Mr. Krishna Deep Varma will present his MTP2 as per the details:

Date: 24th June 2026

Time: 1630 - 1730 hrs.

Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No.1

Title: Field-level feasibility of selected agro-advisory services in Rui, Indapur, Pune: Evidence from system functioning, maintenance, and farmer use

Guide: Prof. Parmeshwar D. Udmale

Examiners: Prof. Vinish Kathuria, Prof. Priya Jadhav

Abstract:

Agriculture in India faces increasing challenges due to climate variability, pest and disease outbreaks, rising input costs, and market uncertainties. Agro-Advisory Services (AAS) have emerged as an important mechanism for supporting farmers by providing timely information related to crop management, weather conditions, nutrient application, pest and disease management, and market decisions. However, concerns remain regarding the accessibility, personalization, and practical adoption of advisory recommendations at the field level.

This study assesses the field-level functioning of selected Agro-Advisory Services operating in Rui village, Indapur Taluka, Pune district. The study focuses on three advisory models: KVK Baramati, DeHaat, and Krishi Seva Kendras. A mixed-method approach was adopted involving field visits, stakeholder interviews, observations, and a survey of 60 farmers. The study examined advisory generation processes, dissemination mechanisms, data use, feedback systems, farmer awareness, adoption behavior, and operational challenges.

The findings indicate that KVK Baramati provides scientifically driven advisories through weather stations, sensor networks, and digital platforms, while DeHaat offers personalized and demand-driven recommendations through direct farmer interactions. Krishi Seva Kendras emerged as the most accessible advisory source due to their local presence and frequent interaction with farmers. The study also identified challenges such as limited personalization, weak integration of soil health data, informal feedback mechanisms, vendor bias in input-linked advisory systems, and resource constraints affecting advisory adoption.

The study concludes that effective agro-advisory services require a combination of scientific credibility, accessibility, personalization, and stronger integration of farmer needs and local resource conditions. The findings contribute to understanding the field-level feasibility of agro-advisory services and provide insights for strengthening agricultural extension and advisory systems.