Relevance of extension advisory services in climate smart agriculture : A review

Abstract

Study was conducted to explore the role of extension advisory services in relation to smart agriculture to mitigate the effect of climate. Agriculture is a very prominent sector of the Indian economy accounts for (49%) of the employment and one-sixth of the GDP. The agricultural industry is supported by 500 million small holder farms. Agriculture is extremely vulnerable for climate change and water as well. Climate change affects agriculture in the Asia and Pacific region particularly in those areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters. Higher temperature reduce yield of desirable crops while encouraging weeds and pests proliferation. Changes in precipitation pattern and floods affect agriculture causing crop failures. In India, significant negative impacts occurred due to climate change reasoned to reducing the yields. In addition to advisory services advanced information on likelihood of weather help to carry out to proper management of resources for agricultural operations to minimize the risk and facilitate growth and realizes the optimum crop yield. Further, decentralization of extension services tracing the different state or district-level funding is needing exercise not always known at national level in various states or provinces spending on extension service. It plays a prominent role by creating awareness regarding adaptation of best practices regarding climate change, deforestation and planting of trees also potential to transform the vision of India’s famers about food security, poverty alleviation and sudden climatic threats. Thus, the advisory services help taking the advantage of benevolent weather and minimize adverse impact of malevolent weather.