Archives of Current Research International

Social participation and extension contact are important factors influencing farmers’ access to agricultural information, interaction with extension personnel and participation in agricultural development activities. The present study was undertaken to analyse the social participation and extension contact of farmers under public, private and NGO extension systems in Telangana.  The study examines the social participation and extension contact of farmers across three extension service systems in Telangana, namely the public, private and non-governmental organisation (NGO) extension service systems. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, with a total sample of 135 farmers selected for the study.The analysis found that the majority of farmers under the public extension service system, i.e., 62.22 per cent, had a medium level of extension contact; 42.22 per cent were in the “Not a member in any organisation” category. The majority of farmers under the private extension system, i.e., 40.00 per cent, had a medium level of extension contact; 57.78 per cent were in the “Not a member in any organisation” category. The majority of farmers under the NGO extension system, i.e., 42.22 per cent, had a low level of extension contact; 57.78 per cent were in the “Not a member in any organisation” category. Improved coordination among public, private and NGO extension agencies can further enhance farmers’ social participation and access to extension services.