What is the purpose of extension services in agriculture?

The purpose of extension services in agriculture primarily focuses on enhancing the skills and capabilities of farmers. These services provide vital education and resources to help farmers adopt improved practices, increase productivity, and make informed decisions regarding crop management, technology adoption, sustainable practices, and resource utilization. By equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills they need, extension services play a crucial role in fostering agricultural development, promoting innovation, and ultimately improving livelihoods and food security.

While enhancing farmers' skills is central to extension services, improving marketing strategies and connecting farmers with supply chains are often part of the overall support but not the primary purpose. Regulating agricultural policies typically falls under government functions and is not a direct responsibility of extension services, which focus on providing education and outreach rather than policy enforcement or development.