Agricultural Extension Training Manual (Group Extension Approach)

Group extension events happen when extension staff work with several farmers at the same time and place. They provide an opportunity for group based learning, can stimulate group development and co-operation between farmers, and are a cost-effective means of delivering extension messages. Group extension events are at the core of the Department's extension approach. These are: Result Demonstrations with Farmer's Groups, Method Demonstrations, Field Days, District and Thana Fairs, Farm Walks, Farmers Rallies, Folk Media, Group Meetings, Motivational Tours, Participatory Technology Development, Formal Training Days & Farmer Field Schools. A demonstration farmer, or farmers in the case of block demonstrations, are chosen and a site is selected. Demonstration farmers should be representative of the target group which identified the need or problem, and are interested in the idea. If it is with an individual farmer then they should be a member of the original Problem Census Group. Demonstration sites should be easily visible, on a representative land type, and accessible. Result demonstrations can also be conducted as an individual event.