Abstract :
: Factors influential in agricultural production can be divided into two categories, namely physical and non-physical, each of which have advantages and disadvantages in different geographical sectors. One important and effective factor in the optimal utilization of production factors in agriculture is using extension training. Research has shown that extension training plays a pivotal role by increasing the production efficiency, optimizing the use of inputs, reducing waste, improving the irrigation system, and the proper utilization of production factors in agriculture sector. The present study is of the survey type which has been carried out in five cities of Guilan province, using descriptive, analytic and correlation methods. Field and library studies were performed for data collection. The instruments included two questionnaires, one of which was designed for the farmers and the other for extension service officials in the five cities. The study population comprised all farmers under the Agricultural Service Centres of Astaneh Ashrafieh, Talesh, Rasht, Rudsar and Someʹesara, counting 223,280 people. According to the Cochran formula, the sample population was determined 303 people for the farmers and 22 for the officials. The hypothesis was “extension has an effective role in the optimal management of some of the production factors in the agricultural sector of Guilan province.” In order to determine the effect size of extension and training activities on the optimal usage of resources, we tested the following variables: proper use of water resources, introduction of healthy seeds, reduced use of pesticides, revenue growth, proper sanitation by units of production, reduced agricultural waste, introducing new methods (planting and harvesting), etc. The mutual significance size in all the tests equaled 0.000.
