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Development and Validation of AgTech-Enabled Market Access Scale for Hi-Tech Agriculture

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S Sownthariya — Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695522, Kerala, India
Safna Vatakke Kandy Meethal — Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695522, Kerala, India
Allan Thomas — Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695522, Kerala, India
Published 29 Dec 2025 Vol. 62 No. 1 (2026), pp. 176-181 ● Open access
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.621RT07
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Abstract

Digital technologies and institutional innovations are increasingly shaping agricultural market access alongside traditional infrastructure. This study, conducted in 2025, developed and validated a multidimensional scale to systematically measure farmers’ perceptions of AgTech-enabled market access in hi-tech cultivation. The validated scale consisted of 56 items across nine dimensions: transportation infrastructure, distance to market, market information access, digital market platforms, agri-input accessibility, market institutions, storage and logistics, intermediaries, and frequency of market visits. Empirical validation demonstrated high conformity (mean = 13.64), strong relevancy ratings (>3.0), high internal consistency (Cronbach’ alpha value = 0.97), and significant dimensional distinctiveness (ANOVA, F = 3.301; p < 0.01). The mean value of Simpson’s Index of Diversity was found to be 0.834, indicating the diverse nature of the scale items across the nine dimensions. The scale provides a robust and reliable instrument for researchers, policymakers, and extension professionals to assess AgTech-enabled market access, identify barriers, and design evidence-based interventions for strengthening hi-tech agriculture. 

 

KeywordsAgtech-enabled marketHi-tech agricultureDimensions of accessMarket accessDiversity indexConformity score

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