image

Content

image

Type : Other Article

Training Needs of Agro-input Dealers in South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal

A.K. Singh, H.K. De and P.P. Pal

Abstract

Agro-input dealers play a very useful role in agricultural production system. They contribute towards strengthening the Agricultural Extension System by providing valuable service to the farming community. It is essential that they are equipped with latest know how through refresher training. The present study was conducted during 2013-14 in South 24 district of West Bengal to ascertain training needs of agro-input retailers. Data was collected through personal interview of 66 retailers using structured interview schedule. Respondents were found to be highly educated with three fourths of them having senior secondary and graduate degrees. Around 51 percent of the respondents mobilized their own resources for the business and only 29 per cent sought bank credit. Identification of different pest and pesticides emerged as the most needed training area followed by diagnostics. Among crop specific training need, vegetable crops ranked first followed by rice. Training in computer and its application in business is another preferred area. Lack of capital, lack of need based training, seasonality in the business of pesticide were some of the constraints identified by the pesticide retailers in south 24 Paraganas

Keyword: Agro-input dealers; Training; Farming community;

Full Text