Research article · 2024 · Full text
International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social DevelopmentAn evaluation of challenges and solutions in dryland farming training programs: Insights from Extension Functionaries at CRIDA in Bhoothpur Block, Mahbubnagar District, Telangana
Volume 7(7) · Pages 354–357 · DOI: 10.33545/26180723.2024.v7.i7e.825 ↗
Research areasAgricultural Economics and PracticesLivestock Management and Performance ImprovementAgricultural Innovations and Practices
Abstract
Author-writtenThis study evaluates challenges and solutions in dryland farming training programs through insights gathered from extension functionaries at the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) in Bhoothpur Block, Mahbubnagar District, Telangana. Dryland farming, characterized by limited water resources and low rainfall, necessitates specialized training to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Using a descriptive survey design, data was collected from 120 respondents using structured interviews, focusing on socio-economic profiles, knowledge levels, attitudes, and constraints faced during CRIDA’s training programs. Results highlight significant challenges including insufficient training duration, impractical course content, and inconvenient session timing, as identified by respondents. Key suggestions for improvement include extending training durations, enhancing practical content relevance, and scheduling sessions at convenient times. Addressing these issues is crucial for optimizing CRIDA’s training initiatives and improving farmer engagement in sustainable dryland farming practices. This research contributes actionable insights to enhance agricultural extension efforts in water-scarce regions, emphasizing tailored improvements to meet the evolving needs of farmers and maximize program effectiveness.
Summary
Source-checkedPlain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.
Why it matters
- Dryland farming is defined by limited water resources and low rainfall, which creates specific difficulties for maintaining agricultural productivity and sustainability. View evidence ↗
- In the Bhoothpur Block of Telangana, these challenges are particularly severe, making specialized training essential for farmers to acquire necessary skills. View evidence ↗
- The Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) provides training programs to improve how farmers and extension functionaries manage dryland systems. View evidence ↗
The question
- The study aims to evaluate the challenges extension functionaries face when implementing dryland farming training programs in the Bhoothpur Block. View evidence ↗
- The research seeks to identify challenges and gather suggestions to provide actionable insights for improving CRIDA's training effectiveness. View evidence ↗
What they did
- The researchers used a descriptive survey design to examine extension functionaries at CRIDA. View evidence ↗
- The study sampled 120 respondents, selecting 12 people randomly from each of ten villages in the Bhoothpur block. View evidence ↗
- Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured interview schedule. View evidence ↗
What they found
- Inconvenient training timing was identified as the most critical issue, with 79.17% of respondents fully agreeing. View evidence ↗
- Biased selection of beneficiaries was the second highest ranked challenge, with 58.33% of respondents fully agreeing. View evidence ↗
- The need for more training programs was the third most significant concern, with 54.17% of respondents fully agreeing. View evidence ↗
- Half of the respondents (50.00%) fully agreed that there is a need for more practical course content. View evidence ↗
- Insufficient time for group discussions was a notable challenge, with 41.67% of respondents fully agreeing. View evidence ↗
- Flexible and convenient scheduling was recommended by 79.17% of the respondents. View evidence ↗
What it means
- The authors conclude that addressing identified challenges is essential to increase farmer engagement and promote sustainable dryland farming. View evidence ↗
- The authors recommend tailored improvements to CRIDA's training initiatives to better meet farmer needs and optimize agricultural extension efforts. View evidence ↗
Visual summary
2 visualsIllustrations explain the paper; charts are replotted from the paper's own table values.
Alignment of Challenges and Solutions
AI-generated conceptual illustration (Dryland farming crops in a semi-arid landscape). It explains the idea and does not show study data.
View source evidence ↗
Percentage: Extend training duration vs Enhance practical... vs Schedule training at... vs Increase hands-on...
Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.
View source evidence ↗Figures & tables
From the original paper
Table 1
Table 2Introduction
Dryland farming, characterized by low rainfall and limited water resources, poses unique challenges to agricultural productivity and sustainability. In regions like the Bhoothpur Block of Mahbubnagar District, Telangana, these challenges are pronounced, necessitating specialized training programs to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills required for effective dryland agriculture. The Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) has been at the forefront of providing such training programs, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of extension functionaries and farmers in managing dryland farming systems. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of training programs in improving agricultural practices and productivity in dryland areas. For instance, research by Sharma et al. (2015) [1] demonstrated the positive impact of targeted training on farmers' adoption of water conservation techniques. Similarly, Singh and Reddy (2017) [2] emphasized the role of continuous education in adapting to climate variability and improving crop yields in arid regions. Despite these efforts, several constraints hinder the effective implementation of dryland farming practices. These include limited access to resources, inadequate training materials, and socio-economic barriers faced by the farming community. Addressing these constraints is crucial for the success of dryland farming initiatives and the overall development of the agricultural sector in such regions. This study aims to evaluate the challenges encountered by extension functionaries in implementing dryland farming training programs in the Bhoothpur Block. By identifying these challenges and seeking suggestions for improvement, the research intends to provide actionable insights that can enhance the effectiveness of training programs delivered by CRIDA. This investigation not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge on dryland agriculture but also offers practical solutions to enhance the resilience and productivity of farmers in water-scarce regions.
Locale of Study
The study is conducted in the Mahbubnagar district of Telangana, India, known for its diverse agricultural activities and significant dependence on dryland farming. This district, geographically positioned at latitude 16.737509 and longitude 78.008125, is chosen due to its agricultural diversity and the substantial number of farmers who have participated in CRIDA training programs. The region's climatic conditions and farming practices provide an ideal setting to evaluate the effectiveness of these training programs across various agricultural scenarios.
Sampling and Sampling Procedures
The study uses purposive sampling to select Mahbubnagar district and Bhoothpur block, focusing on areas with high engagement in CRIDA's training programs. Within Bhoothpur block, ten villages are selected based on records identifying significant in CRIDA's initiatives. From each village, 12 respondents are chosen through random sampling, totalling 120 respondents for the study.
Selection and Measurement of Variables
Variables are selected based on the study's objectives and categorized into independent and dependent variables. Independent variables include age, educational level, caste, family type, type of house, annual income, land holding, occupation, extension contacts, mass media exposure, and source of information. Dependent variables include knowledge and attitude towards dryland farming. Specific measurement procedures for each variable are employed, such as scales and schedules developed in previous studies.
Methods of Data Collection and Statistical Analysis
Data collection involves a pre-tested, well-structured interview schedule, ensuring reliable and valid responses. Statistical tools like arithmetic mean, standard deviation, percentage analysis, and Pearson's productmoment correlation coefficient are used for data analysis. This comprehensive methodology facilitates a thorough investigation of the study's objectives and allows for reproducibility by other researchers. Permissions for adapted tables and credit lines in footnotes are obtained as necessary. By following these detailed research methodologies, the study aims to provide actionable insights into the challenges and solutions in dryland farming training programs, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of CRIDA's initiatives in Mahbubnagar district.
Results and Discussion
Dryland farming presents unique challenges that require specialized training and support. The effectiveness of training programs conducted by the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) is critical in equipping farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their farming practices sustainably. However, these training programs often face several constraints that can hinder their success. Understanding the challenges and constraints faced by participants in these programs is essential for improving their design and implementation. To gain insights into these challenges, a survey was conducted among respondents participating in CRIDA's dryland farming training programs. The survey aimed to identify the main constraints faced by the respondents during these training programs and gather suggestions for improving future training initiatives. The findings provide valuable information for stakeholders to enhance the training experience and effectiveness. The following table presents the main challenges or constraints faced by the respondents during CRIDA's dryland farming training programs. The data is categorized based on the respondents' level of agreement with each constraint, and the constraints are ranked according to the severity as perceived by the participants. In addition to identifying challenges, the survey also gathered suggestions from respondents on how to improve future training programs. These suggestions are crucial for tailoring the training content and delivery methods to better meet the needs of the participants. [3] , emphasizing the need for practical and accessible training to optimize farmer engagement and learning outcomes.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Acknowledgement
AcknowledgementsI express my deepest gratitude to my Advisor, Prof. Dr. (Ms.) Jahanara, for their invaluable guidance and support. I also thank the faculty of Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, NAI -SHUATS, and MANAGE for their assistance. Special thanks to the participating farmers for their insights, and to my family and friends for their unwavering support.
Figures and tables from the paper
| S. No. | Statements | FA (n, %) | PA (n, %) | DA (n, %) | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Training duration is insufficient | 45(37.50) | 30(25.00) | 45(37.50) | VI |
| 2 | Course content is not practical | 60(50.00) | 30(35.00) | 30(25.00) | IV |
| 3 | Training timing is inconvenient | 95(79.17) | 15(12.50) | 10(8.33) | I |
| 4 | Lack of hands-on learning opportunities | 30(25.00) | 20(16.67) | 70(58.33) | VIII |
| 5 | No field visits or practical demonstrations | 40(33.33) | 35(29.17) | 45(37.50) | VII |
| 6 | Insufficient time for group discussions | 50(41.67) | 40(33.33) | 30(25.00) | V |
| 7 | Ineffective use of audio-visual aids | 25(20.83) | 30(25.00) | 65(54.17) | IX |
| 8 | Poorly planned locations for field demonstrations | 15(12.50) | 20(16.67) | 85(70.83) | X |
| 9 | Biased selection of beneficiaries | 70(58.33) | 30(25.00) | 20(16.67) | II |
| 10 | Limited dryland farming training programs | 65(54.17) | 25(20.83) | 30(25.00) | III |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
| S. No. | Suggestions | Frequency | Percentage | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extend training duration | 105 | 87.50 | I |
| 2 | Enhance practical relevance of content | 100 | 83.33 | II |
| 3 | Schedule training at convenient times | 95 | 79.17 | III |
| 4 | Increase hands-on learning activities | 90 | 75.00 | IV |
| 5 | Improve extension network support | 85 | 70.83 | V |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
References
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