Central potato Research Institute, Shimla has been organizing Model Training Courses (MTCs) on scientific cultivation of potato for extension functionaries of agriculture/horticulture department of different states of India. These training courses are very helpful in enhancing the awareness and knowledge level of extension functionaries. The current study was undertaken to assess the impact of model training courses on the knowledge enhancement of trainees and overall evaluation of the training programme. Data were collected on different aspects of the training programme using structured interview schedule and a questionnaire before and after conducting the training programmes. Learning Index was used to measure the gain in knowledge of participant trainees. Results of the study revealed that training had significant impact on enhancing the knowledge level of participants in all areas of potato technologies. Average enhancement in knowledge was estimated to be 17.31 per cent. Majority of the respondents were very well satisfied with the course contents and training delivery methods. More than 70 per cent trainees expressed that the topics of basic knowledge of potato cultivation and potato disease and pest management were very useful. More than half of participants graded training course as excellent. These findings suggested that more number of such trainings should be organized so that the competency level of extension functionaries at grass root level may be improved. This, in turn, will also help potato growers across the country to get information on scientific methods of potato cultivation

Keyword: Impact; Model training co