Farmers’ Perception of the Impact of Information and Communication Technologies used for Agricultural Extension in South-Western Punjab, India

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) plays a crucial role in addressing agricultural information-sharing challenges. This study aims to (i) describe ICTs usage among farmers in south-western Punjab, India; (ii) assess the extent and usefulness of ICTs in gathering agricultural technology information; and (iii) evaluate their impact on knowledge and decision-making. Data from 104 respondents across twenty villages elucidated key ICTs used for agricultural information sharing, including social media (YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp), electronic media (television, radio), digital newspaper (Kheti Sandesh), and agricultural-based applications (ABAs). Social media platforms, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp, emerged as most popular ICTs with 67.3% of respondents reported using 4-5 ICTs regularly. WhatsApp was notably influential in knowledge-gain and technology adoption, followed by YouTube and Facebook. Usage of digital newspapers, television, and apps was less frequent. Education, social contacts and extension linkage significantly (p<0.05) affect ICTs usage. This study emphasized WhatsApp's critical role in bridging agricultural information gaps. Policymakers and agricultural organizations should leverage these platforms to deliver timely and relevant advice, thereby improving decision-making and productivity. This research demonstrates how specific ICTs enhance agricultural knowledge dissemination and adoption compared to traditional media. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of ICTs usage among farmers in a high-intensity cropping area of India, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of various ICTs. These findings enhance our understanding of ICT's role in modern agriculture and offer guidance for future research and practical applications.