Title: THE ATTITUDE OF UG STUDENTS OF ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY TOWARDS AGRI-STARTUP PROGRAMS IN RELATION TO THEIR PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS

Authors: Abhijeet Sarje, Mahesh. R. Patel and J. B. Patel

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: agri-startup programs; attitude; profile characteristics; agricultural entrepreneurship

Volume: 41

Issue: 1

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.1.0014

Abstract: Agri-startups have emerged as an important instrument for promoting innovation, employment generation, and sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Agricultural universities play a significant role in developing entrepreneurial orientation and shaping students' attitudes towards agri-based enterprises. Keeping this in view, the present study was undertaken to assess the attitude of undergraduate (UG) students of Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Gujarat, towards Agri-startup programs, examine its relationship with selected profile characteristics, and identify the major constraints perceived by students in establishing such ventures. The study was conducted across all seven constituent colleges of AAU using an ex-post-facto research design. A total of 380 UG students who completed their graduation during the academic year 2025 were selected as respondents. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule, and students' attitudes were measured using a modified attitude scale developed by Patel et al. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of UG students had a favourable attitude towards Agri-startup programs, with 97.90 per cent of respondents falling under neutral to favourable attitude categories, indicating considerable acceptance of agri-entrepreneurship as a career option. Students largely perceived Agri-startups as beneficial for reducing unemployment, promoting self-reliance, improving living standards, and contributing to community development. The study further indicated that medium of education, family landholding, and social media exposure had a positive and significant relationship with students' attitudes, whereas academic performance exhibited a negative and significant relationship. High initial investment emerged as the most serious constraint, followed by family-related pressures, lack of entrepreneurial experience, inadequate startup ecosystem, and limited awareness regarding government schemes. The study emphasizes the need for stronger institutional support, entrepreneurial exposure, financial assistance, and awareness programs to encourage Agri-startup establishment among students.