International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Rayirala Rakesh, Darshan NP, Souvik Ghosh, Ananditha Saha and Siddhartha Dev Mukhopadhyay

abstract
Rural youth are the most important segment of the country like India where agriculture is the back bone of national economy. But, rural youth now a days, have been losing their interest in agriculture. Instead of being self-employed in agriculture and allied activities, they are now turning to be “Job seekers”. The study identified the major constraints hindering rural youth participation in agriculture in Suryapet district of Telangana and documented their suggestions for improving engagement. The findings revealed that economic constraints were the most severe (94.50%), followed by physical (87.42%), social (86.50%), technical (84.00%), and extension-related constraints (82.75%). Key issues included underemployment (93.33%), high cost of cultivation (92.50%), low remunerative prices (87.50%), lack of agricultural management experience (87.50%), lack of appropriate technology (89.17%), and untimely extension services (90.83%). To address these challenges, youth suggested timely access to inputs and information, remunerative pricing, improved irrigation, climate- smart agriculture awareness, regular extension interventions, and formation of rural youth organisations. The results underline the need for stronger economic incentives, technology support, and youth-focused extension strategies to enhance effective participation in agriculture.