A study on e-velanmai model of extension in Tamil Nadu

A study was conducted to assess the ‘Impact’ of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of e-Velanmai (e-Agriculture) project implemented by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) from 2007 to 2013. It was found that none of the beneficiary respondents (100 .00 %) had used ICT tools after completion of the e-Velanmai project. All the beneficiary respondents (100.00 %) desired that the e-Velanmai project should be continued. Almost all (98.90 %) of the beneficiary respondents had preferred TNAU for providing e-Velanmai services in case it is continued, and none of the beneficiary respondents (100.00 %) had preferred neither State Department of Agriculture nor State Department of Agriculture + IT Company. With respect to the constraints faced by beneficiaries, an overwhelming percentage (94.40 %) of the beneficiary respondents had expressed that they faced no constraints regarding the e-velanmai project, while a small percentage (5.50 %) indicated that there is no direct contact with TNAU Scientists’, and no follow-up visit by Field Coordinators after giving advice (1.10 %). The beneficiary respondents have suggested that ‘Number of Field Coordinators may be increased’, ‘Day-to-day market information may be provided’, and ‘Post Harvest Technology / Value Addition information for coconut and other crops may be provided’, so as to further improve the e-Velanmai services.