Basic Concepts

1. The term Extension was first used by Oxford University (England)
2. Extension is a two-way process of communication between the people and experts.
3. Extension aims at changing knowledge, attitude, and skills (KAS) of farmers.
4. The basic philosophy of extension is “Help people to help themselves.”
5. Extension bridges the gap between research institutions and farmers’ fields.
6. Extension is a process of diffusion of innovations in rural areas.
7. The ultimate goal of extension is to improve the standard of living of rural people.
8. Extension is called “Applied Science” because it applies social and biological sciences to rural life.

History & Development

1. The first Agricultural University in India – B. Pant University, Pantnagar (1960).
2. Community Development Programme was launched in 1952.
3. National Extension Service (NES) was started in 1953.
4. The Grow More Food Campaign was launched in 1943.
5. The Etawah Pilot Project (1948) was started under Albert Mayer.
6. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established in 1929.
7. Training and Visit (T&V) System was introduced by World Bank in 1974.
8. Lab to Land Programme was started in 1979.
9. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) concept was developed by ICAR in 1974.
10. Farmers’ Training Centre (FTC) was first started at Chinawal, Maharashtra (1956).

Principles of Extension

1. Extension works on the principle of interest and need.
2. Extension is based on learning by doing.
3. Extension education emphasizes participation of the people.
4. The extension process includes planning, organization, execution, and evaluation.
5. Extension teaching is concerned with behavior change in the learner.
6. Principles of extension are based on psychology, sociology, and education.
7. The success of extension depends on communication and leadership.
8. Extension should be continuous and flexible.
9. Extension emphasizes voluntary cooperation and democratic leadership.
10. Extension must be adapted to local conditions.

Communication in Extension

1. Communication is the transfer of ideas, knowledge, and skills.
2. The communication process includes source, message, channel, receiver, and feedback.
3. Upward communication flows from farmers to officials.
4. Downward communication flows from officials to farmers.
5. Horizontal communication occurs among same-level individuals.
6. Feedback makes communication a two-way process.
7. Barriers to communication include language, poor listening, and lack of trust.
8. Demonstrations are the best method to teach skill-oriented practices.
9. Group discussions are effective for decision-making and problem-solving.
10. Farm and Home Visits are part of individual contact methods.

Extension Teaching Methods

1. Extension methods are classified as individual, group, and mass methods.
2. Individual methods include farm/home visits and personal letters.
3. Group methods include meetings, demonstrations, and tours.
4. Mass methods include radio, TV, and newspapers.
5. Demonstration is based on the principle of “Seeing is believing.”
6. Result demonstration shows the results of a new practice.
7. Method demonstration shows how to perform a skill.
8. Exhibitions create interest and awareness among farmers.
9. Field days provide opportunities for experience sharing.
10. Radio and TV are important mass communication tools in extension.

Adoption & Diffusion of Innovations

1. Adoption means decision to use an innovation.
2. Diffusion means spread of innovation through communication channels over time.
3. Innovators are the first 2.5% to adopt a new idea.
4. Early adopters are 5% of the population.
5. Early majority – 34%, Late majority – 34%, Laggards – 16%.
6. Adoption follows an S-shaped curve.
7. Awareness, Interest, Evaluation, Trial, and Adoption are stages of adoption.
8. Factors affecting adoption include economic status, education, and risk.
9. The Rate of Adoption depends on relative advantage and complexity.
10. Innovations should be compatible with local conditions.