Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Income through ICT-Mediated Extension: A Case Study of the Farm Extension Manager App in Kerala, India
Sunil V G *
Communication Centre, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, Kerala, India.
Asish Benny
Communication Centre, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, Kerala, India.
Aswathi Krishna R
Centre for Agricultural Innovations & Technology Transfer (CAITT), Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India.
Aswathi K K
Communication Centre, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, Kerala, India.
Jaliya M K
College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Farm Extension Manager (FEM@Mobile) mobile app, developed by Kerala Agricultural University, offers farmers crop-specific fertiliser schedules, pest and disease diagnostics, and protocol-based advisories. This study evaluates its effectiveness using a mixed-methods approach, combining app feature analysis, user analytics, and a field survey of 120 farmers, with impact estimation conducted through Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to ensure methodological rigor. Results indicate an average yield increase of 17%, income gain of 21%, and input cost reduction of 31% among app users compared to non-users. Key features such as offline functionality, expert-connect modules, and a bilingual interface significantly enhanced decision-making, accessibility, and extension outreach. The findings highlight the potential of ICT-based interventions like FEM@Mobile to strengthen rural extension systems, improve resource-use efficiency, and support sustainable agricultural development in smallholder farming contexts.
Keywords: Digital agriculture, mobile extension, farm advisory, Kerala, small holder farmers, farm extension manager