Evaluation of National training program on mushroom cultivation technology for entrepreneurs

Abstract

There is an increasing need of training on mushroom cultivation technology among the farmers and entrepreneurs as a result of good prospect for mushroom in the market. The training on mushroom cultivation technology for entrepreneurs is a flagship programme of Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan which aims to facilitate the complete knowledge of mushroom production activity on commercial scale. Evaluating the quality and effectiveness of such training for further improvement in their standard is strongly emphasized by extension research. The 10 day training programme on mushroom cultivation technology for entrepreneurs was evaluated by using structured questionnaires before and after the trainings. The training was evaluated with respect to the topics covered, training facility, training outcome, overall evaluation of the training and suggestions for future trainings. The participants evaluated the training topics highly with respect to relevance, content, supportiveness of teaching aids and overall learning achieved. Most of the variables to assess the overall training programme were rated highly by the trainees. The participants felt the need for more number of practical classes and additional information on finance and subsidy support for the commercial unit of white button mushroom. It is important to ensure the satisfaction of the trainees with respect to their expectations about the programme. Regular intervention of the scientists to assess the constraints faced by the clients in adoption of the technology can only be deemed as success of the training programmes.