eChapters

1.1. Credit

Defined as a device for facilitating temporary transfer of purchasing power from those who have surpluses of it to those who are in need of it.

Introduction

Agriculture provides unique solution to various developmental issues including poverty and hunger. World Development Report (2008) reveals that the agricultural growth has significantly contributed to the decline in poverty world over (as in China and Latin America). Though the non-agriculture sector pays more dividend, and grows steeply, the capital generated, however benefits a few (mostly urban areas) thus leading to uneven distribution of income. Whereas, the development of agriculture, which employs most of the rural population, is expected to benefit a large section of the population simultaneously and uniformly. It is in this context that this report predicts agriculture as a vital development tool for achieving Millennium Development Goal that calls for halving by 2015 the share of people suffering from extreme poverty and hunger.

Agriculture addresses the essential food wellspring of the world, and it has been confronting serious difficulties because of the rising interest for food items, sanitation, and security worries as well as calls for ecological insurance, water conservation, and maintainability. This improvement is anticipated to go on since the total populace is assessed to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Since farming comprises the most noticeable illustration of water utilization around the world, it is normal that food interest and water utilization will decisively increment within a reasonable timeframe. Moreover, the rising utilization of composts and pesticides combined with the increase of cultivating exercises could prompt future ecological difficulties. Essentially, arable land is restricted, and the quantity of farmers is diminishing around the world. These difficulties highlight the requirement for imaginative and practical cultivating arrangements.
Consolidating novel innovations has been distinguished as a promising answer for address these difficulties. Brilliant cultivating and Precision farming have arisen because of such discussions. The previous is an overall idea for information communication technologies (ICT) and other state of the art developments in cultivating exercises to build productivity and viability. The last option centers around site-explicit administration in which the land is separated into homogeneous parts, and each part gets the specific measure of agricultural contribution for crop yield enhancement through original advances. Unmistakable advances that certainly stand out in this field incorporate Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including machine learning and deep learning.
Notwithstanding the previously mentioned innovations, remote detecting has been viewed as a mechanical device with high potential to work on savvy and Precision farming. Satellites, human-maintained airplane, and robots are well known remote-detecting advances. Drones, popularly known as Unmanned

Agricultural drought management is a critical aspect of ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in regions prone to water scarcity. Droughts, characterized by prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, can have devastating effects on crop yields, livestock productivity, and the livelihoods of farmers. Effective drought management strategies are essential for mitigating these impacts and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems. Agricultural drought occurs when the soil moisture is insufficient to meet the needs of crops, leading to reduced growth, lower yields, and increased plant stress. This type of drought can be particularly challenging because it directly affects food production and the agricultural economy. Unlike meteorological droughts, which are defined by the degree of dryness compared to normal conditions over a specific period, agricultural droughts focus on the impact of drought on crops and agricultural productivity.

Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, fundamentally dictating the success or failure of crop production worldwide. While sufficient and timely rainfall, or adequate irrigation, ensures healthy plant growth and bountiful harvests, an imbalance in the water supply can quickly escalate into a crisis. Among the various forms of drought—meteorological, hydrological, and socio-economic - agricultural drought stands as the most direct and immediate threat to food security and farm livelihoods. It represents a critical shortfall in the moisture necessary to sustain crop growth, leading to reduced yields, compromised crop quality, and often, complete crop failure (Fig. 9.1). effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. This chapter will delve into the precise definition of agricultural drought, differentiate it from other drought types, and critically examine its various forms based on the timing of water deficit during a crop’s life cycle. By dissecting the characteristics of early season, mid-season, terminal, and apparent permanent droughts, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how water scarcity at different stages impacts crop physiology, productivity, and the broader agricultural landscape.

Economics definition

Adam smith (1776) defined economics as the science of wealth in his book An Inquiry into Nature and Causes of Wealth of Nations.

According to Marshall Economics is primarily a study of mankind in the ordinary business of life.

Agricultural Economics : An applied social science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural or farming goods and services.(or) an applied phase of social science of economics in which attention is given to all aspects of problems related to agriculture.

Subject matter of Economics : It can be studied through a) traditional approach and (b) modern approach.

a) Traditional Approach : Economics is studied under five major divisions namely consumption, production, exchange, distribution and public finance.

Consumption : The satisfaction of human wants through the use of goods and services is called consumption.

Production : Goods that satisfy human wants are viewed as "bundles of utility".

Exchange : Goods are produced not only for self-consumption, but also for sales. They are sold to buyers in markets. The process of buying and selling constitutes exchange.

Distribution : The production of any agricultural commodity requires four factors, viz., land, labour, capital and organization. The land owner gets rent, the labourer earns wage, the capitalist is given with interest and the entrepreneur is rewarded with profit. The process of determining rent, wage, interest and profit is called distribution.

Public finance : It studies how the government gets money and how it spends it.

b) Modern Approach : The study of economics is divided into: i) Micro-economics and ii) Macro-economics.

Agricultural education and extension services are crucial for the development and dissemination of knowledge and technologies that enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience. This article explores the evolution, significance, and impact of agricultural education and extension services, highlighting their role in empowering farmers, improving food security, and fostering rural development. It examines the various models and approaches to agricultural education and extension, the challenges they face, and the innovative strategies being implemented to address these challenges. The article also discusses the integration of modern technologies and the importance of policy support in strengthening agricultural education and extension systems. By understanding and enhancing these services, stakeholders can ensure that farmers are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern agriculture and contribute to sustainable development.

Introduction
Agriculture is an age-old income generation activity in India. It plays a vital role in India’s economy. One in every two Indians relies on agriculture for livelihood. Over 58% of the rural households depend on agriculture as their principal means of livelihood. Over the period of time, the contribution of agriculture and allied sector in Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in India has declined to 14.4% in 2018- 19 from 51.8% in 1950-51. At current prices, the contributions of industry and services sector are 31.5%, and 54.1%, respectively as against the contributions of industry and services sector were 15.1% and 33.1%, respectively in 1950-51. This decline in share of agriculture and allied sector is result of the shift from traditional agricultural economy to industry and service sectors, this performance are very meagre if we consider the size of the employment in this sector. Presently, more than 50% of the total workforce of the country is employed in agricultural sector contributing to only 14.4% of GDP. With production of agriculture activity 26of $375.61 billion, India is 2nd larger producer of agriculture product in the world after China which has contribution of $991 billion in agriculture sector. GDP of industry sector is $560.97 billion and world rank is 6th. In services sector, India’s world rank is 8th and GDP is $1500 billion (FAENI, 2018- 19). Interestingly, contribution of agriculture sector in Indian economy is much higher (7.4%) than world’s average (6.4%), while contribution of industry and services sector is lower than world’s average (30% for industry sector and 63% for services sector).

Agricultural extension services play a pivotal role in facilitating better management of produce by providing farmers with knowledge, resources, and support to improve their agricultural practices. These services act as a bridge between agricultural research and farmers, disseminating information on innovative techniques, technologies, and best practices tailored to local conditions. Through workshops, training sessions, field demonstrations, and one-on-one consultations, extension agents empower farmers to adopt sustainable production methods, optimize inputs, and enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. By promoting efficient post-harvest handling, storage, and marketing strategies, extension services help farmers reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and access lucrative markets. Additionally, extension programs often incorporate valuable information on crop rotation, integrated pest management, soil conservation, and water management practices, enabling farmers to make informed decisions for long-term agricultural sustainability. Ultimately, agricultural extension services serve as catalysts for innovation, productivity, and resilience in the agricultural sector, contributing to food security, economic development, and rural livelihoods.

Introduction 
Agricultural extension systems are vital in bridging the gap between research and practical application by farming communities. By providing farmers with access to the latest technologies, practices, and knowledge, these services help improve crop yields, optimize resource use, and promote sustainability. Beyond just technical advice, agricultural extension often involves helping farmers adapt to new market trends, climate changes, and government policies. Extension agents typically work directly with farmers through meetings, oneon- one consultations, and community-based demonstrations. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, originally known as Rajendra Agricultural University, was established as India’s first Imperial Agriculture Research Institute. The foundation stone was laid by Lord Curzon on April 1, 1905, with financial support from American philanthropist Henry Phipps, Jr. Located in Pusa, Bihar. It is an Institute of National Importance. The University focuses on teaching, research, and extension, with the Directorate of Extension Education founded in 1977. This Directorate bridges the gap between technology generation and dissemination by coordinating with the State Department of Agriculture, ICAR, and other research and training institutes. It aims to deliver the latest agricultural information to farmers through its colleges and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), as well as plan and monitor extension activities based on research results. Public spending on Agricultural extension is one of the key policy instruments of the government to provide growth and alleviate property in rural areas. A comprehensive analysis of farming systems is essential to identify areas that need training, highlight technology gaps, address the adoption gap, and recognize production constraints. The goal is to develop and showcase alternative sustainable farming practices that enhance farmers’ productivity and profitability while conserving biodiversity and improving environmental health. Additionally, farmers should be connected to the rapidly evolving global market by providing them with relevant information and guidance to help them adapt to new opportunities and challenges.

Extension is an “Out – of – School” system of education for rural people.

The term “Extension” have originated in Latin. It means stretching out.

The term “University Extension” was first used in 1866.

The person considered as Father of extension and the concept of Extension Education Process was given by Paul Leagans

The person considered as father of extension in India is K.N.Singh

The term “Extension Education” was first coined in United Kingdom

Extension education is an applied behavioral science and brings about behavioral changes in human beings.

The philosophy of extension is not “What to Think?.” It is “How to think?”

Introduction

Poverty has been described as a situation of “pronounced deprivation in well being” and being poor as “to be hungry, to lack shelter and clothing, to be sick and not cared for, to be illiterate and not schooled. Poor people are particularly vulnerable to adverse events outside their control. They are often treated badly by institutions of the state and society and excluded from voice and power in those institutions.” Lack of access to resources is a unifying characteristic of poverty in all its manifestations. The poor lack ownership of or access to assets such as land, water, forest, dwelling units, credit, literacy, longevity, voice and capital-both physical and social. Those who are severely below the poverty line are largely involved in subsistence type activities for which they get exploitatively poor returns despite suffering extreme physical hardship and undertaking grave risks so as to earn a meager income. Since earnings are below even the margins of existence, expenditure and survival needs exceed income. This often results in the need to borrow small amounts of money at usurious interest rates of as much as 120 per cent per annum (Mehta, 1996) when borrowing is not possible, hunger is suffered. Their inability to change the power relationships results in scarcely available common resources (such as even drinking water) or public funds meant for poverty alleviation being misappropriated and diverted through manipulation by the locally powerful or corrupt. Since there are no mechanisms for grievance redressal this could result in social tension, despair or a combination thereof.

History is the continuous record of past events

Heritage is the inherited values carried from one generation to other generation

Agricultural heritage refers to the values and traditional practices adopted in ancient India which are more relevant for present day system.

Agricultural Heritage in India

Agriculture in India is not of recent origin, but has a long history dating back to Neolithic age of 7500-6500 B.C. It changed the life style of early man from ‘nomadic hunter of wild berries and roots’ to ‘cultivator of land’. Agriculture is benefited from the wisdom and teachings of great saints. The wisdom gained and practices adopted have been passed down through generations. The traditional farmers have developed the nature friendly farming systems and practices such as mixed farming, mixed cropping, crop rotation etc. The great epics of ancient India convey the depth of knowledge possessed by the older generations of the farmers of India. The modern society has lost sight of the importance of the traditional knowledge which had been subjected to a process of refinement through generations of experience. The ecological considerations shown by the traditional farmers in their farming activities are now-a-days is reflected in the resurgence of organic agriculture.