Agricultural Extension

The word “Extension” was first time used in Britain in 1840 in the form of “University Extension” or “Extension of the University”. In 1850, William Sewell of Britain used it in his report entitled “suggestions for the extension of the university”. But, this word was first used in a practical way by James Stuart of Trinity College, Cambridge University in 1867-68, when he was addressing “Women Association and Working Men’s Clubs” of North England. Again in 1871, he appealed to the officials of the Cambridge University to establish extension centres under the supervision of university, so that these centres can be used as a platform to deliver lecture to the people. His effort in this field was responsible for him being called “Father of University Extension”. In a formal way, Cambridge University in 1873, London University in 1876 and Oxford University in 1878 developed extension system, which worked among people. In 1880, his work came to be known as “Extension movement”.

In the eighth decade of the 19th century, the word Extension was used in the form of Extension education in U.S.A. The term extension was used in the United States of America to connote the extension of knowledge from the Land Grant Colleges to the farmers through the process of informal education.

Extension education has now developed as a full-fledged discipline, having its own philosophy, objectives, principles, methods & techniques which must be understood by every extension worker & others connected with the rural development. It might be mentioned here that extension education, its principles, methods & techniques are applicable not only to agriculture but also to veterinary & animal husbandry, dairying, home science, health, family planning, etc. Based upon its application & use, various nomenclatures have been given to it, such as agricultural extension, veterinary & animal husbandry extension, dairy extension, home science extension, public health extension, & family planning extension.

(1) Extension education is an applied science consisting of content derived from research, accumulated field experiences and relevant principles drawn from the behavioural science synthesised with useful technology into a body of philosophy, principles, content and methods focussed on the problems of out of school education for adults and youth.– J.P. Leagans (1961)

(2) Extension work is an out of school system of education in which adult and young people learn by doing. It is partnership between the Govt. and the people, which provides service and education designed to meet the people. Its fundamental objective is the development of the people. – Kelsey and Harne (1963)

Extension education is an applied behavioural science, the knowledge of which is applied to bring about desirable changes in the behavioural complex of human beings usually through various strategies & programmes of change & by applying the latest scientific & technological innovations. it is concluded that “Extension education is an education and it is bringing a desirable change in behaviour (knowledge, skills and attitudes) of rural people to improve their social, economic and psychological status”.

Agriculture Extension In India

In India, the terms community development & extension education became more popular with the launching of Community Development Projects in 1952 & with the establishment of the National Extension Service in 1953. Since then, Community development has been regarded as a programme for an all-round development of the rural people, & extension education as the means to achieve this objective.

Extension education has now developed as a full-fledged discipline, having its own philosophy, objectives, principles, methods & techniques which must be understood by every extension worker & others connected with the rural development. It might be mentioned here that extension education, its principles, methods & techniques are applicable not only to agriculture but also to veterinary & animal husbandry, dairying, home science, health, family planning, etc. Based upon its application & use, various nomenclatures have been given to it, such as agricultural extension, veterinary & animal husbandry extension, dairy extension, home science extension, public health extension, & family planning extension.

Objectives of extension education. The objectives of extension education are the expressions of the ends towards which our efforts are directed. In other words, an objective means a direction of movement. Before starting any programme, its objectives must be clearly stated, so that one knows where to go & what is to be achieved. The fundamental objective of extension education is the development of the people.

Agricultural extension in India is primarily concerned with the following main objectives:
(1) The dissemination of useful & practical information relating to agriculture, including improved seeds, fertilisers, implements, pesticides, improved cultural practices, dairying, poultry, nutrition, etc.;
(2) the practical application of useful knowledge to farm & home; and
(3) thereby ultimately to improve all aspects of the life of the rural people within the framework of the national, economic & social policies involving the population as a whole.


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