Notion of Farmers about the Role of Agricultural Agencies: An Assessment of their Satisfaction Level

AbstractThe present paper examines the notion of farmers regarding the role of agricultural agencies, namely the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), in promoting agricultural development in Punjab. The primary objective of the study is to assess the level of satisfaction of farmers with the services, guidance, and initiatives provided by these agencies, and to evaluate their effectiveness in meeting the needs of the farming community. The study adopts a descriptive research design and relies on primary data collected through structured interview schedules administered to farmers across selected regions of Punjab. The interview schedule was designed to capture information on farmers’ experiences, accessibility of services, efficiency of extension programmes, and overall satisfaction with the agencies’ functioning. In addition, secondary data sources such as reports, publications, and government documents were used to supplement the findings. The analysis provides insights into the strengths and shortcomings of the Department of Agriculture and Punjab Agricultural University, highlighting the gap between policy initiatives and farmers’ expectations. The findings aim to contribute towards improving the functioning of agricultural agencies, thereby ensuring better administrative efficiency and enhanced support for farmers in Punjab.