Attitude, Competency, Training Needs and Constraints of Fertilizer Dealers in Kakinada District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, India to assess attitude, competency, training needs and constraints of retail fertilizer dealers. The survey research method was used for collection of required data. The attitude scores were obtained by using 5 positive statements each regarding soil health management and farmers’ welfare. A set of 10 multiple-choice questions was used to determine the competency scores of the respondents. The Weighted Mean Scores were used to rank the training areas. The constraints were analysed through Garett’s ranking technique. The study revealed that the majority of fertilizer dealers (67.86%) were adults (26-39 years) and degree holders. The majority (64.28%) of them owned agricultural land and were involved in cultivation of crops for additional income. The overall attitude score of respondents was 0.95 ± 0.01 which indicates that most of the fertilizer dealers had a very high positive attitude towards sustainable agriculture and welfare of farming community. The mean competency score was 3.93 ± 1.86 out of 10. The balanced use of chemical fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and organic fertilizers (Integrated Nutrient Management) was the most sought training area. Heavy competition followed by non-availability of fertilizer stocks in market at appropriate time and lack of credit facilities to procure the fertilizer stocks were the top three constraints in fertilizer dealership. A significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) between attitude score and competency score was found in the present study. It was concluded that, even though most of the fertilizer dealers in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh had very high positive attitude towards soil health management and farmers’ welfare, their competency levels were low. Most of the dealers want training on balanced use of chemical fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and organic fertilizers, and heavy competition was the major constraint perceived by them in fertilizer dealership. This study considers improving knowledge levels of fertilizer dealers through training programmes designed as per their convenience and addressing their constraints.