Main features of extension in Japan
• Due to high rate of literacy, extension teaching is readily accepted by the farmers.
• It functions through the agency of a department of Agriculture and has no direct links with the research organization except at the prefectural level through SMS who are under Extension Directorate.
• Extension is done by a team of farm advisors (7-9), in each of the local area.
• Each person serves on an average about 600 farm households. This permits a close contact between them and they can discuss problems of common concern and receive inspiration and help from each other.
• The representatives of local bodies have little control over extension, but adequate contact is provided informally through cooperatives which are powerful and comprehensive in nature.
• Extension is entirely educational and democratic with no coercive approach.
• Rural boys and girls, after completion of their nine year’s compulsory education, may enter one of the 54 youth training farms for one or two years of practical training in farm, and may become youth club leaders in their home communities.