SAC, CIRDAP & RDA, Conference paper on Regional Expert Consultation
on “ICTs for Development of Rural Agriculture in South Asia – International Policy Conference”, 2018
At the Regional Expert Consultation on “ICTs for Development of Rural Agriculture in South Asia – International Policy Conference” held in 2018 and jointly organized by the South Asian Association for Cooperation on Agriculture (SAC), the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), and the Rural Development Academy (RDA), a forward-looking conference paper was presented that explored the transformative potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in revolutionizing rural agriculture across South Asia. The paper emphasized how digital tools—ranging from mobile-based advisory services to precision farming technologies—can bridge knowledge gaps, enhance market access, and improve productivity for smallholder farmers. Drawing on regional best practices and policy case studies, the research underscored the importance of creating an enabling ecosystem through digital infrastructure, farmer-centric innovation, and public-private partnerships. It also highlighted the need for inclusive digital strategies that empower women, youth, and marginalized farming communities to actively participate in the digital agricultural economy. As part of the broader regional dialogue, the paper contributed actionable policy recommendations aimed at mainstreaming ICTs into national agricultural development frameworks, reaffirming the role of digital transformation as a critical lever for inclusive and sustainable rural development in South Asia.
Author: Syeda Farzana Morshed
