EFFECTIVENESS OF FARMERS' TRAINING ON THE ADOPTION OF IMPROVED POTATO TECHNOLOGY IN TEHSIL KASUR

摘要

A study was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2013-15, to investigate the effectiveness of farmers’ training on the adoption of improved potato technology. Tehsil Kasur of Punjab was selected for study being a major growing area of potato. A total sample comprising of 120 farmers was taken who received training by using purposive sampling technique. A comprehensive interview schedule was developed and used as research instrument for data collection. The collected data were analysed with the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to derive conclusions and formulate recommendations. The results revealed that nearly half of the respondents (46.7%) reported weekly visits made by extension field staff, whereas the rest of respondents told that fortnightly (28.3%) and monthly visits (25.0%) were performed by the extension personnels in the area. Farm visit was the approach or teaching method which was frequently used by extension field staff (EFS). Among all improved production practices seed selection was placed on top of the list (mean 4.14) followed by seed rate (4.04), disease control (3.93), sowing time (3.86) and fertilizer application (3.61). Farmers proposed that EFS should be equipped with proper training techniques regarding different production practices and their knowledge level and communication skills must be upgraded.