ROLE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTS) IN MODERN AGRICULTURE

Mukherjree D

The rapid strides made in information technology (IT) in recent years have encouraged many development communication to extend it’s benefits to agricultural and rural development. It is universal truth that access to information holds the key for successful development of agriculture and some dedicated and enterprising scientists and technologies are making their best efforts to derive the benefits of IT revolution to rural poor. It is the view of the pionner in information technology that computerized communications will fundamentally change the world through their large networking system (LAN, WAN). It is powerful tool that will help to accelerate the development process particularly in the world where seventy five per cent of world’s poor live in rural area, Extension scientists play a vital role with the help of IT in ensuring effective transfer of modern technology from lab to land and it’s proper adoptions. Efforts are underway for close liaison between scientists and farmers with the help of IT by creating a farmer portal. Reducing knowledge gaps and increasing knowledge sharing for farmer is an essential first step for increasing productivity and boosting growth in rural areas. Low germination rate, pest attacks and severe climatic events such as failed monsoon can decimate harvest, deplete assets and bring a farmer’s family to the bring of starvation and bankruptcy. Empowering farmers with relevant timely information about different crop varieties, including details about their ability to withstand biotic stresses (e.g. drought, salinity, nutrient deficient growing conditions and water logging) can significantly reduced farming risk. New ICT technologies, including “ Geographic Information System (GIS)” can make such information available more widely in rural areas through a hub and spoke model of information dissemination. Another effective tools which is very effective in present context is “Computer Simulation Modelling”. By the technique a proper crop modeling is done that
will enhance crop productivity by resisting from various biotic and abiotic stresses.
All these new technology help to convert genetic information into location specific and boosting growth of modern agriculture. It is time that full potential of Attention has been focused mainly on the nature of the process. The step involved therin, and has best this knowledge could be utilized in bringing about planned change in social system. Latest information and communication technologies can accelerate broad-based rural growth and by increasing awareness, help make it a central pillar of overall development strategy, only then we will be able to achieve sustainable development in the truest sense of the phrase and possibly a sustainable future to all.

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