Extension Needs of Vegetable Growers: A Study in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Information needs to be expressed by farmers have often been understood as extension needs. However, the mandate of extension services is more than just providing information about agri-inputs and its supply chain. The present study was undertaken to determine the extension needs of vegetable growers. The study sample comprised of 160 vegetable growers spread across four villages in two districts of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The data was collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. The study findings revealed that a large majority of the vegetable growers expressed high extension needs. Certain attributes of farmers such as age, education, farming experience, information-seeking behaviour, media exposure and income were found to have a significant relationship with the extension needs of vegetable growers. The study findings will help policymakers, technology developers, extension scientists and field extension agents learn about the extension needs of the vegetable growers and help in designing and developing appropriate extension strategies according to their extension need and convenience of the farmers so that they could get the maximum benefit out of it.