PRIVATIZATION IN AGRICULTURE

PRIVATIZATION

It is an act of reducing the role of government or increasing the role

of private sector in an activity or an ownership of assets.

Privatization of extension service refers to the service rendered in

the area of agricultural and allied aspects by extension personnel

working in private agencies or organizations for which farmers are

expected to pay a fee and it can be viewed as a supplementary to

public extension services.

ELEMENTS OF PRIVATE EXTENSION SYSTEM

Objectives

Target group

Mandates

Extension personnel

Funding

Extension method

SERVICES RENDERED

Information

Input supply

Infrastructure

Technical service

Marketing service

Enterprises

Consultancy

MODE OF PAYMENT

Fee per visit

Portion of extra income

Customs service fee

Membership fees

ADVANTAGES

Reduces economic burden of governments.

Efficient extension services.

Competency in research system.

Availability of specialized services.

Controlled by the government.

DISADVANTAGES

Hindrance to free flow of information.

Contact between farmers and private agencies may decline.

Commercial interest – a threat to eco-friendly and

sustainable agriculture.

Only commercial farmers are benefited.

Not interested in sharing of technologies.

PRIVATIZATION-INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Cost recovery approach (Britain-1987(ADAS) and Mexico)

Voucher systems (Chile and Colombia)

Gradual privatization (Netherland-1990)

Partial funding (France)

Farmers organization (Denmark)

Germany

Agricultural consultants/firms (Japan)

PRIVATE EXTENSION AGENCIES IN INDIA

Agricultural consultants (PAN Horti, Green Plus-Agro)

KVKs (600 KVKs)

Farmers Association (KMGA, MGGA)

Producers Cooperative

Input Companies (Seeds, Fertilizers)

NGOs

Mass media