Training need Assessment and Knowledge of Village Agricultural Assistants of NTR District of Andhra Pradesh

The present study was designed to assess the training need and knowledge level of village agricultural assistants NTR district of Andhra Pradesh. A total sample of 60 village agricultural assistants working in Rythu Bharosa Kendra’s were taken for the study. The major findings of the study was integrated farming systems and identification of micro nutrient deficiencies in crops in crop production, bio-control of pests and diseases in plant protection, production of low volume and high value crops in horticulture, gender mainstreaming through SHGs in home science as well as women empowerment, feeding management in dairy management practices were the major areas of training needed by them. Similarly, majority of the VAAs were medium followed by high level of knowledge in selected crop management practices. Major constraints expressed by VAAs are excessive work load followed by less number of RBK staff, lack of educational or work related tours and RBK should render service based on seasonal news of farmers along with its regular work, Joint diagnostic field visit of RBK staff with SAU scientists and the suggestions to overcome the constraints are development of mobile application for availing diagnostic, advisory services, development of mobile application for availing diagnostic, advisory services.