Vol. 10, Special Issue 9 (2021)

Author(s):
Akshita Vashishth, Dr. AK Gauraha, Sanjay Kumar Joshi and Pragya Chandrakar

Abstract:
The following paper involved nine basic categories under which a number of research-based documents were reviewed to gain an in-depth understanding of each category, with the end-goal of understanding the journey of digital transformation of Indian Agriculture sector. A need to interconnect the agriculture value-chain consisting of different players like farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, traders, consumers was found through the course of this study, which only demarcates the importance of digital technologies and how they can create much more holistic and sustainable value-chains. The dominance of information exchange and capacity building related technologies is reflected, where technologies like drones, agricultural robots are still few decades ahead for Indian farmers with their low economic backgrounds and lagging literacy rates. Mobile phones and smartphones are found to be changing the shape of Indian agriculture, wherein most technologies are being delivered via mobile applications, which are easily understandable as well as cheaply available. Also, most technologies are being delivered in the form of digital services due to their flexible nature and a long-term association with farmers. Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics and Internet of Things are some technological deliverances which are finding or expected to find maximum applications among Indian farming populations. A number of challenges in the way of digital transformation of Indian Agriculture are language barriers, infrastructural unavailability, Lack of enough government support, low economic backgrounds and high illiteracy rate among Indian farmers, a prevalent digital divide in India. The future of digitization is looking bright for Indian Agriculture sector with a greater number of investments flowing into this sector as privatization and contract farming find a well-supported ground on Indian soil.