Archives of Current Research International

Agricultural extension systems bridge researcher clients and various other stakeholders. In the Indian context, majorly, extension services are being delivered through public extension, other players identified are private firms, NGOs, producer organizations, and ICT platforms. This review synthesizes global evidence (2020–2025) on agricultural extension systems through a systematic literature review (SLR) of Scopus-indexed publications, supported by bibliometric analysis and other software. Reviews reveal that globally pluralistic extension governance encompassing public, private, non-governmental, and producer-led actors has become the dominant paradigm. ICT-based extension models, including mobile advisories, social media, and call centres, have expanded extension capacity in temporal and geographical context, whereas challenges of inclusivity, sustainability, and localized facilitation persist. Bibliometric analysis indicates the emerging themes such as ICT adoption, capacity building, pluralistic governance, and sustainability, while co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence networks illustrate increasing global collaboration, especially across Asia and Africa. In the Indian context, the agricultural extension system has historically relied on state-driven institutions such as Training and Visit, Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMA), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). Recent years have witnessed a shift toward pluralism, showing growing roles of agri-tech firms, farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), and NGOs. Current condition clearly depicts challenges in the field as: high farmer-to-extension worker ratios (1:1000 versus the FAO-recommended 1:400), fragmented governance, financial instability, and equity gaps among the communities. This synthesis recommends farmer-centric, ICT-enabled, and community-integrated models, supported by predictable financing and professionalized extension personnel. Lessons from global systems emphasise the need for hybrid governance, resilient financing strategies, and adaptive learning mechanisms. The findings offer pathways for strengthening India’s extension architecture and ensuring inclusive, sustainable agricultural development.