Need Assessment of Farmers for Improved Agricultural Extension and Support Services in Assam

Abstract

In this era of rapid population growth, the world is changing rapidly, increasing the need for timely dissemination of information and knowledge. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess farmers' needs so that, based on those needs, different approaches can be undertaken to improve their livelihoods. The study was conducted in Nagaon district of Assam and covered 200 sample farmers. A combined questionnaire and interview approach was used together with Participatory Rural Appraisal and Rapid Rural Appraisal methods. The findings showed that farmers need seeds and fertilisers at the right time to make the KVK system more effective. Irrigation was the second-ranked need, while an improved market network, farm mechanisation, and greater emphasis on horticulture ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. Similarly, among production problems, animal menace was the major problem faced by farmers, followed by pests and diseases; among marketing problems, storage facilities were the main problem, followed by processing and assembling. Hence, farmers' opinions and experiences should be given importance while formulating agricultural policies and development programmes. More scientific and modern technologies should be developed and made accessible to farmers to address problems such as animal menace, insect pests, and crop diseases. In addition, proper storage and preservation facilities need to be improved, as most agricultural products are perishable in nature. Better storage infrastructure, cold chains, and processing facilities can help reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers' income.