Journal of Krishi Vigyan

An investigation was undertaken to study the profile and information sources used by fisheries officials involved in shrimp farming system of Maharashtra. Information was collected randomly from 55 fisheries officials from the Department of Fisheries, Maharashtra using interview schedule. Personal profile was also studied to have a broader understanding of the extension organization per se. Different sources from where they access information included internet/social media, fisheries institutions, literature from research institutions and development departments. A 3-point scale viz. always, very often and often was developed to record the information sources used by fisheries officials. Results indicated that majority of fisheries officials were post graduates (83.64%) with Master’s Degree in Fisheries Science or Zoology. Majority of fisheries officials (58.18%) had not attended any formal training in scientific shrimp farming and extension management (72.73%). Higher percentages of fisheries officials (58.18%) were using mobile phones as a preferred mode for contacting farmers. The study indicated that internet / social media was the main source of information for majority of fisheries officials (74.25%) followed by fisheries Institutions (16.36%). It is necessary to integrate and institutionalize use of internet in extension advisories and trainings. Based on the results of the study, integration and convergence of different aquaculture extension system service providers is suggested.