Title: IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF DAESI PROGRAMME ON KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF AGRI-INPUT DEALERS

Authors: Shalinee Mishra, Seema Naberia and Kamini Bisht

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: DAESI programme, knowledge level, DAESI agri-input dealers, non-DAESI agri-input dealers

Volume: 40

Issue: 1

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.1.0008

Abstract: Agri-input dealers play a vital role in the agricultural extension delivery system as the most accessible local source of agri-advisory services for farmers. However, most of them lack formal agricultural education and technical knowledge. To overcome this gap, the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) initiated the one-year Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) Programme in 2003. The programme is designed to equip dealers with relevant scientific knowledge and enhance their competencies, thereby enabling them to function as para-extension professionals. The study entitled "Impact Assessment of the DAESI Programme on Knowledge Level of Agri-Input Dealers in Jabalpur District" was undertaken with a total sample of 156 respondents, including 78 DAESI-trained and 78 non-DAESI input dealers. An ex-post facto research design was employed and data were collected through a well-structured schedule based on the DAESI curriculum. The curriculum covered eleven components and knowledge levels were assessed using mean, standard deviation, correlation and z-test. The findings revealed that DAESI-trained dealers had significantly higher knowledge scores (mean = 123.85) compared to their non-DAESI counterparts (mean = 82.12). The z-test further confirmed a highly significant difference between the two groups, indicating the positive impact of the DAESI programme. Among DAESI-trained dealers, factors such as education, business experience, mass media utilization, extension contact, awareness of government policies, decision-making ability, risk orientation, confidence building, management orientation, and attitude towards the programme were positively and significantly associated with knowledge enhancement. In contrast, for non-DAESI dealers, only business experience and age showed significant influence. Overall, the study highlights that the DAESI programme is effective in upgrading the knowledge base of input dealers and strengthening their role as para-extension professionals, ultimately contributing to improved agricultural advisory services at the grassroots level.