Factors Influencing Adoption of Technical Advice from Agricultural Extension Services: Evidence from a Field Survey in Western Uttar Pradesh, India.

This article investigates the factors influencing farmers' adoption of technical advice and their preferred providers of agricultural extension services (AES) in western Uttar Pradesh, India. Using data from 272 households and a binary logistic regression model, the study finds that farm size, household size, average hours spent on farms, training, and awareness of extension schemes positively affect adoption, while professional education and distance from highways have negative effects. Although non-government sources such as private agents and progressive farmers are more accessible, public extension services—including Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), agricultural universities, and veterinary departments—achieve higher adoption rates due to greater trust. The study highlights the limited role of information and communications technology (ICT)-based services in adoption, emphasizing the continued importance of physical, interpersonal extension methods in this context. It recommends more inclusive outreach strategies targeting marginal and small farmers, enhanced training programs, and improved communication and trust-building between extension agents and farmers.