Q. How does e-technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.

Model Answer:

E-Technology in Agricultural Production and Marketing

E-technology is revolutionizing agriculture by enhancing both production and marketing processes. In agricultural production, e-technology offers several advantages:

• Precision Agriculture: GPS, GIS, and remote sensing enable accurate field mapping and targeted input application (e.g., variable-rate fertilization).

• Internet of Things (IoT): Smart irrigation systems and automated climate control in greenhouses optimize resource use.

• Drone Technology: Facilitates crop monitoring and precise pesticide application, reducing chemical usage.

• AI and Machine Learning: Provide predictive analytics for crop yield and disease outbreaks, improving decision-making.

In agricultural marketing, e-technology plays a crucial role:

• E-commerce Platforms: Enable direct farmer-to-consumer sales, reducing intermediaries and improving profit margins.

• Mobile Apps: Offer real-time price information and market trend analysis, empowering farmers with market intelligence (e.g., eNAM app).

• Digital Payment Systems: Facilitate cashless transactions and improve financial inclusion for farmers.

• Blockchain Technology: Ensures transparency and traceability in the supply chain, building consumer trust.

These technologies collectively increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve market access. However, challenges such as digital literacy among farmers and rural infrastructure development need addressing.

Government initiatives like Digital India and PM-KISAN are promoting e-technology adoption in agriculture. As farmers become more tech-savvy, they can leverage data analytics for better decision-making and achieve higher profitability.

Conclusion: E-technology in agriculture enhances efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, transforming farming into a technologically advanced and market-oriented sector.