Advances in Agricultural Extension (EXT-601)

Agricultural extension is taking a new dimension because of a global movement for reforming the national extension systems in developing countries that started late in the twentieth century. New learning needs of farming communities are emerging as the world enters into an era of globalization, democracy, privatization and decentralization, affecting the farmers of both developed and developing countries – although in different ways. There is a fresh and firm resolve worldwide to fight the menaces of hunger and rural poverty. Extension personnel, no matter whether they belong to government departments, NGOs, private institutions or farmers’ associations, could constitute a formidable force in this fight. Extension in the developing countries indeed has a very new role to play and needs the serious attention of policy-makers for its meaningful reform and modernization.  Extension organization can try to achieve changes in a direction which its considerations to be desirable for the farmers. It also can help farmers to achieve their own goals more successfully. Extension is an effective instrument only when combined with others, such as research, provision of inputs and credits and marketing.