Abstract:
A study was conducted in Palghat and Wynad district to analyse the training programmes undertaken by Krishi Vignan Kendras at Pattambi and Ambalavayal. Impact of training with respect to the knowledge about, attitude towards and adoption of improved paddy cultivation practices was assessed. The study also aimed at identifying the motivational pattern of farmers for participation in training, their perception about training, suggestions for future trainings, and their training needs.
Ex-post-facto design was used for the study. Data were collected from 80 trained farmers and 80 untrained farmers from Palghat and Wynad. Statistical analysis was done using non-parametric procedures.
The study revealed that participation in training improved the knowledge of farmers about improved paddy cultivation practices, created favourable attitude towards improved paddy cultivation practices and there was increased adoption of the various practices.
Of the eight independent variables considered in the study, only farming experience was found to be significantly related to the impact variables and that too only to the knowledge of farmers.
Major motives of farmers in attending the training were economic motive, innovativeness, prestige motive and affiliation motive. Among tribal farmers in Wynad, affiliation motive was found to be stronger than prestige motive.
Majority of the trained farmers perceived the training to be satisfactory with regard to the time of training, venue of training, use of audio-visual aids, opportunity for field visit and arrangements made at the venue.
Training in the farmer’s field was proffered by majority of the farmers to institutional training. They preferred discussion method to lecture method.
They wanted to have more of method demonstrations and issue of printed notes and preferred a training duration of one day.
Areas in which farmers needed further trainings were high yielding varieties of paddy and their characters, fertilizers and their application and use of plant protection chemicals.
