Abstract:
At present, online extension service is one of modern extension methods following in many agricultural countries
with significant levels computer literacy rates, for the development of Agriculture sector. However, since the
computer literacy rate of Sri Lanka is relatively low it is important to evaluate the feasibility of application of
online extension service thoroughly before implementing such a service. Therefore, this research is carried out
with the objective of identifying the availability of facilities and ability farmers to use internet, and to find out
Preference of farmers regarding online Agriculture extension service. Sabaragamuwa province was selected as
the research area. Out of total farmer population, a sample of 140 farmers was randomly selected for the study
based on available time and the budget. According to the results, most of the respondents (farmers) are male
farmers belongs to the middle age category and having significant level of education. Most (55.7%) of them are
fulltime farmer, growing several types of crops and getting average level of monthly income (LKR 10 000 – 20
000). Furthermore, there are no significant association with age, gender, educational level and income of the
farmers with availability of internet facilities. However, there are associations between age and educational level
of them with the ability to use internet facility. Therefore, even though majority of farmers’ possess internet
facilities, only a very small proportion of them have even general knowledge to use internet facility. It is matching
with the present statistics related to IT in the country. While all island IT literacy rate in Sri Lanka is 26.8%, it is
lower in rural areas (Department of Census and Statistics, 2015). Out of internet using famers, only a tiny
portion(4%) use internet for agriculture purposes and rest use it for entertainment and or as social networks.
