Assessment Of In-Service Training Needs And Working Modalities Of Extension Field Staff For Sustainable Agricultural Development

Abstract

This research targeted to assess the in-service training needs, strengths and weaknesses of working modalities of extension field staff (EFS) for sustainable agricultural development. The research was conducted in the Department of Agriculture Extension, Punjab. A sample of 320 respondents was selected purposefully with the help of Morgan table. A pre-tested, detailed and validated questionnaire was used as an instrument for the purpose of data collection. The collected data were analyzed through computer software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data showed that farm management, water management and risk management were the prominent areas in which EFS needed in-service trainings. Assistance in coping future threats, facilitated in solving farmers’ problems and improvement in knowledge were the leading aspects regarding the impact of in-service training on the working of EFS. Farmers’ appreciations, need oriented e[1]xtension programs and give economical solutions to farmers were the important strengths of extension modalities of EFS. On the other hand, political interference, single line command, lack of skilled experts and lack of training facilities were the leading weaknesses of extension modalities of EFS. It is suggested that continuous in-service trainings must be conducted to improve the weaknesses and address the training needs of EFS. Weaknesses in extension modalities must be sorted out and they must be addressed on priority basis to remove hurdles causing difficulties in successful field activities. Quality of in-service trainings must be improved to enhance the working efficiency of EFS in the extension department for sustainable agricultural development.