in the field of agricultural extension and the transfer of technology. This book, titled Extension of Technologies: From Labs to Farms, aims to highlight the importance of this tool in enhancing the productivity of farms and improving the lives of farmers. It is an effort to showcase the potential of information technology in the field of agricultural extension and transfer of technology.
