The constraint analysis of Krishi Vigyan Kendra western Maharashtra

Introduction

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an apex organization having responsibility to conduct and coordinate research, education, extension education and international cooperation in agriculture with the mandates like to plan, undertake, aid, promote and co-ordinate education, research and its application in agriculture, agro forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, home science and allied sciences. In discharge of its functions, ICAR lays considerable emphasis on technology development and its adoption through use of cutting edge technologies leading to enhancing agricultural productivity, keeping sustainability of the agriculture upfront, human resource development and technology assessment and its application. The ICAR has over the years evolved an effective and well-tested frontline extension system, which is exemplary and admired all over the world. It started with establishment of first Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

Methodology

Multistage sampling method was carried out to fulfill the research needs. Region Western Maharashtra was purposively selected for this study as this region was having more number of KVKs (12) as compared to other regions of Maharashtra (Source: https://kvk.icar.gov.in/aboutkvk.aspx). From the six districts of western Maharashtra namely Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara, Sangali, Solapur and Kolhapur, one KVK from each district was considered for the research study. If a district had two or more KVKs functioning, then the KVK which was established earlier was selected to carry out sampling analysis. From each KVK, 60 farmers were selected from which 30 farmers were beneficiary farmers of KVK and 30 were non-beneficiary farmers of KVK. Beneficiary farmers were defined as the farmers who regularly visit the KVK institution in the need of new and applied knowledge of various agricultural technologies that were meant to be spread by KVK and non-beneficiary farmers were those who do not visit KVK at all or haven't visited KVK yet and engaged in traditional farming. Thus from six selected districts, a total of 360 sample was considered comprising 180 were beneficiary farmers of KVK and 180 were nonbeneficiary farmers of KVK.

Analytical Tools and Techniques

Garret ranking method was applied to come-up for the various constraints faced by KVK so that suitable policy measures could be suggested. The technique was used to rank the preference mentioned by the respondents on different factors and aspects. The formula for Garrets ranking is:

Where Rij = Rank given for the ith variable by jth respondents Nj = Number of variable ranked by jth respondents

Steps in Garrett Ranking Method: Survey Design: SMS of all KVKs ranked various constraints based on preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). Garrett's Table: Each rank (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) was assigned a specific score percentage from Garrett's Table . Convert Ranks to Scores: Multiplied the number of respondents ranking each item by the corresponding Garrett score. Calculate Total and Average Scores: Sum scores for each item was taken, then divided by the total number of respondents to get an average score. Rank Items: Items were ranked based on their average scores (higher score = more preferred). The Garrett Ranking Method enables to rank preferences based on respondent data, helping to identify the most important factors in research.

Results and Discussion

Present investigation was carried to study the various constraints faced by various KVK/KVK staff in Western Maharashtra. In total five major constraints were studied which were again sub-categorized in number of subconstraints as shown in the following table:

Address Socio-Economic Barriers:

The socioeconomic constraints suggested the importance of improving literacy rates and providing basic infrastructure for farmers. Government/KVK programs should be aimed at improving education and rural infrastructure that would help create a more conducive environment for the adoption of agricultural innovations.

Enhance Input Availability:

The input constraints can be addressed by increasing the availability of affordable farm mechanization, fertilizers, and quality seeds.

Policies could include subsidies, improved distribution channels, and providing timely information on input availability.

By tackling these constraints through targeted policy measures, KVKs in Western Maharashtra can be better equipped to serve farmers and promote sustainable agricultural development in the region.

References

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