Vol. II: Shaping Information and Communication ... - IMA,ZLW & IfU

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3.2 Introducing ICT based services in rural Punjab
E-Agriculture
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A query can be e-mailed to the concerned experts whose lists can be compiled and
maintained independently without the necessity of its knowledge to the farmer using list
serve.
An on-line chat can be arranged to take counsel with a particular expert.
Diseased or affected plant samples can be shown to the experts thorough web cameras for
at least preliminary diagnosis and treatment so that they need to be carried to the plant
clinic only if absolutely essential.
Live demonstrations of new technologies can be web cast for the benefit of farmers to be
watched sitting in their nearby centres.
Training / workshop announcements can be made available for inviting applications
which can be received through e-mail or other Internet technologies.
Regular training programmes can be planned on-line extending the class-room to the
centres and can be made interactive for answering questions and remaining doubts.
All the literature like bulletins, packages and periodicals can be made on-line, or off-line
through CD ROM’s.
Information regarding various subsidies on farm equipment, biogas plants along with list
of manufacturer and different vendors can be made available on-line / on-CD ROM.
CD ROM’s can be used for technology demonstrations and vocational skills like beekeeping,
mushroom cultivation, tractor repair and maintenance, bed farming, solar
devices, etc.
Availability of seed for a particular variety of seed and inventory of pesticides and
fertilizers can be updated and displayed on a day-to-day basis so that a farmer does not
return empty handed after a trip to the town/city or University.
This is the where this PAU is uniquely poised to take a lead in revolutionizing the Extension
serving uses ICT.
Realizing the significance of Information Technology in research, teaching and extension of
agricultural education and the grand role that it can play in modernizing the agricultural
production system for its competitive sustainability in the era of market globalization under
WTO regime the Punjab Agricultural University has instituted a Post-Graduate Diploma in
Information Technology for its graduate students for agriculture, agricultural engineering,