International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Manjunath, Mahesh, D Shashikalabai, SB Goudappa and K Amaresh Kumar

abstract
The present study was undertaken to assess the socio-psychological characteristics of agricultural officers (AOs) working in Kalaburagi district of Kalyana Karnataka region during the year 2021-22. Agricultural officers (AO’s) working in the State Department of Agriculture had greater responsibilities on them to convey recent advancements to the farmers. The profile characteristics of the AOs shows how well they are equipped and can plan the activities that benefit the farmers. The results revealed that nearly half (46.66%) of the agricultural officers (AOs) were in young age and middle age (40.00%), while, half (50.00%) of AOs were post graduates & 23.00 percent were B.Sc. (Agri.) graduates, Most of the AOs were from rural background and had low (less than 8 years) to medium (8-24 years) job experience. Regarding training, majority (78.34%) of them not undergone any training programme before joining the job and most of them undergone 5-10 in-service training. With regard work load, most of them had perceived medium (51.66%) to high workload (33.36%) and more than half (53.33%) of the AOs had medium favorable attitude towards extension work. Majority (63.33%) of them had high information seeking behavior and half (50.00%) of them had medium level of awareness about use of ICT.