Leveraging quick response (QR) Codes for horticultural information access: A stakeholder perspective

Authors

  • G A Atheequlla ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India Author
  • C Vasanthi ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India Author
  • C Mahadevaiah ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India Author
  • M V Dhananjaya ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India Author
  • H R Ramya ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24154/jhs.v19i1.2914

Keywords:

Information and communication technology, information dissemination, QR code, technology adoption

Abstract

In the context of horticulture’s crucial role in economic growth, nutritional security and employment, the sector faces challenges related to dissemination of credible scientific information, particularly in rural areas. The gap in information access leads farmers to rely on experiential knowledge and peer opinions. Leveraging information and communication technology (ICT), specifically quick response (QR) codes, presents an innovative solution to bridge this information gap. This paper investigates stakeholders’ awareness, utilization, size and display distance and constraints in utilizing QR codes for accessing horticultural information. The findings indicated that 93.33% of the respondents reported previous usage, highlighting the technology’s ubiquity and acceptance. Moreover, stakeholders expressed positive inclination towards QR code adoption for accessing horticultural information, with 53.33% expressing likelihood to embrace QR technology. Effect of QR code size on the display board and their display distance on the usability and adoption was also studied, which indicated, 71.22% accessed QR codes on large displays of size 8" x 11", while, 16.66% accessed them on small displays of size 4" x 5". However, despite the positive reception, several challenges impede QR code utilization. Poor internet network connectivity (mean score: 71.00) during National Horticultural Fair (NHF-2024) emerges as a significant barrier, alongside entrenched preferences for traditional methods (mean score: 69.00). By aligning QR code designs with stakeholders’ preferences and addressing constraints, horticultural stakeholders can leverage QR codes more effectively, fostering knowledge dissemination and driving horticultural development.

Author Biographies

  • G A Atheequlla, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India

    Scientist, Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560 089, India

  • C Vasanthi , ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India

    Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560 089, India

  • C Mahadevaiah, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India

    Division of Vegetable Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560 089, India

  • M V Dhananjaya, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India

    Division of Vegetable Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560 089, India

  • H R Ramya , ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560089, India

    Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru - 560 089, India

References

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Published

30-06-2024

Issue

Section

Original Research Papers

How to Cite

Atheequlla, G. A., Vasanthi , C., Mahadevaiah, C., Dhananjaya, M. V., & Ramya , H. R. (2024). Leveraging quick response (QR) Codes for horticultural information access: A stakeholder perspective. Journal of Horticultural Sciences, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.24154/jhs.v19i1.2914

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