Impact of Agricultural Training on Farmers’ Technological Knowledge and Crop Production in Bandarawela Agricultural Zone

Abstract

Farmer training programs on advanced agricultural techniques are essential for knowledge and capacity development of farmers. Impact assessments are done to measure the impacts of these programs. This study examines the impact of the training on technological knowledge of farmers imparted by In–service Training Institute Bindunuwewa, Bandarawela. About 82 farmer trainees were randomly selected for the study. Nonparametric tests were performed to check the differences in technological knowledge before and after the trainings (Chi-square and Wilcoxon sign rank tests). Chi-square test revealed that there is no association (p>0.05) between demographic factors and adoption of practical knowledge. Further, number of training days, time for practical and theoretical training, practical knowledge shared, and presentations by the lecturers were considered to be sufficient by farmers. The following measures were compared for before and after scenarios: From partial to full adoption: cultivation of high yield varieties; from non-adoption to full adoption: recommended seeding rate, recommended pesticide usage, new irrigation methods. Nevertheless, there is no effect from training on new packaging methods. Study concludes that there is an impact of training on farmers’ technological knowledge. This study provides evidence that agricultural trainings should be continued with the aegis of the government in the future.