Vol. 11, Special Issue 5 (2022)

Author(s):
Sunil Rajoria, Mahendra Pal Poonia, Brijesh Nanda, Priyanka Meena, Sanjay Kumar Rewani, Harshita Bhumra and Parmal Singh

Abstract:
In the Jaipur district of Rajasthan, an exploratory study was conducted to find out the constraints or problems livestock farmers perceived by using Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) and what possible solutions were to overcome these constraints. For the study, a set of 120 respondents were selected randomly. Data was collected through a structured interview schedule and analysed through different statistical tools. The study revealed that the high cost of repairing ICTs (66.67%), lack of training and practical exposure to ICTs (60.00%) and low ICT literacy (58.33%) were found to be the 'most serious constraints'. In contrast, it was felt that there was a lack of knowledge of the apparent benefits of ICTs (56.67%), a lack of ICT handling skills (50.83%), poor finances, and power shortages (each 44.17%) were perceived as ‘serious constraints’. Low network coverage and unavailability of various ICT tools both were considered as ‘less serious constraints’ 44.17 &, 32.50 per cent, respectively. and most of the negative attitude toward ICTs was perceived as ‘not a constraint’ by most livestock farmers. A study on possible solutions shows that a great majority of the livestock farmers were in agreement with the possible solutions like subsidy in the procurement of ICT equipment (98.33%), provision of finance facilities (92.50%), setting up of low-cost repairing centres in villages (90.83%) and confidence build up through training and practical exposure to ICTs (90.00%).