Agricultural Extension's Key Role in Modern Farming: A Review
Avinash Kumar Rai
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ghazipur, U.P., Directorate of Extension, Aacharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture & AMP Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P., India.
Amandeep Ranjan *
Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (110012), India.
Shankar Dayal Bharti
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut , Uttar Pradesh, India.
D. R. K. Saikanth
Department of Agricultural Extension, CoA, PJTSAU, Rajendranaagar, Hyderabad, India.
Surender
Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India.
Sandeep Rout
Faculty of Agriculture, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha -754006, India.
Rakhi Gautam
Department of Horticulture, G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Agricultural Extension (AE) plays a pivotal role in modern farming, as it is integral in imparting knowledge from research institutions to farmers, thereby increasing productivity and sustainability. This role is becoming increasingly crucial as climate change and fluctuating market dynamics demand agile responses and adaptation from the farming community. The effectiveness of AE lies in its ability to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from research labs to farmlands. Through AE, innovations in farming techniques, crop management practices, and technological advancements reach farmers, even in remote and underserved regions. It examines the role of agricultural extension in modern farming in India, highlighting its significance in communicating scientific research to farmers, facilitating skill development, advising on efficient farming methods, and promoting risk management and resilience. As India faces major challenges such as climate change and food security, the role of agricultural extension becomes increasingly pivotal. The advent of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, offers novel avenues for extension practices. The deployment of these technologies must be inclusive, addressing issues of digital literacy and access among farmers. Despite the clear advantages, extension services are confronted with significant obstacles, including resource constraints, socio-cultural barriers, and policy issues. Addressing these challenges necessitates innovative approaches and comprehensive reforms. Looking to the future, the agricultural extension will remain central in addressing emerging farming challenges and leveraging opportunities for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in India.
Keywords: Agricultural extension, modern farming, digital technologies, sustainability, challenges, reforms