'Information technology plays a very significant role in achieving sustainable development and food security' - comment.

Question

Accepted Answer

Information technology (IT) plays a very significant role in achieving sustainable development and food security in India.

**Role in food security:** With the use of appropriate information and software tools, the government can predict areas of food insecurity and vulnerability, so that timely action can be taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of an emergency.

**Role in agriculture:** IT has a positive impact on the agriculture sector, as it can disseminate information regarding emerging technologies and their applications, prices, weather and soil conditions for growing different crops. This helps farmers plan their crops and minimises their uncertainty.

**Role in employment generation:** IT has the potential of employment generation in rural areas. The initiative of the private sector along with support from the government has made it possible to develop this sector as a sustainable livelihood option.

**IT as an enabler:** Though IT is, by itself, no catalyst of change, it can act as a tool for releasing the creative potential and knowledge embedded in society.

Thus, IT plays a vital role in assuring food security and sustainable development in India.