<div><strong>Background:&nbsp;</strong>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;<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong>&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;<br />
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<strong>Result:&nbsp;</strong>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>


<p><strong>Background: </strong>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.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> 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.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> 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;<br />
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<p>ICT in Public Extension: Constraints and Suggestions Through the Lens of Extension Functionaries</p>


<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, <em>etc</em>.) 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>


<p>A Critical Review and SWOT Analysis of Important Extension Agencies in India for Improving Extension Management</p>


<p><strong>Background: </strong>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.<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>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.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>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.</p>


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


<div style="text-align: justify;">Farm workers are exposed to pesticide vapours and organic dust during various farm activities which may leads to many health problems. To minimize health hazards protective clothes were designed with reference to fabric and functional features. Designed protective clothing was given to twenty five farm workers involved in pesticide application and forty farm workers (25 males and 15 females) engaged in threshing activity, for a period of one month to access their suitability and acceptability. On the basis of suitability and acceptability recommended protective clothing for pesticide applicators were jacket with hood and pyjama of water proof fabric (having lining of cotton hosiery fabric), Chemical Resistant mask, Glasses/goggles, Nitrile gloves and Sports shoes. For threshing activity recommended protective clothing were : apron with hood and full sleeves with elasticized cuffs (elastic in &nbsp;two rows),Pleated mask / beak mask, Glasses/goggles ,Sports shoes, Mittens/gloves (for male) and &nbsp;for female : &nbsp;Kameez with full sleeves preferably elasticized cuffs or apron, hood mask/scarf mask ,glasses/goggles, sports shoes, mittens/gloves.</div>

Development of protective clothing for agricultural workers&nbsp;

<div><strong>Background: </strong>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;<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>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.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> 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>


<p>Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Taking into account that punicalagin (PUN) is a very powerful antioxidant; the current study evaluated the potential positive effects of oral PUN on spermatologic parameters of male New Zealand White rabbits. A total of 24 male bucks was housed individually and trained for semen collection. After the training for 2 wk, rabbits were assigned into 4 groups and received daily gavages of 0, 1, 2, and 10 mg/kg PUN in tap water for 9 wk. Semen was collected weekly from each rabbit and samples at d 1 and 63 of the experiment were analyzed separately. Initial values (ejaculate volume, ejaculate weight, ejaculate pH, sperm concentration, percent progressive motility, and seminal plasma protein levels) tested at d 1 were similar among the groups. &nbsp;There were also no differences in ejaculate volume, ejaculate weight, ejaculate pH and seminal plasma protein concentrations at the end of the experiment. Libido and reproductive organ weights were not affected by the treatments.However, sperm concentrations (P&lt;0.01) and percent progressive motility (P&lt;0.04) were significantly improved for bucks in 2 and 10 mg/kg PUN groups. Thus, the current study suggested that as low as 2 mg/kg/day PUN can be beneficial for spermatogenesis and motility in male rabbits.</div>

Punicalagin is beneficial for spermatogenesis in male New Zealand White rabbits

<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>


<p>Fisheries Extension Interventions: A Review</p>


<p>Information on culling pattern of animals helps in developing effective breeding plans for genetic improvement of the herd. Data on 292 reserved KF males out of 1740 male calves born, spread over a period of sixteen years from 1997 to 2012, were collected based on pedigree performance. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics considering the period of birth, season of birth, genetic group and age group. Study revealed increase in culling percentage with advancement in age. Culling in KF males for the different periods (1997-2000, P-1; 2001-2004, P-2; 2005-2008, P-3 and 2009-2012, P-4) were 75.93, 92.16, 64.44 and 28.26 percent, respectively. Maximum culling &nbsp;was observed in males born in summer season (76.12%) which could be due to inclement weather conditions exposure in young age and insufficient quality green leguminous fodder in subsequent months. Generally, upto the age of 3 years, culling in KF males were maximum in interbred and minimum in F1 but with advancing age, culling rate was found higher in F1 genetic group KF males where reproductive problems were the main causes. High culling rate in &lt;1.5 yrs age groups was observed due to poor growth (3.42%) while in adult bulls of above 1.5yrs of age, main reasons of culling was surplus (33.22%) followed by poor semen quality (10.27%), poor libido (7.53%), and poor semen freezability (4.45%). It can be concluded that culling pattern study can help in formulation of better management strategy to reduce the problems associated with culling and better economic return for the farm.&nbsp;</p>


<p>Culling pattern of Karan Fries (crossbred) males in an organised herd</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Most of the agricultural operations in India are performed manually with hand tools and equipment by female agricultural workers. This prompted designers to use female anthropometric data in designing of farm equipment and workplaces in order to reduce drudgery, to enhance safety, to improve performance, productivity and efficiency. A study was conducted to collect the anthropometric data of selected 30 female agricultural workers in the age group of 22-54 years from Madhya Pradesh state. For design of agricultural tools, equipment and workplaces the important, thirty eight body dimensions including weight were identified and measured. The values of mean, standard deviation (SD), minimum, maximum, coefficient of variation (CV) and 1<sup>st</sup>, 5<sup>th</sup>, 50<sup>th</sup>, 95<sup>th</sup> and 99<sup>th</sup> percentile values were calculated of selected body dimensions. The mean weight and stature of female agricultural workers were found to be 53 kg and 1536 mm, respectively. A large variation in anthropometric dimensions in the anthropometric data of female farm workers of different states of India and other countries was observed. Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC) were calculated among selected anthropometric dimensions of subjects. The correlation coefficients of measured data varied from 0.65-0.98.</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

Development of protective clothing for agricultural workers

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

Punicalagin is beneficial for spermatogenesis in male New Zealand White rabbits

Fisheries Extension Interventions: A Review

Culling pattern of Karan Fries (crossbred) males in an organised herd

Anthropometry of Female Agricultural Workers of Madhya Pradesh