E- Extension

INTRODUCTION
• As far as the extension services are concerned, gone are the days when we had one extension
worker for 300 farmers.

• Now, the picture has changed and we are having one extension worker for more than 1000
farmers.

• This widening ratio calls for some innovative extension methodologies and cyber extension is the
answer to it.

• E-Extension is also known as cyber extension

• Thus, cyber extension tools in rural India in recent years provide a viable alternative to overcome
the physical barriers of face-to-face inter-personal communication.
 INTRODUCTION
• Cyber extension is defined as the ‘extension over cyber space’

• Before understanding the concept of cyber extension we have to first understand what
cyber space is. It is a kind of virtual or imaginary space created by way of computers
connected to one another on networks throughout the globe.

• Information in the form of text, graphics, video, audio and animation files can be
accessed by these computers.

• But, in applied context of agriculture, cyber extension means, "using the power of
online networks, computer communications & digital interactive multi-media to
facilitate dissemination of Agrl. Technology”.
 Use of ICTs has been put forth
for:
• Bridging the knowledge deficit among farmers

• Enhancing the capabilities of extension personnel, and

• Strengthening the research-extension-farmer linkages (R-E-F)

 Information Technology

• Information: Is data that have been put into a meaningful and useful
context and communicated to a recipient who uses it to make decisions.

• IT: It refers to computer based technology and telecommunications.

These are electronic systems for receiving, processing, storing,
retrieving and transmitting information.
 Information Communication
Technology
• Information and communications technology (ICT) is often used as an
extended synonym for information technology (IT).

• The term ICT is used to refer to the convergence of audio-visual and

telephone networks with computer networks through a various linking
systems.

• ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit
or receive information electronically in a digital form.
 CONCEPT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consists

of three main technologies. They are: Computer
Technology, Communication Technology and Information
Management Technology.

• These technologies are applied for processing, exchanging

and managing data, information and knowledge.
 Unique Features of ICT

• Access to the astounding store-house of information is free

• The information is available instantaneously round the year and

twenty four hours a day

• Communication can also be interactive

• The information is available from any point on the globe

• The communication is dynamic and ever growing

 Advantages of ICT tools

• Through ICT, multimedia can easily be used in teaching and improving

the retentive memory

• Through ICT, Ext. agents can easily explain complex instructions and
ensure farmers comprehension

• Through ICT, Ext. agents are able to create interactive environment

and make the lessons more enjoyable
 Limitations of ICT tools

• Setting up the devices can be very troublesome

• Too expensive to afford

• Hard for Ext. agents to use with a lack of experience using

ICT tools
 Information Needs of Farmers
• The main focus of ICT in agriculture is meeting the farmers needs for information.

• The following are some vital needs of farmers that seem to be imperative for the
growth and development of agriculture –

1. Market information

Market information including price updates of agricultural commodities on a daily basis.

For farmers, the price updates of markets have a higher priority so that they can compare
the prices and choose to sell at the appropriate place.
 Information Needs of Farmers
2. Information on latest techniques and technologies

Continuous advancement in technology brings up gradation to agricultural machinery and

techniques too. Up to date information regarding latest technologies in agriculture and animal
husbandry is of immense importance for growth.

3. Information about rural development programs and subsidies

Provision of detailed information on Government initiatives for rural development for those
the programs are addressed. The areas that suffer from droughts, floods or other natural
disasters frequently receive grants and subsidies from the Government. Information related to
these programs is particularly important to small and marginal farmers.
 Information Needs of Farmers
4. Weather forecasting

Updated information on weather such as temperature, humidity, forecasts on rains.

5. Latest (best) packages of practices

Information on „best practices‟ of cultivation is important need of the farmers. Information

regarding drought resistant varieties of certain crops can be important for farmers to withstand
longstanding droughts in some areas.

6. Post-harvest technology

Education on post-harvest technology and storage is as vital as pre-harvest. Farmers are getting
aware of the value addition of food processing.
 Information Needs of Farmers
7. General agricultural news

General news and information related to various agricultural events in villages and districts.

8. Information on insurance / claim processing

Detailed information on crop insurance schemes, the type of damage covered and
compensation offered premiums to be paid, etc.

9. Input prices and availability

Information relating to the availability of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, manures,
etc. and prices.
 Information Needs of Farmers
10. Early warning and management of diseases and pests

In the areas of continuous droughts, pests and diseases do not generally pose a major
threat. However, in other areas this information is useful. Also, early warning in case of
some crops like sugarcane is important.

11. Soil testing and soil sampling information

Information related to testing of quality or nature of soil is very important for farmers as
the soil directly relates to productivity of crops. If this information is easily available to
the farmers, it prepares farmers to get the best produce given the resources.
ICT Tools in agriculture
• Web portal: aAQUA, KISSAN Kerala, TNAU AGRITECH portal, AGRISNET,
DACNET, e-krishi, ASHA, InDG, Agropedia

• Maketting: AGMARKNET, ITC e-choupal, Mahindra Kisan Mitra, IFFCO Agri portal,
Agrowatch, ikissan, Indiancommodities.com

• VKCs, VRCs, CSCs

• Telephone: KCC, Lifeline India, IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited, Fisher Friend, Mobile
advisory by KVKs.

• Hybrid: e-Arik, e-Sagu, Digital Green, Knowledge Share Centres

Thank you

Dr. Pratima Rana

[email protected]
+91 9805867459