ASBTARCT

The thesis titled "Entrepreneurial Competencies for the Performance of Poultry Farms" explores the critical role of entrepreneurial skills in enhancing the productivity and sustainability of poultry farms conducted at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, during 2023 and 2024, the study examined a sample of 90 poultry farmers, selecting 15 farms from each taluk of Dharwad district. Data were gathered through structured interviews to evaluate the respondents' level of entrepreneurial competencies and to analyze how various socioeconomic factors influenced these competencies. Additionally, the study was aimed to identify key factors that impact the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills in poultry farming.Statistical methods, including the Chi-square test, were used to assess significant associations between categorical variables. Correlation analysis was also conducted to explore the relationships between dependent and independent variables. A linear regression model was applied to estimate the effect of selected socioeconomic characteristics on the entrepreneurial levels of the respondents.The results indicated that farmers with higher education, larger landholdings, and greater experience exhibited stronger entrepreneurial competencies. These skills enabled them to adopt modern technologies, improve farm efficiency, and manage risks more effectively. However, challenges such as limited access to credit and insufficient training programs constrained many farmers from further enhancing their competencies.The study recommends expanding training programs, increasing access to financial resources, and improving extension services to support farmers in developing their entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of utilizing social media and mass media platforms for effective knowledge dissemination. The findings highlight the need for more robust support systems to help poultry farmers boost their entrepreneurial capacities, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and profitability of their farms.