<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>

<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: 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

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

Background: Telangana, known as India&rsquo;s seed hub, hosts around 400 seed companies, including multinationals. These companies leverage high processing capacities, extensive storage, strong research networks and a favourable climate for rice seed production, positioning the region as vital for agricultural advancement. Given the importance of rice seed business potential in Telangana, understanding the economic viability and institutional framework within the rice seed value chain is crucial for optimizing production, enhancing seed quality and maximizing stakeholder benefits. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: This study used different sets of data to examine the rice seed value chain in Telangana. Data were collected from 104 seed growers, 60 seed organizers, 10 company representatives and 10 seed distributors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of value chain dynamics. Additionally, 30 focus group discussions provided qualitative insights into stakeholder roles and perceptions. The research highlighted the essential roles of public and private institutions in varietal development and seed quality, specifically analysing how contractual arrangements among stakeholder&rsquo;s impact yield outcomes and overall productivity. Furthermore, the cost and returns were analysed at each stakeholder level within the rice seed value chain. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Findings indicated that education, cooperative membership and technical assistance positively correlated with rice seed yield, while larger family sizes and excessive irrigation negatively impacted productivity. Seed growers incurred a production cost of ₹13,910 per tonne and received a gross price of ₹19,820 per tonne, resulting in a net benefit of ₹5,910 per tonne. Seed organizers earned ₹1,200 per tonne, while companies faced total costs of ₹31,520 per tonne, selling to cultivators at ₹35,000 per tonne for a net benefit of ₹3,480 per tonne. Overall, stakeholders in the rice seed chain received total benefits of ₹15,590 per tonne, with seed growers accruing the largest share (37.91%).

Economic Viability and Institutional Framework of the Rice Seed Value Chain in Telangana, India

This experimental study was conducted to identify the impact of web-education on knowledge gain and symbolic adoption of farmers in six village of Tamil Nadu using expost-facto research design. The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) website (www.tnau.ac.in) was selected as a learning module for experiment. Totally one hundred and eighty respondents were selected for this study. The respondents were expected to have a minimum educational qualification of fifth standard and above because web-education required basic literacy for better learning. More than half of the farmers (77.78%) were not aware of any single agricultural web sites, followed by one-third of the farmers (15.00%) aware of up to two agricultural web sites. &nbsp;About (5.00%) of the farmers had awareness of 3 to 5 agricultural websites. &nbsp;Least percentage of farmers (2.22%) were found with awareness of more than five agricultural web sites. Two -third of the farmers (72.50%) had internet connection for non-agricultural usage, followed by (27.50%) of the farmers for agricultural purpose. Among the web site users, about two-fifth (77.50 %) of the farmers were found to use the website once in a week followed by (22.50%) with once in two days and none of them used it daily. The study revealed that respondents were more satisfied and eager to learn through web-education. This indicates that they were inclined towards accepting cyber extension approaches.

Awareness about agricultural web education technology at&nbsp;farmer&rsquo;s level - An experimental study

<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

Background: Effective extension services have the potential to bridge adoption gaps in soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies and ultimately minimize farmers&rsquo; vulnerability to climate-related risks in agricultural production. However, information on the effectiveness of agricultural extension services (AES) in supporting the adoption of sustainable practices such as SWC technologies, remains limited in many parts of Kenya, despite being provided to farmers for decades. The aim of this research was to determine youth farmers&rsquo; perceptions regarding the effectiveness of extension services and the factors that influence their use and use intensity of SWC technologies. The effectiveness of AES was measured using eleven variables. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Data were collected from 396 youth farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey with a multistage stratified sampling procedure. We used descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model for data analysis. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The study found that AES among youth farmers in drylands of Machakos County were perceived as ineffective. The frequency of receiving extension services, the main source of information, tools used in delivering AES and the level of extension education influenced use and use intensity of SWC technologies. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions that increase the frequency of extension services, diversify information sources and improve the tools and training provided to youth farmers.

Agricultural Extension Services and Use Intensity of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies among Youth Farmers in Drylands of Machakos County, Kenya

<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

This article scrutinizes the immediate need for transformation within the global food system to address escalating demands and sustainability challenges. It underscores the critical role of agricultural extension services in bridging the gap between innovative practices and their practical implementation, thereby empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to adopt sustainable practices. By facilitating access to new technologies and fostering connections among farmers, extension services can optimize resource use, reduce food waste and enhance food security. Ultimately, the article claims that effective extension interventions are indispensable for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and creating a more resilient and equitable food system in the future. 
&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

Economic Viability and Institutional Framework of the Rice Seed Value Chain in Telangana, India

Awareness about agricultural web education technology at farmer’s level - An experimental study

Fisheries Extension Interventions: A Review

Agricultural Extension Services and Use Intensity of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies among Youth Farmers in Drylands of Machakos County, Kenya

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

Bridging the Gap: Transforming Food Systems Through Agricultural Extension: A Review