Mapping the training needs: A skill gap analysis of kvk-extension professionals in Haryana and Punjab Bhat Naila M.1, Ananthan P.S.1,*, Qureshi Neha W.1, Argade Shivaji1, Ponnusamy K.2, Murai Ashish3, Dey Deboshmita1, Mir Shakir Ahmad1 1ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai–400061, Maharashtra 2ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal–132001, Haryana 3ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana–141004, Punjab *Corresponding author email id: ananthan@cife.edu.in
Online Published on 30 March, 2024. Abstract Well-trained human resource is the backbone for the success of any extension organization. Due to the rapid changes in technology, it is necessary to update and upgrade human resource skills. Thus, this study attempted to identify the training needs of KVK Subject Matter Specialist in Haryana and Punjab. A structured questionnaire was built into an online survey and sent to SMS of 41 KVKs. Responses about general profile and training needs were received from 54.4 per cent of SMS in Haryana and 47 per cent in Punjab. These responses were collected on 3-point Likert scale. Besides descriptive statistics, Weighted Sum Method was used for training need assessment. The majority of SMS in both the states were males, had Ph.D. as their qualification. The use of ICT (0.58) in Haryana and training on managerial skills (0.59) in Punjab were the top extension-related training needs. Among Fisheries related training needs, Better Management Practices ranked first, with a score of 0.33, in Haryana and 0.24, in Punjab. The SMS with specialization other than fisheries had less interest in related training needs, stressing upon the need of allotting fisheries SMS in districts with high potential for fisheries. It is recommended to design the training as per the identified needs of SMS so that the KVK system in the country becomes more robust and client-oriented. Top Keywords Training need assessment, KVK, SMS, Haryana, Punjab. Top |