Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
4.“ICT is becoming the facilitator of socio-economic development in rural India”, Elucidate.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of the GS paper III, aims to evaluate the role of ICT in the aid of farmer.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the aspects of ICT that contribute to the socio-economic development in rural India.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Highlight that ICT is becoming the facilitator of socio-economic development in rural India with its obvious facilities by way of health, education, financial services and employment avenues, etc. It can help the bridge gaps by providing ‘e’ and ‘m’ services.
Body:
Explain that the ICT offering meant for rural sector can be classified into three categories:
- Those solutions which aim are aimed at empowerment
- Those which would do enablement.
- Those for market expansion.
Quote recent case studies such as e-chaupal to substantiate your answer better.
Discuss the pros and cons of having ICT aid the farming process.
Conclusion:
Conclude that E-Agriculture; a new area of knowledge emerging out of convergence of IT and farming techniques is the future.
