Training Needs of Farmers and Rural Youth: An Analysis of Manipur State, India

Abstract

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) conduct a variety of trainings for the benefit of farmers and rural youth in each district. KVK training programme starts with identification of training needs, the most important step in organization of any training programme. The present study on training needs analysis of the farmers and rural youths was conducted by the Zonal Project Directorate (Zone III) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with the KVKs in Manipur State. A list of 11 major components/ thematic areas was prepared. Under each major component, specific and relevant training need items were collected and systematically incorporated in to the interview schedule and administered. The results revealed that even in the most popular areas of training, there was an inadequacy. Farmers sought maximum trainings on integrated farming systems, integrated pest and disease management and technologies for soil and water conservation. Nursery management topped the list under horticulture while training with respect to rearing of piggery was the most important one under animal sciences. Income generating activities for empowerment of rural women, formation and maintenance of SHGs and training on small scale processing and value addition were also in high demand. The KVKs have to re-orient their trainings based on these findings to reduce the existing technological and adoption gap among the farmers in Manipur.