Agricultural School on "Wheel", Reinventing Agricultural Extension in Rural India
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Description
This book narrates the inspiring journey of a postgraduate youth whose personal struggle led to the invention of a pioneering rural extension model—Mobile Agricultural School & Services (MASS). Conceived as a moving training hall, MASS ensures 100% farmer participation through a unique four-way intervention approach, bringing knowledge, technology, solutions, and supply of inputs directly to farmers’ doorsteps. Established in 2006, MASS emerged as an “Institute on Wheels” grounded in the philosophy of Participatory Research and Extension. Its core objective is to empower and capacitate rural farmers by promoting improved agricultural practices through on-site demonstrations, real-time problem diagnosis in standing crops, and timely supply of quality inputs—especially to farmers in remote and underserved areas. Nearly two decades ago, this innovative concept revolutionized the agricultural extension system. Its success inspired several other sectors to adopt mobile service delivery models. Recognized as a landmark innovation in rural development, MASS continues to remain highly relevant even in the era of artificial intelligence and social media. Over the years, the Mobile Agricultural School & Services has trained and empowered more than six lakh farmers, systematically studying their challenges, constraints, and attitudes toward farming. The insights and recommendations generated through this initiative offer fresh perspectives on agriculture, contributing to the development of smart farmers for smart farming and redefining the future of sustainable rural livelihoods. Mr. Vijay Bharat, innovator & founder of Mobile Agricultural School & Services has suggested many things and given some ideas which will work as panacea for farmer’s development and got several awards for his innovation like “ National award for innovative approach of decentralized training with Mobile Agricultural School & Services(MASS) in 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Awards -2025, New Delhi; Award for innovative extension work - Mobile Agricultural School & Services” and participated as a speaker on various national level platforms like “FPO conclave 2025 organised by Samunnati (an NGO).