Agriculture and allied industries are major contributors to India’s wealth and GDP. Public extension services aim to support farmers but have limited reach. With the help of input dealers, farmers can access modern techniques. Strengthening these services is vital to doubling farmers’ income. The study was conducted in 2025 to analyze the perception of agricultural input dealers towards the DAESI program and to determine the direct, indirect, and largest indirect effects of their profile characteristics on perception. Fifty DAESI input dealers trained by DATC, Davanagere during 2018–2022 were selected as respondents. The results revealed that 46.00 per cent of the dealers had a better perception, 30.00 per cent had a good perception, and 24.00 per cent had a poor perception of the DAESI program. Based on direct effects, entrepreneurial orientation (X13), mass media exposure (X14), and extension participation (X12) were ranked as the top three influencing factors. Similarly, for indirect effects, mass media exposure, entrepreneurial orientation, and extension participation occupied the first three ranks. Path analysis indicated that these three variables had the most significant direct, indirect, and largest indirect effects on enhancing perception. The study suggests that improving classroom teaching, practical sessions, record maintenance and assignments can further enhance input dealers’ perception of the program. Additionally, organizing regular entrepreneurship development training and involving DAESI-trained dealers in extension activities such as demonstrations and farmer interactions can strengthen their engagement and perception towards the DAESI program.