Research On Agricultural Technology Extension System In The Construction Of New Countryside

The “three rural issues” has been mentioned most in the First Documents releasedby the Central government in recent years. In2012, the First Document “Severalopinions on accelerating agricultural technology innovation and continuouslypromoting the capability of agricultural products supply” continues to express concernover the “three rural issues”, and highlights the importance of agricultural technology.The agricultural technology extension undoubtedly serves as the linkage betweenagricultural technology and agricultural products supply. As one of the most importantissues the Party and Government pay close attention to, how to improve agriculturaltechnology extension system and construct the New Countryside has much to do withagricultural development, social stability and well-being of people. This paper istrying to propose several ways to improve agricultural technology extension systemfrom a holistic and in-depth perspective.Agricultural technology extension in China used to play an important role inpromotion of rural area economy, agricultural production and income of peasants hasgone through the transition from planed economy to market economy. With thedevelopment of market economy, however, problems of the agricultural technologyextension system gradually exposed. Firstly, the extension agents are set outindependent from each other making it difficult to discharge their duties. Secondly,extension tasks at county level are very complex yet without the help of qualifiedequipments and decent salaries. Thirdly, extension workers must undertake other tasksbeyond their duties. Lastly, executive-led model remains the most used means ofextension. The above problems can be attributed to the following factors: malfunctionof administrative system, inadequate financial supports, disqualified extension team,ineffective communication between extension agents and research institutes andcolleges.In order to make the extension system better serve the cause of New CountrysideConstruction with the intention to pioneer a path of civilized development featuring athriving economy, an affluent life and a sound eco-system, this paper propose bytaking into account of the aforementioned problems and reasons and employingprinciples of administration and economics that the extension agents must bestreamlined and integrated to promote efficiency, and accelerate the convergence ofresearch and education; the manage system should specify the public welfare function of agricultural technology extension by passing laws, enlarge county level discretionto provide better public service; a well-functioned talent mechanism needs to beformed to bring in professional extension workers and motivate the current team; amulti-channel funds raising system must be built in which governments are supposedto be the major payer of extension expenditure, supplemented by financial agents andmarket players; a diversified extension system should encourage participants such asagricultural enterprises and peasant associations to make their own contribution.