E-mail (Electronic Mail)

Concept

• E-mail is the electronic transmission of messages through the internet.
• It allows sending text, images, audio, video, and documents instantly at very low cost.
• First introduced in 1971 (Ray Tomlinson sent the first e-mail).

Features of E-mail

• Fast communication (instant delivery).
• Low cost compared to postal mail.
• Multimedia support – can send attachments (reports, images, audio, video).
• Accessibility – can be accessed anytime via computer or mobile.
• Two-way communication – reply, forward, CC, BCC.

Role of E-mail in Agriculture and Rural Development

Agricultural Extension & Research; Quick sharing of research findings, circulars, and advisories. Universities and ICAR institutes use emails for communicating with scientists, extension workers, and farmers’ organizations.

Farmer Communication; Farmers’ groups and NGOs use email for market updates, weather forecasts, and government scheme details.

E-Governance in Agriculture; Used for dissemination of official notices, subsidy details, and scheme guidelines (e.g., PM-KISAN, crop insurance).

Education & Training; Teachers/researchers share lecture notes, PPTs, training materials via email. Online platforms (MOOCs, webinars) use email as a primary notification tool.

Linkage & Networking; Helps farmers connect with experts, markets, agribusiness firms, and policymakers globally.

How to Create an Email Account

1. Choose an Email Service Provider

Most common (free):

• Gmail (by Google) – mail.google.com
• Yahoo Mail – mail.yahoo.com
• Outlook/Hotmail (by Microsoft) – outlook.com

Best choice: Gmail (widely used, easy for agriculture ICT tools, apps, etc.)

2. Steps for Creating Gmail Account (example)

1. Go to www.gmail.com → click Create account.
2. Choose: For myself (personal use) OR For business.
3. Fill details:
   • First Name, Last Name
   • Desired Username (e.g., ayushi.verma123@gmail.com)
   • Password (strong, min. 8 characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols).
4. Click Next.
5. Enter Phone Number (for verification).
   • You’ll get an OTP (One Time Password) on SMS → enter it.
6. Provide Recovery Email (optional) (helpful if you forget password).
7. Fill in Date of Birth & Gender.
8. Click Next → Accept Google’s Privacy & Terms.

Now your email account is ready!

1. How to Send an Email
2. Log in at mail.google.com.
3. Click Compose (usually at top-left).
4. Fill in details:
   • To: Recipient’s email address (e.g., icarkvk@gmail.com).
   • Subject: Short title (e.g., Request for Agricultural Training Details).
   • Body: Write your message.
   • Attachment (optional): Click 📎 icon → add files (PDF, image, Word file).
5. Click Send.