Archives of Current Research International

The Farmer FIRST Programme seeks to strengthen farmer–scientist interaction and support the adoption of improved agricultural technologies through participatory extension. This study analysed the constraints perceived by beneficiaries of the programme implemented by Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in the mid-hills of Uttarakhand during 2024–2025. Three programme villages—Jeoli, Syalikhet and Dogra—were selected purposively, and 138 beneficiaries were selected proportionately from 210 registered beneficiaries. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule. Ten constraints identified through a literature review and open-ended enquiry were ranked by respondents and analysed using Garrett’s ranking technique. Non-availability of land emerged as the most severe constraint, with a mean Garrett score of 64.11. A lack of finance, subsidies or initial inputs ranked second (56.62), followed by insufficient cooperation from village panchayats (54.70). Difficulties in understanding technical terminology and incomplete knowledge of promoted technologies occupied intermediate positions. Inadequate interaction with project officials, limited cooperation among farmers and insufficient information about demonstrations were also reported. A lack of interest in replacing traditional methods and insufficient project staffing received the lowest ranks. The findings indicate that adoption was constrained primarily by structural, financial and institutional conditions rather than by attitudinal resistance. Resource-sensitive planning, clearer technical communication, stronger local institutional engagement and sustained follow-up with beneficiaries may improve the uptake of programme interventions in hill agriculture.