Main Article Content
Abstract
The integration of modern technology into rural agricultural marketing has significantly transformed the efficiency, transparency, and profitability of farming communities. This study examines the adoption and impact of digital tools—including mobile-based applications, e-NAM, ICT platforms, digital payment systems, and precision-farming technologies—on agricultural marketing practices in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, one of India’s leading agrarian regions. Drawing on field observations, secondary data, and farmer interviews, the paper highlights how digital platforms have streamlined market information dissemination, reduced the role of intermediaries, enhanced price realization for farmers, and improved access to wider markets. At the same time, it identifies persistent challenges such as digital literacy gaps, inadequate internet connectivity, and financial constraints that limit full-scale adoption. The study argues that targeted policies, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure development are crucial to maximizing the benefits of modern technology in rural agricultural marketing. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how technological interventions can advance sustainable agricultural development and strengthen rural economies in the Nashik District.