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Digital Extension: The Growing Role of Mobile Phones in Rural Education

Over the last few years mobile phones have transitioned from mere communication devices to potent drivers of education and empowerment in rural India. In agricultural extension services mobile phones play an important role in providing real-time access to critical information like weather conditions, pest management methods, market prices, and expert guidance. With India having more than 1.2 billion mobile connections and the rural areas accounting for more than half of it, mobile based learning solutions have become more feasible backed by initiatives like Digital India and BharatNet. Mobile technologies reduce the geographical and budgetary constraints of conventional extension services by delivering location-based content in local languages through SMS, voice calls, applications, etc. Platforms like Kisan Suvidha and eNAM offer farmers with real-time information and enhanced market access while platforms like IFFCO Kisan and UMANG facilitate expert guidance, financial literacy, and access to government schemes. Mitigating the drawbacks such as digital illiteracy, gender disparity, connectivity, and the absence of localized content through targeted policy measures, investments in digital infrastructure, and inclusive education mechanisms is the need of the hour.