RURAL AREA DEVELOPMENT USING ICT

Abstract

India is a country of villages. Rural development is generally taken as development of rural areas. Rural development means rather a comprehensive development of rural areas in its wholesome nature. Rural Development forms an important agenda of the Government. However, the application of ICT in the Rural Development sector has been relatively slow. The main reasons for this are poor ICT infrastructure in rural areas, poor ICT awareness among agency officials working in rural areas and local language issues. ICTs can play a significant role in combating rural and urban poverty and fostering sustainable development through creating information rich societies and supporting livelihoods. If ICTs are appropriately deployed and realize the differential needs of urban and rural people, they can become powerful tools of economic, social and political empowerment.

Agriculture is an important sector with more than 70% of the Indian population living in rural areas and earns its live hood by agriculture and allied means of income. The sector faces major challenges of enhancing production in a situation of dwindling natural resources necessary for production. ICTs can play a significant role in combating rural and urban poverty and fostering sustainable development through creating information rich societies and supporting livelihoods. The role of ICT to enhance food security and support rural livelihoods is increasingly recognized and was officially endorsed at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2003-2005. This includes the use of computers, internet, geographical information systems, mobile phones, as well as traditional media such as radio or TV. Although it is a relatively new phenomenon, evidence of the contribution of ICT to agricultural development.