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Classroom through a new
course entitled ‘Extension
Plant Pathology’
Aditya Sinha, Abhijeet Ghatak, Ramesh Nath Gupta, Sawant
Shraddha Bhaskar
Department of Extension Education
Department of Plant Pathology
Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour (Bhagalpur)
1
National Conference on “Climate Smart Disease Management for Sustainable Plant Health” (CSDM – 2024)
July 10 – 12, 2024

Introduction
 Extension Plant Pathology (PLPATH 520): A new
course introduced in the academic year 2023-24
 Developed and implemented at Bihar Agricultural
University, Sabour
 Addresses a critical gap in agricultural education:
• Lack of integration between advanced
research and field application
• Need for improved knowledge transfer to
farmers and stakeholders
 Course designed to bridge the divide between:
• Cutting-edge plant pathology research
• Practical application of knowledge in
agricultural fields
 Emphasis on translating complex scientific
concepts into actionable information for farmers
2

Course Objectives
Enhance knowledge transfer:
o Develop effective strategies to communicate research findings to
farmers
o Create pathways for bi-directional information flow between
researchers and stakeholders
Integrate traditional and modern approaches:
o Combine time-tested plant pathology principles with innovative
extension methodologies
o Leverage technology and new communication channels for improved
outreach
Develop comprehensive skill set:
o Train students in accurate and efficient disease diagnosis
o Equip future professionals with a range of management strategies for
various plant diseases
Improve communication skills:
o Teach techniques for translating technical information into layman's
terms
o Enhance students' ability to engage effectively with diverse agricultural
stakeholders
3

Curriculum Structure
Hands-on field training:
o Regular field visits to observe and diagnose plant diseases in real-world settings
o Practice in collecting samples and conducting on-site assessments
Case studies of successful disease management programs:
o Analysis of past and ongoing extension projects
o Identification of best practices and lessons learned
Digital tools for disease monitoring and information dissemination:
o Introduction to mobile apps and online platforms for disease tracking
o Training in the use of social media and digital communication for outreach
Focus on practical application:
o Simulations of farmer interactions and extension scenarios
o Development of educational materials for various stakeholder groups
Effective communication training:
o Workshops on public speaking and presentation skills
o Practice in writing for different audiences (e.g., scientific papers, farmer bulletins) 4

Methodology
Evaluation Criteria
• Developed evaluation criteria aligned with course objectives, focusing on:
• Educational Outcomes: Mastery of plant pathology concepts, ability to apply knowledge
in field settings.
• Student Satisfaction: Overall experience, satisfaction with course structure, balance
between theory and practical application.
• Integration of Field and Classroom: Effectiveness of integrating field trips,
practical sessions, and traditional lectures.
Data Collection Methods
• Surveys: Develop pre- and post-course surveys to gather baseline information
and feedback after completion. Questions included: course structure,
perceived learning outcomes, relevance of field experiences, and overall
satisfaction.
• Interviews/Focus Groups: Interviews or focus groups with students and
instructors to gather qualitative insights on their experiences with the
course.
• Observations: Field sessions were observed and classroom interactions to
assess how well theoretical concepts are applied in practical settings.
Data Analysis
• Quantitative Analysis: Survey data was analysed using statistical methods to
measure changes in perceptions, satisfaction levels, and learning outcomes.
5

Initial Outcomes
Feedback collected from the first batch of 23 students (Masters' and Doctoral
programs)
Enhanced confidence in disease diagnosis:
o Students report improved ability to identify and assess plant diseases in the field
o Greater understanding of the importance of context in diagnosis
Improved communication of complex information:
o Students demonstrate increased skill in explaining technical concepts to non-specialists
o Development of visual aids and simplified explanations for common plant diseases
Better understanding of disease cycles and management techniques:
o Deeper comprehension of the interconnectedness of environmental factors and disease progression
o Improved ability to recommend holistic and sustainable management strategies
More effective disease control practices:
o Students show capacity to develop integrated pest management plans
o Increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures and early intervention
6

Addressing Global Needs
Meeting growing demand for skilled extension plant pathologists
o Increasing complexity of plant diseases requires specialized knowledge and
communication skills
o Rising need for professionals who can bridge the gap between research and field
application
Crucial for developing countries
o Particularly important in regions with high populations of smallholder farmers
o Addressing vulnerabilities of small-scale agriculture to crop diseases and
climate change
Alignment with global initiatives
o Supports UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
o Contributes to FAO’s efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and food
security
Enhancing resilience in agricultural systems
o Improving farmers’ ability to respond to disease outbreaks and changing
environmental conditions
o Contributing to long-term sustainability of food production systems
7

Future Plans
 Incorporate emerging technologies
o Integration of AI-based disease detection tools into the curriculum
o Exploration of remote sensing and drone technology for large-scale disease
monitoring
 Address climate change impacts
o Include modules on the effects of climate change on plant disease patterns
o Develop strategies for adapting disease management practices to changing
environmental conditions
 Expand course scope and reach
o Potential development of online modules for broader accessibility
o Collaboration with other institutions to create a network of extension plant pathology
programs
 Continuous curriculum refinement
o Regular updates based on latest research and field experiences
o Incorporation of feedback from students, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders8

Conclusion
 Innovative approach to extension plant pathology education
o Unique integration of scientific knowledge and practical skills
o Addresses a critical need in agricultural education and extension services
 Produces graduates equipped for real-world challenges
o Students prepared to tackle complex plant disease issues in diverse agricultural
settings
o Development of professionals with both technical expertise and strong communication
skills
 Significant contribution to global food security efforts
o Enhancing the capacity of future agricultural professionals to support farmers
o Improving the transfer of knowledge from research institutions to the field
 Model for future agricultural education programs
o Potential for replication and adaptation in other institutions and countries
o Demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary approaches in agricultural sciences
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Acknowledgements
Bihar Agricultural University for supporting the development of this innovative course
Participating students for their valuable feedback and enthusiasm
Collaborating farmers and agricultural stakeholders for their input and support
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Integrating Field and Classroom through a new course entitled ‘Extension Plant Pathology’

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Integrating Field and Classroom through a new course entitled ‘Extension Plant Pathology’