FAISALABAD, Dec 18: Research scientists belonging to national and international universities and institutions have emphasized the need to make all the things required by farmers available at one shop, describing the plan as identical to “one-window operation.”

Speaking at a seminar on “Enhancement of effective extension system in agriculture” organized by the University of Agriculture and Asian Productivity Organization, the researchers claimed better agricultural extension would prevent people from migrating to big cities from villages and rural areas.

An effective agricultural extension system involved not only dissemination of individual technologies, but also knowledge sharing, capacity building and encouragement of farmers’ active participation.

Dr Husain Shabani from Iran discussed the current status of the agricultural extension and its requirements and future challenges in his country.

Researchers from other countries demonstrated the use of information technology in the field of extension for effective dissemination of information among the stakeholders.

He said the use of mobile vans for demonstrating different improved practices to the farmers in their land would be very beneficial for farmers in all countries.