“Fundamentals of Agricultural Extension” is a comprehensive book that provides a deep understanding of the principles, theories, and practices of agricultural extension—an essential discipline for the development and advancement of agriculture and rural communities. The book serves as a valuable resource for students, practitioners, researchers, and anyone interested in the agricultural sector. The book begins by tracing the historical development of agricultural extension, exploring its origins, and highlighting key milestones that have shaped the field. It then delves into the theoretical foundations of agricultural extension, discussing various models and frameworks that underpin its practice. By understanding these theories, readers gain insight into the principles and concepts that guide effective extension work. The subsequent chapters of the book cover a range of important topics in agricultural extension. It examines the role of extension in facilitating technology transfer, knowledge dissemination, and innovation adoption among farmers. It explores the various approaches and methods used in extension work, such as participatory approaches, needs assessment, communication strategies, and evaluation techniques. The book also addresses contemporary issues and challenges faced by farmers and rural communities. It discusses the role of agricultural extension in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, climate change adaptation, market access, and rural development. It highlights the importance of farmer empowerment and the use of emerging technologies in extension services. Throughout the book, real-world case studies, examples, and practical insights are provided to illustrate the application of extension principles in diverse contexts. Readers are encouraged to critically engage with the content and consider its implications for their own work or research. This book acknowledges the dynamic nature of the field and highlights emerging trends and innovations in agricultural extension. It explores the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), farmer field schools, and public-private partnerships as new avenues for extension services. By the end of the book, readers will have a solid foundation in agricultural extension, enabling them to contribute effectively to the development of sustainable agricultural practices, rural communities, and the overall advancement of the agricultural sector.
Dr. Deepali Suryawanshi is working as an Assistant Professor (Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication), School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. She has successfully completed graduation (B.Sc. Ag.) from Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya (MGCGVV) in Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.). Post-graduated (M.Sc. Agricultural Extension and Communication) from Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur M.P. She did her Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension and Communication from Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, (RVSKVV), Gwalior, M.P. She published many research papers, books, book chapters, practical manual and popular articles. She has also undertaken various international and national training on CAAAAS, MANAGE, NADCL, EPRAAS, FPO and NAHEP. She has been conferred with different awards by different professional societies including Young Professional Award, Best Ph.D. Thesis Award, Young Scientist Award. She has also been honoured in her Young Extension Educationist Award and different technical sessions of national seminar and symposium.
Dr. Satish Kumar is working as an Assistant Professor (Department of Agronomy), School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He is graduated (B.Sc. Ag.) from Indira Gandhi Agriculture University (IGKVV), Raipur (C.G)., Post-graduated (M.Sc. Agronomy) from HNB Garhwal University, Uttarakhand and he has completed his Ph.D. Agronomy from Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur, M.P. he passed the national eligibility test (NET) conducted by ICAR-ASRB, New Delhi.
Dr. S.K. Sharma is serving as a Director, Research Services, Director Instructions, Director Farms, and Dean Student Welfare, RVSKVV, Gwalior. Completed Ph.D. (Soil Science) from IIT Kharagpur prior to which he has obtained M.Sc. (Ag.) (Hons.) and B.Sc. (Ag.) (Hons.) from JNKVV, Jabalpur. As PI, NAHEP significantly contributed in the infrastructural development and faculty improvement of the 5 component colleges of the university. He is the nodal officer for 3 incubation centers developed under the PMFME scheme for food processing and entrepreneurship development. Handled 3 internationally collaborated projects with Japan International Co-operation Agency & World Bank as well as two projects funded by IMD, New Delhi as a Principal Investigator. He has also worked as PI and Co-PI in a number of projects, such as NAIP, NATP, and Asian Development Bank assisted projects in collaboration with ICRISAT, NICRA, TSP, ICAR, JICA, IDPNAHEP-RVSKVV-Gwalior sponsored by ICAR & World Bank. He has developed a number of technologies for land, water and nutrient management and published more than 80 research papers in international and national journals, 15 book chapters, 7 books (with ISBN numbers), 8 practical manuals for UG and PG students and attended more than 60 seminars and symposia. Two patents have been obtained by him. Also received the coveted scholarship from UNICEF for attending College of Soil Physics at ICTP, Italy, ICAR Senior Research Fellowship and also of MoHRD, New Delhi for Ph.D. He has made scientific visits of number of research institutes abroad.
Dr. Ravindra Kumar Tiwari is working as a Director, Jan Shikshan Sansthan (Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India) Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh since last 20 years mainly for the Development of Rural Youth, Women, and weaker section of the society. Dr. Tiwari has vast academic experience in the field of extension education and rural development perusing M.Sc. and Ph. D. Degree in the field of Agricultural Extension. He has good exposure and expertise in organizing Vocational Training, Capacity Building Programme, demonstrated skills for on-Farm and Off-farm technology applications drawing by using modern communication and IT tools and techniques. He is well known for research and methodological aspects evident by his more than 15 research papers, books, book chapter and poplar articles. This book will serve the need and requirements of interesting students, faculties and policy-makers in the field of extension and rural development.
1. Introduction to Agricultural Extension ......................................... 1
2. Agricultural Extension Systems .................................................... 11
3. Theoretical Framework of Agricultural Extension ................... 25
4. Extension Program Planning and Evaluation............................ 43
5. Communication in Agricultural Extension ................................ 53
6. Extension Training and Capacity Building ................................ 69
7. Methods and Approaches in Agricultural Extension............... 73
8. Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Extension ........... 93
9. Gender and Social Inclusion in Agricultural Extension .........101
10. Extension Policy and Institutional Framework .......................107
11. Challenges and Future Directions in Agricultural Extension ........................................117
12. Needs Assessment and Program Planning in Agricultural Extension .........................127
13. Extension Teaching and Learning Process ...............................135
14. Farmer Organizations and Rural Development ......................145
15. Entrepreneurship Development in Agriculture .......................155
16. Case Studies in Agricultural Extension .....................................163
17. Research Methodology in Social Science ..................................173
