Author(s):

Giridhar KA, Devendrappa S and MP Potdar

Abstract: The study assessed the constraints faced by the farmer in availing mobile phone services and suggestions for future development. The study was conducted in Dharwad district of Karnataka.Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 120 respondents among the registered farmers to mobile service of KVK, Dharwad, APMC, Hubli and weather based mobile services of UAS, Dharwad. A pre- tested and structured schedule was used to collect the data. Descriptive analyses of data were carried out using frequency counts, percentages, means and tables. The study revealed that majority (91.66%) of the farmers expressed that they are unable to understand the message received from mobile services followed by lack of practical exposure in availing mobile phone services (70.00%). The next major constraints were lack of reliable and useful content online (38.33%), network availability due to poor signals in village (17.50%), lack of proper training to use mobile (16.66%). The study also revealed that majority (70.83%) suggested to connect farmers and Agri experts through mobile followed by 64.16 per cent suggested that mobile services should link all the stakeholders like farmers, input dealers, agri-universities, private companies and marketing agencies. Further 43.33 per cent of respondents expressed that mobile phone services should be timely and 40.00 per cent of them expressed that mobile phone services should concentrate on updating relevant content. While 22.50 per cent suggested that training and adequate knowledge should be provided to farmers for operating mobile phones and 10.00 per cent suggested to reduce the cost of internet or SMS services or call charges.

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