CHALLENGES FACED BY EXTENSION FUNCTIONARIES OF DR. YASHWANT SINGH PARMAR UNIVERSITY OF HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY, NAUNI, SOLAN FOR MOTIVATING FARMER IN ADOPTION OF NEW AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
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Date
2024-08-12
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UHF Nauni
Abstract
The present study has been conducted at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar university of
Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan to investigate the challenges faced by extension
functionaries in motivating farmers to adopt new agricultural practices. A semi- structured
questionnaire was prepared to collect primary data from 48 extension functionaries. The
Kirpatrick model was used to evaluate the attitude of extension functionaries towards the
training, assessing its impact on four key levels: reaction, learning, behaviour and results.
Responses were collected using a 5-point Likert scale and subsequently analyzed using
descriptive statistics. Findings reveled that more than half of the extension agents hold a
Ph.D. in agricultural sciences and possess a 10-15 years of experience. It was found that most
extension agents had a positive responses to the training conducted for them. Therefore, the
agents reported significant challenges including heavy workload, time constraint and delayed
communication from higher officials. They also faced difficulties such as the limited number
of extension agents, lack of ICT tools during training sessions and traditional mindset among
farmers. The study recommended regular training on the latest technologies, improved ICT
support and the stronger connection between extension agents and researcher to keep up with
agricultural developments and address farmer’s needs more effectively.