Transforming agricultural input dealers into para-extension workers in rural India: Analysing the constraints and strategies

Agricultural input dealers play a big role as para-extension workers in rural India for providing essential extension advisory services to the farmers. The study aimed in identifying the key constraints faced by them, focussing on their role as trusted as extension sources. The study was conducted in two districts of West Bengal, namely Purba Bardhaman and Hooghly. Ex-post facto research design was employed. Through random sampling, 80agricultural input dealers from these districts were selected for the study. Data collection was conducted via personal interviews and structured questionnaire. The study identified 13 major constraints faced by the input dealers including lack of training and demonstrations (76.86), delayed repayment from farmers (70.22), unavailability of timely climate and pest information (62.45) and poor market intelligence (62.47). The constraints were ranked using Garrett Ranking Methodology. Possible strategies were also outlined and prioritized by the dealers for addressing the constraints. Strategies like emphasising the need for better soil testing facilities (3.00), timely information dissemination (2.925), streamlined licensing procedures (2.85) and improved storage and transportation infrastructure (2.56) received the highest mean scores and hence top ranks using Mean Score Index Methodology. The findings highlighted input dealers' vital role in bridging the knowledge gap for small and marginal farmers as well as actionable policy recommendations to increase their capacity to provide effective agro-advisory services. The study emphasised the need of policy interventions in addressing these issues and improving the entire agricultural advisory system in rural India.