New Initiatives in Aquaculture Extension

Today's farming is becoming knowledge intensive and aquaculture is not an exception. Farmers do not only ask about technologies, but they demand information about prices, export potential, government policy, market etc. The army of Fishery extension officers who constitute the only contact point for thousands of fish farmers are required to provide up-to-date information, technical guidance and rendering necessary help in producing more fish. Hence, the preparedness of the extension officers in order to cater to the requirements of farmers is of paramount importance. It also makes sense for them to keep abreast with the latest developments, new approaches attempted elsewhere and to improve the functioning of extension system. The present volume compiles few such new initiatives in aquaculture extension. The book has three sections viz., technology transfer for aquaculture development, extension approaches–new initiatives and participatory aquaculture extension. Each section contains five chapters contributed by eminent extension professionals. Several new developments e.g. Expert system for effective aquaculture extension, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in extension services for sustainable aquaculture, women empowerment in fisheries, group approaches in aquaculture development, changing perspectives of rural aquaculture, community based aquaculture etc. have been included in this volume. The book will serve as a reference book for the students and practitioners of extension.