Constraints and Suggestions on Technology Dissemination System of State Department of Agriculture (SDA) as Perceived by the Extension Personnel in Kerala

The paper focuses on the constraints experienced and suggestions proffered by extension professionals in using technology dissemination systems of State Department of Agriculture (SDA) in Kerala, India. The need of modern technology dissemination systems for technical information transfer in SDA can be identified by recognizing the problems in using the traditional system for technical information transfer. However there are some constraints experienced by extension professionals in using technology dissemination systems of SDA which needs to be analysed for effective implementation of the programmes and schemes by extension professionals’. A survey was conducted among Kerala extension professionals using 100 respondents who were actively involved in the fields of agriculture. Based on discussion with scientists, experts in agriculture and also through relevant review of literature, fourteen constraints experienced by extension professionals’ were identified. These constraints were ranked based on importance. Results showed that the major constraint faced by Kerala extension personnel was ‘lack of training to employees on technology dissemination methods’ which was ranked first among fourteen constraints. In order to overcome these constraints so as to enhance the capability of extension professionals in utilizing technology dissemination systems of SDA, regular and relevant training should be provided. For this, SDA has to conduct training need analysis of extension personnel followed by training, involving the experts from State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes to inculcate the knowledge on modern technology dissemination approaches.