Constraints and improvement strategies in digital agricultural extension: A study of field extension functionaries in Chhattisgarh

Introduction

Agricultural extension plays a critical role in disseminating scientific innovations, improving farm productivity and supporting sustainable rural development in India. In recent decades, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have increasingly been integrated into extension systems, giving rise to various forms of digital extension that use mobile phones, internet platforms and multimedia tools to deliver timely, location-specific advisories to farmers (Rajkhowa 2021) [1] . Digital extension approaches have been shown to enhance farmers' access to market information, weather forecasts and best practices, often improving decision making, yields and income when appropriately designed and implemented (Yadav et al. 2026) [2] . In India, numerous national and state-level e-governance and agricultural ICT initiatives have been launched, and states such as Chhattisgarh have invested in digital governance infrastructure, online portals and network connectivity to reach rural and tribal communities more effectively (Subramanian and Saxena 2008) [3] . However, the potential of digital extension is constrained by a persistent digital divide in rural areas, characterized by uneven ICT infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity and frequent power interruptions (Samadder et al. 2023) [4] . Studies across different regions of India highlight additional barriers including the high cost of devices and data, low levels of digital literacy, language and localization issues, and limited technical support for maintaining and using ICT tools (Prangya et al. 2024 and Ferrari et al. 2022) [5,6] . Field extension functionaries are central actors in this context, as they mediate between research institutions and farming communities and increasingly rely on digital tools to plan, implement and monitor extension activities (Sahoo et al. 2025) [7] . Evidence from different Indian states indicates that public extension workers themselves often face gaps in ICT access, skills and training, which can reduce the effectiveness of digital advisory services (Patil 2016) [8] . Despite the growing emphasis on digital agriculture, there remains limited empirical understanding of the extent to which field extension functionaries are prepared to effectively utilize digital tools in their day-to-day extension activities, particularly in resource-constrained regions such as Chhattisgarh. Assessing the digital readiness, media utilization pattern and challenges faced by extension personnel is therefore essential for strengthening the effectiveness of digital extension systems. In this context, the present study was undertaken to examine the digital literacy, media utilization and constraints experienced by field extension functionaries in Chhattisgarh, with the aim of identifying gaps and suggesting measures for improving the delivery of digital agricultural extension services.

Methodology

The study was conducted in Chhattisgarh state to assess the www.extensionjournal.com constraints faced by field extension functionaries and their suggestions for improvement in digital extension. A descriptive research design was followed, as the study aimed to analyse the existing situation under natural field conditions. The respondents were selected from the three agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh, namely Chhattisgarh Plains, Bastar Plateau and Northern Hills. Rural Agricultural Extension Officers (RAEOs) in the state were considered as respondents for the study. Out of 3,063 filled RAEO posts, 305 respondents were selected by using proportionate stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected through a structured and pre-tested interview schedule, while secondary data were obtained from official records, reports and relevant publications. Constraints in digital extension were measured on a four-point continuum considering severity. Suggestions for improvement were collected through open-ended questions. The collected data were analysed using frequency, percentage and mean percent score (MPS), and ranks were assigned to identify the major constraints and important suggestions.

Results

Constraints faced by field extension functionaries

The data presented in Table 1 reveal the various constraints faced by field extension functionaries in using ICT tools and digital platforms for extension activities. The constraints were categorized into organizational level constraints, personal constraints, and technical constraints, and ranked based on their mean scores.

A. Organizational level constraints

Among the organizational level constraints, inadequate infrastructural facilities to support ICT tools was perceived as the most serious constraint with a mean score of 65.46, thereby ranking first. This indicates that insufficient institutional infrastructure such as internet connectivity, electricity, and digital support facilities limits the effective use of ICT tools by extension personnel. This was followed by inadequate technical support for ICTs, which obtained a mean score of 55.41, ranking second. The constraint inadequate allocation for purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading digital devices and software secured a mean score of 51.80, ranking third. Further, heavy workload and multiple responsibilities reducing the time available for learning and using digital tools was ranked fourth with a mean score of 42.19, indicating that time constraints also hinder the effective adoption of ICT tools among extension functionaries.

Suggestions given by field extension functionaries

The suggestions given by field extension functionaries for further improvement in ICT and digital resource utilization are presented in

Constraints

The study concluded that field extension functionaries faced a number of organizational, personal and technical constraints in the effective use of ICTs and digital tools for extension work. Among the organizational constraints, inadequate infrastructural facilities and lack of technical support emerged as the most serious problems. At the personal level, high cost of ICT gadgets and language barriers were the major constraints, while among technical constraints, inadequate availability and poor maintenance of ICT equipment, along with insufficient training and practical exposure, were found to be important. The suggestions offered by the respondents clearly indicated the need for subsidy support for ICT tools and internet data packages, continuous power supply, digital content in local languages, technical helpdesk support and regular capacitybuilding programmes. Overall, the findings suggest that strengthening infrastructure, reducing financial barriers, improving technical support and organizing need-based training programmes are essential for enhancing the effectiveness of digital extension services among field extension functionaries.

References

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