AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY EXTENSION SYSTEM IN CHINA： CURRENT SITUATION AND REFORM DIRECTION

Abstract

This paper presents the evolution of China’s Agricultural Technology Extension (ATE) System since its inception in 1920s. China’s ATE system has gone through 5 stages before the current system was formed. It evolved from basic-level extension network in 1950s, mid-level extension organizations in 1960s，gradually into nation-wide extension system in 1980s. The participative extension network was reconstructed during “the Cultural Revolution” period. The reform of extension system of China has been intensified since 1992 and the five-level Agricultural Technology Extension organizations were basically established. Compared with those previous ones, the current extension system is much better in its setting hierarchy, functions and extension efficiency. However, at present, China’s ATE system is also facing such problems as investment deficiency, low-quality and redundant extension team, failure to meet the market needs and government domination, etc. Based on these problems, some reform directions and measures to perfect China’s ATE system are proposed.
Key words: evolution, China’s Agricultural Extension Technology System, history, status quo, reform