A Way Forward towards Sustainable Youth Development and Empowerment by Contemplating the Impediments

Kausik Pradhan; Biman  Maity; Swapnamay  Ghosh; Mounika Chigilipalli; Praveenkumar  Marimuthu; Ajay Kumar Prusty

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2026.624RN01

Authors

Kausik Pradhan Professor,Department of Agricultural Extension, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch behar
Biman Maity Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch behar
Swapnamay Ghosh Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch behar
Mounika Chigilipalli Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch behar
Praveenkumar Marimuthu Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch behar
Ajay Kumar Prusty Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, MSSSoA, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.624RN01

Keywords:

Agricultural skill development, Rank Based Quotient, Rural youth, Sustainable livelihood development, Technical Constraints

Abstract

Success in achieving food security, environmental sustainability and rural development depends on the active involvement of young people from rural areas in sustainable agriculture. This research examines the problems of sustainable farming and livelihood improvement among young people in the Terai region of West Bengal. Two blocks from Cooch Behar and Malda districts were selected using purposive and random sampling method and 200 respondents were selected. A structured interview schedule supplemented by field observations and open-ended youth suggestions was used to elicit perceived constraints. Constraints were classified under physical, technical, social and institutional dimensions and severity of the constraints were analysed using the Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) technique. The results showed that the biggest obstacle to youth involvement in sustainable agriculture were technical constraints. The main problem areas identified were lack of training institutions in the area, non-location specific training programs, poor connectivity between training agencies and rural youth and lack of infrastructure facilities. These are interrelated problem areas which hamper the interest and participation of youth in agricultural innovation. The study calls for region-specific Skill Development Programme and institutional support system for improving the sustainable livelihoods of the youth in the rural areas.

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