IOT-Based Farming Solutions for Small Farmers in Akola District: A Marketing Strategy for Improved Productivity and Market Access

Abstract Farming is a really big deal for India's economy and way of life, especially in rural areas where lots of small farmers rely on it to earn money. In areas like Akola, these farmers face ongoing issues like crazy weather, expensive supplies, not using resources wisely, and not having the right info about the market when they need it. Because of these problems, traditional farming can be risky and not very profitable. That's where smart farming tech, powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), comes in handy. It supports farming through science by providing up-to-date info, better tracking, and smarter decision-making. This study looks at how small farmers in Akola are using IoT-based smart farming tech. It checks out how much they know about it, what difficulties they experience when trying to use it, what impact it has on their farm's output, and how marketing affects their choice to use the tech. For this research, the team gathered numbers from 34 small farmers using surveys and conversations. They analyzed the info using statistical tools to get a clearer understanding. The study shows that if used correctly, IoT farming tools can boost crop yields, improve water use, and save expenses. But many folks lack knowledge about it, struggle with computers, can't afford it, and the current promotions aren't great at spreading the word, which stops it from being widely adopted. The study gives useful suggestions for Agri-tech companies, government officials, and farm extension services to make programs that help farmers and encourage long-lasting smart farming methods. Keywords: Smart Farming, Small and Marginal Farmers, Internet of Things (IoT) in Agriculture, Farmer Awareness and Perception.