Abstract:

Odisha’s agrarian economy depends heavily on rice production, which plays a central role in determining farm incomes and sustaining rural livelihoods. Although information and communication technologies are increasingly used to strengthen agricultural extension services in the state, women farmers remain underserved by digital advisory systems despite their substantial contribution to rice cultivation. This study examined the impact of a site-specific nutrient management approach delivered through the Rice Crop Manager (RCM), a digital decision support tool, on rice productivity among women farmers in rural Odisha. The study involved two groups, namely a treatment group (RCM) and a control group, each consisting of fifty farmers. The findings revealed that women farmers in the treatment group who received Rice Crop Manager advisories achieved higher yields (compared to those in the control group who followed conventional nutrient management practices. Higher levels of participation and adoption were observed among younger and educated women farmers, indicating persistent gaps in digital access and literacy. The results highlight the importance of gender responsive digital agriculture policies that emphasise improved access to smartphones, targeted capacity building, and advisory services tailored to the needs of women farmers. Expanding such inclusive digital interventions through public extension systems has the potential to enhance productivity, improve input use efficiency, and promote more equitable agricultural growth in Odisha.