The fragile and delicate connectivity among the extension, research, marketing network and farmer limits the effectiveness of research and extension to contribute for the steady and rapid agricultural development. Access to information and improved communication is among the most crucial requirement for sustainable agricultural development. It is possible to find a solution to this situation by using the potential of Information and Communication Technologies to fulfill the location specific information needs of the farmers. Several pilot projects to connect rural community to the cyber-space are underway. Cyber agricultural extension mechanism has been implemented in the year 2004, as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiative. Cyber extension, a new paradigm in agricultural development, wherein, the ICTs, paradoxically, will play a decisive role to bridge the gap between knowledge and production practices in agriculture in the near future. Cyber Extension includes effective use of Information and Communication Technology, national and international information networks, internet, expert systems, multimedia learning systems and computer based training systems to improve information access to the farmers, extension workers, research scientists and extension managers.
Cyber extension, farmers, Information and Communication Technology, Sustainable Agricultural Development and Rural Areas
