Vol. 10, Special Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
Bhosale GB, Bhoyar SD and Bhosale GV

Abstract:
The present study was conducted in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state during the year 2020-21 to explore the relationship between profile characteristics of farmers and their attitude towards use of information and communication technology (ICT) for seeking agricultural information. Two districts namely, Parbhani and Hingoli were selected randomly from Marathwada region. Two talukas from each selected district and four villages from each talukas were selected randomly for the study. From each selected village, ten farmers those having mobile phones with internet facilities and engaged in agricultural operations were selected randomly, in this way total 160 respondents were considered for the study. An Ex-post-facto research design was followed for the study. Data was gathered using a well-structured interview schedule created with the study's objectives in mind. The collected data was analyzed, classified and tabulated. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of correlation were used to interpret findings and draw conclusions. The study noticed that, independent variables like education, Innovativeness, social participation, mass media exposure, scientific orientation, and extension contact had positive and significant relationship with the attitude. Whereas age and farming experience had negative and significant relationship with the attitude. While land holding, annual income and family size had non- significant relationship with attitude towards the use of ICT.