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Research Article

Assessing the Role of Digital Platforms in Strengthening Agricultural Extension Services: Advisory to Empowerment

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Bhartendu Yadav — Assistant Professor, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
Abhilash Singh Maurya — Subject Matter Specialist (Agricultural Extension), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raebareli-II (Palti Khera), Uttar Pradesh, India
Shubhi Patel — Assistant Professor, Narain College, Shikohabad, Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Roop Kumar — Assistant Professor, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
Atin Kumar — School of Agriculture, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Published 18 Mar 2026 Vol. 62 No. 2 (2026), pp. 47-53 ● Open access
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62208
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Abstract

The study conducted during 2025 explores the contribution of digital platforms in strengthening agricultural extension services and empowering farmers in Uttar Pradesh, India. Using a cross-sectional survey of 400 farmer households selected by stratified random sampling, the study compares digital platform users and non-users in terms of knowledge, empowerment, technology adoption, yield, and income. Validated multi-item scales and indices were used to measure perceived usefulness, digital use, and empowerment, which were supported by reliability and factor analysis. Group differences were tested with t tests and chi-square statistics, while logistic regression assessed the probability of adopting at least three recommended practices, and a multiple regression modelled the determinants of empowerment. The results show that even after controlling for socio-economic and extension variables, digital platform users have significantly higher knowledge, empowerment scores, adoption indices, yield, and net farm income than non-users. Structural analysis shows that digital use influences empowerment both directly and indirectly through knowledge and information self-efficacy, underscoring the role of digital platforms as catalysts to drive the transition from consultation to empowerment.
KeywordsDigital platforms, Agriculture, Extension, PCA, Regression, Uttar Pradesh.

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