International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Impana SK, PR Deshmukh, RP Kadam, SR Jakkawad, MI Khalge and SS More

abstract
This study examines the profile and attitudes of undergraduate female students in agricultural programs towards higher education. Conducted during the 2022-2025 academic years at the College of Agriculture, Parbhani and Latur. The research involved 120 students. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule, which focused on students' academic performance, family background, and attitudes toward higher education. The results indicate diverse academic performances, with 47.50% of students achieving a CGPA above 8.00, while only 5% scored below 6.00 CGPA. In terms of caste distribution, 41.67% of the students belonged to the general (open) category, with smaller proportions representing OBC, SC, and ST groups. Family income levels varied, with 69.17% of students' families earning from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs 5,00,000 annually. Most students (40.00%) reported low participation in extracurricular activities, though 26.67% used the library on a daily basis. ICT exposure also varied, with 63.33% indicating medium levels of exposure. Achievement motivation was predominantly moderate, with 75.00% of students falling within the medium motivation range. Regarding family background, the majority of students (63.33%) came from nuclear families, with 51.67% of their families involved in agriculture. The study also assessed students' attitudes toward higher education in agriculture, revealing that 50.00% held a favourable attitude, and 45.00% had a strongly favourable attitude toward pursuing further education in the field. These findings provide crucial insights into the socio-economic, academic, and attitudinal characteristics of female students in agricultural education, offering valuable implications for policymakers and educational institutions in fostering an environment that encourages these students to pursue higher education in agriculture.