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{ s a n j a y d e s h p a n d e g i t @ g m a i l. c o m 1 , m m m u n s h i @ r e d i f f m a i l. c o m 2 }

The role of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) is yet to be fully realized to receive its full potential benefits in agricultural information dissemination services. The present study is undertaken to enhance agricultural knowledge and minimize the information gaps between farmers’ needs and new technologies. It reviews recent ICT initiatives in agriculture and farmers access to agricultural information services in Bangladesh. The role of ICT on farmers enhanced agricultural production is also discussed in the paper. The current research proves that agriculture information is not only for libraries, research stations, and national and international agricultural database. Agriculture information services are to be provided by the Government, NGO, private organizations, agricultural research organizations, and advisory centers. The data were collected from questionnaire and interviews and they were coded, decoded, and interpreted in descriptive statistics through tables, graphs, and chart. The findings were arranged in separate sections with respective manners. This study contributes to the field of agricultural information dissemination systems of Bangladesh. It significantly elicits strong relationship between the use of ICT and farmers’ enhanced production led income. It was concluded with recommendations for the information providers, researchers, policy makers, and stakeholders for making extension services more effective. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 249-258 (2021)

Retail customers often wait to complete their purchases during the checkout process. Prior research suggests that long checkout lines and service delays negatively affect customers’ evaluation of store services. The present study investigates the potential customer and in-store distractions and their implication for emotional discomfort due to crowding stress. This study employed a cross-sectional research design and surveyed 385 respondents visiting the target retail outlets in Bengaluru, India. Correlation analysis explored the relationship between self-distraction, in-store distractions, and emotional discomfort. The study found that self-distraction negatively correlates with discomfort while in the queue (r = –0.119) and discomfort during the billing (r = –0.119). In contrast, in-store distractions (r = –0.161) and video displays near the checkout area (r = 0.116) effectively reduce emotional discomfort while in the queue. Additionally, point-of-purchase (POP) display (r = –0.265) and availability of refreshments near the billing counter (r = –0.175) are effective in reducing emotional discomfort during the billing. This study thus offers viable and affordable methods of improving the customer’s waiting experience while contributing to store profits.

International capital flows have a significant role for growth and development of recipient countries by providing necessary capital, resources and technology. One aspect of such international investment is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which has become an important source of external finance since they are considered as more stable and prominent source of capital inflows. The present study has been conducted to evaluate long-run and short-run impact of FDI on economic growth of India. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been considered as indicator of economic growth for this study. The empirical analysis has been conducted using Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach (ARDL) of Cointegration. The period of study was 1991-92 to 2018-19. The findings of the study indicate presence of long-run relationship between FDI and economic growth of India. The study concludes that Foreign Direct Investment helps to enhance economic growth of India.