Vol. 7, Issue 12, Part E (2025)

The study was conducted to assess the knowledge and utilization of the Capacity Building Programme implemented under the CAAST-CSAWM project at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri. The programme, initiated in 2018 under NAHEP-ICAR, aims to strengthen education, research, and skills in climate-smart agriculture, water management, geo-informatics, drones, robotics, IoT, and precision farming. A total of 150 beneficiaries, including postgraduate students and faculty who participated in multiple training programmes from 2018 to 2023, were selected through random sampling. An ex-post facto research design was used, and data were collected through a structured Google Form schedule. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, range, and Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

The findings revealed that all respondents (100.00%) were aware of the CAAST-CSAWM project, indicating that majority of participants demonstrated high knowledge of the thematic areas covered, especially in GIS, drones, IoT, robotics, precision agriculture, and crop-water relationships. 66.00% of respondents had a high level of knowledge, while 06.00% showed a low level. In terms of utilization, 54.67% of the respondents showed medium utilization of the acquired knowledge, and 27.33% demonstrated high utilization. Beneficiaries frequently applied the learning in research work, teaching, field activities, and extension work. The study concludes that the CAAST-CSAWM Capacity Building Programme has been highly effective in enhancing knowledge and promoting practical application of climate-smart and precision agriculture technologies among students and faculty. The programme fostered sustained learning, motivated research, and strengthened professional competence, demonstrating its significant contribution to agricultural education and capacity development at MPKV Rahuri.