Review of the agricultural extension modes and services with the focus to Balochistan, Pakistan

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Abstract This review paper is based on secondary information. It presents the external (policy, technical assistance, public institutions and the private sector) and internal (institutional structures, objectives/programmes) factors that impact on agriculture development in general in developing countries with special focus on Pakistan. The contents carry the literatures that deal with such factors, starting with discussion on the comprehensive analysis of the role of extension services accompanied by its pros and cons, as well as the meager agricultural services in developing countries. This is followed by concrete discussions and the analysis of different approaches/modes of the extension services adopted/implemented worldwide; such as, Training and Visit Approach, Transfer of Technology (ToT), the Farmer Field School approach, and finally, the roles of agricultural research and extension services in promoting sustainable agriculture development. There was a great difference between extension policy and practice in the study area; therefore, there an emerging need to effectively implement policy (2004) providing the required facilities such as, adequate budget, trained extension officials, logistic/transportation facility, trainings, field unit office and to ensure farmers’ participation in problem-solving ( Table 3 ). The old policy of requiring farmers to visit extension agents may need to be changed in order to improve farmers’ access to extension services, particularly in rural areas where public transportation is not easily available. Following the principles of participatory extension services, the new policy needs to be effectively implemented in order to require extension officials to work in cooperation with the farmers. Agricultural extension policy needs to be revamped and then effectively implemented according to the farmers’ needs and problems encountered. The blueprint decentralized extension policy needs to be effectively implemented.