Chapter-02: Digital Divide and Structural Inequalities in Agriculture

This chapter examines the relationship between digital transformation and structural inequalities in agriculture, with reference to India. It argues that although digital technologies such as mobile advisory services, digital finance, online marketing platforms, and precision farming offer significant opportunities for improving productivity, market access, and financial inclusion, their benefits remain unevenly distributed. Using secondary data from national and international sources, the study analyzes disparities in digital access, literacy, technology adoption, and digital outcomes across regions, genders, and farm-size categories. The findings reveal that large and better-connected farmers benefit more from digital agriculture, while smallholders, women farmers, and marginalized rural communities continue to face barriers related to affordability, infrastructure, digital literacy, and institutional support. The chapter further shows that the digital divide not only reflects existing socio-economic inequalities but may also deepen them through unequal access to information, markets, and digital resources. The study concludes that inclusive policies, digital literacy, localized services, and stronger institutional support are essential for ensuring equitable and sustainable agricultural development.