Assessment of training needs and training preferences of agricultural officers in Kalaburagi district of Kalyana Karnataka region

Training plays a crucial role in enhancing the knowledge, skills and competencies of Agricultural Officers for effective delivery of agricultural extension services. The present study was conducted during 2021–22 in Kalaburagi district of Kalyana Karnataka region to assess the training needs and training preferences of Agricultural Officers. An ex-post facto research design was adopted and data were collected from 60 Agricultural Officers working in 27 Raitha Samparka Kendras (RSKs) using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. The findings revealed that a majority (53.33%) of the respondents had a medium level of training need, while 23.33 per cent each had low and high training needs. Regarding training preferences, most respondents preferred Krishi Vigyan Kendras (81.66%) as the training venue, followed by Agricultural Research Stations (75.00%). A 5-day training programme (85.00%) was the most preferred duration, while January–February (95.00%) emerged as the most preferred period for organizing training programmes. In contrast, July–August (100.00%) was the least preferred period. A majority preferred training programmes to be conducted half-yearly (73.33%). Most respondents preferred both practical and theory-oriented training (93.33%), followed by practical/skill-oriented training (56.66%). Lecture-cum-group discussion (90.00%), skill demonstrations (81.66%) and field visits/study tours (73.33%) were the most preferred training methods. The respondents also preferred KVK Scientists/Subject Matter Specialists (86.66%) and Agricultural Research Station scientists (76.66%) as resource persons for conducting training programmes.