Agriculture stands at a critical crossroads, tasked with the immense challenge of feeding a growing global population amidst escalating threats of climate change, environmental degradation, and economic disparities, while also embracing the opportunities offered by Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain within the agricultural ecosystem. The pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 2—to end hunger and achieve food security through sustainable agriculture—demands more than technological advancement alone; it requires robust, adaptive, and inclusive systems that effectively bridge the gap between innovation and the farmer. Agricultural extension has thus evolved from a traditional model of top-down advice into a dynamic, multidimensional engine for transformation. It is the vital link that integrates cutting-edge science with local wisdom, digital tools with human-centric approaches, and global goals with on-the-ground realities.

This edited volumes (I & II), Agricultural Extension for Sustainable Growth: Bridging Innovation, Technology, and Food Security, is conceived at this pivotal moment. It seeks to capture the breadth and depth of this evolution, offering a comprehensive exploration of how modern extension services are rising to meet contemporary challenges. The book is structured around four interconnected thematic pillars, each representing a critical frontier for progress. These sections deals into the digital revolution reshaping knowledge delivery, the central role of human capital and inclusive development, the imperative to integrate nutrition and food security into agricultural advice, and the strategies for building climate resilience and sustainable agribusiness models. Together, the contributions provide a holistic vision for an extension system that is not merely informative but truly transformative—a catalyst for a more secure, equitable, and sustainable future for global agriculture.

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PART I: ICTs, Digital Tools, and Emerging Technologies in Extension

1. The Role of Information and Communication Technology Tools in Enhancing Extension Services in Rural Communities
   Salam Prabex, Ranjani Priya K and H R Meena
2. Blockchain Technology in Agriculture Supply Chain: Enhancing Transparency, Efficiency and Sustainability
   K T Surya, Urmila Krishna, Mebom Timba and Vangala Bhavani
3. Use of Drones and Remote Sensing in Agriculture
   K Pravallika, Ch Venu Gopala Reddy, S Chandra Shekar and A Latha Rani
4. Social Media as a Tool for Agricultural Extension
   Kiran Kaur Rana and Archana Shukla
5. Connecting the Farm to the Future: ICT and the Revolution of Rural Extension
   Smita Singh, Yogesh Kumar, R K Doharey and N R Meena
6. Blockchain Technology in Agriculture
   B Raja Madhushekar, K Suhasini, R Vasantha, P Krupa Rani, A Varsha and G Narender
7. Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Role of Drones and Remote Sensing in Precision Farming
   Arun Kumar K M and Krishna D K
8. Agri-tech and Public Private Partnership (PPPs): Driving Innovations for Sustainability
   Madhusmita Sahoo and Souvik Ghosh
9. IoT in Smart Farming and Advisory to Farmers
   Arun Jana, Chandan Kumar Panda, Tapas Sutradhar, Anupam Biswas and Alokesh Ghosh
10. Understanding Cyber Agricultural Extension through Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
    Varsha Parikh and Amlan Jyoti Thakur

PART - II: Human Resource Development, Gender and Youth Empowerment

1. Investing in Women: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Growth
   Neetu Sharma, Sanjay Sharma and Bindia Sharma
2. Rural Women’s Role in Agriculture Development
   Sahithi Pasupuleti, Vinayak Nikam, Haripriya Veesam and Suresh Bishnoi
3. Rural Women’s Role in National Development through Agriculture and Associated Sectors
   Bindia Dutt and Neetu Sharma
4. Cultivating the Future: Strategies for Engaging and Retaining Rural Youth in Indian Agriculture
   Ranjani Priya K, Salam Prabex and H R Meena
5. Capacity Building in Agricultural Extension: Trends and Future Directions
   K Pravallika, B Savitha and K Shireesha
6. Livelihood Opportunities for Retaining Rural Youth in Agriculture
   Sarvesh Kumar

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