Information needs and sources of information accessed by the farmers for problem-solving in agriculture in Andhra Pradesh

Online and digital learning is the process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviour and skills by the use of internet enabled electronic devices. Learning behaviour included activities enabling respondents to access online and digital content and interact with others productively in the community. The study was conducted in Andhra Pradesh during 2021-22 using exploratory research design. The respondents for the study included 50 farmers. The farmers who were using online and digital learning tools for problem solving in agriculture were selected using simple random sampling procedure. Farmers possessing smart phones and using them for at least a period of one year were sampled for the study. Data was collected using online questionnaire coupled with telephonic interview. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Online and digital learning behaviour of farmers was studied in terms of learning behaviour, frequency of using and time spent in browsing the internet for problem solving in agriculture. Nearly two third of the farmers had medium learning behaviour (64.00%), followed by low (20.00%) and high (16.00%) learning behaviour. The information accessed by the farmers and extensionists was about input sources & prices, new varietal information, new farm machinery, weather forecast, novel technologies, market price information, govt. schemes and subsidy information, crop choice, seed rate and seed treatment, new plant protection chemicals, weedicides, fertilizer application, pest management, disease management, pesticide application, physiological disorders, techniques of water saving, storage, post-harvest, dairy & poultry breeds, high yielding fodder varieties, crop diversification, organic farming, natural resource management, agroforestry, success stories, expert talks and interviews. The information sources of farmers included input dealers, state DOA, progressive farmers, friends/neighbors/ relatives, TV, mobile apps, newspaper articles and ANGRAU Scientists. The information sources of extensionists included internet, colleagues, Vyavasaya panchangam, magazines (Vyavasayam, others), seminars or workshops or conferences, scientific journals, newspapers, research institutes, television and radio.