Information dissemination using computer and communication technologies for improving agriculture productivity

Abstract Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy and approximately 59% population derive their livelihood from the agricultural sector. However, yield of several crops in India is significantly low as compared to the yield in developed countries. Hence, it is necessary to find solutions that may improve the crop success and productivity. The enhancement of agricultural production and rural development through application of improved information and communication processes is termed as Eagriculture. This emerging field E-agriculture involves the conceptualization, design, development, evaluation and application of innovative ways to use information and communication technologies in the rural domain, with a primary focus on agriculture. Data mining of different crops information system, their production techniques and information inquiry system is necessary to help the farmers. Collection and distribution of crop growth stage information, detailed digital maps of the farmer's fields, geo-fencing, weather forecasting and pest information could be provided using global positioning system (GPS) vocational devices and sensors in the field. Geographic information systems (GIS) are also extensively used in agriculture, especially in precision farming and in decision making based on historical data and sampling. Use of mobile technologies and smartphone apps in rural areas has extended the information and communication services for agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and farm machinery. The mobile apps are designed in regional language to break the literacy barrier and deliver the information in most simple manner. Computercontrolled automatic milking systems are controlled by a robot using complex herd management software for milking of the dairy cattle. Moreover