Innovative extension practices in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya: A case study

The study was conducted on innovative practices namely Intelligent Advisory System for Farmers (IASF) and Enterprise Facilitation Centres (EFCs) in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya with an attempt to identify the innovative agricultural extension practices in the state which are more effective and reachable to the grassroots level. Simple random sampling method was followed in selecting forty farmers from each of the two selected innovative practices launched in Meghalaya. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule. Statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were used for the study. The results showed that out of total respondents selected for the study 80% farmers perceived that IASF had increased their knowledge of agricultural practices, 20% farmers reported cost and time saving and 27% percent farmers reported influence in their decision making ability through ‘Mobile Crop Doctor’. Similarly, it was found that 60% farmers received capacity building support from EFCs, 33% farmers reported influence in their decision making ability and 27% famers had a better access to credit with the help of EFCs.  However, these practices had been introduced recently in the state and are in its nascent stage, therefore more awareness on the benefits of using ICTs should be given to farmers along with better training and capacity building to encourage and enable them to utilise the benefits of ICTs and improve their farming practices.