Digital Transformation in Indian Agriculture: A Conceptual Framework for Bridging the Rural Digital Divide and Advancing Inclusive Development Dr. Snehal K. Tare Associate Professor, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Centre for Distance and Online Education, Pune Abstract India is the agri-based economy. It engages the highest population in the sector. The rural economy is backed by agriculture and allied sectors. Agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of the Indian economy, employing a significant proportion of the population and contributing to national food security and rural livelihoods. India has made notable progress in advancing its digital ecosystem through initiatives like Digital India, which aims to improve digital infrastructure, enhance digital literacy, and promote the delivery of services through digital platforms. A significant digital divide persists between urban and rural areas, particularly in terms of internet connectivity, affordability of digital devices, digital literacy, and awareness of technological tools. This paper develops a comprehensive conceptual framework that positions digital transformation as a multidimensional process encompassing digital infrastructure readiness, human capital and digital capability development, technological integration and enabling institutional and policy ecosystems. The study highlights the interdependence between technological innovation and socio-institutional preparedness, emphasizing that sustainable outcomes depend on synchronized investments in infrastructure, skills, governance, and localized implementation strategies. It offers the valuable insights for the policymakers, agribusiness stakeholders, and development agencies a roadmap for designing inclusive digital agriculture interventions. Keywords: Digital transformation, Indian agriculture, Rural digital divide, Inclusive development
Dr. Snehal Tare (2026) studied this question.