Sub-components:

1.        Agricultural Extension Through Voluntary Organization (NGOs)

2.        Agricultural Extension Through Farmer Organization (FOs)

3.        Strengthening of Research-Extension -Farmer Linkages.

4.        Strengthening of Monitoring & Evaluation of Agricultural Extension

Type

Central Sector Scheme

Objectives

1.          Involve NGOs in the extension network particularly in tribal/hilly and disadvantaged areas;

2.          Involve Farmer Organizations (FOs) in agricultural extension and integrate their efforts with main agencies;

3.          Further strengthen research-extension-farmer linkages at various levels;

4.          Strengthen M&E of agricultural extension.

Salient Features

The Extension support is to be strengthened through NGOs, FOs intervention as also augmentation of research-extension-farmer linkages at various levels.  Augmentation of Monitoring and Evaluation of Agricultural Extension need to be supported in effective extension strategies.

Pattern of Assistance

100% grant by Directorate of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture.

Persons to be contacted

The Joint Secretary
Extension Division,Department of Agriculture & Cooperation,
Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110001

Date of start/duration

The Scheme relating to NGOs, Research Extension Farmers Linkages and Monitoring & Evaluation of Agri. Extension were started during the Eighth Plan period whereas the schemes of ITK and FOs are being implemented since 1998-99.

Implementation Status

The scheme is being implemented in all the states with active technical back up from the research organizations such as SAUs, ICAR Institutes, etc.  The district level extension scenario is being activated by involving 50 NGOs in 21 states and 18 FOs in 8 States and integrating their efforts for wider dissemination.  The disadvantaged tribal tracts, hilly areas, drought prone areas are being given a special focus in the implementation strategy.