The present research examines the impact of enhanced information and communication through rural connectivity especially under the PMGSY on agricultural marketing. The study analyzes the spatial and temporal progress of PMGSY to assess its role in improving access to market-related information and communication for facilitating agricultural marketing. The information related to the nearly real-time market price of agricultural produce has benefitted cultivators to get improved prices of their produce which has been made possible due to enhanced rural–urban connectivity. The selected district of Murshidabad has socio-economic backwardness, an agrarian economy, and a high prevalence of out-migration. To fulfill the objectives, both primary and secondary data have been collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical and GIS methods. The findings indicate that road connectivity has improved connectivity of the unconnected habitations in the study area. Results further reveal that the improved road connectivity has significantly enhanced access to market information, resulted in improvements in the land values adjacent to the PMGSY roads, increased availability of modern agricultural equipment and inputs, and a shift from organic to chemical fertilizers alongside a frequent use of pesticides. The PMGSY has also led to a shift toward the commercialization of agriculture, easier access to the market, motorized transportation for farm produce, and enhanced access to storage facilities for agricultural products. However, challenges such as inadequate drainage systems, waterlogging, and road maintenance issues persist in the area under consideration. Recommendations include regular road maintenance and Joint Road Management (JRM) efforts with local people to ensure the benefit of improved information and communication available to the farmers.

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Impact of Enhanced Information and Communication through Rural Connectivity on Agricultural Marketing: Some Insights from Murshidabad District, West Bengal

  • Rentu Biswas,
  • Niti Mollah,
  • A. K. M. Anwaruzzaman

摘要

The present research examines the impact of enhanced information and communication through rural connectivity especially under the PMGSY on agricultural marketing. The study analyzes the spatial and temporal progress of PMGSY to assess its role in improving access to market-related information and communication for facilitating agricultural marketing. The information related to the nearly real-time market price of agricultural produce has benefitted cultivators to get improved prices of their produce which has been made possible due to enhanced rural–urban connectivity. The selected district of Murshidabad has socio-economic backwardness, an agrarian economy, and a high prevalence of out-migration. To fulfill the objectives, both primary and secondary data have been collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical and GIS methods. The findings indicate that road connectivity has improved connectivity of the unconnected habitations in the study area. Results further reveal that the improved road connectivity has significantly enhanced access to market information, resulted in improvements in the land values adjacent to the PMGSY roads, increased availability of modern agricultural equipment and inputs, and a shift from organic to chemical fertilizers alongside a frequent use of pesticides. The PMGSY has also led to a shift toward the commercialization of agriculture, easier access to the market, motorized transportation for farm produce, and enhanced access to storage facilities for agricultural products. However, challenges such as inadequate drainage systems, waterlogging, and road maintenance issues persist in the area under consideration. Recommendations include regular road maintenance and Joint Road Management (JRM) efforts with local people to ensure the benefit of improved information and communication available to the farmers.