Agricultural Extension

1. Agricultural Extension – Definition
   Agricultural extension is the process of transferring scientific agricultural knowledge to farmers for adoption.
2. Objectives of Extension
   It aims to improve farm productivity, income, and rural livelihoods through education.
3. Scope of Agricultural Extension
   Extension covers crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and rural development activities.
4. Extension Education
   Extension education focuses on learning by doing and behavioural change.
5. Role of Extension Worker
   Extension workers act as a link between research institutions and farmers.
6. Methods of Extension
   Extension methods include individual, group, and mass communication approaches.
7. Individual Extension Methods
   Farm visits and personal contacts provide customised advice to farmers.
8. Group Extension Methods
   Group meetings and demonstrations encourage collective learning.
9. Mass Extension Methods
   Radio, television, and mobile advisories reach a large farming population.
10. Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs)
    FLDs demonstrate improved technologies under farmers’ field conditions.
11. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
    KVKs provide training, demonstrations, and advisory services at the district level.
12. Farmer Field Schools (FFS)
    FFS promote participatory learning and problem-solving skills.
13. ICT in Agricultural Extension
    ICT tools improve information dissemination and decision-making.
14. Participatory Extension
    Participatory approaches involve farmers in planning and implementation.
15. Training and Capacity Building
    Training improves farmers’ skills and technology adoption.
16. Extension and Women Farmers
    Extension programs empower women through skill development.
17. Extension and Youth
    Youth-oriented programs promote agripreneurship.
18. Extension and Sustainable Agriculture
    Extension promotes eco-friendly and resource-efficient practices.
19. Extension and Climate Smart Agriculture
    Extension supports adaptation and mitigation strategies.
20. Public Extension System
    Government agencies deliver extension services.
21. Private Extension System
    The private sector provides market-led advisory services.
22. Pluralistic Extension System
    Combines public, private, and NGO efforts.
23. Monitoring and Evaluation
    Evaluation measures the effectiveness of extension programs.
24. Challenges in Agricultural Extension
    Limited manpower and resources affect service delivery.
25. Agricultural Extension and NABARD
    NABARD promotes extension through SHGs, FPOs, and training programs.