Constraints experienced by the KVKS scientists and beneficiaries for improvement of kvks performance: A study in uttarakhand, India

Krishi Vigyan Kendra's (KVKs) are grass root level institution imparting agricultural extension activities for the rural people. Undoubtedly agricultural extension activities helping in improving the knowledge and changing in skill. Constraints refer to the item of difficulties faced by trainers and trainees. The present study explored the constraints and suggestions perceived by the KVK scientists and beneficiaries’ for Improvement of KVKs Performance. The study was conducted in the state of Uttarakhand, with two purposively selected KVKs Dhakrani representing the plains region of Garhwal division and Bageshwarre presenting the hill region of Kumaon division. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 8 respondents from scientific staff from the both KVKs and 160 respondents from eight villages from both KVK. It was revealed that the lack of transport facilities for scientists and farmers (I rank) in organizing effective training programme, difficulties in selection of demonstration plots in the hills (I rank) in organizing effective front line demonstrations (FLDs), lack of trust by farmers about the potential of the on farm trial (OFT) technologies (I rank) in organizing effective on farm trial (OFTs), Non availability of adequate manpower (I rank) in organizing effective other extension activity are the major constraints perceived by KVKs scientists in organizing agricultural extension activities. All these constraints can be overcome by implementing suggestions by scientists like Recruitment staff with multidisciplinary knowledge (I rank) in organizing effective training programme, training Subject Matter Specialist (SMSs) to understand what is FLD first, then conducting demonstration (I rank) in organizing effective FLDs, correct procedure of conducting OFT must be followed (I rank) in organizing effective OFTs, delegation of more financial and administrative power to programme coordinators (I rank) in organizing effective other extension activity. Lack of practical exercise during training programmes (I rank), needs not assessed before training (II rank), lack of transport facilities for field visit (III rank) are major constraints perceived by the KVKs beneficiaries. The results of the study will provide direction which may be of significant for extension agencies, to design appropriate strategies and to back up future planning and enhance the pace of adoption of farm technologies.