International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Keerthana Vijayan, Dr. Pallavi D Suryawanshi, Dr. MV Ajotikar and Awale Payal Suresh

abstract
Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in driving innovation and economic development, especially in agriculture. The Experiential Learning Programme (ELP), implemented in Indian agricultural universities, aims to develop entrepreneurial competencies among students through practical exposure. This study assessed the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of 250 final-year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture students enrolled in ELP during 2024-2025 from three constituent colleges under Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Maharashtra—Pune, Dhule, and Kolhapur. Using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, EO was measured through key traits such as innovativeness, risk-taking, leadership, decision-making, and adaptability. The results revealed that a significant majority (87.20%) of students had a moderate level of entrepreneurial orientation, 7.60% exhibited a high level, and only 5.20% showed a low level. Most respondents expressed confidence in exploring new ideas, taking bold decisions, learning independently, and accepting responsibility, all of which reflect strong entrepreneurial potential. However, a portion of students showed hesitation in areas such as task organization and proactive behavior, suggesting areas for improvement. The findings indicate that the ELP has a positive influence on shaping entrepreneurial mindsets in agricultural students and highlight the need to further enhance experiential learning strategies to better prepare students for future entrepreneurial ventures.