Information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture technology comprise those networks, mobiles, devices, services, and applications that aid the processing, management, and exchange of data, information, or knowledge with a target audience. They include a broad range of converging technologies, including traditional telecommunications, television and video, radio, CD-ROMs, cell phones and smart devices, and several modern technologies such as computers and the internet, sensors, Geographic Information Systems, satellites, and the like. Essentially, the purpose of ICT is to transfer information from one point to another.
When talking about modern farming technology, one needs to acknowledge the role of ICT as a decision support system for farmers. Through the assistance of ICT, farmers are able to stay updated with all recent information. This is inclusive of data about weather, agriculture, and newer and more advanced ways of enhancing crop quality and production.
ICTs have largely revolutionized the way people, governments, and businesses, both large and small, function in the modern world. Close to 60% of the global population has access to the internet, and mobile internet is now the most widely-used channel for internet access worldwide. The tremendous adoption of ICTs has made it possible to facilitate better communication and ensure the delivery of services and information to people who previously lacked access.
The infusion of new, advanced agriculture technologies has allowed the global agriculture sector to surge ahead and transform the way producers cultivate, harvest, and distribute agricultural commodities. The use of technology in Indian agriculture, or e-agriculture, has accelerated agricultural and rural development by adopting innovative ways to improve the existing information and communication processes. It has particularly revolutionized smallholder agriculture in several agrarian economies and has helped address several challenges associated with the traditional form of agriculture.
The agricultural scene today requires the integration of sophisticated technologies such as temperature and moisture sensors, robots, GPS technology, and aerial images, to name a few. On this note, ICT helps meet the elevated demand for newer approaches. Such digital farming tech also aids in empowering rural farmers by allowing better access to effective production strategies, banking and financial services, etc.