Aradhana Singh Paikra, Ph.D Final year, Department of Plant Pathology, 
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.)
Subuhi Nishad, Programme Officer NSS (Girl’s Unit), 
College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur (C.G.)

What is Social networking?
Social networks are websites and apps that allows users and organizations to connect, communicate, share information and form relationships.

Introduction
Social networking tools are playing a major role in the dissemination of farm information. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp can serve as vital tools for farmers to connect with fellow farmers, experts, and organizations, providing valuable updates, advice, and support. Social media has revolutionized the way of communication in the 21st century. Social media use is growing daily in rural regions and has impacted practically every industry. Social media is one such innovation that is widely being used by people around the globe to connect with their peers and share information across a wide range of platforms in different forms such as text, video, photos and audios facilitated by different social media applications.

Technology integration in agriculture has enormous potential to change the farming landscape in the ever changing digital age. Social networking is reshaping modern agriculture—from how farmers learn and connect, to how they market, advocate, and cope with industry pressures. With greater digital connectivity, stronger networks, and responsible use, social platforms can empower farmers to innovate, sustain, and thrive in an increasingly complex world.Through the interactive workshops and hands-on sessions, farmers will learn to use digital tools and specialized agricultural apps to assess crop health, manage irrigation systems, monitor weather conditions, and optimize supply chain logistics. By enhancing their digital literacy, farmers can improve decision-making, access vital resources, and boost productivity in the digital era.Farmers can use platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to connect with peers, experts, and organizations, gaining valuable updates and support. YouTube offers tutorials on farming techniques and market trends. Apps such as Krishi Jagran provide localized information on crop prices, pest management, and best practices.

Importance of Social Media in Agriculture:

1. Real-Time Information Sharing
Social media allows farmers to quickly share and access the latest agricultural news, best practices, and industry insights in real-time.

2. Connecting Farmers Globally
Online platforms facilitate global communication and collaboration, enabling farmers to learn from each other's experiences and implement innovative agricultural techniques.

3. Boosting Market Reach
Social media provides farmers and agribusinesses a cost-effective way to promote their products and services to a wider customer base.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making
By analyzing social media trends and discussions, farmers can make more informed decisions about crop planning, resources, and responding to market demands.

Key benefits of social media for farmers:

1. Knowledge sharing: Access to a vast pool of agricultural knowledge through online communities, forums, and educational videos on platforms like YouTube, allowing farmers to learn about new farming practices, pest management, and sustainable agriculture techniques.

2. Market access: Direct marketing of their produce to consumers through social media platforms, eliminating middlemen and allowing for better prices.

3. Community building: Connecting with other farmers locally and globally to share experiences, best practices, and support each other.

4. Weather updates: Real-time access to weather information crucial for decision-making regarding planting and harvesting schedules.

5. Price information: Staying informed about market trends and current prices for agricultural products.

6. Advocacy and awareness: Raising awareness about agricultural issues, promoting sustainable farming practices, and advocating for policies that support farmers.

7. Branding and reputation building: Creating a positive image for their farm and products through engaging content on social media.

Current utilization of social networks
The use of social media in the agriculture sector and expansion has gained momentum in recent times, with only popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and different mobile apps like Indian satellite weather app, Agri app, Plantix app etc. being used for agriculture and extension related works. WhatsApp is another major platform used by extension professionals to communicate with peer or client farmers but as communication (individual and group) is personal, more information is available about groups other than being referred to by media is not. Here are some of the most popular social media apps used by farmers and agricultural businesses are listed below:

1. Facebook
Farmers join groups and pages related to agriculture to exchange knowledge and market their produce.
Facebook Marketplace allows direct selling of farm products.

2. YouTube
Used for tutorials on farming techniques, machinery usage, and troubleshooting agricultural issues.
Many agronomists and experts share valuable content through educational channels.

3. WhatsApp
Farmers create groups to share real-time updates, market prices, and weather alerts.
WhatsApp Business helps farmers communicate with buyers and suppliers easily.

4. Instagram
Ideal for visual story telling farmers showcase their produce, farm life, and agribusinesses.
Influencers in agriculture share tips and market products to a larger audience.

5. Twitter
Farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers share quick updates on farming trends, policies, and market prices.
Hashtags like #AgTech and #FarmersMarket help in networking and finding relevant content.

6. LinkedIn
Used for professional networking in agribusiness, connecting with agricultural scientists, and discussing industry trends.
Farmers can seek investment opportunities and partnerships.

7. Telegram
Farmers join specialized channels for weather updates, government schemes, and agricultural discussions.
Useful for bulk messaging and sharing large files like reports and manuals.

8. TikTok
Many farmers use TikTok to share short, engaging videos about farming techniques, rural life, and agribusiness.
It helps in educating and entertaining a younger audience about agriculture.

9. Pinterest
Farmers and agripreneurs use it for ideas on farm layouts, gardening tips, and organic farming methods.
Helpful for promoting agricultural products visually.

10. Reddit
Subreddits like r/farming and r/agriculture provide a space for farmers to ask questions, share experiences, and get advice from the global farming community.

11. Mobile Apps
  • Indian Satellite Weather- It utilize satellite imagery to display real-time weather conditions and forecasts, often incorporating data from the Indian Meteorological Department and other sources. This apps present weather information through dynamic, image based maps, allows users to quickly visualize cloud formations and other atmospheric phenomena aiding in weather prediction.
  • Kisan App- It is developed to help farmers by providing relevant information to them quickly. They can get the information on weather of current day or next 5 days, dealers, market prices, agro advisories, IPM Practices. They can explore Agri products, watch demonstrations, attend live sessions, view special offers and connects with company and organizer etc.
  • Agri App- It is a mobile applications designed to help farmers by providing information, connecting them with experts, offering a range of services to improve their farming practices. Its aim is to bridge the information gap between farmers and scientific advancements in agriculture. It offers high -grade fertilizers and pesticides at the best prices.
  • Plantix app- Plantix is a free mobile app that uses AI and image recognition to help farmers identify plant diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. By taking a picture of a plant, users can receive a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. It also offers advice on conventional and biological control options, as well as preventive measures.

Challenges faced by Farmers:
Farmers may face several challenges while using social media. Some of these challenges include:

1. Lack of handling Knowledge

2. Adoption of social media as a tool of agricultural marketing.

3. There is limited access to social media because of data, networks in rural areas.

4. There is a need for training and education about the use of social media in Agriculture.

5. People are less trusted one-buying and e-selling of agricultural commodities on social media.

6. Cost of technology used in agricultural marketing is more.

7. Managing social media accounts alongside farm operations.

8. All the activities are restricted by time, technology, networks etc.

Fig- Visit to farmers vegetables growing area and delivering information about how they can use different social media, mobile apps(eg- Plantix app) in agricultural field.

How to download the app?
To download these apps, farmers can search for the respective app names on their smartphones google play store or they can app store and install them.