International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
M Dhanush, PP Murugan, R Arunkumar, G Sree Madhumitha and S Ravaliselshiya

abstract
The study was conducted in the Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, in 2023 to assess the extent of ICT tool utilization among farm youth, identify constraints, and gather suggestions for improvement. Coimbatore was purposively chosen due to its high youth population and ICT exposure. A total of 120 farm youth were selected from four randomly chosen blocks using proportionate random sampling. An ex-post facto research design was followed, and data were collected through personal interviews using a structured, pre-tested schedule. Statistical tools like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Rank-Based Quotient (RBQ) were employed for data analysis. The results revealed that farm youth encountered several significant constraints in utilizing ICT tools effectively. The major constraints were poor economic condition of farm youth (88.33%), Lack of sufficient skills in the usage of farm-related ICT applications by farm youth (87.50%), high cost of ICT gadgets like smartphones, computers, etc (79.17%), and limited awareness of ICT benefits (76.67%). Other challenges included a lack of subsidies, inadequate training and exposure, non-availability of ICT gadgets and spare parts in local markets, and poor infrastructure and servicing facilities in rural areas. To address these issues, the farm youth proposed key suggestions. Organizing a training program for farmers related to ICT (86.67%) was the most common suggestion, followed by the source of information should be in the regional language (82.50%), improving power supply (76.67%), and improving internet connection (71.67%). Additional recommendations included that farmers' awareness about the advantages of ICT tools needs to be increased, encouraging ICT use at the village level, and disseminating market information through digital platforms.