Participatory extension initiatives at grassroots towards colour revolution in coastal Tamil Nadu, India

Gladiolus, as a new flower crop was introduced in the coastal farming system of Tamil Nadu, India using cyber extension mode. Demonstration farm with the active participation of self help group members and innovative farmers was laid in farmers’ fields to introduce and cultivate gladiolus. The successful cultivation of gladiolus under the guidance and training of the research and extension team and the result demonstration campaign conducted in the premises of Govt. Arts college paved way for successful dissemination of this new floral technology among Cavery delta locality farmers Over years introduction of vegetable intercrop knol knol, formation of gladiolus growers club, establishment of gladiolus model and demonstration farms were some of the novel traditional extension interventions done as a part of “Exploring gladiolus for colour revolution in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu Project”. However over a period of time to further to increase the participation of the diversified farming communities and to increase awareness among all stake holders of this project [Rural farm youth, unemployed rural graduates, farm entrepreneurs, Artisans community] new grass root extension initiatives like extension posters on Gladiolus, Gladiolus stickers as awareness campaign tool, extension calendar on gladiolus extension activities were done among all stake holders of this project so the need of the hour is to use both traditional extension approaches along with new creative extension initiatives in reaching in reaching our diversified farm population for introduction of farm innovations to be successful at the field level.