The agricultural extension service system in India has undergone several changes over the years, reflecting the changing needs of farmers and the agricultural sector.
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The following are the key stages in the evolution of the agricultural extension service system in India:
- Pre-Independence period: The agricultural extension service system in India can be traced back to the pre-Independence period when the government established several agricultural research and training institutions. These institutions aimed to improve the productivity of the agricultural sector through research and dissemination of information.
- Post-Independence period: After independence, the government established the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, which was responsible for the development of agriculture in the country. The department established several extension agencies, including the Agricultural Extension Service, which aimed to provide agricultural information and advice to farmers.
- Green Revolution period: In the 1960s and 1970s, India experienced the Green Revolution, which aimed to increase agricultural productivity through the use of high-yielding varieties of crops, irrigation, and fertilizers. During this period, the government established the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Agricultural Technology Information Centers (ATICs) to disseminate information about modern agricultural technologies to farmers.
- Liberalization period: In the 1990s, India underwent economic liberalization, which led to a reduction in government spending on agriculture. This period saw the emergence of private sector extension services, which provided specialized services to farmers and complemented the government extension services.
- Recent developments: In recent years, the government has focused on the use of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) to enhance the effectiveness of extension services. The government has launched several initiatives, including the Kisan Call Center and the e-Sagu project, which aim to provide agricultural information and advice to farmers through ICTs.
In conclusion, the agricultural extension service system in India has undergone several changes over the years, reflecting the changing needs of farmers and the agricultural sector. The system has evolved from a research-based approach to a more farmer-centric approach, with the government and private sector working together to provide agricultural information and advice to farmers. The recent focus on the use of ICTs has the potential to further enhance the effectiveness of extension services and improve the livelihoods of farmers in India.