Utilization of Krishi Vigyan Kendra services by farmers: Constraints, determinants and strategies for improvement

Introduction

Agriculture remains a major source of livelihood and economic activity in India, particularly for rural households, where farm-based production is closely linked with employment, food security, and household income. However, increasing production costs, climate variability, technological changes, market uncertainties, and limited access to reliable technical information create continuing challenges for farmers. Agricultural extension therefore plays an important role in connecting farmers with scientific knowledge, improved technologies, management practices, and institutional support. Effective extension is not limited to the dissemination of information; it also involves developing farmers' skills, facilitating technology adoption, and strengthening their capacity to make appropriate farm-level decisions. Within the Indian agricultural extension system, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) function as important district-level institutions for technology assessment, demonstration, training, and knowledge dissemination. KVKs were established under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to provide location-specific agricultural knowledge and practical training to farmers and rural youth. Their activities include onfarm testing, frontline demonstrations, vocational training, farmer training programmes, diagnostic services, and dissemination of improved agricultural technologies. Through these activities, KVKs serve as an important interface between agricultural research institutions and farming communities. The effectiveness of KVK services, however, depends not only on the availability of technologies and extension programmes but also on the extent to which farmers can access and utilize these services. Previous stud ies indicate that farmers experience several barriers in accessing extension services. Chaturvedani et al. (2018) [1] reported constraints related to the accessibility and utilization of extension service delivery among KVK beneficiary farmers in Chhattisgarh. Similarly, Kumari et al. (2025) [2] found that inadequate marketing and storage facilities, high costs of agricultural inputs and technologies, low riskbearing capacity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited exposure opportunities constrained farmers' effective utilization of KVK services. These findings suggest that institutional availability does not automatically translate into effective utilization at the farm level. At the same time, empirical evidence demonstrates the potential contribution of KVKs to farmers' welfare. Kumar et al. (2024) [3] , using nationally representative agricultural household data, reported that access to KVK services had a positive and statistically significant effect on the economic welfare of farm households. The authors also estimated a benefit-cost ratio of approximately 8-12 for investments in the KVK network, highlighting the economic importance of strengthening these institutions. Further, Kumar et al. (2024) [4] reported that farm and home visits, farm clinics, and adaptive trials were perceived as effective extension methods by KVK beneficiaries. Despite these contributions, variations in farmers' access to KVK services, socio-economic conditions, infrastructure, institutional linkages, and participation may influence the actual utilization of services. Recent evidence also indicates that strengthening extension outreach requires approaches that respond to farmers' diverse socioeconomic conditions and local needs (Chaturvedani et al., 2025) [5] . Therefore, systematic assessment of the constraints experienced by farmers and identification of practical strategies for improving service utilization are essential for making KVK programmes more accessible, need-based, and farmer-oriented. Against this background, the present study focuses on the utilization of KVK services by farmers, the constraints affecting their utilization, and strategies for improving the reach and effectiveness of KVK extension services.

Research methodology

The study is conducted in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, which is purposively selected considering the researcher's familiarity with the local area, language, culture, and farming community. Such familiarity facilitates rapport with respondents and supports effective collection of primary information. Varanasi district comprises eight development blocks, namely Arajiline, Baragaon, Chiraigaon, Cholapur, Harahua, Kashi Vidyapeeth, Pindra, and Sevapuri. The study follows a multistage sampling procedure for selection of villages and respondents. Three villages are selected randomly from each of the eight development blocks, resulting in 24 selected villages. Subsequently, 10 respondents are selected randomly from each village, constituting a total sample of 120 respondents. Primary data are collected through personal interviews using a structured interview schedule, which permits direct interaction with respondents and clarification of questions during the data-collection process. The variables included in the investigation are selected through a review of relevant literature and consultation with experts and are classified into independent and dependent variables. The independent variables comprise age, caste, religion, education, family size, family type, occupation, landholding, marital status, annual income, information-seeking behaviour, risk orientation, scientific orientation, and extension contact. Age is measured in completed years, while socio-economic characteristics are measured using suitable established scales. The Pareek et al. (1964) [6] scale, with suitable modifications, is used for selected socio-economic characteristics, whereas occupation and annual income are measured using the scale developed by Pandya et al. (2008) [7] . Information-seeking behaviour is measured using the scale developed by Bhairamkar (2009) [8] , while risk orientation and scientific orientation are measured using the scale developed by Supe (1969) [9] , with suitable modifications. The dependent variables include farmers' perception and attitude towards KVK extension services. Perception is assessed in relation to major KVK activities, including training programmes, frontline demonstrations, on-farm trials, and advisory and diagnostic services. A structured interview schedule with a three-point continuum consisting of "agree," "undecided," and "disagree" is used for measuring perception, while attitude is assessed using a modified scale ranging from less favourable to more favourable responses. The collected data are coded, tabulated, and analyzed according to the objectives of the study. Frequency and percentage are used to describe the distribution of respondents, while arithmetic mean and standard deviation are employed to summarize quantitative variables. The coefficient of correlation is used to examine the relationship between selected independent and dependent variables, and the significance of the correlation coefficient is tested using the t-test at (n -2) degrees of freedom.

Result and discussion

The findings presented in Table 4.6 indicate that small-sized landholdings constitute the most prominent constraint faced by farmers in utilizing KVK services, recording the highest MPS of 88.15 and ranking first. Lack of finances ranks second (75.13), followed by lack of transport (69.21), lack of follow-up activities by KVK staff (56.17), and non-assessment of farmers' needs (55.00). Other constraints include lack of sincerity among farmers (40.62), inability of womenfolk to attend on-campus training (32.62), lack of proper publicity (26.75), and improper functioning of SHGs and women's clubs (24.87). [1] , indicating that structural and access-related factors influence farmers' effective use of extension services. Lack of finances emerged as the second most important constraint (MPS 75.13), indicating that farmers may be interested in improved technologies but face difficulty in purchasing quality inputs, machinery, and other production resources. Lack of transport (MPS 69.21) ranked third, suggesting that physical accessibility remains an important barrier to participation in KVK training, demonstrations, and advisory activities. Kumari et al. (2025) [2] similarly reported financial, infrastructural, and technology-related constraints affecting farmers' utilization of KVK extension services. The relatively high scores for lack of follow-up activities by KVK staff (56.17) and non-assessment of farmers' needs (55.00) point towards gaps in the continuity and responsiveness of extension services. Farmers require regular technical guidance after training to successfully implement recommended practices. Kumar et al. (2024) [4] reported that farm and home visits, farm clinics, and adaptive trials were perceived as effective extension methods among KVK beneficiaries, supporting the importance of continued field-level interaction.

Constraints faced by the farmers in utilizing KVK services (Multiple responses) (n = 120)

Suggestions perceived by farmers for improving the utilization of KVK services (Multiple responses) (n = 120),

Conclusion

The study concludes that farmers face a combination of economic, infrastructural, institutional, and social constraints in utilizing KVK services. Small-sized landholdings, inadequate finances, and lack of transport emerge as the major barriers, while inadequate follow-up and limited assessment of farmers' needs further reduce the effectiveness of extension interventions. Farmers primarily suggest collective and group farming, promotion of FPOs, mobile extension services, improved financial linkages, regular field-level follow-up, and need-based programme planning. The findings indicate that KVKs need to adopt a more decentralized, demand-driven, participatory, and inclusive approach to extension delivery. Strengthening village-level outreach, women's participation, communication systems, farmer organizations, and institutional linkages can enhance accessibility, participation, adoption, and overall utilization of KVK services.

References

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11. How to cite this article: Patel N, Mishra R, Prajapati C, Patel VK, Verma S, Patel R, et al. Utilization of Krishi Vigyan Kendra services by farmers: Constraints, determinants and strategies for improvement. International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development. 2026;9(9):829-832. doi: https://www.d oi.org/10.33545/26180723.2026.v9.i9k.4276