Effective extension approaches for sustainable agricultural development

Extension system has to be broadening with incorporating innovative extension approaches to deal with present day challenges in agriculture viz climate change and unpredictable and shifting weather, dwindling resources and population stress. With global competitiveness and market liberalization farmers are required to adjust their production portfolio to the emerging trends in food consumerism in domestic as well as global markets. With improving quality production and better job opportunities in rural areas the livelihood security of the farmers will definitely change the face of Indian agriculture. Sustainable agricultural development is very important for the security of rural livelihood. Farmers need information to make necessary decision to improve their production in agriculture for which a strong network of extension systems is functioning, along with government initiative, extension scientists and functionaries working for agricultural development. The role of extension system is to groom farmer into the most intelligent and aware decision maker.

The use of internet, mobile and video- conferencing assists them to use these for their favors for which the most suitable permanent infrastructure is the basic requirement. Strong linkages need to be established between direct ICT interventions and it should be part of the national level program on agricultural development. The innovative extension approach should be on capacity building, people's participation along with government initiative to provide strong infrastructure to be worked with the modern age technologies. The farmer friendly technology dissemination process needs to be handled with careful planning and incorporation of information communication technology. The use of ICT application can enhance opportunities of the remote farmers to live in close proximity of the scientific input.