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Agricultural Extension
EXTENSION AND TRAINING
Extension and Training playa major role in transfer of technology and desired adoption of scientific practices of crop cultivation is the ultimate outcome of a good extension and training system. The training acts as pilot or forefront exercise meant for providing extra knowledge, skill and attitude to the trainees, which finally becomes the main force behind for strengthening of extension support in any development scheme or project. No scheme is complete without the existence of Training and Extension, if they are not being in corporate.
The training as appears so simple, but it is so complex that many ambitious schemes and project finally collapse due to inadequate methods of training. Thus before executing any scheme, proper training schedules, method and techniques of tackling the situation must be well formulated in order to achieve the desired goal.
The importance of training does not only lie in one specific structure, but the importance is required in all levels right from Head Office to grassroots, every officials, field functionaries working under any scheme has to perform trainings, or acquire trainings in order to equip oneself for becoming efficient extensions. He must have a clear-cut vision of the work he is going to perform, as the target group is the farmers who are to be made educated, award, and self reliant in their livelihood.
The methods of transferring a technology to a farming community could be in any form as stated below :
- Exhibition, Mela, Exposure Visit, Field Functionaries and farmers
- Group discussion
- Method demonstration
- Farm and home visit(Farming Campaign)
- Group meeting
- Class room training
- Electronic and Print media, Mass Media, Handout and Leaflets etc.
In this approach, the main focal point is Performance, which is fully dependent upon through various functions like identification of training needs, Plan and design, Training implementation, and Assessment of results.
Concept of Training
While imparting training, the psychological status of farmers has to be given full priority and effort is to be worked out to obtain maximum output and total adoption of the technology while it is totally exercise in the field.
Few tips to be remember by trainers while imparting training
In various situations, sometimes the trainers find themselves in confusion or in fiasco handling an arrogant mass of trainees. In order to overcome the hopeless situation, here are few techniques which have to be followed and bear in mind while performing:
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Type of participant
/ Trainee |
Techniques for tackling the situation:
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1. Who talks too much, well informed and wants to impress
others through exhibition of his knowledge.
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Interrupt him saying "that is an interesting point you
have made. Let me see what others have got to say". Do not silence him but provide
opportunity to others to express their View.
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2. Chronic arguer. Sometimes even a well matured person
may pick up an argument and continue with it for a long time.
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Do not lose your temper, also do not allow to get other
excited. If there is any merit, even in one of his points, express your agreement
and then move on. If he still persists, then tell him that you will discuss this
matter separately afterwards. Meet him later and try to find out what exactly that
is bothering him.
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3. Wants to do everything by himself and thus keeps other
out.
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Thank him for his voluntaries and politely tell him that
others also should share the task, instead of one man job, taking all the burdens.
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4. Always talks to his neighbor, incorrectly, distracting
others attention.
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Do not embrace him, but call him to give out his option
on the subject under discussion or related.
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5. Has ideas but is not able to express properly; due
to Stage fright.
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Listen to him but restate what he said for others
benefit.
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6. Indulges in obtuse comments.
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Handle him delicately as not to hurt his sentiments,
say "I see your point but the situation is different, that is why we are pursuing
the matter this way."
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7. Indulges in frequent interruption.
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Choose another member to reply his querry, request him
to allow you finish the matter on hand in time.
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8. Rambler talks about everything except the subject.
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When he takes a pause, thank him. Tell him that it would
be better to complete the discussion first and take up his subject later.
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9. Personality clash, two or more members frequently clash.
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Emphisize the points of agreement between them. Restate
the objective or aim. Bring ina neutral member into the discussion and proceed.
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10. Prejudiced person. Cynical, Does not see the points.
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Take the blame. Say
something I had said must have led you off and subject: but now, the subject is
back... And proceed. |
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11. Feel aggrieved that he did not have hischance.
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Ask him to give his
opinion even at the concluding phase. Tell him that you would discuss with
him later. |
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12. Shy and silent |
Spot such person. Arouse
their interest by calling for their opinion. Ifhe still hesitates, call his opinions
and present them to the group. Appreciate him once he begins to talk. |
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