Context: Providing farmers with access to relevant and timely information is crucial for improving agricultural productivity, sustainability and overall well-being. Understanding the specific information needs of individual farmers and farming communities allows extension workers to tailor their advice and support. The needs of the farmers are changing with the time as they are influenced by various factors namely technological advancements, climate change, market dynamics and sustainability concerns. Objective: The study aimed to navigate the potential information gaps by comparing the areas in which the contemporary extensionists are disseminating the information with the areas in which the farmers wants the information. Method: A study was conducted during 2022-23 in Bapatla District, Andhra Pradesh using ex-post facto research design. A sample of 150 farmers were selected from the five villages in the district. The profile characteristics namely age, education, land holding, information sources, access to technology, mode of agricultural information receiving preference was studied. The difference between the information received by the farmers and the actual information needed by the farmer was calculated to know the information gap. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedule. Results & Discussion: The results of the study indicated significant information gaps in the aspects of information on availability and pricing of inputs at various locations (90.00%), market opportunities and potential markets (88.67%), guidance regarding suitable crop varieties (58.00%), timely and accurate weather forecasts, including extreme weather alerts (48.00%), modern farming technologies like drones & automated machinery (49.33%), changing agricultural policies & subsidies (53.33%), etc. Farmers information requirements should be the cornerstone for delivering pertinent information. Closing these information gaps may involve targeted efforts such as improved communication channels, educational programs, technological advancements and policy interventions to bridge the divide between desired and received information in these areas. Significance: The study highlights the potential to leverage multimedia tools, specifically smart phones, to deliver precise information to individual farmers at the right moment.

Keyword: Information needs; Bridging information gaps; Weather forecasts; Diversifying income sources; Disaster preparedness.