<div>Background:&nbsp;Agricultural extension&nbsp;plays a critical&nbsp;role&nbsp;in amplifying&nbsp;agricultural&nbsp;productivity and profitability of farmers and improving&nbsp;the livelihoods of rural communities. In an agricultural dependent country like Guyana, effective agricultural extension service delivery is essential to reduce poverty and improve food security.&nbsp; 
 
Methods:&nbsp;This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute agricultural extension service delivery as perceived by researchers and extension officers. During 2019-2020 data were collected from researchers and extension officers via questionnaires, group discussion and interviews. Percentage and chi-square analysis were used to analyze the collected data.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;The major findings of the study were that (45.8%) of researchers and (43.8%) of extension officers said they sometimes collaborate with each other whereas (29.2%) of researchers and (37.5%) of extension officers said they do not collaborate with each other. Extension professionals (42.5%) perceived that farmers were hesitant to adopt newly researched technologies because they preferred to continue with the practices they already know. In addition, (35%) of extension professionals perceived that more emphasis shall be placed on the number and quality of training programs offered to farmers in order to improve agricultural extension service delivery.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Profile of Extension Professionals and their Perception of Agricultural Extension Service Delivery: A Case of National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, British Guyana</div>

Background: Information and communication technology being one of the key drivers in present agricultural system. Whilst public extension system play a pivotal role to bridge&nbsp; between the research and the roots, it is paramount for its functionaries to be well versed with latest development and stay upto date with every new means and ways of information dissemination. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted in Bhadrak, Balasore, Cuttack and Jajpur districts of Odisha to determine the constraints impairing extension functionaries while using ICT in agriculture. Purposive sampling was used for selection of the districts and all the agricultural extension functionaries like CDAO, ADO, BAO, AAO, BTM and ATM were selected total adding up to 248 respondents. A pre-tested interview schedule was prepared and data was collected using interview method.&nbsp; Garrett&rsquo;s ranking technique was performed to analyse the challenges as perceived by officials under technological, organisational, capacity-related, socio-psychological and infrastructural dimensions. 
 
Result: Lack of technical assistance for troubleshooting was the most urgent limitation among the technological issues,in organizational front biggest restriction (Rank 1) was the low priority given to ICT skill enhancement, inadequate training in ICT use is the most severe limitation in terms of capacity-related constraints, fear of making mistakes when using ICT was the most prevalent socio-psychological limitation,the most important constraint on the infrastructural front was determined to be a lack of infrastructure with a Mean Garrett Score of 66.14, 58.50, 60.47, 59.66 and 54.21 respectively. Suggestions as perceived by the respondents in order to increase the utilisation of ICT&rsquo;s included Regular hands-on training on emerging ICT tools and digital platforms,refresher courses to keep up with rapid technological changes, setting up ICT resource centres at block and district levels etc.All these constraints and suggestions could be analysed by stakeholders for making extension functionaries run at par with the global extensionists and create a sustainable and robust farming community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

ICT in Public Extension: Constraints and Suggestions Through the Lens of Extension Functionaries

<div>The agricultural extension system in India has the daunting task of serving about 146.45 million farm families. Public extension systems comprising KVKs, ATMA, State Line Departments, SAUs and ICAR Institutes have been playing a pivotal role in extending extension services; of late, private players like input companies, credit and insurance firms, Corporate Social Responsibility units, NGOs, farmers&rsquo; associations (FBOs/FPOs) and commodity boards (Rubber, Coffee, etc.) have made a significant impact in this area. Despite such a vast network of public and private extension agencies, there is a wide gap in service delivery and extension education interventions. All these extension agencies have their strength and weaknesses but also hold promising dynamism for future challenges. As agricultural extension will be a very important determinant of future agricultural growth, the assessment of SWOT analysis of different extension agencies engaged in delivering extension services in India is imperative.</div>

A Critical Review and SWOT Analysis of Important Extension Agencies in India for Improving Extension Management

Background: The research examined the current understanding and utilization of AI-based digital technology in agricultural extension services. It assessed the level of adoption and identified the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating such technology. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: To collect data, a structured online questionnaire was employed and responses were gathered from 131 extension professionals based in India. The data were analyzed using percentage and mean. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The findings revealed that approximately 75.25% of the respondents had used AI-based digital technology at least onceand 61.48% were aware of its potential applications in agriculture extension services. Among those who used AI-based technology, about 45% were able to propagate innovations, while 33.60% showcased innovations and technologies. One of the major benefits, as reported by 80.25% of the participants, was the technology&rsquo;s capacity to reach the target audience universally and at any time. However, 72.50% of respondents identified the high costs associated with its digital enablers as the primary drawback. The study highlighted a significant level of awareness among agricultural extension specialists regarding AI-based digital technologies. However, the actual utilization of these technologies in their services remained relatively low. To address this gap, the research recommends organizing on-the-job capacity building initiatives for current professionals. These programs aim to promote the adoption of AI-based digital technologies in agricultural extension services throughout India.

Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology for Agricultural Extension&nbsp; Services among Extension Professionals in India

<div>Background: This study assessed the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in southern Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to; ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identify the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in the study area and constraints in the production of cassava by farmers in the study area.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique. Stage one was a purposive selection of municipalities in Southern Nigeria due to its endowment with cassava production. Stage two involved a random selection of five (5) municipalities in Southern Nigeria namely; Uyo, Calabar, Umuahia, Abakaliki and Owerri. Stage three equally involved a random selected of twenty (20) respondents from each of the municipals, giving a total of hundred (100) respondents used for the study. Data were obtained from primary sources using structured interview schedule. Objectives were analysed using descriptive statistics such as; percentage, frequency, mean, rank and standard deviation. 
 
Result: The result on the house hold size showed that 39% had between 6-10 persons, while 27% had 11-15 persons, 21% had 1-5 persons. Also 13% had 16 and above number of persons. The result also revealed that the respondents observed help in reducing soil compartment, training of farmers on pest/disease control, production practices, processing and marketing with mean scores of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43, <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.27,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.92,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.86 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> =1.69 respectively; as perceived influence of extension on cassava production. This implied that extension workers had no significant influence on cassava production in the study area, this may be attributed to inadequate funding of extension services in Nigeria. Majority (60%) believed that language barrier and unfavourable attitude of farmers with mean of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.42 respectively were the constraints of agricultural extension workers in enhancing cassava production in the study area. This implied that influence of extension agents in the area may not be significant. This may be due to ineffectiveness of extension services in Nigeria. the study concluded that, rural farmers need to be involved in the mainstream of extension services in order to identify and prioritize their production activities. The study therefore, recommended that agricultural extension workers should be involved in all areas of agricultural production and not on cassava production alone, so as to improve on the gross domestic production of the nation.</div>

Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria

<div style="text-align: justify;">Burfi is one of the most popular milk product of Indian origin, which is conventionally prepared by using sugar as sweetening agent with Khoa as base. In present study, khoa burfi was prepared using honey as sweetening agent in three different levels @ 10, 15 and 20% on the basis of khoa. The sensory evaluation of freshly prepared khoa burfi &nbsp;using honey as sweetening agent was carried out by the panel of 7 judges. Samples were evaluated for flavour (10), body and texture (10) and colour and appearance (5) using 25 point score. The panel was also asked to judge the overall acceptability of the product by sum of all the scores (25). The highest sensory score was obtained for control khoa burfi prepared from sugar as sweetening agent followed by khoa burfi using honey as sweetening agent @ 15%.&nbsp;</div>

Preparation of khoa burfi using honey as a sweetening agent

<div>Since India&rsquo;s independence, several extension initiatives viz, production oriented programmes, area development initiatives, target group based service schemes and technology delivery mechanisms are implemented with the goal of agriculture and rural development. But most of these programmes failed to meet the needs as well as to utilise opportunities required for the majority of people (<a href="#manage_2007">MANAGE, 2007</a>). In order to tackle the different constraints as well as to meet the emerging challenges in our extension system, the Innovations in Technology Dissemination component of National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) implemented Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) as a pilot project in a few states in India and later it spread to other states. A review of different kinds of extension strategies practised through ATMA is studied here and finally the different factors that can qualitatively contribute to an effective extension service delivery are looked upon.</div>

Fisheries Extension Interventions: A Review

<div>Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the most important leguminous crop around the world. Fusarium wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is a major biotic constraint in chickpea production. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of plant extracts, fungicides and bio-agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris under in vitro and field conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Plant extracts and fungicides were evaluated using poison food technique while antagonistic activity of bio-agents was studied using dual culture technique under in vitro conditions. Field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different plant extracts, fungicides and bio-agents against Fusarium wilt at Experimental Area of Plant Pathology, CCS HAU, Hisar. 
 
Result: Among thirteen plant extracts evaluated in vitro, neem leaves extract was found to be the most effective in inhibiting mycelial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris followed by datura leaves&rsquo; and garlic cloves&rsquo; extract which were statistically at par. Out of six plant extracts tested against Fusarium wilt under field conditions, seed treatment with extracts of neem and datura leaves at 10% concentration were most effective and curtailed the wilt incidence by 39.02 and 34.14% along with 7.55 and 6.83% enhanced seed yield. Among fungicides, carbendazim 50 WP was the most toxic fungicide in restricting colony diameter of the pathogen with the least EC50 and EC90 values of 1.28 and 15.24 ppm a.i. followed by azoxystrobin 23 SC with corresponding values of 1.57 and 49.16 ppm a.i., respectively. Seed treatment with carbendazim 50 WP and azoxystrobin 23 SC were superior over other treatments and provided 88.41 and 85.98% reduction in disease incidence along with 12.85 and 10.99% higher seed yield over control. Among the bio-agents tested, T. viride and T. harzianum gave the best results in suppressing the pathogen growth in vitro and in minimizing the disease incidence coupled with improvement in seed yield under field conditions. The present study has provided chemical and non-chemical measures for integrated management of chickpea wilt.</div>

<div>Construing the Role of Plant Extracts, Fungicides and Bio-agents in Ameliorating Fusarium Wilt Management in Chickpea</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The five different bio-agents viz., Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum, T. virens, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated against Pyricularia oryzae at four and eight days after incubation through dual culture technique. Among the five different bio-agents, highest per cent inhibition of mycelial growth of fungus was recorded in T. virens i.e. 67 per cent and 70 percent after four and eight days after incubation respectively with mean of 68.5 per cent followed by Trichoderma viride with the inhibition of 61 and 63 per cent respectively with mean of 62 per cent. The Pseudomonas fluorescens did not show any inhibition of mycelial growth of P. oryzae as the pathogen over grew the bio-agents.&nbsp;</div>

In vitro evaluation of bio-agents against Pyricularia oryzae (Cav.) causing rice blast disease

<div>Background: Rice root knot nematode (M. graminicola) is considered as a major threat in basmati rice. The main characteristic symptoms produced by M. graminicola are terminal hook shaped or spiral galls on the roots and other symptoms of damage include patches of stunted and yellowish plants. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted in Kharif season of 2018 and 2019 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (UP) to test the efficacy of bio-agents against the root knot nematode. In this experiment, three bio-agents (Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas florescence) and one chemical (carbofuran) were tested in randomized block design with three replications. 
 
Result: It was observed that tested bio-agents and chemical significantly reduced the galls per plant in comparison to the control. At 30 and 60 day after transplanting, minimum (12.7 and 10.0 galls/plant) and (20.9 and 18.8 galls/plant) were recorded with Bacillus subtilis @ 20g/ M2 (2 x 108 cfu/g) during 2018 and 2019, respectively. In case of control, 52.7 and 62.5 galls/plant were recorded at 60 days after transplanting during both years. All the tested bio-agents were found effective in reducing the nematode population, increase the growth parameters and yield of basmati rice.</div>

Profile of Extension Professionals and their Perception of Agricultural Extension Service Delivery: A Case of National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, British Guyana

ICT in Public Extension: Constraints and Suggestions Through the Lens of Extension Functionaries

A Critical Review and SWOT Analysis of Important Extension Agencies in India for Improving Extension Management

Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology for Agricultural Extension Services among Extension Professionals in India

Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria

Preparation of khoa burfi using honey as a sweetening agent

Fisheries Extension Interventions: A Review

Construing the Role of Plant Extracts, Fungicides and Bio-agents in Ameliorating Fusarium Wilt Management in Chickpea

In vitro evaluation of bio-agents against Pyricularia oryzae (Cav.) causing rice blast disease

Efficacy of Bio-agents in the Management of Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) in Basmati Rice