The Constraints Experienced by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Trainees in Forming Entrepreneurial Units

Abstract

Entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied activities provide better income generating and employment opportunities among the rural households. With changes like globalization, deregulation, open competition and technological change taking place, our society is becoming an entrepreneurial society. However, in an entrepreneurial society, individuals face a tremendous challenge in running an enterprise. In this context, the study was purposively conducted in Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Center) operating under ICAR-NDRI which imparts regular training to farmers, youth and women on major areas of agriculture such as crop production, dairy farming, dairy processing, vermiculture, beekeeping, fish farming and home science. A total of twenty respondents/entrepreneurs; who had previously attended entrepreneurship training programme were finally selected based on random sampling. Therefore, entrepreneurs from various sectors i.e. four in seed production (4), beekeeping (4), vermi-composting (3), dairy processing (4), fish farming (3) and home science (2) were finally selected. The constraints were operationalised as certain irresistible forces which are creating obstacles in establishment and running of entrepreneurial unit like constraints related to establishment of farm enterprise, production, marketing and government rules and regulation were identified. The major constraints in establishment of farm enterprise was lack of new idea for starting new entrepreneurial ventures, high-cost and non-availability of input was the major production related constraints. In case of marketing, operation of unorganized agricultural market was the major perceived constraints whereas lack of digital literacy such as digital mode of payment was the major constraint highlighting the inefficiency of government rules and regulations.