Vol. 12, Issue 1 (2023)

Contract farming is defined as an agreement between farmers and processing marketing firms for the production and supply of agricultural products under forward agreements, frequently at pre-determined prices. The arrangement also involves the purchaser in providing a degree of production support through supply of inputs and the provision of technical advice. The basis of such arrangement is a commitment on the part of farmer to provide a specific commodity in quantities and at quality standards, determined by the purchaser and a commitment on the part of company to support the farmer’s production and purchase commodity. For success of contract farming, provision of extension services plays a crucial role. Moreover how contract farming is influencing different aspect of farmers and farming conditions. It’s a matter to be explored. Thus, a study was conducted to analyse an aspect of contract farming i.e. perceived satisfaction of contract farmers with extension services under contract farming system in Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand. Total 200 contract farmers constituted the sample for the study selected from two districts of Kumaon Division i.e. Udham Singh Nagar district and Nainital district. It was reported that majority of respondents (71.50%) were satisfied with the extension services, followed by 20.00 percent of the respondents who were highly satisfied with extension services and only (8.50%) of the respondents were not satisfied with the extension services provided under contract farming system. Farmers were satisfied with the extension services as it provided them relevant market information, promoted eco-friendly and sustainable technology transfer. Therefore, the overall finding of the study suggests that providing more enhanced and skilled capabilities of extension service providers may prove more beneficial to farmers for enhance production and livelihood security.