The integration of e-technology in agriculture marks a transformative shift in how Indian farmers access information, services, and markets. By harnessing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the sector is becoming more efficient, inclusive, and resilient. This digital push is aligning with the government's vision of modernizing Indian agriculture for sustainable growth.

E-Technology in the Aid of Farmers

The prime minister's vision 

Modernisation in the field of agriculture is the need of hour. This decade could be the best time for a multitude of factors including the futuristic vision for agriculture at Apex level in the government of India.

e-agriculture involves designing, developing and applying innovative ways to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) with a primary focus on agriculture. ICTs that can be harnessed for e-agriculture may include devices, networks, services and applications. 

Role of ICT in E-Technology in Agriculture

ICT in Agriculture, also known as e-Agriculture, is a branch of agricultural technology that focuses on enhancing communication and information flow within the agricultural sector. By integrating digital tools and platforms, ICT is transforming how farmers access, share, and utilize agricultural knowledge.

Initiatives Taken in India to Promote E-Technology in Agriculture

• Agricultural extension and advisory service: IFFCO Kissan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) offers the farmer access to a unique Value-Added Service (VAS) platform that will broadcast five free voice messages, based on farmers’ requirements, on market prices, farming techniques, weather forecasts, dairy farming, animal husbandry, rural health initiatives and fertilizer availability etc. on a daily basis.
• National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA): For rapid deployment of ICT in agriculture. Some initiatives include one Stop Window Farmers Portal for dissemination of information on various agricultural related matters
• Strengthening/Promoting Agricultural Information System (AGRISNET): It is the scheme for strengthening of IT infrastructure of the Department and its offices.

• Development of Android Apps: 

• KISAN SUVIDHA: Weather related information
• PUSA KRISHI APP: solutions to problems of agriculture.

• KISAN CALL CENTRES: To address the queries of famers on a telephone call in their local dialect.
• Sandesh Pathak- The application, developed jointly by C-DAC Mumbai, IIT Madras, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur, and C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram will enable SMS messages to be read out loud, for the benefit of farmers who may have difficulty in reading.

Issues and Challenges in E-Technology in Agriculture

Way ahead

• Low-cost technology: Lowering the cost of technology so that it is available and affordable for the smaller farmers. 
• Easily portable hardware: Plug and play hardware (ensuring mobility) has better chances of succeeding in India due to small farm sizes and prevalence of tenancy.
• Renting and sharing platforms for agriculture equipment and machinery: Due to both limited financial resources and small farm plots, renting and sharing platforms rather than outright purchase for ICT equipment.
• Bridging the Digital Divide between the rural and urban India as well as among different sections of rural society.
• Localization of data and applications: Information in local languages and customized inputs will help in rapid dissemination of technology.

Conclusion

Digital Agriculture can improve information access and knowledge sharing for farmers and agrarians. Technology affordability, ease of access and operation, system maintenance, timely grievance redressal, and policy support should underpin the initiatives.