Impact of trainings in increasing farmers income: Evidence from Bihar, India.

Abstract

Aim: Impact of trainings conducted by the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute on the income and livelihood of trainee farmers of Bihar state of India. Methodology: Data were collected from trainee farmers across fourteen districts of Bihar who had undergone training at least one year ago. The information regarding knowledge/awareness, attitudes, skill of trainees were recorded by using three point continuum scales. Data were also collected on adoption of various fishery related scientific practices. The study was conducted in 2018-19 by selecting 25% of the farmers trained on inland fisheries management over seven years in ICAR-CIFRI from 2012-13 to 2018-19. Results: Significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and skill (KAS) was noticed as a result of training. Change in knowledge of the farmers of Madhubani district was higher in comparison to other districts, while the skill and attitude change was found more for the farmers of Begusarai and Darbhanga district. Around 82% of the farmers adopted composite fish culture followed by Pangasius culture (70%) after training programme. About 67%, 53% and 43% of the trainees adopted scientific fish disease control, technique of pond renovation/preparation/construction and fish feed preparation technique, respectively. It was found that 7% of the farmers had adopted fisheries as their principal occupation and 23% of the farmers had taken up fisheries as secondary occupation after undergoing training programmes. About, 36% of the trainees had dug up new ponds after training to start fisheries or to expand fisheries venture. It was found that adoption of scientific practices led to 233% improvement in income of the farmers from fisheries. Interpretation: Training programmes were able to improve the knowledge, attitude and skill of the trainees which improved the income and livelihood. The findings of the study would be useful for trainers, researchers and policymakers to devise training programmes and impact assessment studies in future.