eChapters

Introduction

The most significant part of the research report is analysis and data interpretation. This chapter presents the analysis of data gathered through the questionnaire designed for the study. The study's primary data was collected from 266 (two hundred and sixty-six) Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals working in the eight-state universities in Kerala. It includes a detailed analysis of major results and pertaining information for arriving at a valid conclusion. It helps to interpret the results of the study from the proper perspective. Based on the set forth objectives and hypotheses formulated, the data collected through questionnaires were tabulated, and statistical analyses have been done to formulate the result of the study.

Introduction

Human behaviour is a complex phenomenon. Several variables influence it. The relationship between man and workplace is of paramount importance. Several factors motivate the working environment of the personnel in an organization. Research is going on the motive of people at work. Productivity of Library and Information Science (LIS) Professional depends on several factors. Job motivation affects their productivity in libraries. The present chapter tries to examine the factors that necessitate job motivation. The university libraries are regarded as service institutions. University libraries are changing their services for the benefit of the user fraternity.

Introduction

The present study was conducted among the regular Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals working in the eight-state universities in Kerala. Studies conducted on similar topics were collected after that the research design for the present study was developed. The researcher has visited all the selected universities in Kerala and met almost all the LIS professionals to collect the relevant primary data for the study.

The chapter elucidates research methods and techniques employed in the present study to answer the research problem. Research design, selection of variables, research methodology, and data analysis employed in the study are described in this chapter. The methodology adopted in the present investigation to answer the research problem designed for the study is included. 

Introduction

This chapter reviews literature related to the area of the current study. Scrutiny of the available literature is of great value in gaining insight into the research problem under investigation. As the studies on the job motivation in the university libraries in Kerala is less, the works reported other places were reviewed that are relevant to the different areas of present research. Hence, the available studies related to the topic of research are exhaustively reviewed. In order to survey the previous studies on the topic, a number of primary, secondary and tertiary sources were consulted. The reviews are arranged under the following headings.

• Job Motivation in General
• Job Motivation in Libraries

Introduction

Human resources are the most important assets of an organization. The success of an organization depends on the talent and caliber of the employees working therein. It is true in the case of service-oriented institutions like libraries and Information centres. Libraries of the university are a treasure trove of information and knowledge. The library is one of the important components of a university. Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals are the assets of libraries and information centres. Libraries are undergoing transformational changes across the world as a result of disruptive technologies. Libraries are becoming informal, relaxed and collaborative spaces.

15.1 Sample Objective Question

1. Which one is related to deposition of Micro-organism?
   1. Madrid Agreement
   2. Berne Convention
   3. Budapest Treaty
   4. Patent Cooperation Treaty.
2. WTO was officially commenced in the year...........
   1. 1970
   2. 2003
   3. 2005
   4. 1995
3. Which one is related to protection of Trademarks
   1. Madrid Agreement
   2. Berne Convention
   3. Budapest treaty
   4. None of these
4. One of the four patent office is...........
   1. Patna
   2. Banglore
   3. Varanasi
   4. Mumbai

Traditional knowledge is a type of Intellectual property. It is also known as indigenous knowledge generated from the local communities and tradition of regional technology areas. This knowledge is orally passed over generation from person to person. According to world intellectual property organization, Traditional knowledge is an indigenous, cultural and intellectual property. The biodiversity of a country, the uses and applications of biological resources and prevalent practices are examples of traditional knowledge associated with life science. TK has the tremendous potential of being transformed into commercial opportunity by the development of products and processes. Hence, a share of benefits must accrue to creators and holders of Traditional Knowledge.

The ITPGRFA is a comprehensive international agreement which is poised at guaranteeing food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world's plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, instead of fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from its use. It also advocates Farmers' Rights.

13.1. Genesis of the Treaty

The conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture are keys to feed global growing population in the coming future. The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was established in 1983, and the voluntary International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources was adopted here in. Another major step was taken in 1996 with the adoption of the Global Plan of Action at the Leipzig International Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources. 

Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was passed by Indian government in pursuance of Convention on Biological Diversity, 1993 The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding multilateral environmental agreement that has 194 contracting Parties (Countries) as its members with three objectives mentioned below:

1. Conservation of biological diversity
2. Sustainable use of the diversity and
3. Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits of such use.

Components of biodiversity are all the various forms of life on Earth including ecosystems, animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms, and genetic diversity. Ecosystems, species and genetic resources should be used for the benefit of humans, but in a way that does not lead to the decline of biodiversity. Substantial investments are required to conserve biodiversity, but it will bring significant environmental, economic and social benefits in return. To address these challenges various initiatives were taken in the past such as Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, 1979 Bonn Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in 1979.

The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) based in Geneva, Switzerland and established in 1961 is an intergovernmental organization to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection, with the aim of encouraging the development of new varieties of plants, for the benefit of society. For plant breeders' rights to be granted, the new variety must meet four criteria under the rules established by UPOV as discussed earlier also.

The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants or UPOV is an intergovernmental organization with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. UPOV was established by the International Convention. The objective of the Convention is the protection of new varieties of plants by an intellectual property right. The Convention was adopted in Paris in 1961 and revised in 1972, 1978 and 1991. UPOV aims to encourage the development of new varieties of plants for the benefit of society by codifying intellectual property for plant breeders.

The Patent Cooperation Treaty provides an overview of an International Treaty which is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The Patent Cooperation Treaty is an international treaty with more than 157 Contracting States by 2022. India deposited its instrument of accession on 7 September 1998 to both international treaties of WIPO in Geneva i.e. Paris convention for the protection of Industrial Property and Patent Cooperation treaty. PCT provides a system for filing a patent application and allow us to obtain patents in multiple countries around the world on the basis of a single patent application.

This is an international convention governing the recognition of deposits in officially approved culture collections for the purpose of patent applications in any country that is a party to it. Because of the difficulties and on occasion of virtual impossibility of reproducing a microorganism from a description of it in a patent specification, it is essential to deposit a strain in a culture collection centre for testing and examination by others.

This was the year, 1974, the Director General of WIPO convened a committee of Experts to discuss the possibilities of international cooperation over the deposit of microorganisms for patent purposes

It is the most significant international convention in the field of protecting copyright. The Berne Convention deals with the protection of works and the rights of their authors. It is based on three basic principles and contains a series of provisions determining the minimum protection to be granted, as well as special provisions available to developing countries that want to make use of them. The Berne Convention, signed on 9 September, 1886, was revised at Paris in 1896 and at Berlin in 1908, completed at Berne (Switzerland) in 1914, revised at Rome in 1928, at Brussels in 1948, at Stockholm in 1967 and at Paris in 1971, and was amended in 1979.

The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks is governed by two treaties. The first one is he Madrid Agreement, which was concluded in 1891 and revised at Brussels (1900), Washington (1911), The Hague (1925), London (1934), Nice (1957) and Stockholm (1967), and amended in 1979. The other one is the Protocol related to this agreement which was concluded in 1989. The aims of this protocol are to make the Madrid system more flexible and more compatible with the domestic legislation of certain countries or intergovernmental organizations that had not been able to accede to the Agreement. 

The history of Patent law in India starts from 1911 when the Indian Patents and Designs Act, 1911 was enacted. The present Patents Act, 1970 came into force in the year 1972, amending and consolidating the existing law relating to Patents in India. The Patents Act, 1970 was again amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005, wherein product patent was extended to all fields of technology including food, drugs, chemicals and micro organisms. After the amendment, the provisions relating to Exclusive Marketing Rights (EMRs) have been repealed, and a provision for enabling grant of compulsory license has been introduced.

There are many types of intellectual property and its type varies from country to country. The most common types are patents, copyrights, trademarks, design and trade secrets. Intellectual property is an intangible creation of the human intellect and this intangible nature of intellectual property faces problems in comparison of traditional property like land or goods. Unlike traditional property, intellectual property is not dividable therefore a number of people can consume an intellectual good without its consumption. In addition, investments in intellectual goods suffer from appropriation problems, for instance Landowners can surround their land with a robust fence and hire armed guards to protect it, but creators of intellectual property cannot do that to stop their first buyer from replicating it and selling it at a lower price.

Major International Treaties Related to IPR & TRIPS

There are different forms of intellectual property like Patents, Copyright, Trademarks, Industrial design, Plant Varieties etc. Various meeting and conventions were also convened for the protection in these intellectual properties at international level from time to time and to bring uniformity and coordination among member countries. These were reflected in different treaties, which are mentioned below. Among all these treaties/conventions the agreement on Trade related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS), which runs under aegis of World Trade Organization is most influential, comprehensive and inclusive of all.

The recent concept of intellectual property emerged in England in the 17^th & 18^th centuries. The term Intellectual Property came in use in the 19^th century and in the late 20^th century. As of now the Intellectual Property has occupied common position in the global legal systems. There are different forms of Intellectual property rights which include patents, copyright, industrial design, trademarks, plant variety rights, trade dress, geographical indications and in some jurisdictions trade secrets too

HCI is the study of how people interact with computers, especially as it relates to technology design. User-centered design, UI and UX are combined with HCI to provide intuitive technology and products.

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is the field of study that focuses on optimizing how users and computers interact by designing interactive computer interfaces that satisfy users' needs. It is a multidisciplinary subject covering computer science, behavioral sciences, cognitive science, ergonomics, psychology, and design principles. HCI focuses on designing, implementing and evaluating interactive interfaces that enhance user experience using computing devices.

In the broadest sense, a network is any interconnected group of people or things capable of sharing meaningful information with one another. In a technology context, the network is usually short for "computer network" or "data network" and implies that computers are the things sharing meaningful information. At a conceptual level, all data networks consist of nodes, which refers to any computer or digital device using the network and links, the physical connections (either wired or wireless) that carry messages between nodes.

Management of information system

A management information system (MIS) is an information system used for decision-making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization of information in an organization. The study of management information systems involves people, processes and technology in an organizational context. MIS professionals help firms realize maximum benefit from investment in personnel, equipment and business processes. MIS is a people-oriented field with an emphasis on service through technology. MIS is a system that aids management in making, carrying out, and controlling decisions.

Data refers to any collection of facts, observations, measurements, or values that are typically numerical, but can also be qualitative. It's raw material that can be processed and organized to provide context, relevance, and meaning. In its raw form, data may not carry any specific meaning and might appear as a series of numbers, text, symbols, or images.

Types of Data

• Quantitative Data: Numerical data that can be measured and expressed with numbers (e.g., height, weight, temperature).

Artificial intelligence is founded on the idea that human intelligence may be described in such a way that a computer can simply imitate it and carry out tasks ranging from simple to sophisticated. Artificial intelligence is assisting several agricultural sectors in increasing output and efficiency. In every industry, AI technologies are assisting in overcoming traditional hurdles.

AI intervention in agriculture is assisting farmers in increasing their farming efficiency while reducing harmful environmental impacts. The agriculture business has embraced AI with open arms in order to improve overall results. The way food is produced is changing as a result of artificial intelligence. Incorporating AI technology into agriculture aids in the control and management of any unwelcome natural occurrence.

Multimedia refers to the integration of various forms of media, including text, audio, video, graphics, and animations, to convey information or entertainment. It's a powerful tool used in various fields due to its ability to engage multiple senses simultaneously.

Aspects of Multimedia

• Text: Written content forms the basis of multimedia, providing information, context, and explanations.
• Audio: Sound elements, such as music, narration, or sound effects, enhance the overall experience, making content more engaging and informative.

e-Learning

It is the concept of learning which is conducted via electronic media. This is usually via the Internet but can also be offline with a CD-Rom or DVD. Examples of e-Learning in icar: e krishi siksha, e-agri diksha web education channel of icar and virtual classroom of icar.

Advantages

• It promotes active and independent learning
• An efficient way of delivering courses as the resources are available from anywhere and at any time
• Students can interact with their peers from all around the world through group discussions and private chats
• The studying material can be accessed an unlimited number of times.

e-Governance can be defined as the application of information and communication technology (ICT) for providing government services, exchange of information, transactions and integration of previously existing services and information portals. The "e" in e-Governance stands for 'electronic'.

e-Governance refers to the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly web-based applications, to provide access to and deliver information/service to the public, businesses, other agencies and governmental entities faster, cheaper, easier and more efficiently.

The Council of Europe referred to e-governance as: "The use of electronic technologies in three areas of public action

1. Relations between the public authorities and civil society

Social media are electronic communication platforms that allow users to interact, create, share, retrieve and exchange information and ideas in different forms.

Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks.

There are many forms of social media including blogs, micro-blogs, wikis, social networking sites, photo-sharing sites, instant messaging, video-sharing sites, podcasts, widgets, virtual worlds, and more. Ex: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtube etc.,

Role of social media in Transfer of Technology

M-Agriculture

Mobile phones have changed the scenario of telecommunication. It is a source of communication for fast dissemination of information. Today, mobile usage has enabled farming communities to access agricultural and other business information without travelling long distances or reducing costs, time and money. Keeping in view the lower ratio of the farmer to the extension worker (1000: 1) and the inability of the extension workers to guide the farmers as per their information needs, the new concept of m-Agriculture (m-Krishi) has emerged at the beginning of twenty-first century all over the world including India.

The intersection of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with agriculture has sparked a transformative revolution in the farming landscape. ICT projects in agriculture represent a paradigm shift, leveraging technological advancements to optimize farming practices, enhance productivity and ensure sustainable food production. From precision farming and data-driven decision-making to innovative tools and connectivity solutions, these projects harness the power of digital innovation to address challenges and drive efficiency across the agricultural sector. In this era where technology has become a cornerstone of progress, ICT projects stand as beacons of hope, ushering in a new era of smarter, more resilient and eco-conscious agriculture. The initiatives of ICT projects in agriculture and allied sectors

Kisan Call Centre (1551)

The department of agriculture and cooperation (DAC) Ministry of agriculture, Government of India launched kisan call centres on January 21, 2004 across the country to deliver extension services to the farming community. It provides information in all major languages through toll-free telephone no 1551 and 1800180 1551 from 6 a.m. to 10.p.m. on all 7 days of a week. on BSNL routes. With a view to monitor the KCC activities a state level monitoring committee (SLMC) has been constituted in each KCC. Presently there are — kccs in the country.

The kisan call centers consists of three levels

Conference

A conference is a formal gathering where people come together to discuss, exchange ideas, present research and engage in discussions on specific topics or fields of interest. These gatherings can vary widely in scale, purpose and format, bringing together professionals, researchers, academics, industry experts, or enthusiasts.

Audio conferencing

Its also called Teleconference, which means meeting a group or party via a phone call instead of meeting them physically. In most cases, standard telephone lines and speakerphones are employed. The person who starts the audio conference called the calling party and the people who are attending the calls are known as participants. Technology requirement of the audio conference:

1. Phone/Computer with access to internet connection
2. Speakers
3. Microphone

Cyber extension

Cyber extension means extension over cyberspace. In the applied context of agriculture cyber extension means using of power of online networks, communications channels and interactive multimedia to improve information access for farmers, extension workers, research scientists and extension managers.

Advantages of cyber extension

1. Cyber extension will save time, money, and effort
2. Cyber extension reduces the dependence of the farmers on extension functionaries
3. Easily accessible in remote areas
4. Can provide an early warning system before the natural disaster
5. Cyber extension will be available continuously.

Information and communication technology (ICT) is the combination of hardware, software and the means of production that enables the collection, exchange, processing and management of information and knowledge. It includes social media, portals, websites, kisan call centers and expert systems etc.,

Need of ICT in agriculture and rural development

• For increasing the productivity and efficiency in agriculture
• Globalization, Modernization, Challenges and Opportunities across the world for Sharing of knowledge.
• Public Expenditure and gaps in extension could be reduced
• For effective utilization of available platforms
• Penetration of smartphones even in villages and the transfer of information

Purpose of Growing Microgreens in Space Farming

Microgreens are a perfect dietary ingredient in space because of their special benefits, which have been explained in earlier chapters. In an atmosphere of a spaceship with limited water and electrical power for artificial illumination, their comparatively low light and water consumption are advantageous. Furthermore, because spaceships and shelters have limited capacity, microgreens' tiny size might be advantageous. Given the right sanitization procedures, microgreens may be harvested fresh and consumed right away. Their striking colour and robust flavour may also improve meal presentation and pique astronauts' appetites. 

Importance of Light in Microgreens Growth

Microgreens depend heavily on light for their growth and development. Microgreens, being photosynthetic organisms, are very dependent on light for the process of photosynthesis, which produces energy. Sufficient exposure to light is necessary for the production of chlorophyll, for vigorous leaf growth, and for the accumulation of beneficial chemicals such carotenoids and phenolics (Mocanu et al., 2021). Research by Demotes-Mainard et al. (2016) and Kopsell et al. (2005) highlights the direct relationship between microgreens' phytochemical composition and light quality, showing how changes in light spectrum affect it.

Microgreens are tiny seedlings of some wild species as well as edible herbs, cereals, and vegetables. They are developed from the seeds of vegetables, legumes, herbs, and cereals and are regarded as immature greens (requiring light for photosynthesis and growing medium). They are picked shortly after the single set of true leaves has emerged from the cotyledon leaves. According to Xiao et al. (2012), microgreens have 4-6 times the nutritional density of their mature counterparts.

Introduction

Another limitation in a remote area such as the high-altitude region is the steady supply of wholesome and fresh food. Indian troops are stationed up to 2200 feet above sea level; generally speaking, high altitude is defined as elevations between 8000 and 15,000 feet above sea level. When someone who is not acclimated to high altitudes is exposed, they can experience a set of symptoms known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). One of the most severe symptoms of AMS is hypoxia. There may be neurological and cerebral symptoms, such as diminished ability to focus for extended periods, memory problems, problems with hearing and vision, vertigo and tinnitus, and irritability. The low appetite may persist; additional issues linked to high altitude include anorexia with weight loss, sleeplessness, and physical and emotional exhaustion.

The impact of biotic and abiotic constraints, the machinery revolution, faster access to information, city development, social and economic context, climate changes that affect agricultural products and people's movement from one region to another, population income, new cropping technologies adapted to people's demand for food diversification and supply, technical and genetic progress, the impact of biotic and abiotic constraints, the machinery revolution, faster access to information and city development have all had an impact on agricultural market trends over the last ten years. (Bonciu et al., 2020a, Bonciu et al., 2020b).

There is a high demand for arable land to meet food demand and end malnutrition due to the growth of megacities and the global urban population. To enhance yield per unit area, conventional agricultural practises result in agricultural intensification and land clearing for crop cultivation. It has been established that these behaviours have a negative effect on the ecosystem, including soil and water contamination. It is crucial to take into account the application of vertical farming technology which makes use of both horizontal and vertical space and utilises nutrients, water and time (off-season production with artificial illumination) more efficiently to create a larger yield per unit volume of area than conventional outdoor farming. Since microgreens are rich in phytonutrients and are easily harvested, it is being thought of to grow them utilising cutting-edge vertical farming technology. Forest area being turned over to agriculture causes deforestation, the depletion of natural resources like groundwater, loss of biodiversity due to the destruction of habitats, increased soil erosion and greenhouse gas emissions.

There are several difficulties involved with consuming and storing microgreens. Addressing low shelf life and putting into practice efficient postharvest management for microgreens provide formidable challenges for researchers. It's critical to comprehend any relationships that might exist between spoiling and human pathogen contamination. Research has indicated that microgreens including basil, lettuce, parsley, melons, and spinach can have infections from pathogens during the seed-to-harvest stage (Alegbeleye et al., 2018). Growing environments that support the growth or transfer of microorganisms, processing techniques that expose the crop to contaminants from people or animals, and physiological traits of the plant that facilitate contact and binding with microorganisms are some of the factors that contribute to this risk (Maluin et al., 2021). Because external fertilizers and manures are applied sparingly, there is little contamination even though microgreens are protected from pests and insects by controlled surroundings.

Even while the world is ageing, it is not prepared for it. There are 962 million people over 60 in the world as of 2017 with 310.0 million of them living in wealthy countries and 652.2 million in developing ones, according to data from the UN's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA-UN 2017). According to projections, there would be 2.1 billion seniors worldwide by the year 2050 (rich countries: 421.4 million, developing countries: 1670.5 million). By 2030, 80% of the old people in the globe will live in developing countries (DESA-UN, 2015). Elderly individuals in rural developing countries confront challenges such as the lack of pension coverage, work difficulty and high medical costs. Their poor diets and deteriorating poverty raise their risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and cancer (Marshall et al., 2001). 

The main micro and macro nutrients associated with microgreens are Fe, Zn, K, Ca, N, P, S, Mn, Se and others. Microgreens are a fantastic source of biological phytochemicals, which can significantly improve both human health and disease. In addition to these mineral components, the key bioactive compounds including ascorbic acid, phylloquinone, tocopherol, beta-carotene, phenolic antioxidants, carotenoids, anthocyanins, glucosinolates and sugar content are said to be present in higher concentrations in microgreens. The numerous bioactive phytochemicals (Table 2) that are present in the various types of microgreens are covered in more detail in the ensuing subsections:

Frequently referred to as "vegetable confetti," microgreens are produced from a variety of commercially grown food crops, including cereals, vegetables and herbs. They contain completely formed cotyledons that may or may not have partially extended genuine leaves (Treadwell et al., 2020). Seven to twenty-one days after germination, the exact piece of the delicate plant's growing stem is removed, along with the cotyledon leaves and maybe the real leaves (Galieni et al., 2020). Despite their small size, these useful micro veggies offer exceptional sensory qualities, including flavour, texture, scent, look and unusual colours. They normally have a height of 2-8 centimetres.

Introduction

As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the agricultural sector faces escalating challenges. The need for climate-resilient agriculture has never been more urgent. This chapter embarks on a journey to unravel the intricacies of adapting farming practices to changing weather patterns. It explores the multifaceted nature of climate change impacts on agriculture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and resilient solutions.

Understanding Climate Change And Agriculture

The chapter begins by elucidating the current state of climate change and its specific implications for agriculture. It highlights shifts in temperature, altered precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, underscoring the urgency for proactive adaptation measures.

Introduction

The dawn of the 21st century brings with it unprecedented challenges for agriculture - challenges that demand a departure from conventional practices and a harmonious integration of spirituality and sustainable methodologies. In this pursuit, Bio Dynamic Farming emerges as a beacon, guiding farmers to cultivate not only crops but also a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimensions intertwined with the earth's rhythms. Rooted in the visionary teachings of Rudolf Steiner and his anthroposophical principles, Bio Dynamic Farming transcends the mechanistic view of agriculture, offering a holistic paradigm where spirituality and sustainable agriculture dance in unison.

Introduction

The foundation of human civilization has traditionally been agriculture, which offers sustenance, economic security, and a strong bond with the land. Nevertheless, although playing a crucial role, the global agricultural sector faces many difficulties, including resource shortages and climate change as well as a fast-expanding population. The empowerment of women and young people in agriculture stands out as a critical answer in this situation, driving not only agricultural sustainability but also promoting social and economic advancement. In agriculture, empowerment refers to the fair inclusion and active involvement of women and young people in all facets of the industry, including leadership and decision-making as well as production and distribution. It admits that despite these groups' enormous latent potential, they have been ignored and underutilized for far too long.

Introduction

The agricultural landscape is not just about cultivating fields; it's a narrative woven with resilience, dedication, and untold stories of women who have been the backbone of this fundamental sector for centuries. Their contributions, often overlooked or undervalued, are the bedrock of agricultural sustenance worldwide. Throughout history, women have played multifaceted roles in agriculture, nurturing crops, tending to livestock, and managing households while being instrumental in the evolution of farming practices. Despite their pivotal roles, societal norms and systemic biases have marginalized their contributions, limiting access to resources, land ownership, education, and decision-making power.

1. Introduction

A key element in the world of agriculture, agricultural extension has long been seen as the link between scientific knowledge and the practical needs of farmers. This chapter examines how technological advancements, particularly those related to artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT), are fundamentally altering agricultural extension services and the agricultural industry as a whole.

1.1 Definition of Agricultural Extension

The process of sharing knowledge, information, and innovations with farmers and rural communities in order to enhance their agricultural practices and, in turn, their livelihoods, is known as agricultural extension.