Pakistan is an agricultural based economy and about two-third
population lives in the rural areas. The role of agricultural extension in
the sustainable development of rural areas has not been fully exploited to
realize sustainable rural communities. An effective extension system of
any country always plays very prime role in the developmental process.
However, Pakistan is under heavy criticism for not making significant the
impact on crop yields and for not bringing the desired positive changes in
the rural livelihood. New initiatives in the form of decentralization and
devolution; participatory approaches to extension, and the use of new
information and communication technologies have been taken to improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of the service. An extension system that
could promote sustainable agriculture and address the rural development
issues is in dire need.