Agriculture has long been the backbone of South Asian economies, providing employment and sustenance to a significant portion of the population. However, recent decades have seen a gradual but unmistakable shift from agrarian economies to those driven by industry and services. This transition, while indicative of economic progress, presents challenges and opportunities—particularly in the agricultural sector. Mobile technology has emerged as a transformative tool, helping to navigate these challenges and seize new opportunities.
One of the most telling indicators of this economic transition is the reduction in the percentage of the workforce employed in agriculture. Countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal have seen the most significant declines, with workers moving to industrial and service sectors. This shift highlights the need for modernization in agricultural practices and underscores the importance of mobile technology in facilitating this transition.