Enhancing the role of agricultural extension in promoting the adoption of technologies among small farmers requires a multifaceted approach. The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as mobile applications, radio, and digital platforms, can make agricultural information more accessible, timely, and tailored to farmers’ specific needs, especially in remote areas where traditional extension may not reach. This technology-enabled outreach should be complemented by participatory and peer-learning approaches, including farmer field schools, community-based programs, and peer-to-peer networks, which foster trust, local adaptation, and faster knowledge dissemination. At the same time, continuous capacity building for extension workers is essential to ensure that they remain well-informed, responsive, and capable of translating complex innovations into practical guidance for farmers.

Agricultural extension should also prioritize inclusivity by addressing the unique barriers faced by women and marginalized groups, ensuring equitable access to information and resources. Integrating indigenous knowledge with modern agricultural technologies can generate context-specific, resilient solutions that resonate with local farming systems. Strengthening community participation by fostering collaborations between farmer groups, local authorities, academic institutions, and NGOs can further expand the reach and effectiveness of extension services. Financial support mechanisms, such as credit facilities, subsidies, and technical assistance, are crucial to help small farmers overcome economic constraints in adopting new practices.

Moreover, effective monitoring, evaluation, and feedback loops are necessary to refine extension strategies based on farmers’ evolving needs and realities. Demonstrations and hands-on training should be an integral part of the process, as they offer practical, experience-based learning that encourages confidence in new technologies. Overall, when agricultural extension combines digital innovation, participatory engagement, skilled personnel, inclusivity, and consistent feedback mechanisms, it becomes a powerful driver for technology adoption that enhances productivity, sustainability, and resilience among small farmers.

Extension agents can disseminate the sustainable agriculture practices such as agroforestry (to enhance soil fertility and generate new source of income), intercropping ( to reduce pest infestation),organic farming (to make soil healthier),micro irrigation techniques and use of new ag equipments to farmers through traditional and new modes of technology. Traditional mode includes vocational training programs, workshops,on site guidance,sci and technology demonstration and mass media publicity. New mode includes on-line provision of technical support to farmers thru ag apps. Providing solutions to technical problem of farmer thru video conferencing. Developing krishi vigyan kendra in different states of the country and organizing krishi vigyan mela,where farmers can directly contact the technical expert for the solution of their problems are some of the other ways to communicate with farmers.

We can enhance the role of agricultural extension in adopting agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers through:

1. Capacity building - firstly train extension officers on the latest technologies and methodologies in agriculture, and how to go about disseminating and showcasing these practices to the farmers (this could involve regular farm visits to the fields to provide personalized trainings and support to farmers).

2. Information dissemination-the use of various media channels to disseminate important information, these could be radio, tv and social media (at one point during the spread of foot and mouth the government used influencers and socialite's to create a play and mimic the symptoms of the disease, and areas affected), this way farmers easily capture the message and apply the necessary precautions.

3. Leveraging ICT- the use of mobile applications, sms's and online platforms to reach farmers (this involves sending timeous messages on vaccination of seasonal diseases, how to monitor irrigation on the phone, when to apply for subsidies e.t.c).