Constraints faced by agricultural officers in delivering agricultural extension services in kalaburagi district of kalyana Karnataka region

Abstract

Agricultural Officers (AOs) play a vital role in transferring agricultural technologies and implementing various developmental programmes at the grassroots level. However, their effectiveness is often influenced by several technical, administrative, infrastructural and field-level constraints. The present study was conducted during 2021-22 in Kalaburagi district of Kalyana Karnataka region to identify the constraints faced by Agricultural Officers in performing their job. A total of 60 Agricultural Officers working in 27 Raitha Samparka Kendras were selected using an ex-post facto research design. The data were collected through a pre-tested structured interview schedule and analyzed using frequency and percentage. The findings revealed that lack of transport facility for field visits (100.00%), engagement in duties of other government departments (95.00%), large number of vacant posts (91.66%), additional charge of another village/office (86.66%), shortage of supporting staff (85.00%), political interference (85.00%), non-availability of latest literature on improved technologies (81.66%) and inadequate audio-visual aids and training materials (75.00%) were the major constraints perceived by Agricultural Officers. The study suggests that strengthening manpower, improving infrastructure, ensuring timely technical support and minimizing non-extension assignments would considerably enhance the effectiveness of Agricultural Officers in technology dissemination and agricultural development.