Assessing Major Constraints and Suggestions for Women Rural Agricultural Extension Officers (RAEOs) in Chhattisgarh Plains, India

Abstract

Women Rural Agricultural Extension Officers (RAEOs) play an important role in improving farming and rural development, especially in Chhattisgarh, India. The study aimed to identify the major constraints faced by women RAEOs and to document their suggestions for improving the effectiveness of agricultural extension services. This study looked at the Constraints faced by women RAEOs in the Chhattisgarh Plains Zone and also gathered their suggestions. A total of 165 women RAEOs were selected from ten districts, and information was collected through interviews and analysed using SPSS software. The results showed that women RAEOs face many challenges. The main work-related constraints were too much administrative workload (86.06%) and large areas to cover (76.36%), and large jurisdiction areas (76.36%). Technology-related issues were dominated by the unavailability of updated literature (95.15%) and poor ICT infrastructure (78.18%). Administrative concerns included limited promotional opportunities (90.30%) and pending claims (69.70%), while other problems involved non-extension workload (79.39%) and irregular input supply (74.55%). Suggestions emphasised reducing unscheduled work (87.27%), ensuring timely promotions and claims (82.42%), provision of inputs (71.52%), regular training (68.48%), and updated technical information (63.64%).  In conclusion, women RAEOs need more support in managing workload, better ICT facilities, timely promotions, and continuous training. Solving these problems will help them work more effectively, reduce stress, and improve the agricultural extension system for farmers.