Digital agriculture at the grassroots: evaluating the reach of mobile extension tools

I. Venkata Reddy*, M. Ravi Kishore, N. Rajasekhar, P.N. Siva Prasad and K. Lakshmi Kala

Abstract

The digital revolution in Indian agriculture is fundamentally altering the traditional extension landscape, bridging the gap between scientific research and grassroots farming communities. This article explores the adoption, efficacy and on-ground reach of mobile-based extension tools, specifically focusing on platforms like Kisan Sarathi, Meghdoot and Bharat Vistaar. By transitioning from generic recommendations to personalized, real-time advisory services, these applications are empowering rural livelihoods. The evaluation highlights how digital integration enhances soil health management, improves climate resilience and expedites pest management, while also examining the challenges of digital literacy and accessibility in rural landscapes.