MOBILE PHONE USAGE AMONG THE RICE FARMERS FOR CROP MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN IMPHAL WEST DISTRICT OF MANIPUR
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Authors
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CHINVARMOI K
Department of Extension Education, Avinashislingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore-641043, Tamil Nadu, India
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T RADHA
Department of Extension Education, Avinashislingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore-641043, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords:
Agri apps, Agricultural information, Educational influence, Farmers decision making, Mobile phone, Rice crop managementAbstract
Mobile phones have played a crucial role in improving farmers’ decision-making process,
fostering social cohesion and strengthening relationships within farming communities. This study,
conducted in May 2023 with 150 respondents from Imphal West district, Manipur, examined the
socio-economic profiles of farmers, their farming practices and the adoption of mobile technology
in rice crop management. The findings indicated that 49.30% of respondents were aged over 47
years, with more than 21 years of farming experience. Smartphone usage (69.00%) was significantly
higher than keypad phones, with a strong preference for communication in the local Manipuri
dialect. However, the study revealed that farmers spent minimal time using mobile phones for
agricultural purposes, with the majority primarily using them for entertainment. Regarding mobile
phone utilization in rice crop management, 55.00% of respondents regularly accessed information
related to marketing activities, while 47.00% sought details on seed treatment. Educational
qualifications had a statistically significant influence on key farming practices such as seed
management and marketing (p< 0.01). Among institutional sources, 49.00% of respondents
frequently obtained agricultural information from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in the district. The
results further highlight statistically significant differences (denoted by ** at the 1% level) between
educational qualifications and the adoption of agricultural apps. These findings underscore the
need for targeted interventions to enhance farmers’ awareness and capacity to utilize mobile
technology effectively for agricultural decision-making and productivity improvement.
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