Can public agriculture extension system expand the horizon ?

There is an urgent need for paradigm shift from traditional role of agriculture extension system to a newer role considering agriculture challenges, weather abnormalities, global scenarios and past experiences. Focus and targets should be around below opportunities:

1.     Bringing new potential area and rural population to take agriculture as a profession and enterprise

2.     Crop diversification, new crops introduction, new agronomic practices etc., as per local conditions and scenarios

3.     Initiatives to establish FPOs, Commodity based groups, farmer clubs, organic farmer groups (Institutional approach)

4.     Improving reach and connect to farmers – Innovative ways of extension

5.     Farm labour skill improvement programs

6.     Follow-up on call centre feedback and making field inspections to ascertain facts and to suggest comprehensive solutions

7.     Establishing seed hubs to protect natural germplasm and public varieties

8.     Developing new generation farmers especially from youth and women

9.     Bringing women in to agriculture and develop their skills as entrepreneurs

10. Developing agriculture related entrepreneurship programs as per local resources

11. Collaborative projects with Research teams on location specific issues

12. Empowering women on farming techniques like mobile soil kits, vermicomposting, preparing organic inputs, kitchen gardening etc.,

13. Promoting farm mechanization service centres

14. Developing water budgets and climate resilient agriculture models

15. Efforts towards sustainable agriculture like farm ponds, water harvesting, supply of organic inputs/bioagents etc.,

16. Collaboration with local NGOs to take up developmental programs

17. Developing crop specific market/export zones (eg: Madanapalli for tomato, Mydukuru for Turmeric, Chittoor for mango etc)

18. Developing and sharing proposals on PPP (Public private partnership) models on extension

19. Developing avenues around post-harvest technologies and market linkages

20. Improving organic base in villages through green manure crops, livestock, agro -forestry

21. Establishing farmer information centres/kiosks

22. Improving alternative income opportunities for small farmers by growing livestock, fruits trees on bunds etc.,

23. Developing kitchen garden models in schools, colleges etc.,

24. Conducting intensive input dealers training programs

25. Participation in state level consultations with corporates, funding agencies to explore new opportunities

26. Agriculture is one domain where there is a plethora of data, but which has not been used to its full potential. Extension officers can utilize this data for effective forecasting

27. Show an attitude of "every day's experience is a learning" and document learnings and experiences

28. Having KPIs more on leading indicators (input oriented) as compared to lagging (output oriented) indicators

It gives an immense satisfaction if extension officers work in collaboration with line functions and other relevant stakeholders. We need to look at it as an opportunity to serve society and nation. A feel of happiness at end of every working day becomes a motivation for next day whether someone appreciates us in doing good work or not. So, stay focused and get engaged!