This book is a comprehensive guide that delves into innovative strategies and best practices aimed at empowering farmers for sustainable development. Across its ten vital chapters, this book navigates through critical aspects of modern agricultural extension, offering invaluable insights into community engagement, market access, gender inclusivity, and climate resilience. Through detailed discussions, readers are led to understand the significance of community involvement in extension initiatives and the role of gender-inclusive approaches in promoting equity within the agricultural sector. Moreover, the book addresses the formidable challenges posed by climate change by advocating for climate-smart agriculture practices and fostering resilience through extension services. It underscores the imperative of youth engagement in agriculture, exploring strategies to empower the next generation of farmers and agripreneurs, thus ensuring the sector’s vitality and sustainability. Financial literacy and access to credit are also explored as essential components of sustainable agricultural development, alongside innovative approaches to farmer training and education, which are crucial for keeping farmers informed about the latest agricultural practices. Additionally, the book sheds light on the importance of promoting agroecological practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. It emphasizes the intersection of health and nutrition with agricultural extension, recognizing the integral role they play in farmers’ well-being and productivity. Furthermore, the book advocates for the integration of local wisdom into extension programs, acknowledging the richness of traditional knowledge and its relevance in fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Through its practical insights and actionable recommendations, “Empowering Farmers” serves as an indispensable resource for agricultural extension practitioners, policy-makers, researchers, and all stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable agricultural development and empowering farming communities worldwide.
Dr. Pallavi, G. is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Extension in the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot. She has been awarded Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Extension from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. She has experience of 10 years in teaching, research and extension in this discipline. She has received Young Scientist and Young Faculty awards from Science and Technology Awards. Also worked as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI in some of the Institute projects and also had exposure visits to many Institutes. She has attended many International, National seminars/conferences, Faculty/ Capacity Development Program and Training programs. She has in his credit several research papers published in reputed journals, book chapters, popular articles and other extension publications.
Dr. Pushpa, P. is currently working as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Extension at College of Horticulture, Sirsi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka. Dr. Pushpa has 12 years experience in Teaching, Research and Extension. She has published 24 research papers, 13 book chapters, 59 abstracts and 22 popular articles. Served as Head for Horticulture Extension Education Unit, COH, Sirsi, and recognized as National Facilitator, MANAGE, Hyderabad. Organized many training programs, demonstrations, field days and Exhibitions for the benefit of farming community. She has been bestowed with many awards and recognition. She is the lifetime member of several professional and scientific societies of National and International importance including INSAIT, UAS, Dharwad, Bose Science Society, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr. Shilpa Huchchannanavar is working as a Scientist at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ballari, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. She has completed her Doctoral degree from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru in the year 2014. She is the recipient of two gold medals for her Master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition during the year 2009 from the same University. Dr. Shilpa is the recipient of ICAR fellowship for master’s degree and DST-Inspire fellowship for the doctorate degree. She has 12 years experience in University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur in teaching, research and extension wings. She has handled many adhoc and institutional projects during her service in the University. Dr. Shilpa is the recipient of Young Scientist Award and best extension Scientist Award in Home Science from different professional societies. She has extensively worked on Women empowerment especially on Entrepreneurship Development in fig value addition among fig growers and has received recognition from both state and central level. She has many research articles, popular articles, books in her credit.
Dr. Santosh, D.T. is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture and Bio Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. He has earned his Ph.D. in December 2019 from the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department at IIT, Kharagpur under the supervision of Professor K.N. Tiwari. He has worked as a Research Associate at Precision Farming Development Centre, IIT, Kharagpur for a decade (2010-2020), which was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. His area of research is micro-irrigation, greenhouse technology, protected cultivation techniques, and hydroponics. He has a number of publications in National and International peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he has four years of industrial experience as a marketing professional at TAFE Tractor, GEA Farm Technologies, and HDFC Bank.
1. Community-based Extension Programs: Engaging Farmers for Sustainable Development...........................1
2. Market Access Strategies for Smallholder Farmers......................17
3. Gender-Inclusive Approaches to Agricultural Extension...........35
4. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Building Resilience through Extension Services .............................................................................49
5. Youth Engagement in Agricultural Extension: Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers..............................63
6. Empowering Rural Farmers: Enhancing Financial Literacy and Access to Credit for Sustainable Development.....................79
7. Innovative Approaches to Farmer Training and Education.......95
8. Promoting Agroecological Practices through Extension Services ...........................................................................115
9. Addressing Health and Nutrition in Agricultural Extension Programs ........................................................................129
10. Integrating Local Wisdom into Extension Programs.................149
Bibliography.....................................................................................163
