Utilization of selected Information Technology Enabled Systems (ITES) by agricultural extensionists of Kerala

Abstract

Several information technology enabled systems (ITES) are available for providing valuable information to agricultural extensionists which in turn would help them to assist famers, and increase crop production. The present study was aimed at assessment of knowledge and extent of use of selected ITES among agricultural extensionists of Kerala. Data were collected from randomly selected 60 computer literate agricultural officers and 60 computer literate agricultural assistants of Kerala State. The study revealed that knowledge of agricultural extensionists on web browsing and agricultural portals was comparatively higher. The knowledge of agricultural expert system and digitized databases was found to be very low, with 79 percent and 81 percent respectively falling in the low category. On the other hand the extent of use of all the selected ITES was found low among the agricultural extensionists. This points figures towards the need of sensitizing agricultural extensionists on the importance and value of ITES.