Constraints faced by farmers in utilization of extension services provided by KVK in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs) are innovative, science-based institutions established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to provide vocational training and on-field technical support to farmers and rural youth. These centres aim to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and farm-level application by equipping farmers with updated agricultural technologies, skills and problem-solving approaches. The present study was undertaken in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh to evaluate the constraints faced by the farmers in accessing KVK services. The Garret Ranking Technique was employed to identify and prioritize various constraints encountered by the farmers. The constraints were broadly classified into infrastructural, technical, socio-economic, organizational, and other categories. The findings revealed that several significant barriers affected the effective utilization of KVK services. Among these, lack of marketing and storage facilities, high cost of agricultural inputs and technologies, low risk-bearing capacity of farmers, and non-availability of quality seeds and fertilizers were the most prominent. Additionally, the absence of exposure visits, limited demonstrations and frequent seasonal pest and disease attacks further constrained farmers’ ability to fully benefit from KVK initiatives. These factors highlighted the weak institutional and operational linkages that need to be addressed for enhancing the outreach and impact of KVKs. Strengthening infrastructure, improving input delivery systems, arranging regular training-cum-exposure visits and ensuring timely technical guidance are essential measures.