Training Needs of Pesticide Retailers in Imphal District of Manipur

The present study was conducted during the year 2013 in Manipur state of North-East India. Out of total 9 districts of the state, two districts namely; Imphal-East and Imphal-West were selected purposively for the present study. All pesticide retailers of both the districts (total 109 respondents) were surveyed through complete survey method using pre-tested structured interview schedule. Risk bearing ability, achievement motivation, knowledge and aspiration level of the pesticide retailers were found in medium level which were skewed towards low level except in case of achievement motivation of pesticide retailers in the state. Identification of different pest and pesticides emerged as the most needed training area followed by IPM techniques. Among crop specific training needs, vegetable crops ranked first followed by rice. Training on application ICTs in business were also needed. Seasonal business of pesticide, lack of need-based training and higher transportation costs were the constraints as identified by the pesticide retailers in Manipur.