International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Arun Kumar GS and MS Nain

abstract
‘Transformation of Aspirational districts’ a flagship program of Govt. of India to uplift the poor performing districts aims five thematical areas -among which financial inclusion and skill development are the major areas need more attention to improve the living standards of people in rural areas in general and farmers in particular. The study was conducted during 2021 to delineate the major constraints of financial inclusion and effective skill based training programs. Two aspiration districts of Karnataka (Raichur and Yadgiri) were selected purposefully and 60 trained farmers selected from each districts for data collection. Structured interview schedule with list of constraints and suggestions was administered to the respondents and were ranked based on weighted mean scores. Cumbersome banking procedures and ease of availability of credit from non-institutional sources were the major constraints of financial inclusion. Lack of adequate hands-on training and lack of access to government benefits were the major reason for the reduced effectiveness of training programs. Simplifying the banking procedures with increased number of financial institutes in the rural areas to improve the extent of financial inclusion was suggested. To enhance training effectiveness, provision of financial supports after the trainings and mini kit facilities were major suggestions.