Development of an 'ict' tool on scientific dairy farming

Data were collected to identify the felt and unfelt needs of farmers on various aspects of dairy farming from researchers, extension personnel and dairy farmers. The data pertaining to the needs of the dairy farmers were collected and analysed. A total of 31 needs were on breeding, feeding, management, marketing, disease control and calf management. A computer-based module was developed using Macromedia Flash programme. The perception on the utility, technical and message component of the module were more satisfactory for the farmers than the extension personnel, whereas the useability of the module was more satisfactory for the extension personnel than the farmers. The study revealed that the extension personnel s attitude towards computer usage, knowledge and skill in using computer are the major factors that contributed to the perception of the module. The study on the relationship of the farmers characteristics towards their perception of the dairy advisory system showed that education and attitude towards computer had a positive and highly significant association the perception on the module.

Autorentext

Dr. Nisha.P.Raghavan is a faculty of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension in Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. She completed her Ph.D., from the same institution in 2008. She has published several research articles in reputed journals and received awards.