Role of Agri-input Dealers in Providing Extension Services to the Farmers of Bihar (India) and Their Role Expectation from Government Institutions

The present study was undertaken in Bhagalpur and Vaishali districts of Bihar (India) during 2017-19.The study focused on the farm extension services by agri-input dealers. The data was collected from 120 agri-input dealers through structured schedule. Findings of the study regarding after sale services information showed that the agri-input dealers do farmer’s field visits very often. The agri-input dealers facilitate demonstration of new varieties of seeds, pesticides and herbicides in farmers’ fields in collaboration with the company. They efficiently provide information related to new technologies. Governments’ role in farm extension services to the farmer is unsatisfactory. Dissemination of latest technological information and farm implements through agri-input dealers will reduce the cost of cultivation. Thus agri-input dealers play a significant role in providing information to the farmers. However, most agri-input dealers have in sufficient knowledge so they need training and exposure from government institutions.