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Call for information kiosks in farm extension works

S. Nadarajan

Blending of traditional knowledge and modern technology stressed

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

SEMINAR: Director of School of Agriculture, IGNOU, B.S. Hansra (second from left) having a word with the vice-president, Society of Extension Education, J. Vasanthakumar (right), at a seminar in Puducherry on Saturday.

PUDUCHERRY: The director, School of Agriculture in Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, B.S. Hansra said that there was a need to set up "information kiosks" to disseminate information and broad-based knowledge of farmers under the agricultural extension schemes.

Inaugurating a two-day national seminar on "Extension Strategies for fostering knowledge centric agricultural growth" organised by the Society of Extension Education here on Saturday, Mr. Hansra said the contributions made by such kiosks operated by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation had been found to be very effective and significant.

Research activities

He said while it was necessary that there should be transfer of knowledge through research activities for the benefit of farmers. It should be ensured that there was application of knowledge for qualitative improvement in their life.

He said that the activities of agricultural extension programmes should be carried out through decentralisation of organisations.

There should be involvement of self-help groups in dissemination of knowledge generated through the extension programmes.

He wanted a public-private cooperation, which would be of help for skill up-gradation and capacity building among farmers.

Professor in the Department of Agriculture in Annamalai University, J. Vasanthakumar, who is the vice-president of the society, said that around 200 delegates from different parts of the country participated in the deliberations.

Most of them were scientists and agricultural college students.

He said that there was a need to reorient rural development strategies. Knowledge empowerment for farmers was essential to gain competitiveness in the current context of marketing agricultural produce.

Professor of Agricultural Extension, Tamilnadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore, H. Philip welcomed and treasurer of the society K.C. Ravi proposed a vote of thanks.

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