TRAINING NEED ASSESSMENT OF AGRI-INPUT DEALERS

Abstract

In India, research and extension are two crucial components of agricultural growth. To achieve continuous expansion in agriculture, an effective extension system can quickly disseminate farm technology throughout farming communities. Agricultural input dealers play a significant role in the production and sale of agricultural products in addition to the extension services provided to farmers by the state Department of Agriculture and other organizations. Due to their easy accessibility in rural regions, they build a solid connection and help to enhance the agricultural extension system by offering the farming community useful services in a way that disseminates technology. Therefore, it is crucial that they take refresher training courses to provide themselves with the most recent agricultural expertise and information. Hence keeping this in mind, the present investigation was conducted in Jorhat, Golaghat, Morigaon and Udalguri districts of Assam during 2021-22 to ascertain training needs of agro-input dealers. A total 120 numbers of Agri-input dealers were selected as respondents by proportionate allocation method from each of the four districts. Data were collected by using pretested structured interview schedule. The needs assessment were done in the training areas viz., manures and fertilizers , pesticides, seeds, farm machineries, computer application and record keeping with three point continuum of 'much needed', 'needed' and 'not needed' having the value of 3,2 and 1 respectively. The data were analyzed with the help of proper statistical techniques and it was revealed that 96.66 percent of the respondents require training on integrated nutrient management practices, 70 percent have much need for pest protection of stored seeds, training on certification techniques of seeds (76.66 %), latest farm implements and machinery (78.06 %) and 75.97 percent have much need for training on record keeping software. A few characteristics of the dealers like age, experience in dealership, input supply and annual income have significantly negative relationship with their training needs.