The Current Situation and Tasks for Agricultural Extension Services in Korea.

한국(韓國)의 농업기술보급사업(農業技術普及事業)

Agricultural extension services in Korea began in 1956, and led self sufficiency of rice through the 'Green Revolution' in 1970's, and a year around supply of green vegetables through the 'White/Vinyl Revolution' in 1980s. The developmental stages of agricultural extension services in Korea, in terms of major purposes, observed by the researcher were as follows; 1) Stage of production guidance when increase in production was directly related to increased income of farmers, 2) Stage of management guidance, when agricultural extension were not only concerned in increasing production, but also in management and marketing, and 3) Stage of improved welfare, when extension services put more emphasis on welfare of farmers in terms of quality of life, as well as increased production, management and marketing. Since late 1980s, farmers in Korea realized the fact that increased production may not lead to increased income. because of this, farmers also wanted improvement of management and marketing. Extension changed the identified needs of farmers to new knowledge, information, and technology in their farm business operation including management and marketing. Loosened cooperations among the central, provincial and local levels after localization of extension services since January 1997 should be strengthened. Provincial level monitoring and supervising should be enhanced for more effective agricultural extension services to meet the changing needs of farmers in the future.