Role Performance of Agro-input Dealers in Providing Agro-advisory Services to Farmers in Gaya District of Bihar, India

Abstract

Role performance of agro-input dealers plays a vital role in strengthening the extension potential of agro-advisory services by facilitating the timely dissemination of agricultural information and technologies to farmers. It reflects the actual behaviour of individuals in performing their assigned responsibilities effectively. The present investigation was undertaken in Gaya district of Bihar, India, with the objective of evaluating the role performance of agro-input dealers in delivering agro-advisory services to farmers. Three blocks, namely Gaya, Manpur, and Tekari, were purposively selected based on the relatively higher concentration of agro-input dealers in these areas. A total of 320 respondents were selected through proportionate random sampling, and the required data were collected using a pre-tested interview schedule. The collected data were analysed using frequency and percentage. The findings revealed that the highest proportion of respondents (44.69%) exhibited a medium level of role performance, followed by 20.63 per cent and 15.31 per cent with very high and high levels of role performance, respectively. In contrast, only 10.31 per cent and 9.06 per cent of the respondents exhibited very low and low levels of role performance, respectively. The study concludes that the majority of agro-input dealers demonstrated medium to high levels of role performance in delivering agro-advisory services. The findings suggest that regular technical training, stronger coordination with the Department of Agriculture, periodic capacity-building programmes, and institutional support are essential for improving the advisory effectiveness of agro-input dealers.