Mapping Research Contributions on Agricultural Extension in India

A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Agricultural Extension is vital for sustainable farming development and food systems. During the past decades, several agricultural extension modelshave been implemented in India. The present study emphasises on the scientific contribution of agricultural extension researchduring the last decade (2011-2020). Bibliometric techniques have been employed to the secondary data for analysing 145 articles to identify relevant themes, collaboration patterns, topics under study and major journals for publication. It was observed that the research on agricultural extension has been increasing in recent years. The journals that have published the articles have highlighted multi-disciplinary research to address the challenges of the discipline. The central thematic area of research in the domain was new extension methodologies for technology transfer,applying information and communication technologies (ICTs) in farming and climate-change based research in extension. Probably, this might be the first bibliometric study to offer exhaustive information on extension research in India. The findings of the study will aid academics and decision-makers in formulating plans and strategies for better extension approaches for agricultural development. Agricultural extension practitioners may also use those findings for reorienting advisory services at the grassroots level.