Virtual Training Methods to Enhance Capacity of Agriculture Extension Workers in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, India

The study was carried out to evaluate the quality, effectiveness, and utility of virtual training platforms and tried to understand the perception of extension workers about these training programs in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. Data were collected from 100 extension workers in Andhra Pradesh and 72 from Jharkhand who had completed five or more training courses through the Virtual-training institute. It was evident from the data that the course completion percentage of the extension workers varied in both the states, i.e., 82.74% and 40.09%, respectively, in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. The overall assessment indicates that the virtual training method is valuable and convenient to the extension workers as they access it as per their availability. Trained extension workers in Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh responded that crop practice training was as per the crops' season and time of practice. Virtual trainings are more useful for refreshers and reinforcement tracings. During the COVID phase, virtual methods have proven their utility, and with the increase in access to the internet, their usage will be further enhanced