Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2021)

Abstract
Nowadays use of ICT tools especially mobile phones are gaining importance among farmers. The emergence of various developments in mobile applications has allowed the farmers to work in a more efficient manner. Even though the very basic purpose of mobile phones is to communicate with family and friends, nowadays it is also used by farmers for availing agriculture and banking services. It enables farmers to access information from a host of information providers such as scientists, input dealers, government, agriculture extension officers, market commission agents/ traders, banks and so on. The present paper attempts to examine the constraints faced by farmers in availing agricultural and banking services through mobile phone in four selected panchayats namely Adat, Tholur, Kaiparambu and Avanoor of Puzhakkal block of Thrissur district. The study is entirely based on primary data collected through pre-structured interview schedule. Simple percentages and Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance are used for data analysis. Constraints faced by farmers in availing agricultural and banking services is analysed separately. The study found that in case of availing agriculture related services, lack of training in using various apps related to agriculture through mobile phone is the major constraint faced by majority of the farmers and in case of banking services fear of security issues while using mobile banking services is stated as the major constraint. Government and other stakeholders need to work together to build awareness regarding various agricultural and banking services available through mobile phone and also provide them with practical trainings on how to use mobile phone for availing these services. In addition to this, for enhancing trust in mobile banking services, stakeholders need to make sure that farmers are aware of and protected as much as possible against cyber security vulnerabilities and threats.