Agricultural Information Needs and their Fulfillment as Perceived by the Farmers in Changing Agricultural Scenario in Maharashtra

Abstract

Nowadays, there are numerous extension agencies that are providing agricultural extension services to the farmers in the form of information and service support but the results are still not satisfactory in accordance with need fulfillment of farmers in the context of changing agricultural scenario in Maharashtra state. Hence, present study was aimed to assess diverse information needs of farmers from agricultural extension system. It was conducted in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra that included a random sample of 80 farmers, 20 each from four randomly selected villages representing two blocks. The present study reveals that soil, weather and climate, nutrient management, market prices and income generating activities are the prime needed aspects related to agricultural inputs with mean need perception score more than 3.5 on four point continuum scale followed by livelihood diversification, agricultural marketing, seeds, agrientrepreneurship, subsidies, plant protection material, weed management, pest and disease management and crop diversification had mean need perception score more than average (>2.5) on four point continuum scale. However, the most of the information needs were fulfilled partially as opined by the farmers. The low perception of felt needs of the farmers on post harvest management and higher need perception on marketing aspects clearly indicated the fact of unwillingness and ignorance on value addition, quality control, etc. of agricultural produce and preference of marketing the produce as quickly as possible. However, the farmers expressed their interest in capacity building aspects viz. diversification of livelihood, agri- entrepreneurship and crop diversification by growing high value crops.