ICAR and PAU Agricultural Extension Systems - Complete Notes
Agricultural extension serves as the vital bridge connecting research institutions with farmers, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology to improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. This comprehensive guide explores the structure, functions, and historical evolution of India's premier agricultural extension systems operated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
1. Introduction to Agricultural Extension
Agricultural Extension is a dynamic process of imparting useful information to farmers and assisting them to adopt improved practices and technologies for continuous improvement in their physical, economic, and social well-being through individual and cooperative efforts.
It is the critical "bridge" that connects Agricultural Research with the Farmer in the field, ensuring that new technologies and practices are adopted effectively.
Historical Context: Agriculture research and education got major support in the first decade of the 20th century when Lord Curzon was the Viceroy of India. The most significant milestone was establishment of Imperial (now Indian) Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) in Bihar in 1905.
2. Historical Evolution of Agricultural Extension in India
Key Leadership Positions:
- President of ICAR: Union Minister of Agriculture
- Director General of ICAR: Secretary of DARE (Department of Agriculture Research and Education)
- 1st President of ICAR: Khan Bhadur Sir Mohammad Habibullah
- 1st Director General of ICAR: Dr. B.P. Pal
3. Organizational Structure of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare
The entire agricultural administration in India operates under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (MoA&FW), structured into three key departments with distinct functions and institutions.
| Department | Key Functions | Important Institutions |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers' Welfare (DAC&FW) | Policy formulation for crop production, seeds, fertilizers, mechanization, agricultural extension, marketing, credit, and insurance. Implementation of central schemes for farmers. |
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| Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE) | Agricultural research policy, education in agriculture and allied sciences, international cooperation in agricultural research. |
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| Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) | Livestock health & production, dairying, poultry, and fisheries development, animal breeding programs. |
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Key Linkages: ICAR operates under DARE. MANAGE operates under DAC&FW and works closely with ICAR on extension policy and training. SAMETIs (State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institutes) are under State Governments but linked to MANAGE and DAC&FW.
4. ICAR Extension System: Detailed Structure and Components
The Agricultural Extension Division at ICAR headquarters is headed by a Deputy Director-General (Agricultural Extension) and supported by two Assistant Director-Generals, three Principal Scientists, one Deputy Secretary and one Under Secretary.
Major Activities of Agricultural Extension Division:
- Technology assessment, demonstration and capacity development
- Coordination through network of 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs)
- Management of 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across India
- Strengthening agricultural extension research and knowledge management
A. Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs)
ATARIs (formerly Zonal Project Directorates - ZPDs) play the role of coordination and monitoring with headquarters at:
- Ludhiana, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati, Barapani, Pune, Jabalpur, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru
Mandate of ATARIs:
- Coordination and monitoring of technology application and frontline extension education programmes
- Strengthening agricultural extension research and knowledge management
- Supervision and support to KVKs in their respective zones
B. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) - The Grassroots Arm
KVKs or Farm Science Centers are district-level institutions serving as the ultimate link between ICAR and farmers.
| Function | Detailed Description | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| On-Farm Testing (OFT) | Testing new technologies and varieties in farmers' fields under local conditions to assess their suitability before wide-scale recommendation. For example, testing a new wheat variety from PAU under different agro-climatic conditions of Punjab. | Location-specific technology recommendations, reduced adoption risks for farmers |
| Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) | Organizing demonstrations of proven technologies to show their superiority over local practices. Examples include demonstrations on correct method of Basmati rice cultivation, integrated pest management, etc. | Increased technology adoption, visual proof of technology benefits |
| Capacity Development | Organizing training programs for farmers, rural youth, and extension functionaries on various agricultural and allied sectors. This includes skill development in areas like beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, food processing, etc. | Skill enhancement, knowledge upgradation, capacity building of stakeholders |
| Knowledge & Resource Centre | Production and supply of quality seeds, seedlings, bio-agents, and other inputs. KVKs also serve as information hubs for farmers. | Access to quality inputs, reliable information source for farmers |
C. Major ICAR Extension Programs
- Farmers FIRST (FFP): Farmer-centric programme focusing on technology refinement, partnership, and livelihood improvement through participatory research and extension models.
- MERA GAON MERA GAURAV (MGMG): Scientists adopt villages to provide direct extension support and solve local problems, strengthening connection between ICAR scientists and farming communities.
- Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC): Jointly implemented by ICAR-NAARM and MANAGE to encourage agricultural graduates to become entrepreneurs.
- National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA): Focuses on capacity building of farmers to cope with climate change through climate-resilient practices.
- Kisan Call Centres (KCC): Toll-free advisory service (1800-180-1551) available in 22 local languages.
5. Extension System in Punjab
Punjab's agricultural extension system operates through a collaborative framework involving the State Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare and the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare (Government of Punjab)
- ADD (Agriculture Development Department): Oversees implementation of agricultural schemes and programs at district level
- SCO (State Coordinator Office): Coordination of extension activities across the state
- HDO (Horticulture Development Officer): Specialized support for horticulture development
- Education & Research: Coordination with PAU for research dissemination
- Skill Development Centre: Farmer training programs for capacity building
- Farmer Advisory Service Centres (14): Direct farmer support services at block level
- PAMETI (Punjab Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute): Apex training institute for extension functionaries
- Neptral Research Institute (6): Specialized research institutes for different crops
- KISAN MELA: Large-scale farmer fairs organized regularly
6. Extension System of PAU
The Punjab Agricultural University operates a comprehensive extension system that serves as a model for other agricultural universities in India. PAU's extension activities are primarily coordinated through the Directorate of Extension Education (DEE).
Directorate of Extension Education (DEE) - Key Functions:
- Technology dissemination through various media including print, electronic, and digital platforms
- Organization of training programs for farmers and extension workers
- Publication of extension literature in local languages (Package of Practices, leaflets, booklets)
- Conducting Kisan Melas (farmer fairs) for direct farmer-scientist interaction
- Management of KVKs in Punjab
- Coordination with state department of agriculture for implementation of schemes
- Production of agricultural programs for radio and television
Management of KVKs in Punjab
PAU plays a crucial role in the management of Krishi Vigyan Kendras across Punjab, creating a unique operational model:
| Managing Organization | Number of KVKs | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) | 18 KVKs | Funded by ATARI but staff management by DEE; strong integration with PAU research system |
| Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) | 3 KVKs | Focus on animal husbandry and veterinary services; specialized in livestock technologies |
| Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) | 1 KVK | Directly managed by ICAR institutes; often with specific thematic focus |
| TOTAL KVKs IN PUNJAB | 22 KVKs | Covering all districts of Punjab with location-specific extension approaches |
Key Insight: The unique partnership between PAU and the state agriculture department creates a synergistic extension system where research-generated knowledge flows efficiently to end-users through multiple channels including KVKs, advisory centers, and training programs. This integrated approach has contributed significantly to Punjab's agricultural productivity.
7. Practical Notes for Students
This section provides practical guidance for students to understand and engage with the extension systems discussed above.
Practical Exercise 1: Mapping the Extension Network
Objective: To develop a comprehensive understanding of the extension hierarchy from national to village level.
Activity: Create a detailed flowchart showing the connections between MoA&FW, DARE, ICAR, ATARIs, PAU, State Agriculture Department, and KVKs.
Deliverable: A3 size chart paper with color-coded connections and brief descriptions of each organization's role.
Practical Exercise 2: KVK Visit Preparation
Objective: To prepare for field visit to a Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
Activity: Develop a questionnaire covering KVK's activities, challenges, success stories, and farmer feedback mechanisms.
Key Areas to Explore:
- Types of FLDs and OFTs conducted in the last season
- Training programs organized for different stakeholder groups
- Success stories of technology adoption by farmers
- Linkages with PAU and other research institutions
- Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
Practical Exercise 3: Comparative Analysis of Extension Models
Objective: To understand different extension approaches and their effectiveness.
Activity: Compare and contrast the ICAR extension system with other models (T&V system, NGO-led extension, private extension services).
Parameters for Comparison: Funding sources, accountability mechanisms, technology dissemination approaches, farmer participation, scalability, and sustainability.
Practical Exercise 4: Developing Extension Literature
Objective: To develop skills in creating farmer-friendly extension materials.
Activity: Prepare a leaflet or pamphlet on a specific agricultural technology (e.g., integrated nutrient management in wheat).
Guidelines: Use simple language, local terms, visual aids, and focus on practical implementation steps. Include cost-benefit analysis if possible.