Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are facilitating faster sharing of information and innovations and acting as a key agent for changing agrarian situation and farmers’ lives by improving access to information and sharing knowledge. Pioneering ICT experiments in India show that the rural livelihoods are greatly enhanced by access to information on improved agricultural practices, pest and diseases control, market and weather. National efforts are underway to reduce urban and rural digital divide. Nearly for the last two decades, ICT practitioners are experimenting variety of innovative ICT initiatives for the agricultural and rural development in India.
In this connection, as an integral part of the on going research project on “Model e-Villages in North- East India”, a national seminar is being organised with the objective of bringing together successful ICT initiatives in agriculture and rural development, involving public, private, NGOs and individuals in this field, with special focus on;
1. Village Knowledge Centres (VKC)/ Common Service Centres (CSC)/ Information Kiosks/ Touch Screen kiosk
2. Web Portals/ Digital Data Base/ Digital Networks
3. Web Based Discussion Forums/ Video-Conference/ Net Meeting/ e-Learning/ Open Distance Learning (ODL)
4. Offline Multimedia CDs/ Decision Support Systems/ Expert Systems
5. Telephone/ Mobile Telephony/ Kissan Call Centres (KCCs)
6. Community Radio/ Innovative TV & Radio programmes, etc.
And its related issues such as; infrastructure, connectivity, content, capacity building, community participation, management, partnership models, best practices, innovations, co-ordination, policy support, scaling-up, financial and system sustainability, adoption level, impact, stakeholders feedback, policy implications and recommendations need to be deliberated. It is also proposed to have a special session on ICT initiatives for the agricultural and rural development in North-East India.
Call for papers
Call for papers
Papers should be based on research, practical experience and also based on extensive review of literature. Further, articles analysing the critical issues with the empirical evidence and case studies related to the ICT initiatives in agriculture and rural development will be given priority.
Abstract
Abstract
The abstract of about 500 words typed in Times New Roman font style and 10 point size in 1.5 line spacing with short and most appropriate title followed by the names of the authors with their designations, institutional affiliation and complete address including email ID need to be submitted to the seminar Organising Secretary by e-mail. The abstract should catch the essence of the full length article.
Full length paper
Full length paper
Format and general guidelines for the preparation of full length paper will be sent to those participants whose abstracts are accepted. It is proposed to publish a compendium of abstracts and proceedings in the form of book with full length papers.
Participants
Participants
Participation is open to the scientists, researchers, extension professionals and developmental specialists, practitioners, students and others working in the field of ICT initiatives for agriculture and rural development.
Important dates of the Seminar
Abstract submission:………………… June 01, 2009
Notification of acceptance:…………..June 15, 2009
Full length paper submission:…….. July 15, 2009
Seminar: ………………………………...September 9 -11, 2009
Registration Fee
Delegates: Rs. 1000/-
Accompanying member: Rs. 500/-
Students: Free
The delegates have to pay the registration fee in advance through SBI core banking to the AC No. 30208758137 and favouring “Dean, CHF” under intimation to the Organising Secretary.
Financial support for students
Financial support for students
Students those who are submitting full length high quality original research papers/ case studies related to the seminar themes will be paid single Sleeper Class return train fare for the shortest route. Further, accommodation and registration will be provided at free of cost.
Seminar venue
Seminar venue
The seminar will be held in the Central Agricultural University (CAU), College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat -791102, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. The College was established by the Central Agricultural University in 2001 and the auditorium and conference hall of the College are equipped with all multimedia presentation facilities.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodation for the delegates of the seminar will be arranged in the Transit Hostel of the College and request for the accommodation must be communicated to the seminar organising secretary (by e-mail/ Fax, if abstracts are already accepted) well in advance to arrange for the same on “first-come first serve” basis. Accommodation also arranged in Hotels on payment basis.
About Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh
About Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh
Pasighat is one of the oldest townships of Arunachal Pradesh, situated on the river banks of mighty Siang. It is also the district headquarters of East Siang District. Land in its own virgin form with breath taking scenic beauty, blue hills, natural valley, numerous rivers and rivulets, greenpaddy fields and golden khasi mandarin orchards add natural beauty to Pasighat. It is main homeland for gentle and hospitable Adi tribal community.
Travel information
Travel information
Pasighat is connected by road (NH-52), air (only helicopter) and waterways (Brahmaputra). Visitors can reach Pasighat by bus (Blue hill, Network and Swapna), private vehicles or taxis from Guwahati, Assam (655 km). Alternatively, they can cross over river Brahmaputra from Dibrugarh (Assam) by ferry (6 – 8 hours travel) to reach Oriamghat that is situated at a distance of 32 km from Pasighat or Majalwarighat (3-4 hours travel by ferry) that is situated at a distance of 95 km from Pasighat and then take a bus or taxi. However, adequate transport arrangements for delegates will bemade after the crossing the river by ferry to reach CHF campus in Pasighat. The nearest airports are at Dibrugarh, North Lakhimpur, Tezpur and Guwahati. Helicopter services are also available weekly thrice (Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8.30 AM) from Dibrugarh. Ruksin check-gate is the point of entry for those coming by road from Guwahati and Kemi check gate for those coming by ferry from Dibrugarh.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Arunachal Pradesh being a protected area, visitors are required to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the state/ district administration or resident commissioner’s or state liaison offices of Arunachal Pradesh State located at the New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Jorhat.
Contact Address
Dr. R. Saravanan
Organising Secretary
Central Agricultural University (CAU)
College of Horticulture and Forestry
Pasighat – 791 102, East Siang District
Arunachal Pradesh
e-mail: saravananraj@hotmail.com
Mobile No.: 09436054939
Phone No. (O): 0368-2004647
(O): 0368-2224887
Fax No. (O): 0368-2225066
Fax No. (O): 0368-2225066
