Understanding the training needs of farm women in Parbhani, Maharashtra

Abstract

This study assessed the training needs of farm women in the Marathwada region to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of agricultural training initiatives. Conducted in Parbhani and Manwath tehsils of Maharashtra using an ex-post-facto research design, the study employed simple random sampling to select 120 respondents from villages with high female agricultural participation. Data were collected via structured interviews and analyzed using frequency and percentage. The findings indicate high training needs in agronomical areas such as IPM, IDM, and fertilizer management, while horticultural and vegetable production needs were moderate. Dairy farming revealed significant interest in disease management, whereas goat rearing, postharvest, and poultry practices showed minimal demand. Entrepreneurship skills, particularly in financial management and marketing, emerged as critical gaps. Additionally, organic farming and awareness of government schemes for women were identified as priority areas. These insights can inform focused training and policy interventions to support rural women’s agricultural engagement and livelihood enhancement.