The role of extension services -agony and ecstacy Dr Reuben Ausher Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Extension Service, P.O.Box 7054, Tel Aviv 61070, Israel Extension Services are supposed to cover the whole technology development continuum, namely technology generation, diffusion and adoption. Further, they should convert data and information into knowledge and technologies. Extension services should catalyze the conversion of subsistence farmers into commercial growers and finally into entrepreneurs. Most extension systems are either production, environment or community oriented. Under intensive cropping systems there is an increased demand for advice to support both managerial and technical decisions.
Agricultural extension faces a series of management and professional conflicts and crises.
The crises debilitate extension organizations and they could dwindle and even collapse. The era of ideology and of rigid extension models adequate for the developing world is over. One central requirement has to be stressed in this context - professionalism. Fortunately, extension faces new opportunities and is expected to develop leadership in areas such as Integrated Pest Management, computer-supported technologies, distant education. Monitoring for disease is an integral part of the Seed Potato Classification Scheme administered by the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department in Scotland.