Assessment of Lead Farmers Training Model being promoted under CARLEP in four Dzongkhags of Eastern Bhutan

The lead farmer training was introduced by Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) supported by Commercial Agriculture Resilient and Livelihood Enhancement Program (CARLEP) in 2015. This paper explores the impact of lead farmer training on production and income of lead farmers and extended farmers. Though training started in 2015 there were no assessment made on its impact. The objectives were i) to identify the factors that motivated farmers to participate in lead farmers training, ii) to assess the impact of training on income and production of vegetables in the communities of Tashigang, Tashiyangtse, Mongar and Lhuentse Dzongkhags, iii) to determine challenges faced as a lead farmer and support required for effective extension of knowledge and services. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires from 41 lead farmers and 49 extended farmers from four Dzongkhags of Bhutan mentioned above. T test was conducted to see significant difference before and after training for income and vegetable production.