Fundamentals of Agricultural Extension

The term ‘Extension’, has different connotations in different countries. In India, it refers to ‘Transfer of technology; in USA, it means ‘Education’; while in UK, it is advisory work and so on. Extension education is relatively the youngest science, and has the history of about 170 years. There are many misconceptions about extension which need to be addressed. Extension education has developed as a discipline and also as a profession. In recent years, it has emerged as an important service sector. With the developments in technology information, it has emerged as important input in agricultural production. The role of extension professional is to treat the information according to the needs of the client system. Providing customized information to the needy clients is the priority area of extension.

This course deals with objectives, principles, philosophy and dimensions of extension. Programme planning is part of extension. The historic efforts of planning and implementation of extension programmes provide us insights to develop future extension programmes. The implications of innovations and its consequences are the components that have been covered in the course. The latest trends in extension science herald significance of extension in agricultural production. An effort has been made to differentiate between extension educationists and extension service providers. The understandings of fundamentals of extension education lead to development of extension professionals.

1. Understanding concept of extension

2. Understanding dimensions and  process of extension and programme planning

3. Pre & Post Independence Extension Systems

4. Innovations in extension and development

5. New trends in extension

6. Rural Development and Extension

7. Diffusion and adoption of innovations

• UG and PG Students of Agriculture and allied sciences (Horticulture, Veterinary Science, Sericulture)

• Faculty of SAUs

• Agriculture Scientists in ICAR

• Professionals in State Department of Agriculture

• Agricultural marketing and Cooperation professionals

• Agricultural Engineering faculty and students

• NGOs in Agriculture

• Progressive farmers/ Farming community

• What is Extension

• Community Development Programme, NES, DCB

• Training and Visit System of Extension

• First line extension efforts of ICAR

• Cyber extension

• Market-led extension

• Farming situation based extension

• Rural leadership

Qualifying students will be given certificates based on their involvement and performance. Participation certificate and Competency certificate will be issued by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), IIT Kanpur, India and Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada.