The Effects of Agricultural Monitoring and Information System on Producers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Agricultural Monitoring Information System (TARBIL) on producers and their opinions about TARBIL. Questionnaires were administered to 105 farmers in 19 Mayıs district of Samsun province about their internet usage habits, access to information and evaluation of Agricultural Monitoring Information System. The effectiveness of information management systems in agriculture was tried to be determined by identifying farmers' opinions about TARBIL, a producer-based analysis was made. In general, it was observed that farmers have an awareness towards TARBIL system. However, it was concluded that farmers face some obstacles in using the system and therefore the need for training is evident. Although farmers' attitudes towards the use of technology are generally positive, it was also determined that there is a need for more ease of access and training support for the effective use of applications. Study results revealed that the views that the internet can influence farmers’ production decisions received lower scores and farmers’ lack of equipment and competence in computer and internet use showing that farmers have difficulties both in entering data into the system accurately and regularly and in accessing technology. TARBIL is considered to be very important for food safety, environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural production. From this point of view, the importance of making new regulations and further development of the system for the effective and efficient use of TARBIL system is once again understood.