Agricultural Extension in India, Know More About It

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Agricultural Extension Scheme

In the realm of agriculture, effective extension services play a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge, fostering innovation, and enhancing productivity. The Extension Division, through its multifaceted initiatives, endeavors to facilitate the successful implementation of agricultural extension activities across India. In this article, we delve into the various programs, schemes, and activities orchestrated by the Extension Division to support farmers and bolster agricultural development.

Overview table of Agricultural Extension

Aspect	Details
Mandate	The Extension Division equips farmers with scientific knowledge and practices for agricultural growth and innovation.
Key Initiatives	– Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) – Information Dissemination – Magazine Publications
Schemes	– Support to State Extension Programmes – Mass Media Support – ACABC – Extension Support to Central Institutions
Capacity Building Programs	– Extension Education Institutes (EEIs) – Model Training Courses (MTCs)
Kisan Call Center (KCC)	Offers expert advice to farmers, bridging communication gaps effectively.
Skill Development Programs	– Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) – Diploma in Services for Input Dealers (DAESI)
Benefits	Augments public extension efforts, fosters agricultural development, and creates self-employment opportunities.
Eligibility	Candidates meeting specific educational and age criteria can avail scheme benefits.
Application Process	Streamlined with online submission options for accessibility and ease.
Selection Process	Meticulous process involving advertisements and online application submissions.
Documentation Requirements	Requisite documents include Aadhaar enrollment details and supporting identification.
Conclusion	The Extension Division supports stakeholders through various initiatives, driving positive change in agriculture.

Details of Agricultural Extension

Extension Division’s Mandate

The Extension Division is committed to equipping farmers with information gleaned from scientific research and cutting-edge agricultural practices. It collaborates with state governments to orchestrate professional Extension Services, fostering an environment conducive to agricultural growth and innovation.

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Key Initiatives

Under the umbrella of the Extension Division, several pivotal initiatives are underway, each designed to address specific facets of extension:

Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE)

A constituent of the Krishonnati Yojana, SMAE aims to raise awareness and promote the adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies. It encompasses various components, including support for state extension programs, mass media outreach, establishment of Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centers, and extension support to central institutions.

Information Dissemination

Leveraging platforms like Doordarshan, All India Radio, and print media, the Extension Division ensures widespread dissemination of agricultural knowledge. The establishment of Kisan Call Centers serves as a vital resource for farmers seeking timely information and guidance.

Magazine Publications

The Division publishes informative magazines in both Hindi and English, offering insights into extension activities and emerging developments in the agricultural landscape.

Schemes of Extension Division

The SMAE comprises various schemes aimed at catalyzing extension efforts:

Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms

This scheme aids state governments in restructuring extension systems to be more farmer-centric, fostering collaboration through entities like Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMAs).

Mass Media Support to this Extension

Through strategic partnerships with media outlets, this scheme amplifies agricultural messages, reaching diverse audiences across the nation.

Establishment of Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centres by Agriculture Graduates (ACABC)

By providing specialized training to agriculture graduates, this program harnesses their expertise to address agricultural challenges and promote entrepreneurship.

Extension Support to Central Institutions

This scheme focuses on capacity building within central institutions, empowering extension functionaries and rural youth with requisite skills and knowledge.

Programs for Capacity Building

Under the Extension Division, various programs are tailored to enhance the capabilities of extension personnel:

Extension Education Institutes (EEIs)

These institutes offer comprehensive training in communication technology, extension methodology, and agricultural knowledge management, catering to the needs of field extension functionaries.

Model Training Courses (MTCs)

Designed to hone specific skills, these courses further enrich the capabilities of extension professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Kisan Call Center (KCC)

This initiative serves as a lifeline for farmers, offering expert advice and guidance in their local dialects, thus bridging communication gaps and addressing agricultural queries effectively.

Programs for Skill Development

The Extension Division spearheads initiatives to nurture skills among rural youth and stakeholders:

Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY)

Through targeted training programs, rural youth are equipped with vocational skills in agriculture and allied sectors, paving the way for gainful employment opportunities.

Diploma in Services for Input Dealers (DAESI)

This program targets agri-input dealers, enhancing their technical proficiency to better serve the farming community and act as para-extension professionals.

Benefits

The Extension Division’s schemes aim to augment public extension efforts, foster agricultural development, and create avenues for gainful self-employment, thus empowering stakeholders across the agricultural spectrum.

Eligibility

Candidates meeting specific criteria, encompassing educational qualifications and age parameters, are eligible to avail themselves of the benefits offered under the schemes outlined by the Extension Division.

Application Process of Agricultural Extension Scheme

The application process is streamlined, with provisions for online submission, ensuring accessibility and ease of participation for eligible candidates.

Selection Process

Candidates are selected through a meticulous process, with advertisements disseminated through various channels and applications accepted via an online portal.

Documentation Requirements

Applicants are required to furnish requisite documents, including Aadhaar enrollment details and other supporting identification, to facilitate seamless enrollment and participation in the schemes.

Conclusion

The Extension Division stands as a beacon of support for agricultural stakeholders, offering a plethora of initiatives aimed at fostering knowledge dissemination, skill development, and entrepreneurial endeavors. By leveraging strategic partnerships and embracing innovative approaches, it continues to drive positive change and empowerment within India’s agricultural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) What is the Agricultural Extension Scheme?

Ans: The Agricultural Extension Scheme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering innovation within India’s agricultural sector. It encompasses various programs and schemes orchestrated by the Extension Division to support farmers and promote agricultural development.

Q2) What are the key initiatives under the Agricultural Extension Scheme?

Ans: Under the Agricultural Extension Scheme, several key initiatives are undertaken by the Extension Division, including the Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE), information dissemination through mass media and Kisan Call Centers, magazine publications, and schemes supporting state extension programs, mass media, Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centers, and central institutions.

Q3) Who is eligible to benefit from the Agricultural Extension Scheme?

Ans: Eligibility criteria for the Agricultural Extension Scheme include factors such as educational qualifications and age parameters. Candidates meeting specific criteria outlined by the Extension Division are eligible to avail themselves of the benefits offered under the schemes.

Q4) What is the application process for the Agricultural Extension Scheme?

Ans: The application process for the Agricultural Extension Scheme is streamlined, with provisions for online submission to ensure accessibility and ease of participation for eligible candidates.

Q5) How are candidates selected for participation in the Agricultural Extension Scheme?

Ans: Candidates are selected through a meticulous selection process, involving the dissemination of advertisements through various channels and acceptance of applications via an online portal. The selection process aims to identify candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate potential for meaningful participation in the schemes offered by the Extension Division.

Priti Palit

Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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