Performance Effectiveness Index of Technology Dissemination System of State Departments of Agriculture in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Technology dissemination to the farming community and evaluation of adopted technologies among the farming community are the ultimate goals of Agriculture Departments working at the state level. Considering the utmost importance of the State Departments of Agriculture (SDA) in terms of technology dissemination, a research was carried out to develop the Performance Effectiveness Index (PEI) of the State Departments of Agriculture (SDA) with respect to technology dissemination system in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.With this objective, a survey was conducted among extension personnel from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh with a total of 200 respondents, comprising 100 respondents from each of the states Kerala and Andhra Pradesh to rate the statements about Performance Effectiveness Index (PEI) of technology dissemination system. The data collected through a structured questionnaire were analysed using the framework devised to measure the Performance Effectiveness Index (PEI) of technology dissemination system. The framework comprises the three indices namely: Human Performance Effectiveness Index (HPEI), Technology Dissemination System Effectiveness Index (TDSEI) and Organisational Effectiveness Index (OEI). The study also depicted the comparative analysis of Performance Effectiveness Index (PEI) among Kerala and Andhra Pradesh states using parametric standard normal deviate test. Results revealed that, nearly half (45%) of the Kerala respondents and more than half (52%) of the Andhra Pradesh respondents perceived that the Performance Effectiveness Index (PEI) of SDA was medium and comparative analysis of PEI among the states showed that, there was significant difference between Kerala and Andhra Pradesh states with respect to technology dissemination systems of SDA. In order to improve the PEI of technology dissemination systems of SDA, the SDA should act on effective management strategies to enhance the individual competencies and refine the technology dissemination methods with the best possible organisational support at the farmer level. The study also suggested that, regular capacity building programmes and timely performance assessment with appropriate tools could upgrade the performance of extension personnel in developing farming communities through best suitable extension services.