QR CODES: A PATHWAY TO TECH-LED DISSEMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION
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Authors
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Pooja Praful Mankar
ICAR- Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla
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Pynbianglang Kharumnuid
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla
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Sanjay Rawal
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station, Modipuram, Meerut
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Brajesh Singh
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla
Keywords:
QR code technology, Digital extension, Demographic determinants, Binary logistic regression, PotatoAbstract
Quick Response (QR) codes have emerged as a powerful tool to bridge the gap between
digital information and users by providing instant and easy access to online resources. The present
study evaluated the effectiveness of QR code-based dissemination of potato extension publications
and identified demographic factors influencing farmers’ successful access to these digital resources.
The study involved 100 farmers from western Uttar Pradesh participating in training programmes
organized at ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh.
QR codes linked to online extension publications were provided to participants and their ability
to access the documents was recorded. Information on age, gender and education was collected
and analysed using binary logistic regression. Overall, 65% of respondents successfully accessed
the QR code publications. The regression model was significant (LR χ2 = 34.04, P < 0.001) with
75% prediction accuracy. Age negatively influenced QR code access (P = 0.007), while educational
level had a significant positive effect (P = 0.015); gender was non-significant. Follow-up assessment
indicated that most respondents found the publications useful, whereas preference for printed
materials, limited smartphone access and lack of awareness remained important constraints. The
findings demonstrated the potential of QR codes as a low-cost and scalable tool for agricultural
information dissemination.
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