Job Competence of Agricultural Extension Officers in Telangana State

Abstract

The research was conducted in the Nalgonda district of Telangana state with the aim of assessing the job competence and job satisfaction of Agricultural Extension Officers. A total of 120 Agricultural Extension Officers were selected for the study from different Mandals within Nalgonda district. Data was collected to analyse the profile and job competence levels of agricultural extension officers. Two rating techniques were employed in evaluating the job competence level of agricultural extension officers which were Self-rating and Superior rating. The study results revealed that 55.84% of Agricultural Extension Officers rated themselves that they had a medium level of job competence, while in case of superior rating, 57.50% of Agricultural Extension Officers had medium level of competence at a similar level. The overall finding on job competence indicated that 65% of agricultural extension officers were at a medium level of competence. In terms of Self-rating, agricultural extension officers demonstrated higher competence in communicative ability, initiative, empathy, and technical knowledge dimensions with a mean index. On the other hand, according to Superior rating, agriculture extension officers exhibited greater competence in initiative, communicative ability, empathy, and judgement dimensions with the mean index. The study emphasizes exploring job competence levels, various competence dimensions, and the relationship of independent variables with job competence among agricultural extension officers.