Course Content
Fundamentals of Extension Education and Communication (Unit 1)
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Extension Education and Advisory Services
Extension Education
Principles and Approaches of Extension Education
Extension education, Adult education and Continuing/distance education
National Agricultural Extension System (NAES)
ATMA and KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra)
Privatization of Extension and Research–Extension–Farmer Interface (REFI)
Farming System Research (FSR) and Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS)
Farmers’ Field School (FFS)
Participatory Approaches in Extension Education
Technology Assessment and Refinement (TAR)
Programmes & Schemes for Agriculture Development
Major Rural Development Programmes in India
Programmes and Schemes for Animal Husbandry and Dairy
Programmes and Schemes for Fisheries in India
Communication meaning and Definition for ASRB NET
ASRB NET Models of Communication
Elements of Communication for ASRB NET
Terminologies Related to Communication for ASRB NET
Method of Communication ASRB NET
Mass methods of communication
Social Networks in Communication
Art & Science of Public Speaking
Extension Methods & Agricultural Journalism (Unit 2)
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Andragogy and Pedagogy for ASRB NET
Human Behavioural Dimensions in Extension
Concept of Teaching and Learning for ASRB NET
Types and Domains of Learning
Principles of Learning for ASRB NET Extension Education
Classification and Features of Different Extension Methods
Different Individual Contact Methods in Extension Education
Group Methods of Communication in Agricultural Extension
Projected and Non-Projected Audio-Visual Aids
Projected Visual Aids
Projected Audio-Visual Aids and Non Projected Audio-Visual Aids
Basics of Agricultural Journalism
Types of Publications
Basics of Writing, Readability, and Its Indices
Preparation of Radio/Video Script
Headline structure in journalism
Traditional Media for Communication in Development Programmes
Important Points for Agri Journalism
Information Communication Technologies (Unit 3)
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Concept of ICT and Its Role in Agriculture and Rural Development
Community Radio (CR) and Internet Radio
E-mail (Electronic Mail)
Internet and Multimedia
Use of Mobile Apps in Agriculture & Rural Development and Video and Teleconferencing
Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI), Touch Screens, Micro-Computers
Touch Screens and Micro-Computers
Micro-Computers, Web Technologies, Information Kiosks
Social Media and Websites
Portals (Web Portals) and
Expert System and Decision Support System (DSS)
Agriculture-related Apps
E-Learning, M-Learning, MOOCs and OER
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Internet of Things (IoT)
Blockchain Technology and Big Data Analytics in Agricultural Extension
Market Information Systems (MIS) and Market Intelligence (MI)
Types of Networks
Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)
ICT Programmes of Different States in India
Training & Human Resource Development (Unit 4)
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Human Resources in Agriculture
Training in HRD and Human Resource Management
Training Need Assessment (TNA): Concept, Methods, and Impact Assessment
Training Concept Types and Process
Models of Training and Training Cycle
Designing Training Curriculum, Academic Strategy and laboratory Strategy in Training
Strategy in Training, Activity, Organisational Development
Training methods for ASRB NET Extension Education
Capacity Development, Principles and Process of Capacity Development
Manpower Planning, Role Analysis and Role Efficacy
Induction Training and Job Enrichment
Self-Learning Mechanisms, Counseling and Mentorship
Performance Appraisal, Feedback and Career Development
Training: Types, Levels, and Models
Research Methodology in Extension Education (Unit 5)
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Social Research and its Type
Research Problems and Problem Statements
Hypothesis in Research
Variables in Research
Research Design
Types of Research Designs
Threats to Internal and External Validity
Measurement: Meaning, Postulates, and Levels of Measurement
Reliability and Validity of Research Instruments
Sampling Designs – Probability Sampling and Non Probability Design
Methods of Observation, Interviews, and Interview Schedules
Semi-Structured Interviews & Sociometry
Semantic Differential & Q-Methodology
Projective Techniques and Focus Group Discussion
Participantory and Non- Participantory Observation Method
Techniques of Scale Construction
Development of Knowledge Test
Parametric Statistics
Non-Parametric Statistics
Methods of Constructing Indexes
Tests of Significance
Processing of Data
Coding, Tabulation, Analysis, Interpretation and Report Writing
Entrepreneurial Development (Unit 8)
Extension Management and Organizational behaviour (Unit 7)
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Concept and Principles of Administration and Management
Principles of Management by Henri Fayol’s
Theories of Management for ASRB NET Extension Education
Schools of Management Thought for ASRB NET Extension Education
Functions of Management for ASRB NET Extension Education
Leadership Styles and Theories for ASRB NET Extension Education
Decision-Making in Organizations and Job Satisfaction for ASRB NET EXtension Education
Time Management for ASRB NET Extension Education
Methods of Coordination in Extension Management
Power and Conflicts in Organizations for ASRB NET
Organizational Climate and Culture
Team Building and Motivational Theories & Techniques for ASRB NET Extension Education
Managing Stress, Conflict, and Emotions
Creativity: Concept and Process
Mobilization
Gender Sensitization and Empowerment (Unit 10)
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Important Single Line Questions on Gender Empowerment for ASRB NET
Concepts of Gender (Women Empowerment)
Issues in Agriculture and Extension
Gender Empowerment Measures (GEM) for ASRB NET)
Gender-Specific Technologies for ASRB NET
Empowerment – Principles, Frameworks, and Dimensions ASRB NET
Women Entrepreneurship for ASRB NET Extension Education
Digital Women Rights, Constitutional Provisions & Policies for Women Empowerment for ASRB NET
Government Programmes and Schemes for Women Empowerment in India for ASRB NET Extension Education
Additional Important Points on Women Empowerment Schemes in India
Supplementary & Missing Additions
Entrepreneurial Development (Unit 8)
ASRB NET / SRF & Ph.D. Extension Education

Human Resources in Agriculture

Definition; Human resources refer to the people engaged directly or indirectly in agricultural activities, including farmers, farm laborers, scientists, extension workers, agripreneurs, input suppliers, policymakers, and others involved in the agricultural value chain.

In agriculture, human resource means both the quantity (number of people available) and the quality (education, skills, health, experience, and innovation capacity) of manpower.

 

Components of Human Resources in Agriculture

  1. Farmers – Landowners or cultivators who make decisions on cropping patterns, farm inputs, and management
  2. Farm Labourers – Skilled or unskilled workers engaged in sowing, irrigation, harvesting, etc.
  3. Agricultural Scientists & Researchers – Innovators of new technologies, improved varieties, and sustainable practices
  4. Extension Workers – Link between research institutions and farmers for technology dissemination
  5. Agri-Entrepreneurs – Promote agribusiness, value addition, and marketing innovations
  6. Policy Makers & Administrators – Formulate agriculture-related policies and schemes

 

Importance of Human Resources in Agricultural Development

Aspect

Role of Human Resources

Example

Production Efficiency

Skilled farmers use resources (land, water, fertilizers) efficiently

SRI (System of Rice Intensification) adopted in Tamil Nadu due to farmer training

Technology Adoption

Educated and trained farmers adopt new technologies faster

Drip irrigation in Maharashtra

Innovation & Research

Scientists develop improved varieties, better practices

Development of high-yielding wheat by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan

Market Linkages

Agripreneurs and traders connect farmers to national/international markets

e-NAM online market platform

Sustainability

Human resources promote eco-friendly practices

Organic farming training by KVKs

Capacity Building

Trained extension workers strengthen farmer skills

ATMA and KVK training programs

Rural Employment

Agriculture-related industries provide jobs

Dairy cooperatives, agro-processing units

 

Challenges Related to Human Resources in Agriculture

  1. Low literacy among rural farmers
  2. Migration of youth to urban areas
  3. Lack of technical training
  4. Gender inequality in agricultural decision-making
  5. Ageing farmer population in many regions

 

Measures to Improve Human Resources in Agriculture

  • Agricultural Education: Strengthening agricultural universities, diploma courses, skill development centers
  • Training & Capacity Building: KVKs, ATMA, Farmer Field Schools
  • Youth Engagement: Programs like ARYA (Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture) by ICAR
  • Digital Literacy: Promoting ICT tools, e-extension, and mobile-based advisory
  • Women Empowerment: Training programs, SHGs, and credit access for women farmers
  • Health & Nutrition: Ensuring healthy manpower for agricultural activities

 

Competitive Exam Pointers

  • Human capital = Skills + Knowledge + Health of manpower
  • In India, about 43% (2023) of the workforce is engaged in agriculture (declining trend)
  • ICAR & SAUs are major institutions for agricultural HRD
  • Programs like NATP, NAIP, ARYA, MANAGE trainings focus on HR development in agriculture
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