Funding sources and financial constraints of scientists and extensionists for research and extension activities in Veterinary and Animal Science Universities

Abstract

The present study has made an attempt to identify the funding sources for universities to conduct research and extension activities, satisfaction level towards the receipt of these funds and has also highlighted different financial constraints in carrying out research and extension activities in four universities of North India. The study concluded that university or institute fund was the major funding source followed by funding bodies like ICAR, DST, DBT etc. for research and extension activities in the universities. Further, the scientists and extensionists were satisfied with the university and central government funds, while they were partly satisfied with the funding support from patent and copyrights, loans and credits and non-competitive grants for conducting research and extension activities in the universities. The study also revealed that, lack of public private partnership and irregular/untimely budget receipt were the major constraints, followed by paucity of budget and lack of incentives for the research and extension activities. Hence, there is an urgent need to reorient the research and extension system, so that funds can be procured and utilized effectively for the benefit of farming community in livestock sector. Further, to strengthen research and extension of livestock technologies, there is a need to find suitable solutions for the constraints faced by the professionals and simplify the procedure so that they can opt for need based appropriate research and extension activities.