An analysis of extension delivery system at the grassroot level in North Karnataka
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UASD
Abstract
A study on “an analysis of extension delivery system at the grass-root level in North
Karnataka” was undertaken during 2013-14 in Gadag district of N. Karnataka with an objective of
assessing information and input delivery mechanism to farmers and their impacts. A sample of six
RSKs from 3 taluks with their respective AO in-charged, 25 grass-root level extension personnel
(AAO) and 90 beneficiary farmers of RSKs were selected by purposive sampling method. The data
was collected by personal interview method using a structured and comprehensive interview schedule.
The RSKs covered an average of 29 villages, 12,662 farm families, 1,08,848.5 ha within an
average of 20 km distance. It was observed that the beneficiary coverage ratio of the extension
personnel to the farm families was 1:5 villages, 1:6047 ha area and 1:1406 farm families. The RSKs
main source for agricultural information and input was KVK and private firms respectively. All the
RSKs processed the information acquired occasionally ‘during season’ into leaflets, charts, training
materials and translated to local dialects. The information and input was delivered to the farmers
mostly during farmers’ contact at RSK.
The AOs spent most of their time on attending meeting and trainings (34%), while the AAOs
spent maximum of their time (39%) on input distribution. The study revealed that the frequency of
contact by farmers did not vary with their distance from RSK and size of holding which means their
contact to RSK was driven by input requirement rather than information. However, there was
significant association between the farmers’ size of holding and their extension participation. The
RSKs services had a significant impact on the farmers’ yield level. The major problem expressed by
the extension personnel was inadequate transport facility, while the farmers expressed that lack of
update information and field official visit were the major constraints with RSK. The suggestions given
by the extension personnel for improvement were proper transportation with reduction in coverage
area and the farmers suggested that farm visits should be regular and timely supply of inputs.
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