Assessment of perceived workload of extension personnel in agricultural extension service systems in Telangana

Introduction

Workload is an important organizational and psychosocial factor influencing the efficiency, job satisfaction and overall performance of extension personnel. Agricultural extension personnel perform diverse responsibilities, including technology dissemination, farmer advisory services, training, field demonstrations, programme implementation, documentation and coordination with stakeholders. Consequently, the nature and intensity of their workload may vary across extension service systems. Previous studies have consistently indicated variation in the perceived workload of extension and related personnel, with a considerable proportion experiencing moderate levels of workload. Amit et al. (2014) [1] , Gopika et al. (2015) [2] , Abdul (2016) [3] , James (2020) [4] and Kusumalatha et al. (2021) [5] reported predominantly medium levels of perceived workload among extension personnel and allied professionals, although both high and low levels were also observed. However, comparative evidence across different agricultural extension service systems remains limited. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the perceived workload of extension personnel across public, private and NGO agricultural extension service systems in Telangana.

Methodology

The Telangana state was purposively selected for the study, the three agro climatic zones of state i.e., North, South and Central zones were considered. One district from each zone, thus a total of three districts were selected randomly for the study. i.e., Rangareddy, Warangal and Karimnagar. Under public extension service systems, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, District Agricultural Advisory and Transfer of Technology Centres and State Department of Agriculture, in case of private extension system, Corteva, Syngenta and Bioseed companies and in case of NGO extension service system, Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA), Modern Architects of Rural India (MARI), Sankalp and Sarvodaya were selected purposively. Ten extension personnel from State Department of Agriculture i.e., Mandal Agricultural Officers (5) and Agricultural Extension Officer (5) from each district were selected by using simple random sampling method. In Rangareddy district, there are 27 mandals, 27 MAOs, 88 AEOs. In Karimnagar district, there are 16 mandals, 16 MAOs and 79 AEOs. In Warangal district, there are 13 mandals, 13 MAOs and 59 AEOs. The extension personnel (MAOs & AEOs) were randomly selected from the list of one to respective totals and selected using random number generator. Thus constitute thirty (30) extension personnel from State Department of Agriculture for the study. Seven extension personnel were selected from KVKs (5) and DAATTCs (2), So a total of twenty-one extension personnel were included from KVKs and DAATTCs. Thus, constitute fifty-one extension personnel from public extension service system. Five extension personnel from the list of one to respective totals were selected from each private extension service system. Thus, a total of forty-five (45) extension personnel from private extension service systems. Five extension personnel were selected from the list of one to respective totals from each NGO extension service system. Thus constitute thirty (30) extension personnel from NGO extension service system. The data from the extension personnel on workload was collected with the help of closed-ended questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed and interpretations were drawn based on results.

Results and discussion

The results presented in table 1. revealed that majority of extension personnel from public extension service system i.e. 49.02 per cent of extension personnel had medium workload, followed by 27.45 per cent of extension personnel had high workload and 23.53 per cent of extension personnel had low workload. The reasons for majority of extension personnel of public extension service systems were having medium to high level of workload because the extension personnel were always busy and rushed with respective job activities like crop booking, validation of Rythu Bandu and Rythu Bima to the beneficiaries, procurement of paddy, conducting OFT and FLD along with non-job chart activities. The extension personnel were pressurised with the technical plan work of the organisations, they felt the number of requests, complaints dealt were than they expected.

Majority of extension personnel from private extension service system i.e. 46.66 per cent of extension personnel had medium workload, followed by 26.67 per cent of extension personnel had low workload and 26.67 per cent of extension personnel had high workload. The reasons for majority of extension personnel of private extension service systems were having medium level of workload were because of the large targets of the company sales which have to achieved within the limited period, they had the target to complete huge number of trainings and new product introduction of seeds and chemicals in their respective areas. Each Majority of extension personnel from NGO extension service system i.e. 46.67 per cent had medium workload, followed by 30.00 per cent of extension personnel had high workload and 23.33 per cent of extension personnel had low workload. The reasons for majority of extension personnel of NGO extension service systems were having medium to high level of workload were because of project deadlines to complete the agricultural extension services in the location. NGO extension personnel had to cover the large areas in mobilising the farmers to form into FPOs for availing the services of the organisation. The work done by extension personnel was hindered by the amount of work assigned to them. The results are in conformity with the results obtained by Nagananda (2005), Sandika (2006) and Debnath and Saravanan (2014) [1] wherein majority of the respondents expressed medium workload in the organization.

Conclusion

The study revealed that perceived workload among extension personnel was predominantly at a medium level across public, private and NGO agricultural extension service systems in Telangana. Extension personnel in the public system experienced workload due to crop booking, validation of farmer welfare schemes, procurement activities, OFTs, FLDs, technical planning and handling requests and complaints. In the private system, workload was mainly associated with achieving sales targets, conducting trainings and introducing new agricultural products. In the NGO system, project deadlines, extensive geographical coverage and mobilisation of farmers for forming FPOs contributed to medium to high workload. Overall, the findings highlight the need for systematic workload management through rational distribution of responsibilities, realistic targets, adequate manpower, effective planning and coordination, and reduction of unnecessary non-job-chart activities. Addressing these workload dimensions can improve personnel efficiency and strengthen agricultural extension service delivery.

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement I sincerely express my deepest gratitude to my Major Advisor and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, Dr. B. Savitha, Professor & Head, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, for her invaluable guidance, insightful suggestions, and unwavering support. Her wisdom, meticulous supervision, and constant encouragement have been instrumental throughout my study and research journey. I consider it a privilege to express my sincere gratitude and deep respect to Dr. M. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Director, Extension Education Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Dr. G.E.Ch. Vidyasagar, Registrar, PJTAU, Rajendranagar and Dr. D. Srinivasa Chary, Associate Professor, Department of Statistics and Mathematics, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Their expert guidance, invaluable suggestions, constructive criticism, and keen attention to detail have been instrumental in shaping this research. Their constant encouragement has played a crucial role in bringing this study to its final form.

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