Different Individual Contact Methods in Extension Education

Individual contact methods involve one-on-one interaction between the extension worker and the farmer or rural individual. These are personalized, direct, and effective for solving specific problems.

1. Farm and Home Visit

• Extension worker visits the farmer’s home or field.
• Used for observation, advice, and demonstration.
• Helps build trust and rapport.
• Most effective method for behavior change.
• 📌 Example: Advising on pest control in the field or kitchen garden management at home.

2. Office Call

• The farmer visits the extension office to seek advice or assistance.
• Common for farmers who are motivated or educated.
• Less time-consuming for extension workers.
• 📌 Example: A farmer comes to the KVK office to inquire about seed treatment or soil testing.

3. Telephone Call

• Communication through mobile or landline.
• Quick method for follow-up, updates, or emergency advice.
• Needs phone access and network availability.
  • Kissan Call Center; Number: ☎ 1800-180-1551
  • Launched: 2004 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
  • Features:
  • Available in 22 languages.
  • Tiered structure: Level 1 (Operator) → Level 2 (Subject Expert).
  • Accessible from anywhere in India.
  • A remote but personalized method under individual contact.

4. Personal Letter

• A written message addressed to an individual farmer or rural youth.
• Useful for literate farmers.
• Can include recommendations, solutions, or instructions.
• Follow the 4 S Rule: Short, Simple, Strong, Sincere
• Recommended Length: Less than 18 words
• 📌 Example: Sending a letter to explain recommended fertilizers based on soil test.

5. Adaptive or Minikit Trials

• Small-scale trials of new technologies conducted on farmers’ fields.
• Encourages participation, observation, and evaluation.
• Builds confidence in the new practice.
• 📌 Example: Distributing a minikit of improved paddy variety to test in farmer’s plot.

6. Farm Clinic

• A diagnostic service center where farmers bring samples (plant, soil, livestock).
• May be stationary or mobile.
• Provides scientific diagnosis and recommendations.
• 📌 Example: A farmer brings diseased crop leaves to the clinic for pest identification.

7. Personal Counseling / Interview

• One-to-one discussion for understanding personal issues (technical, social, or psychological).
• Helpful for women, youth, or marginal farmers.
• 📌 Example: Counseling a farmer on loan repayment strategies or mental health support.

8. Farm Diary / Record-Keeping Assistance

• Helping farmers maintain farm records, input-output data
• Encourages better farm management and decision-making.
• 📌 Example: Extension worker helps farmer maintain dairy production records.

Summary Table: Individual Contact Methods