Presentation By Allah Dad Khan

Former DG Agri Extension KPK

Role of ICT in Information And Communication Technology For Rural Development

1. Timely information on weather forecasts and calamities, ICT based Kisan mobile messages.

2. Application of ICT in agricultural extension, Agri Research , Agri University , Livestock and Fisheries

3. E village for Agriculture and Rural Development , ICT initiatives for agricultural development.

4. Better and spontaneous agricultural practices, through village Knowledge Center /community center.

5. Better marketing exposure and pricing, Linking the farmers with market through web and mobile

6. Reduction of agricultural risks and enhanced incomes, E.Clinic in Agri and Rural Development

7. Better awareness and information, Taking agricultural technologies to the grassroots on wheels.

8. Irrigation and water usage 9. Disease and Insect Information

Role of ICT in Information And Communication Technology For Rural Development contd

. Improved networking and communication, Development of Farmer Data base Facility of online trading and e-commerce, Better representation at various forums, authorities and platform, etc. Effectiveness of interactive multimedia compact disc IMCD in diffusing technologies

among farm women in different ecosystem and  promotion of Farm technologies through interactive multimedia: a multi stake holders perspective

Techmode approach for distance learning courses for field Assistant and VA. Useful databases and websites on agroforestry and farm forestry Watershed modelling for development of sustainable livelihood information technology is intensively used in agricultural administration, research

and development, extension, marketing and managing farmers' organizations

PROSPECTS OF E-AGRICULTURE IN PAKISTAN

In general, the future directions in e-agriculture point to the need to enhance human resources, equipment/facilities, infrastructure,andpolicy support system. The most pressing concerns are the lack of trained personnel on IT; poor network connectivity and network infrastructure in rural areas limiting the use of IT in extension, complex and dynamic nature of agriculture which requires continuous assessment of data fields for decision support systems; limited computer literacy by farmers, making it difficult to convince them of the benefits of e-agriculture; and the lack of policy environment/support for better information network management.

The challenge ahead is for Pakistan is to explore the uncommon opportunities presented by the information technology revolution, to ensure a vibrant responsive, sustainable, and productive agriculture toward the attainment of food security and a broad-based economic growth.

Opportunities

- Fast increasing teledensity.- Encouraging PC Growth rate.- Internet usage and growth of Internet-cafes

even in remotes towns.- World class technical manpower having

required skill sets in ICT- Pakistani professionals in ICT living abroad- Government commitment and available funds- International focus on using Knowledge of

ICT for development (UN top priority Agenda)

(1) E-AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

1. Timely dissemination of agricultural information through online information services, education and training, monitoring and consultation, and transaction and processing;

2. Farmers' access to agricultural information through databases established by government and farmers' organizations;

3. Facilitation of interaction among researchers, extension workers and farmers;

4. Question and answer services where experts respond to queries on specialized subjects for greater efficiency in delivering services for overall agricultural development;

5. Providing up-to-date information about subjects useful to farmers, such as packages of production techniques/practices, management skills, market information, weather forecasting, input supplies, credit availability, agricultural statistics, and agricultural policy and programmes;

6. providing early warning signs about crop and livestock disease/pest problems, natural disasters, and mitigation measures.

(2) E-AGRICULTURAL MARKETING

Efforts should be made to incorporate IT in the following areas to facilitate

agricultural marketing: 1.Collection of a large body of marketing information for various

commodities and markets, 2.Enabling the farmers to find the marketing information they need: 3.Use of IT in wholesales markets and distribution centers of farm

products4.Services providing information to farmers regarding farm business

and management5. Expansion of the use of e-commerce for direct linkages between

producers, traders, retailers, and suppliers.

3) E-FARMERS' ORGANIZATION This can help farmers' organization in re-orienting themselves toward the overall agricultural development of small-scale producers. 1. With the appropriate information, organized small-scale producers

can even have a competitive edge over larger operations. 2. The expanding uses of IT by farmers' organization worldwide are

as follows3. use of It to supply farms with commercial inputs, farm credit,

marketing, and other support services; computerization 4. application of IT in improving the efficiency of these organizations;

dissemination of technical information to members, 5. improving the extension function and information service of these

organizations; and provision of access to computers and the Internet to cooperative members.

(4)Agricultural Value Chains and ICT

ICTs play an important role in agricultural value chains, with different types of ICT having different strengths and weaknesses when applied to particular interventions.

The impacts of ICT are diverse, and they influence market competitiveness in different ways.

However, technology should not overshadow the people and institutions involved.

While the positive impacts of ICT are being catalogued and discussed, many rural farmers still do not have access to or the capacity to use ICT.

E Village Agri Steps1.Identification of village 2.Evillage Rabta Committee 3.Preparing to Take off4.Sharing Vision of E Village5.Setting up of Computer Training Center6.Setting Up of Tele FSC7.Putting All together8. Monthly Review of Progress 9.Web Based Services10.Way Forward