Digital agriculture mission: unlocking opportunities and overcoming challenges for farmers using smartphones

Purpose Agriculture is shifting with innovation and technology to develop farmers’ livelihoods. Smartphones are promising to change the lifestyles of future agriculture and farmers. The association between farmers, agro-communities, agro-scientists and government institutions comes together with digital information and the adoption of smartphones. In this way, the digital agricultural mission vision will be an outstanding achievement for the central government. Design/methodology/approach This study used a mixed-methods approach comprising quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews applied in the study, revealing factors such as knowledge transfer, agricultural extension, digital divide, digital marginalization, rural digital access, educational digital gap, socio-economic access and disparity, mobile device penetration, digital literacy programs, affordable Internet access, public–private digital partnerships and technology adoption. Findings Smartphones can transform Indian agriculture, but affordability, digital literacy, connectivity and language barriers to access remain barriers to adoption and utilization. The government should support farmers through subsidized smartphones with data plans, rural connectivity and education on digital skills and resources. Increasing the agricultural information available in local languages will help to reduce some of the barriers to access, particularly for older farmers and farmers who may have more limited education. Digital tools and incentives, such as social media or applications, could increase youth engagement and interest in progressive farming. Closing the youth technology and non-smartphone user gap will depend on localized training and low-cost plans and programs. Nevertheless, a true game-changer will be a holistic approach to agricultural transformation, which incorporates education, technology and funding. Research limitations/implications The qualitative analysis from in-depth interviews established these quantitative understandings related to the adoption of smartphones among the farmers for agricultural innovations. In the course of interviews, the participants from varied backgrounds emphasized the factors such as knowledge transfer, agricultural extension, digital divide, digital marginalization, rural digital access, educational digital gap, socio-economic access and disparity, mobile device penetration, digital literacy programs, affordable internet access, public–private digital partnerships and technology adoption. All these perspectives are pitched for inclusive technologies for the attainment of farmers’ empowerment. Practical implications This study used surveys and interviews to provide a stronger and richer understanding of farmer behaviours and technology uptake, as well as system-level barriers. Survey methods provided the basis for quantitative data so researchers can examine patterns in, for example, smartphone ownership, app usage or access to digital services across a wider sample of farmers. Mixed-methods research facilitated the researchers gaining context on the reasons behind those patterns using interviews, such as trust in technology, cultural practices, digital literacy or access to a local innovation ecosystem. Social implications Smartphone adoption among Indian farmers has profound social implications. It empowers rural communities through access to timely agricultural information, reduces generational and regional gaps in digital usage and fosters peer-to-peer learning via social media. With affordable access, even marginalized groups gain digital inclusion, enhancing equity. These devices also facilitate economic mobility by connecting farmers directly to markets and financial services. However, challenges such as misinformation and digital literacy persist. Overall, smartphones are reshaping rural identities, transforming traditional farming into a more connected, informed and resilient livelihood. Originality/value This study extends the diffusion of innovation theory by contributing to a deeper understanding of the socio-technical dynamics influencing digital transformation in agriculture. Its application in study provides newer insight into the stages of adoption – knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation and confirmation. This study highlights the practical implications, indicating the role of village headmen, extension communication officers, subsidies for farmers to procure smartphones and conducting digital media campaigns, which have sought an overhaul in the public policy. This study also focuses on innovative digitalized agriculture, which has the potential to significantly advance the sustainable development goals by enhancing productivity, reducing environmental impact and promoting inclusive growth.