Abstract
In view of technology/extension gaps in Indian agriculture and to exploit ICT revolution, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, A.P., India had developed eSagu model of extension system and implemented it for the cotton crop in three villages of Oorugonda, Gudeppad and Oglapur covering 749 farmers and 1041 farms during 2004-05 crop season. The main objective is to build a cost effective and scalable agricultural expert advice dissemination system to all the farmers. The three-tier system consists of farmers as end users, coordinators as intermediaries to obtain crop status through digital photographs and text and communicate the advice to the farmers. The scientists with knowledge system prepare farm advices. The evaluation study clearly brings out the feasibility and acceptability of ICT based model of eSagu. The crop status, the zooming facility of digital photographs, weather data, crop history, soil data, all have enabled the scientists in advice making and prediction. The advices were provided to the farmers in 24-36 hours. eSagu operation has improved the access, knowledge and technology adoption rate as compared to their counter parts in non-project area. It further established that the acquired technology has been quite useful and reflected in increased production by 1.5 quintals per acre, saved fertilizers by 0.76 bags, pesticides by 2.3 sprays per acre. This has resulted in a net gain of Rs. 3820.0 per acre. Farmers’ response to the utility of the project is quite positive and they want the project to continue in the future. In conclusion, the evaluation study reveals that accomplishments of the project are impressive, the system is generally accepted and throws a promise for wider application in the future.