Vol. 11, Special Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Sachin, Rashmi Yadav, Potla Venkatesh and Ungarala Chandra Harshini

Abstract:
Agriculture is critically important to India's development. Access to markets, funding, and knowledge are all essential for agricultural development. In recent years, public extension agencies have come under scrutiny for their inability to offer timely extension services. A variety of factors have hampered public expansion. In delivering quality extension services, privatisation has emerged as a viable option to governmental organization. A study was conducted to examine farmers' knowledge and attitudes concerning agricultural extension service privatization. While the majority of farmers preferred franchisees and vouchers to public extension services, the majority of farmers favoured franchisees and vouchers. The key constraints cited by all 20 farmers were high costs, farmer exploitation, and the supply of inferior technology due to a lack of regulatory framework. In terms of the perceived impact of privatization, more than 90% of farmers feel that privatisation will result in timely delivery of extension services, more accountability, and increased professionalism among extension staff.