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Research Article

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Utilization  Patterns among Small Ruminant Farmers in West Bengal

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Chandra Dhara — Division of Extension Education, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
Rupasi Tiwari — Directorate of Extension Education, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
Shikhakriti Negi — Veterinary Officer, Uttarakhand Sheep and Wool Development Board, Dehradun-248001, Uttarakhand, India
Mahesh Chander — Division of Extension Education, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
Triveni Dutt — Director & Vice Chancellor, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly- 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
Published 2 Sep 2025 Vol. 21 No. 5 (2025), pp. 35-39 ● Open access
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.21.5.07
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Abstract

 

India’s increasing demand for livestock products, driven by a 70% non-vegetarian population and rising meat consumption, is expected  to surge by 2050. Meeting this demand necessitates a 3-fold rise in meat production. Small ruminants like goats and sheep are crucial,  especially for landless and small farmers. However, constraints such as inadequate veterinary services, poor market access, and limited  awareness of scientific practices hinder productivity. With the country’s rapid digitalization, ICT tools offer promising solutions. A study of  120 small ruminant farmers in West Bengal found WhatsApp to be the most commonly used tool (100%), followed by YouTube (89.57%),  Face book (82.67%), and Television. WhatsApp was accessed daily by all farmers. However, adoption was limited by high costs (mean  score 79.99), lack of relevant content (60.6), and language barriers (54.59). Despite these challenges, expanding smartphone usage and  affordable data are boosting ICT penetration in rural areas. The study highlights the potential of digital platforms to improve knowledge  dissemination, veterinary services, and market linkages. Strengthening digital infrastructure and integrating AI-driven advisory systems  can significantly enhance sustainable livestock production in India. 

 

KeywordsDigital toolsICT adoptionICT Utilization patternSheep and GoatSmall ruminants

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