e-Agriculture

It refers to agricultural services and information delivered or enhanced through the Internet
and related technologies. E-agriculture involves the conceptualization, design, development,
evaluation and application of new (innovative) ways to use existing or emerging ICT.; E-
agriculture involves designing, developing and applying innovative ways to use information
and communication technologies (ICTs) – including digital technologies – in the rural domain,
with a primary focus on agriculture, including fisheries, forestry and livestock.; The use of new
information and communication technologies applications in the farm sector.
The e-Agriculture Community
https://www.fao.org/e-agriculture/e-agriculture
e-Agriculture is a global Community of Practice, where people from all over the world
exchange information, ideas, and resources related to the use of information and
communication technologies (ICT) for sustainable agriculture and rural development.

e-Agriculture Community is made up of over 12,000 members from 170 countries and
territories, members are information and communication specialists, researchers, farmers,
students, policy makers, business people, development practitioners, and others.

Members have a common interest that brings them together, that of improving policies and
processes around the use of ICTs in support of agriculture and rural development, in order to
have a positive impact on rural livelihoods.

Mission

Mission is to serve as a catalyst for institutions and individuals in agriculture and rural
development to share knowledge, learn from others, and improve decision making about the
vital role of ICTs to empower rural communities, improve rural livelihoods, and build
sustainable agriculture and food security.

How and why do we do it?

We achieve all this by working together - with partners around the globe. e-Agriculture is all
about knowledge exchange between UN agencies, governments, universities, research
organizations, NGOs, farmers' organizations, private sector, and the wider community. We
recognize that, in its simplest form, knowledge exchange is about starting constructive
dialogue. That is why one of the most popular activities is the e-Agriculture
Forum Discussions. Topics are demand-driven, and lead by partner institutions who specialize
in different areas of e-agriculture.

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The History of 'e-agriculture' and the Community
Although ICT activities and other related initiatives to bridge the rural digital divide existed
around the world, the e-Agriculture Community (and the term "e-agriculture") came into
being after the World Summit on the Information Society in 2003 and 2005.

It was clear to the WSIS global participants that when addressing the challenges that face the
digital divide, especially in a rural livelihoods context, problems go beyond just technology. It
is a multi-faceted problem of ineffective knowledge exchange and management of
information content, as well as the lack of human resources, institutional capacity, and
sensitivity to gender and the diverse needs of different groups.

With WSIS participants identifying and naming "e-agriculture" as a key action line to address
the Millennium Development Goals, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO) was assigned to lead the development and subsequent facilitation activities
that would truly engage stakeholders at all levels. Bringing together a group of Founding
Partners in 2006, the e-Agriculture Community officially launched in 2007. Today, the e-
Agriculture Community of Practice is still growing and supporting its members and the
communities with which they work daily.

(Sources: https://www.fao.org/e-agriculture & https://www.unescwa.org/sd-glossary/e-

agriculture )

Scope and Importance of ICT in Agriculture

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture technology comprise those
networks, mobiles, devices, services, and applications that aid the processing, management,
and exchange of data, information, or knowledge with a target audience. They include a broad
range of converging technologies, including traditional telecommunications, television and
video, radio, CD-ROMs, cell phones and smart devices, and several modern technologies such
as computers and the internet, sensors, Geographic Information Systems, satellites, and the
like. Essentially, the purpose of ICT is to transfer information from one point to another.

Impact of ICT on Agriculture and Information Technology

When talking about modern farming technology, one needs to acknowledge the role of ICT as
a decision support system for farmers. Through the assistance of ICT, farmers are able to stay
updated with all recent information. This is inclusive of data about weather, agriculture, and
newer and more advanced ways of enhancing crop quality and production.

ICTs have largely revolutionized the way people, governments, and businesses, both large and
small, function in the modern world. Close to 60% of the global population has access to the
internet, and mobile internet is now the most widely-used channel for internet access
worldwide. The tremendous adoption of ICTs has made it possible to

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facilitate better communication and ensure the delivery of services and information to people
who previously lacked access.

The infusion of new, advanced agriculture technologies has allowed the global agriculture
sector to surge ahead and transform the way producers cultivate, harvest, and distribute
agricultural commodities. The use of technology in Indian agriculture, or e-agriculture, has
accelerated agricultural and rural development by adopting innovative ways to improve the
existing information and communication processes. It has particularly revolutionized
smallholder agriculture in several agrarian economies and has helped address several
challenges associated with the traditional form of agriculture.

Understanding Modern Technology Used in Agriculture

The agricultural scene today requires the integration of sophisticated technologies such as
temperature and moisture sensors, robots, GPS technology, and aerial images, to name a few.
On this note, ICT helps meet the elevated demand for newer approaches. Such digital
farming tech also aids in empowering rural farmers by allowing better access to effective
production strategies, banking and financial services, etc.

Empowering Smallholder Agriculture

In developing countries, ICT in agriculture provides farmers with vital information pertaining
to sowing, crop protection, and improving soil fertility that enables them to improve
agricultural productivity. Weather-related advisories and alerts help them prepare for
sporadic events such as floods, drought, or even pest and disease outbreaks, thus preventing
significant crop loss. ICTs also provide them with a reliable channel to seek the best market
price in the local markets and other daily updates for their produce to ensure they receive
fair returns.

The increasing penetration of budget-friendly mobile phones and the internet is an added
advantage for farmers living in remote areas in several emerging nations. Access to
inexpensive mobile devices has now made it easier for them to acquire additional information
and services that enable informed decision-making.

Now, the use of the latest technology in agriculture in the world has ensured that with a touch
of a few buttons, agriculturists can connect with the global network of farmers, agronomists,
businesses, and other service providers to stay up-to-date on the latest crop cultivation
practices.

For policymakers, the advantage of adopting ICT in agriculture is that information sharing
enables them to gain a better understanding of the situation at the ground level, which will
contribute to the designing and implementation of agrarian and rural development policies
that benefit the farmers. The ICT’s extensive reach to even the remotest location can also help
them address issues concerning gender bias, women empowerment, and other
socioeconomic concerns.
APPLICATIONS OF ICT IN THE DEVELOPED WORLD
The use of ICT in modern agriculture technology has also significantly transformed agriculture
and farming in developed countries at a different scale. Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud

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Computing, and Big Data have all had a profound impact on the efficiency of current
processes. Several farm holdings manage farms remotely using sensing technologies, drones,
and other devices that gather vital data on soil properties, air, crop health, and weather
conditions.

The data enables farmers and agribusinesses to closely monitor crop cultivation, optimize the
use of agrochemicals and natural resources, and adapt quickly to changing environmental
conditions. The application of precision agriculture and ICTs have resulted in increased
efficiency and reduced costs. It has also delivered decision-making tools that boost
agricultural productivity and help manage natural resources effectively.

IoT, in particular, has several applications in agriculture, from real-time monitoring of soil,
plant, and animal health using in-situ sensors to tracking the origin of a product or agri-
commodity and its environmental

impact, as well as its storage environments along the supply chain.

Estimates suggest that by 2030, IoT could potentially evolve into the ‘Internet of Action’
where sensors and machines, based on in-built AI and data analytics capacity, will also be
capable of self-optimizing and initiating activities on their own, without much human
intervention.
THE ROLE OF ICT: REVAMPING MODERN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY
ICT farming, particularly the use of multimedia technology and other innovative approaches
to interactive knowledge transfer processes, is transforming agricultural extension services.
ICT has been instrumental in empowering farmers through knowledge and building their
capacity to incorporate various environment-friendly practices around regenerative
agriculture in order to achieve rural and agricultural developmental goals. Some of thekey
areas where ICT in agriculture plays a vital role are:

Regulatory policy and governance

The widespread adoption of digital technologies by agriculturists is resulting in an exponential
increase in the availability of a wide range of big data that can aid better policy-making and
monitoring, as well as help transform the agriculture sector.
Agricultural extension and advisory services
ICT in the form of innovative media platforms bridges the gap between farmers on one end
and agricultural researchers and extension agents on the other. It is a more cost-efficient
method to improve smallholders’ knowledge of current agricultural practices and markets.
Enhanced market access
ICT-enabled market information services enhance farmers’ access to nearby markets and
their awareness of current consumer demands through the transfer of information from the
traders. ICTs also foster networking among the agri-stakeholders, which facilitates increased
market access for inputs and product marketing and trade.
Environmentally sustainable agriculture

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Budget-friendly mobile phones, internet, and other services to disseminate information and
provide rural farmers with improved access to solutions for climate-smart agriculture and the
appropriate knowledge to use them.
Early warning system (EWS) for disaster management
ICTs provide actionable and real-time information to governments and communities on
disaster prevention and management. They also increase the efficiency of responding efforts
during emergency situations and drive more effective communication by providing the people
with timely advice on risk mitigation procedures.
Food safety & traceability
A combination of simple and sophisticated technologies, such as mobile phones, software
solutions, RFID tags, data input websites, and sensors using GPS technology, among others,
enable producers to capture and monitor reliable data and also comply with international
traceability and food
Financial inclusion and risk management
ICTs strengthen rural and smallholder farmers’ access to financial services, enable them to
find affordable insurance schemes and tools to better manage risk, and empower them with
information regarding financial services that are available to them.
Capacity building and empowerment
ICTs serve as vital education tools for the development of local communities. They broaden
the reach of women, youth, and other beneficiaries and open the doors for newer business
opportunities to enhance livelihoods and incomes.

(Source: https://www.cropin.com/ict-in-agriculture )