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. The findings showed that factors like gaining knowledge motivated them to become a lead farmer. It also showed that lead farmers training has improved their vegetable production and income. There was significant difference in production of vegetables before and after lead farmers training of Mongar, Tashigang and Tashiyangtse Dzongkhag (<0.05). Similarly, income is differed significantly before and after lead farmers training in Tashiyangtse and Mongar Dzongkhags (<0.05). There was significant difference in production of vegetables and income of lead farmers before and after the training in Tashiyangtse and Lhuentse Dzongkhags (<0.05). Though this type of training’s were beneficial for both the lead farmers and extended farmers, the lead farmers still faced lots of challenges while delivering their services like support from farmers, budget and marketing of the products. The findings also indicated that the lead farmers needed support from the farmers and budget for enhancing their extensions.