SPATIAL PATTERNS OF FARMER PARTICIPATION, CONSTRAINTS AND PRIORITY INTERVENTIONS UNDER VIKASIT KRISHI SANKALP ABHIYAN (VKSA): EVIDENCE FROM AGRO-ECOLOGICAL SITUATIONS OF VARANASI DISTRICT, UTTAR PRADESH

Abstract

Indian agriculture faces persistent challenges, including small and fragmented landholdings, labour shortages, climate variability, and increasing production risks. In this context, large-scale, campaign-based extension programmes serve as strategic tools for rapid technology dissemination and farmer mobilization. The Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), implemented during Kharif 2025 in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, aimed to promote scientific crop and livestock practices, enhance awareness of government schemes, and strengthen convergence among Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), line departments, and local institutions. The present study analyzed AES- and block-wise farmer participation, identified major constraints, and documented suggestive measures for improving technology adoption across three Agro-Ecological Situations (AESs). A total of 600 farmers (200 per AES) were surveyed through group interactions, demonstrations, and participatory sessions. Participation intensity and percentage share revealed that AES-3 (Western and Southern parts) accounted for the highest engagement (49.8%), followed by AES-2 (25.4%) and AES-1 (24.8%), with Baragaon recording the highest intensity per Gram Panchayat. Crop losses due to blue bulls and stray animals, livestock reproductive disorders, and low awareness of integrated disease and nutrient management emerged as the top constraints, showing strong rank concordance across AESs. Farmers prioritized pre-season VKSA campaigns, MGNREGA based labour support, and PMFBY coverage for stray animal losses as key measures, though AES-specific preferences varied. The study highlights the importance of integrating participation intensity metrics and rank based diagnostics into extension planning. Evidence-based, participatory, and location-specific interventions, including institutionalizing pre-season VKSA campaigns, converging labour support with agricultural operations, and strengthening insurance coverage, can enhance farmer resilience and the effectiveness of large-scale extension programmes.