The creative use of information and communication technology (ICT) to educate rural farmers in India is key to building capacity. Principal scientist from the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Sandhya Shenoy was in Ames to share her Indian experience in the use of ICT for agricultural development. NAARM was established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at Hyderabad, in 1976 to fulfill the need for an institution of management in agricultural research, education, extension, and agri-business.

In an Adobe Connect session, Shenoy spoke about the advantages of using ICT and participatory methods employed in an integrated model to an audience on campus, and this was broadcast live to Extension staff and faculty. The strategy involves moving away from the "present top down approach towards identification of the ICT needs of farmers" to a bottom-up approach that is built on a "thorough assessment of the needs and the aspirations of the stakeholders" (the rural farmers).  Her engaging presentation also focused on women and children who are integral in the transfer of agricultural technology to the farming community as well as the use of text messaging on cell phones to disseminate information to illiterate farmers.

John Lawrence, Associate Dean of the Extension and Outreach programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Program Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Extension welcomed Shenoy and joined Extension field staff in an engaging discussion meeting to explore possible collaborative opportunities. Shenoy also expressed a similar desire to work on “collaborative areas and projects which would pave the way for further strengthening” the relationship between both institutions.