KRISHI VISTAR: Directorate of Extension India
Your Complete Guide to the Nodal Agency for Agricultural Growth
What is the Directorate of Extension?
The Directorate of Extension (DOE), popularly known as Krishi Vistar, is the flagship nodal agency under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Located at Pusa, New Delhi, its primary mandate is to facilitate agricultural extension services across the nation. It acts as a bridge between scientific research institutions like ICAR and the farming community.
The department ensures that modern agricultural technologies and innovative farming practices reach the doorstep of every farmer. For those looking for official updates on agriculture-related employment, Governmentjobz.com provides real-time notifications on various central government roles.
A Glimpse into History
The history of Krishi Vistar is deeply rooted in India’s post-independence journey toward food security. The Directorate was formally established in 1958, following the launch of the National Extension Service (1953) and the Community Development Programme. Initially, it was formed by merging units of the ICAR and the Directorate of Extension Training.
Over the years, it evolved from the traditional “Training and Visit” (T&V) system to a more pluralistic approach. Today, it manages major schemes like the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and oversees four major Extension Education Institutes (EEIs) across India.
Types of Jobs in the Department
Krishi Vistar offers a diverse range of career paths for students of Agriculture, Management, and Administration. Common job roles include:
- Technical Cadre: Extension Officers, Joint Directors, and Assistant Extension Officers.
- Mass Media & Information: Editors (Hindi/English), Photographers, and Exhibition Officers who handle the department’s “Farm Information” wing.
- Administrative Roles: Upper Division Clerks (UDC), Stenographers, Section Officers, and Staff Car Drivers.
- Contractual Specialists: Consultants and Young Professionals (YP) are often hired for digital agriculture and National Portal projects.
Many of these positions offer high salary scales under the 7th CPC. You can track these career opportunities on Governmentjobz.com.
How to Apply: Recruitment Process
Candidates can join the Directorate of Extension through three main routes:
1. Direct Recruitment: Group A and B technical posts are often recruited through the UPSC, while Group C posts are managed by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
2. Deputation (ISTC): Most senior roles like Director (Administration) or Joint Director are filled by inviting officers from state governments, agricultural universities, or Ministry of Agriculture subordinate offices.
3. Contractual/Direct Walk-ins: For short-term consultant roles, advertisements are released on the official Krishi Vistar Vacancy Portal. Application forms are usually submitted offline to the Section Officer (Extension) at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
For a step-by-step application guide and to download the latest PDF notifications, visit Governmentjobz.com.