Extension methodology for sustainable coastal aquaculture.

Abstract

Effectiveness of the extension services are greatly influenced by the extension methodologies and strategy employed by the extension personnel in convincing their clients to adopt the innovations. The present study carried out along the east coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra pradesh with fishery extension personnel revealed that farm visit, farmers meetings, on-off campus trainings, exihibitions, etc.. were the extension methodologies adopted by fishery extension personnel. However, their frequencies were observed to be very low. Investments in extension personnel and capacity building of fishery extension personnel on alternative extension methodologies should be given top priority. Moreover planning and infrastructure strengthening in fisheries extension are of immediate concern. Organization of aquafarmers for group action, employment of participatory extension methodologies combined with ICT and mass media could be an extension strategy to promote sustainable growth and development of coastal aquaculture.