Innovative Extension Approaches of ICAR in Agriculture

Abstract

The diverse agro-ecological, socio-economic and cultural conditions of the Indian farmers calls for different extension approaches as a single system may not be effective in responding to the demands and technological challenges of various types of clients and to reach the rural poor (Rivera et al.,2001; Davis 2008; Birner et al., 2009). A number of technologies developed in agriculture and allied sectors do not readily reach the famers due to low extension worker and farmer ratio and poor delivery mechanism. The ICAR is the apex body at the centre to promote, undertake and coordinate research in all fields of agriculture in the country and also renders vital support in agricultural development through its outreach. services. The outreach services of ICAR are of 'frontline' nature; i.e., to develop, test and mainstream innovative approaches for extension and rural advisory services. Over the past six decades, the !CAR has piloted several innovative extension approaches. Many of these approaches have successfully been upscaled and integrated in to the National Agricultural Extension System.