An in-depth analysis of constraints and suggestions experienced by agricultural technology information centre beneficiaries in marathwada region
Abstract
The present investigation was undertaken in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra state during the years 2021–22. For the study, a sample of 180 ATIC beneficiaries was collected. The research design ex post facto were used. It was observed that, majority (91.66%) of the ATIC beneficiaries reported that non availability of seeds of new variety according to climate change and its rank I, 88.88 per cent of the ATIC beneficiaries reported that non availability of tubers, seeds and seedlings of horticultural crops and its rank II, 87.77 per cent of the ATIC beneficiaries reported that lack of proper guidance about insect, pest and disease management and its rank III, 84.44 per cent of the ATIC beneficiaries reported that expensive farm practice and less awareness about farm mechanization were the major constraints reported by ATIC beneficiaries.It was observed from that, majority (92.77%) of the ATIC beneficiaries were suggested that timely availability of seeds & seedlings of improved varieties and different university products, tools and equipments which rank I, 88.88 per cent of the ATIC beneficiaries were suggested that should provide more number of visits, demonstrations and trainings conducted on farm level in villages which rank II, 87.22 per cent ATIC should provide mobile van facilities to diagnosis soil, water and crop pest disease analysis & Provide accurate and timely weather advisory which rank III and 84.44 per cent of the ATIC beneficiaries were suggested that should facilitate for on campus training, farmers may give to and fro fare to reach the ATIC and also give hostel facilities which rank IV.
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Introduction
The Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) plays a pivotal role in Indian agriculture, which is recognized for its multifaceted contributions-providing employment, livelihoods, food, nutrition, and ecological security. Agriculture employs more than two-thirds of the Indian workforce, but a significant gap exists between the "information-rich" and "information-poor" communities, particularly when it comes to the latest agricultural practices and technologies. Agricultural extension education aims to bridge this gap by disseminating the latest technological advancements from agricultural colleges and research institutions to farmers. As such, the research-extensionfarmers (R-E-F) linkage is an essential component of effective agricultural extension. For Indian farmers to improve their productivity and sustainability, it is crucial that they are well-informed and adequately trained in the management of natural resources. In this context, there is an increasing need to replace traditional agricultural practices with modern information technologies, supported by institutions such as the Agricultural Technology Information Centres (ATIC). The importance of timely and accurate information has become even more pronounced in the information age. Disseminating appropriate agricultural information is key to enhancing the quality of extension services and overcoming the limitations of previous technology transfer methods. To address these challenges, the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) was initiated with financial assistance from the World Bank, under the auspices of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. The establishment of ATIC under NATP has introduced a collaborative mechanism that extends beyond individual research institutions, thereby facilitating the efficient dissemination of agricultural knowledge. ATIC serves as a comprehensive service center, providing access to a wide array of research products and services relevant to the respective agricultural domains. As part of this initiative, ICAR, New Delhi, sanctioned the establishment of ATIC at VNMKV Parbhani in 2001. This center was designed to provide essential diagnostic services such as soil and water testing, plant protection, and access to high-quality research products like seeds, planting materials, and processed agricultural products. These services benefit farmers not only in the Marathwada region but across the state as well. In addition to these services, ATIC also disseminates valuable agricultural knowledge through published literature and visual aids, offering opportunities for the university to develop new technologies for farmers and other stakeholders.
Materials and Methodology
The interview schedule was designed based on the objectives of the study to collect data from respondents in the Marathwada region. It was developed in consultation with the research guide, experts in the field of extension education, and by reviewing relevant literature. In preparing the interview schedule, great care was taken to avoid biased questions and contradictory statements. The language used was kept simple to ensure clear and easy comprehension. The schedule included questions regarding various personal characteristics of the respondents that could potentially correlate with the impact of ATIC on its beneficiaries, as well as the constraints they face. To ensure accuracy and clarity, the interview schedule was prepared in Marathi.
The study was conducted in four stages: selection of districts, talukas, villages, and respondents. Two districts, Parbhani and Hingoli, from the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, were purposively selected due to the highest number of ATIC beneficiaries among the eight districts in the region. From each district, three talukas were selected based on the highest number of ATIC beneficiaries: Parbhani, Purna, and Manwat from Parbhani district, and Hingoli, Basmat, and Aundha from Hingoli district. For each selected taluka, three villages were purposively chosen based on the highest number of ATIC beneficiaries, with the list provided by the Agricultural Technology Information Centre, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. In total, eighteen villages were selected for the study. From each village, ten ATIC beneficiaries were randomly selected, resulting in a total of 180 beneficiaries from the Marathwada region for the study.
Results and Discussion
The schedule included various potential constraints that could impact the effectiveness of ATIC on its beneficiaries. These constraints were carefully incorporated into the schedule, and responses were gathered from the ATIC beneficiaries. The detailed information regarding these constraints is provided in Table 1. of beneficiaries highlighted the delay in receiving information due to the lack of subject matter specialists, ranking eighth. These constraints were identified as the major challenges faced by ATIC beneficiaries. These findings are in the line with the findings of Parhad (2011) [7] , Garg et al. (2012) [6] , Bhandari (2014) [11] , Uma Prasher (2014) [8] , Chapke et al. (2015) [5] , Adsul (2016) [1] , Deshmukh (2016) [3] Dhulgand (2020) [4] and Nair (2021).
Suggestions given by ATIC beneficiaries to overcome the constraints
An attempt was made to gather suggestions from ATIC beneficiaries to address the constraints they faced and to enhance their effective participation in the program. The data regarding these suggestions are presented in Table 2.
As observed from Table 2, the majority of ATIC beneficiaries provided the following suggestions: The most www.extensionjournal.com common suggestion, made by 92.77% of the beneficiaries, was the timely availability of seeds and seedlings of improved varieties, along with various university products, tools, and equipment, which ranked first. The second most frequent suggestion, given by 88.88% of beneficiaries, was to increase the number of visits, demonstrations, and training sessions conducted at the farm level in villages. The third suggestion, reported by 87.22% of beneficiaries, was to provide mobile van facilities for diagnosing soil, water, and crop pest diseases, as well as to offer accurate and timely weather advisories.
In addition, 84.44% of the beneficiaries suggested facilitating on-campus training, covering travel expenses (both to and from the ATIC), and providing hostel accommodations, which ranked fourth. The fifth suggestion, made by 80.55% of beneficiaries, was for ATIC to regularly maintain and upgrade its museum, exhibition, and audiovisual hall. Furthermore, 78.88% of beneficiaries recommended that ATIC staff be trained in technologies relevant to all crops and enterprises in the region, which ranked sixth. The seventh suggestion, made by 76.66% of beneficiaries, was for ATIC to create linkages to help farmers sell their produce directly to consumers and provide accurate, timely market information. Finally, 70.55% of the beneficiaries suggested that ATIC should announce its program calendar before the start of each season or year, which ranked eighth. ATIC should be declare their programme of calendar before start of every season /year 127 70.55 VIII These findings are in the line with the findings of Ramesh and Krishnakumar (2009) [9] , Argade (2010) [10] , Parhad (2011) [7] , Garg et al. (2012) [6] , Bhandari (2014) [11] , Uma Prasher (2014) [8] , Adsul (2016) [1] , Deshmukh (2016) [3] Dhulgand (2020) [4] and Nair (2021).
Conclusion
During this study it was found that timely unavailability of seeds and seedlings of improved verities and different university products, tools and equipments, conduct very less training programme as compared to waiting list of farmers therefore it is implied that provision of revolving funds, separate budget should be there to arrange Krushi Melava, group discussion, farmers scientists interaction programme. There is need to strengthening the ATIC with fulfilment of overall staff because it has no own recruited staff as well as good storage facilities are required at ATIC.
References
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