Firstline extension programme at Kandakkadavu, Ernakulam

One among the four transfer of technology (TOT)systems in India The first-line extension system of the ICAR having an institutional extension role accelerates the process of transfer of technology. In order to serve its first-line role effectively, CMFRI carried out an Extension project entitled 'Planned change in a coastal village—a model for first-line extension programme' from 1987 to 1990. Kandakkadavu, 20 kms away from Ernakulam district in the southwest direction was selected as the suitable area for implementation. Of 395 families, 165 families were contacted for the implementation of the project. The field extension programme was launched keeping in view three main objectives (i) optimum utilization of available resources (ii) extension education to bring awareness of appropriate technologies and development programmes and (iii) to show ways and means for generation of supplementary source of income utilising technologies developed by CMFRI. Programmes were launched to disseminate scientific prawn culture, prawn seed collection, fish processing and to improve the standard of life