Fisheries Extension Education (2+1) copy 1

2.2.3 Office calls 

It is a call made by a farmer or a group on the extension worker at his office for obtaining information and guidance. The volume of office calls is related to the degree of interest evinced by the public in the programme of the extension service, the relationship existing between the local extension worker and the villagers and the accessibility of the office to rural people.

Merits

1. Economic use of extension workers time and energy.

2. Farmer is in the receptive stage of mind and ready to follow or put the new idea into practice.

3. It develops the good will and confidence.

4. It reinforces other methods.

5. It is the sign of confidence and respect that the farmer has in the extension worker and the organization.

6. The record of office calls provides a basis for follow-up activity and may serve as a measure of public participation in extension activities.

Demerits

1. It is not possible to get first-hand knowledge of farmers’ problems and activities.

2. Difficult to practice for the extension workers who undertake office tours frequently.

3. Not very successful when the office is located in remote places.