Knowledge of Farmers towards the Usage of Social Media for Acquiring Agricultural Information

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19182090

Jyotika, Rashmi Tyagi, Jatesh Kathpalia, and Himanshi (Department of Sociology, CCS HAU, Hisar, Haryana)

Social media has become a crucial tool for getting agricultural information, supporting farmers in making informed decisions regarding crop management, market prices, weather forecasts, and government schemes. This study intends to analyse the knowledge levels of farmers regarding the employment of social media for accessing agricultural information in the chosen districts of Haryana. Using an exploratory study approach, data were obtained from 120 farmers through a scheduled interview schedule. The data suggest that while platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube are widely recognised and employed, the adoption of agriculture-specific applications like Krishi Network, Krishify, and Krishi Jagran remains low. Statistical study suggests that age, education, subsidiary occupation, annual income, landholding size, social participation, and extension contacts greatly influence farmers’ knowledge levels. The study underscores the need for focused digital literacy activities and greater accessibility to agricultural applications to bridge the digital divide and enhance farmers’ engagement with social media for agricultural developments.