The Feasibility of using E-crop selling by Sri Lankan farmers

Abstract

Sri Lanka is an agriculturally highly potential country. Country’s agricultural industry has an opportunity to gain a sustainable development parallel to rapid penetration of ICT in the Sri Lankan society. Particularly digital literacy with over 100% mobile subscriptions and over 20% Internet access Sri Lankan society is able to improve quality of living using e-solutions. This study focus explores the feasibility of introducing e-Crop Selling to the Sri Lankan farmer community. A questionnaire was instrumented capture three types of information about farmers. Firstly, demographic data such as age groups, gender, education level and income levels of farmers were collected. Secondly current selling practice such as farmer selling price, market prices and methods of selling were collected. Finally the familiarity of mobile phone usage and Internet access by farmers were collected. The descriptive and correlation analyses showed that the age groups has a moderate influence on e-Crop Selling readiness of farmers and gender has no influence. Further the results showed that 97% of youngest farmer group between 20-30yrs of age are already equipped with e-Crop Selling adoptability. Selling practice verifies that majority of farmers still sell crops to middle parties and that method is the least beneficial method for farmers. Finally the study concludes with possible e-Crop Selling ideas to facilitate farmers for direct selling customers via e-Crop Selling applications.