Role Expectations of Agricultural Extension Professionals – A Study in Odisha

The role expectations of the Agricultural extension professionals are the determinant factors in developing competencies to perform their job successfully. A study was therefore conducted with the extension professionals working in the department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Govt. of Odisha during 2018. A questionnaire was developed and finalized after pre-testing which was mailed to 325 extension professionals working in all the 30 districts of Odisha. Only 182 had responded and returned the filled-in questionnaire. The data collected on the scale point of most essential, essential, undecided and not essential were analyzed with the score value of 4,3,2 and 1 respectively. Full support of the beneficiaries and stakeholders, computer and storage facility, documentation, prior arrangement of inputs and materials, regular monitoring and supervision, continuous guidance and expertise, training facilities as well as sufficient funds for demonstration were the pertinent role expectations of the extension professionals for their better job performance. The attributes such as education, experience, training and background of the Agricultural extension professionals had significantly influenced their job performance. The authorities of the state department of Agriculture have to provide facilities as per these expectations utilizing pertinent identified attributes enabling the Agricultural extension professionals to provide better job performance in technology transfer and adoption by the farmers for their sustainable livelihoods.