Nature and effectiveness of extension services provided by producers organization

Abstract

Mahagrapes was established in the year 1991 as marketing partner to grapes growers' cooperative.
Many studies indicate that it has helped grape growers from Maharashtra to increase their income
and export competitiveness by providing good extension services to the members. Therefore study
was conducted to study the nature and effectiveness of services of Mahagrapes with 90 grapes
growers who were members of cooperatives linked to Mahagrapes from Nashik, Sangli and Pune
districts of Maharashtra. Data were collected through focused group discussion and personal
interview of the farmers. Regarding nature of extension services of Mahagrapes it was found that
Mahagrapes provided biobased pesticides to the members. Mahagrapes consultants provided
consultancy services about Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards, cultural practices,
weather, harvesting etc. Mahagrapes provided all support during marketing operations like
grading, packaging, transport cooling and storage. It also was involved in extension activities
like demonstrations, trainings, group meetings and farm tours. Overall effectiveness index score
with indicators satisfaction, knowledge and adoption was 92.34 percent indicating high
effectiveness of services. Thus, quality and effective services provided by the producers'
organizations have direct bearing on the success of organization and satisfaction of the members