Farmer Participation and Demand-Driven Extension: A Four-Year Evaluation of Training Modalities in Temperate Horticulture

Abstract

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) represent the backbone of India’s pluralistic agricultural extension system, with a mandate extending beyond technology dissemination to include demand assessment, feedback generation and adaptive learning. Demand-driven extension is fundamental to the effectiveness of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), yet systematic analysis of farmer participation data is rarely undertaken for scientific evaluation. The present study analysed four years (2021–2024) of training programmes conducted by Horticulture Scientists at ICAR–KVK Baramulla to assess farmer participation as a proxy indicator of extension demand, thematic relevance and delivery effectiveness. Secondary data on the number of trainings, delivery mode (on-campus/off-campus), thematic focus and participant strength were analysed using descriptive statistics and trend analysis. Results revealed a consistent increase in farmer participation over the study period, with off-campus programmes exhibiting higher participation density than on-campus trainings. Horticulture-centric themes, particularly high-density apple plantation, plant protection and climate-responsive practices, dominated farmer participation. The study demonstrates that participation-based analytics offer a simple yet robust framework for evidence-based extension planning.