Title: PERCEPTION OF AGRICULTURE GRADUATES TOWARDS STUDENT READY PROGRAMME

Authors: P. Vaishnavi, D. A. Nithya Shree and Sunil V.halakatti

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: agriculture graduates, entrepreneurial skills, perception, student READY programme

Volume: 40

Issue: 1

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.1.0002

Abstract: The Student Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana (READY) Programme, initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2015, aims to equip final-year agricultural undergraduates with essential entrepreneurial skills. This study investigates the perceptions of agriculture graduates toward the SRP, focusing on its effectiveness, relevance, and impact on their future careers in agriculture. The research, conducted in seven agricultural universities in South India, involved a sample of 350 graduates who had completed the program in 2022. The study employed an Ex-post-facto research design, and data were collected using a Likert-type summated rating scale. Statistical analyses such as mean, index values, ranking, and ANOVA were used. The findings revealed a generally positive perception of the programme, with the overall perception index of 80.88. Among the programme components, village attachment recorded the highest overall perception index (84.57). Within the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP), the item "develops physical and mental skills" received the highest score (89.20). In unit/institutional attachment, "helps to understand the organizational pattern and functions of KVK/Research Station/NGO" was rated highest (82.86). In the village attachment component, "builds rapport with farmers" ranked highest (86.29). Similarly, within the Plant/Agri Clinic component, "helps to diagnose pests and diseases in crops" obtained the highest perception index (79.71). In the Agro-Industrial Attachment (AIA) component, "students get exposure to the agro-industrial environment" recorded the highest score (83.20). For the Student Project Report component, "improves skills in presentation and use of sketches, schematic diagrams and graphs" received the highest index (83.77). A statistically significant variation across universities (F = 4.008, p < 0.01) further highlights that differences in institutional resources and support influence graduates perception. The study provides valuable insights for refining and enhancing the SRP to better prepare graduates for entrepreneurship in agriculture.