Extension Functionaries Research Articles

Developing a learners' attitude scale for the 'Diploma in Agri Inputs (DAI)' program in open and distance learning (ODL)

Attitude is a relatively enduring and general evaluation of an object, person, group, issue, or concept on a dimension ranging from negative to positive. It plays a vital role in the persuasion of one's behaviour concerning a particular psychological object. The present study aims to measure the attitude of learners towards the "Diploma in Agri Inputs (DAI)" programme offered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). To accomplish this, a standardized attitude scale was developed using Likert's summated raring approach, which followed the steps of item collection, relevancy test, item analysis, reliability test, and validity test. A total of 45 statements were collected, of which 25 were retained after editing. The statements were sent to Judges to judge its proper relevancy with a 5-point continuum. Finally, 14 statements were selected equal to or greater than the "t" value of 1.75. The reliability coefficient was found to be 0.82, which showed the scale's reliability. The developed attitude scale will be useful for researchers and extension functionaries in similar studies. Moreover, results revealed that most (70.86 percent) ODL learners had highly favourable attitudes towards the DAI programme. The reason might be the various attracting factors of the DAI programme, such as the teaching-learning process, Knowledge generation through Personal Contact Programme (PCP) classes, Affordable fees, Course duration, Practical exposure to diagnosing pests and diseases, Advanced study material, Student-centred learning, Success stories of agripreneurs and 'Fertilizer dealership license'.

Constraints faced and suggestions given for the improvement of women agriculture extension functionaries

Constraints faced and suggestions given for the improvement of women agriculture extension functionaries

An evaluation of challenges and solutions in dryland farming training programs: Insights from Extension Functionaries at CRIDA in Bhoothpur Block, Mahbubnagar District, Telangana

An evaluation of challenges and solutions in dryland farming training programs: Insights from Extension Functionaries at CRIDA in Bhoothpur Block, Mahbubnagar District, Telangana

IMPACT OF KRUSHI VIGYAN KENDRA ON KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF POTATO GROWERS ABOUT POTATO PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Agriculture is the most pivotal sector of Indian economy in the current phase of development. There is need for transfer of improved agricultural technology from research station to the farmer’s field. The ICAR mooted the idea of establishing KVK for imparting vocational training to the farmers and field level extension functionaries. The present study was conceived with measuring the impact of KVK in terms of knowledge of farmers about potato production technology in Deesa KVK of Banaskantha district of Gujarat State. For research study, from seven talukas of KVK, Banaskantha-I (Deesa) four taluka and total twelve villages from each selected talukas was purposively selected on the basis of maximum numbers of activities carried out by KVK, Deesa. From each selected villages 10 beneficiary and 10 non beneficiary potato growers were selected randomly. Thus, 120 beneficiary and 120 non beneficiary potato growers were selected for the study. Ex-post facto research design was used for this study. Results of the investigating showed that nearly three-fifths (57.50%) of the beneficiary farmers had medium level of knowledge followed by 25.00 per cent with high and 17.50 per cent with low level of knowledge about potato production technology. Whereas, half (50.00%) of the non beneficiary farmers had medium level of knowledge, whereas remaining 31.67 per cent and 18.33 per cent of non beneficiary farmers had low and high level of knowledge about potato production technology, respectively.

AWARENESS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG THE FARMER FRIENDS

Climate change is a burning issue in the global discussions on agriculture as it affects all other sectors of development. Agriculture system responds to changing climate through the process of adaptation. Awareness of farmers about the climate changes, its causes and consequences are the important aspect to deal with changing climatic conditions. Despite availability of adaptation measures like HYVs, mixed cropping, integrated farming, change in irrigation, crop insurance etc., farmers were not adapting them due to lack of knowledge and awareness about climate change. Among the different extension functionaries farmer friends are the key communicator for dissemination of agriculture technologies therefore awareness of them about the climate changes is very important. 300 farmer friends from Dahod District of Gujarat were selected randomly. Majority of the respondents were aware of the major indicators of climate change i.e. irregular rainfall and increase in temperature. In case of awareness about the causes of climate change it was deforestation, use of vehicles, while awareness about the major impact were found as human disease outbreak and livestock disease outbreak. Overall awareness about climate change high to very high. Majority of respondents had a very high level of risk perception in agriculture due to climate change.

Knowledge Assessment of Beneficiary Farmers of Technical Service Centres (TSCs) about Recommended Technologies of Sericulture in Karnataka State of India

Sericulture in Karnataka is in the process of modernization in many phases through new demand driven extension approach called Technical Service Centres (TSCs) located at the grass-root level (Hobli and Taluka level). These centres are mainly involved in the dissemination of the technologies developed by the Research Institutes and also in supply of mulberry cuttings/saplings, monitoring mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing and providing information about loan facilities and subsidy schemes. There is a need to study the attitude of sericulture beneficiary farmers towards activities of TSCs. The study was conducted during 2018-20 in the Karnataka state which contribute 35 per cent of silk production in India. An ex-post facto research design was used or the study. Knowledge test was constructed to measure the knowledge of sericulture farmers on recommended sericulture technologies. The Ramanagara and Mandya districts were selected because these district have highest number of TSCs in Bangalore and Mysore division respectively. Mandya, Malavalli and K.R Pet taluks from Mandya district as well as Ramanagara, Channapatna and Kanakapura taluks from Ramanagara district were selected for the study with four TSCs from each taluk. Totally, 24 TSCs were selected for the study. Ten sericulture farmers under each TSC, collectively 240, were selected by using random sampling method. The study highlighted that more than half (52.50%) and more than one third (36.25%) of the sericulture farmers had medium and high knowledge on recommended technologies of sericulture respectively. Only just more than one tenth (11.25%) of the sericulture farmers had low knowledge on recommended technologies of sericulture. The probable reason might be due to fact that sericulture farmers were regularly consulting from officials of grainage centres, TSC extension functionaries, input dealers and peer group about the information on latest sericulture technologies.

Exploring farmers’ communication pattern and satisfaction regarding the adoption of Agromet advisory services in semi-arid regions of southern India

Agriculture is significantly impacted by the variability in weather patterns, imposing substantial constraints on farmers’ ability to make informed tactical and strategic decisions regarding their crops. Seasonal climate projections have shown potential for informing agricultural decisions, but the actual adoption of climate information by farmers has been relatively slow and limited. The present study was conducted with the objective of investigating the characteristics of adopters, the communication network, and the level of farmer’s satisfaction concerning the adoption and continued use of Agromet Advisories Services (AAS). Two semi-arid districts, namely Kurnool and Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, were purposively selected, wherein 280 farmers constituted the sampling frame. In this study, social network analysis (SNA) was conducted to examine the peer-to-peer communication patterns, while importance-performance analysis (IPA) was employed to evaluate farmer’s satisfaction, contributing to the continued adoption of AAS. The findings revealed that with regard to personality and communication characteristics, farmers were in the low category for their ability to cope with uncertainties and risk and even for their information-seeking behavior. Furthermore, the results showed farmers to be highly satisfied with the overall adoption of AAS. However, the IPA matrix revealed that among the nine attributes, the credibility of the forecasts needed refinement to promote sustained adoption. Excessive emphasis was placed on attributes such as the frequency of forecasts, which could be channeled into other initiatives. Peer-to-peer communication emerged as a crucial strategy in the adoption of AAS. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and extension functionaries should make a concerted effort to enhance the continued adoption of AAS by involving local stakeholders in sharing and participating in climate information production, forming farmer’s groups, and focusing on farmers’ literacy toward AAS.

Farmer’s Awareness Regarding Climate Change and its Effect on Ground Water

The growing impacts of extreme weather events due to climatic variations have already been felt throughout the world. Be it incessant rains, floods, long droughts, extreme heat, wildfires, etc., the impacts are visible across the globe affecting the lives and professions in many ways. Agriculture is one of the severely hit areas due to climatic variations. In light of such events, it has become imperative to study the environmental awareness of the farmers and their agricultural practices. The present study was carried out in 2023 in randomly selected five villages namely from two randomly selected blocks of Ludhiana, Punjab. From each village a sample of 25 farmers was selected randomly comprising a total of 125 respondents. The data was collected through a survey using the questionnaire. Percentages and mean were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the respondents were aware of climate change and its repercussions but they were not always following water-saving practices in their fields. Suggested creation of awareness and educating farmers regarding various technologies to save groundwater. Extension functionaries should work to sensitize farmers to mitigate climate change.

Socio-Personal Characteristics of Field Extension Functionaries of Dairy Development Department

Socio-Personal Characteristics of Field Extension Functionaries of Dairy Development Department

Value Addition Training to Agricultural Extension Functionaries: A Pre and Post-Test Analysis

Value Addition Training to Agricultural Extension Functionaries: A Pre and Post-Test Analysis

Retention Index: A Measure to Quantify the Retention of Rural Youth in Agriculture

Retention of rural youth in agriculture in rural areas has become an inevitable phenomenon in our country. The rural youth population of India is slowly deserting their origin and swarming toward the urban areas. This has several implications for the future of Indian agriculture and India’s food security. Experts felt that there is a need to retain rural youths in agriculture because they can play a significant role in ensuring food security if they are encouraged to involve in agriculture farming. Having an insight into the rationale behind the retention of rural youth in agriculture is hence crucial. Bearing in mind this point of view, a study was conducted among 300 rural youths with an agricultural background. The retention of rural youth has been studied by developing a suitable measurement methodology that quantifies their retention in agriculture. The Retention Index was developed and the composite Retention Index worked out was 73.00. On the basis of the results of retention index these indicators are very important in the development of projects or programmes by policymakers, development agencies and extension functionaries should consider these indicators while preparing and planning programs or projects for the development of rural youth.

PERCEPTION OF THE EXTENSION FUNCTIONARIES TOWARDS TRAINING PROGRAMMES CONDUCTED BY SAMETI

The present study has been carried out to know the perception of participant extension functionaries towards the SAMETI (State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute) training programmes. A list of trainees was obtained from SKUAST-K and three departments (department of Agriculture and department of Horticulture and department of Animal Husbandry) have been purposively selected for the study because the extension functionaries from only these departments have undergone training programmes. An ex-post facto design was adopted for the study and 110 extension functionaries were selected by proportional allocation method. The findings of the study revealed that majority (55.9%) of trainees from agriculture department, 65.7 per cent from horticulture department and 56.1 per cent from animal husbandry department were moderately satisfied with the training programmes. Also, 30 statements were used to check the level of satisfaction of trainees in different areas of trainings (viz., nature of the training programme, management of training programmes, content of training programmes, medium of instruction and usefulness of training programme) and the ranks of the statements were found. We can conclude that training programmes organized by SAMETI-Kashmir were very effective and participants were satisfied with the training programme.

PERCEPTION OF COTTON GROWERS TOWARDS PESTICIDES USAGE

Cotton is one of the most important fibre crop of India and plays a dominant role in the industrial and agricultural economy of the county. Saurashtra is a predominant cotton growing region in the Gujarat state, where more per cent of cultivated area is under cotton cultivation. In cotton cultivation, pesticide use is an essential part of production technology and excessive and injudicious use of pesticides has led to development of resistance in sucking pest, decrease the efficiency of the pesticides which turn to lowering of profit per annum and also responsible for degradation of soil. Considering the above facts, it seems worthwhile to know the level of perception of farmers about the pesticides usage. The study was conducted in Saurashtra region with 144 cotton growers. The result of study revealed that less than two fifth (36.11 per cent) of cotton growers were from high level of perception about pesticides usage in cotton crop. The profile characteristics like education, health value, sustainability, environmental orientation risk orientation, economic motivation, innovativeness, farming experience, annual income, scientific orientation, mass media exposure and source of information were positively and significantly associated with perception of cotton growers about pesticides usage, while age is negative and significantly related with perception level of cotton growers about pesticides usage. to increase profit per annum and effective plant protection technology transfer, extension functionaries may suggested to select educated, young and more cotton growing experienced farmers for imparting training.

Effectiveness of mobile based SMS in transfer of agricultural technology

Effective communication strategy is need of the hour to enable research results to reach the farmers fields without much time lag. Hence, it is obvious to use modern ways of communication besides traditional methods of communication. KVK, Amadalavalasa has started sending mobile based SMS through WAY 2 SMS to the KVK registered farmers to transfer of agricultural technology since June 2010. Here study was conducted with the objective of studying the effectiveness of mobile based SMS in transfer of agricultural technology. Efforts should be made to disseminate complete and precise information on all aspects of crop and related information for harnessing the possibilities of utilizing the information, The mobile service authorities need to take extra care to streamline the system so as to prepare relevant content for maximum utility by the end users. Hence more concentration should be given on demand and need of the farmer rather than the technology. Leaders are needed for the long haul as interventions that require new infrastructure or policy and institutional reforms take years to complete. Real time agro advisory is need of the hour to cover more number of farmers. Voice messages may be preferable than text messages for covering illiterate farmers. KVKs and other extension functionaries can make new platforms to reach the unreach through mobile advisory.

On-farm demonstration and evaluation of Jimma replaceable drum multi-crop thresher in west Shawa zone, Ethiopia

In West Shawa Zone where this research endeavored to introduce Jimma made multi crop thresher, the most common methods of threshing a variety of crops is traditional. It involves striking the crops panicle with stick or trampling under animal hooves and winnowing it by tossing the threshed mixed mass in the air when there is enough wind to separate the chaff from grain on ogdi. This method is inefficient, slow, prone to drudgery as well as the time taken and the labor required are considerably high along with the problem of contamination of grains with extraneous material such as dung, urine and sand. To obviate these all, a multi crop thresher for major cereal crops was developed at JAERC and intended to demonstrate in Toke Kutaye and Liban Jawi districts with the specific objectives of building farmers awareness of Jimma MCT and its potential uses; evaluating the machine for its performance in terms of threshing efficiency, capacity and total threshing losses and eliciting farmers and other stakeholders’ feedback that can be used as an important data source for further refinement of the machine demonstrated. The participants were both extension functionaries and the purposively selected farmers from the areas where production of teff, wheat and maize are collectively predominating. data entailed Weight of the threshed grain, un threshed grains, damaged grains, time of operation, no of farmers participated in awareness creation training and field days, and feedback information were collected through a variety of indices of measurement, reckoning techniques and focus group discussions. It was found that the thresher could thresh the crops to a threshing efficiency of 91, 92, and 98.5% for teff wheat and maize; the output capacities of 69.09, 110.5 and 930 kg/hr for the same crops were satisfactory; and threshing loss of 12.9 and 10.9% achieved for teff and wheat respectively was rather high. Hence, the recommendation to pre scaling up the machine for maize threshing and on how to improve for teff and wheat were provided.

Awareness and Perception of the Hilly Tribes on the Issues of Climate Change

The present study focuses on the awareness and perception of tribal farmers towards climatic issues and their contributing factors. The study was conducted in The Nilgiris district. Totally 60 tribal farmers were selected from two identified villages from Panthalur taluk considering the maximum area under tribal population. Ex-post facto research design was used. There were totally 5 major issues documented under this study. For each issue, possible contributing factors were identified and ranked by employing Garrett ranking method. The results shows that majority of the respondents were very much aware about the erratic variations in rainfall distribution, temperature and snowfall distribution. More than half of the respondents have strong perception that deforestation causes erratic variations in rainfall distribution and normal snowfall pattern is getting disturbed due to erratic variation in temperature and rainfall in the region. A considerable portion of the respondents were very much undecided about the extreme condition of relative humidity and unpleasant wind velocity which may be due to their lack of awareness. Extension functionaries should take necessary steps to sensitize local tribal farmers on these issues along with appropriate management strategies.

Constraints Faced and Suggestions Given by Agricultural Extension Functionaries in Transfer of Technology Among the Farmers of Kashmir

Constraints Faced and Suggestions Given by Agricultural Extension Functionaries in Transfer of Technology Among the Farmers of Kashmir

Constraints perceived by the field extension functionaries of Dairy Development Department, Kerala

The study was conducted in Kerala state in 2021–2022, with the objective of identifying the constraints related to effective role performance as perceived by the Field Extension Functionaries (FEFs) of the Dairy Development Department (DDD). Through non-proportionate stratified random sampling, a sample of 120 FEFs was chosen, of whom 60 were Dairy Extension Officers (DEOs) and 60 were Dairy Farm Instructors (DFIs). The study found that inadequate infrastructure facilities and lack of transport facilities were the major physical constraints perceived by the respondents. Among organisational constraints, inadequate staff strength and heavy administrative work were cited as the major constraints. The most significant technological constraints perceived were inadequate knowledge about dairy innovations among the farmers and lack of technical support for implementing schemes. Inadequate budget allocation for programme execution and lack of monitoring and evaluation of schemes were the major managerial constraints. Under communication constraints, weak research-extension-farmer linkage, and lack of feedback from farmers were perceived as the major ones.

Impact of Front-Line Demonstrations on Yield and Economics of Marigold

The present study was carried out to evaluate the performance of improved varieties with scientifi c package of practices on production and profi tability of marigold. Front Line Demonstration (FLD) is an appropriate tool to demonstrate recommended technologies among the farmers. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Fatehpur-Shekhawati, Sikar has conducted 10 front line demonstrations in farmer’s fi eld during rabi 2021-22 in total 2.0 hectare with the objectives of convincing farmers and extension functionaries together about the marigold fl ower production technologies for further wide scale diff usion. The farmer practice was considered as local check in demonstration cluster. These check plots were maintained by the farmers according to their own traditional cultivation practices. The result revealed that the highest plant height (90.26 cm), plant spread (12.38 cm) primary branches/plant (12.38), no. of fl owers/plant (54.00), fl ower diameter (5.88 cm) and fl ower yield (272.65 q/ha) was obtained in Pusa Narangi Gainda followed by Pusa Basanti Gainda, whereas, it was observed lowest in farmer’s practice. The highest extension gap (46.80 q/ha) and lesser technology gap (27.25 q/ha) and technology index (9.12%) were also calculated in Pusa Narangi Gainda. Higher average net return (Rs. 331675/ha and 303085/ha) was obtained in the demonstration plots of Pusa Narangi Gainda and Pusa Basanti Gainda compared to farmers’ practice plot (Rs 263775/ha). The average B:C ratio was calculated 5.29 and 4.92 in demonstrated plots compared to 4.52 in farmer’s plot.

Job Performance and Participation of Subject Matter Specialists in Extension Activities of KVK’s

Although Indian agriculture started journey towards mechanized farming from last few decades but the change is very slow and noticed in few pockets of country. The modernized agriculture largely depends upon development and dissemination of technology. The State Department of Agriculture, SAU’s, NGO’s and Krishi Vigyan Kendra are the main extension agencies working towards the transfer of technology. The Subject Matter Specialists playing vital role in generating knowledge, testing the technology and communicating the same towards the farming community as well as the extension functionaries. The present investigation was undertaken to access the job performance and participation of SMSs in diff erent extension activities working in eight Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State. Forty-Eight SMSs working in the KVKs were selected purposively and interviewed with a structural interview schedule. The fi ndings revealed that larger proportion (89.58%) of the SMSs were observed under good job performance category, while none of the SMS’s were noticed with poor and below average job performance category. Organization of training’s, frontline demonstrations, management & supporting activities were noticed as the main areas in the job performed by the SMS’s. Almost all the SMS’s using diff erent extension activities for dissemination of technology towards the farming community, 1058 fi eld visit, 686 diagnostic fi eld visits were made, while 152 FLD, 140 OFT were organized, 476 guest lectures were delivered, 183 radio talks were broadcast and 429 extension publication were brought out all the SMS’s working in the studied area during the period of one year