IDENTIFICATION AND PRIORITIZATION OF TRAINING NEEDS OF AGRI. EXTENSION PERSONNEL WORKING IN THE PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Present study was conducted at Institute of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2015, to identify and prioritize the training needs of agricultural extension personnel working in Punjab, Pakistan. The entire population size of the study was 476 Agriculture Officers which constituted the sampling frame for the study. A sample size of 212 respondents was determined by using Fitzgibbon table and simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of respondents. An interview schedule was designed to collect data and face to face interaction technique was used for data collection. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS software. The data revealed that agriculture officers require in-service training in computer skills, communication / presentation skills, skills of participatory extension techniques, horticultural practices, plant protection, and mechanized practices. to perform their job effectively and efficiently. It was recommended that minimum one month in-service training programs should be designed under subject matter specialists as resources persons. Modern extension techniques, joint sessions of agriculture officers with farmers, method demonstrations and self-practice, should be the part of training.