In a bid to improve research in agricultural extension, Brain Storming Sessions (BSSs) have been organized on April 26, 2013 at 23 locations in the country involving extension professionals of National Agricultural Research System engaged in research, teaching and extension with an objective to take stock of research scenario in extension. The BSSs were convened by eight ICAR Institutes including six Zonal Project Directorates and 15 Agricultural Universities at different places concurrently in which 966 extension professionals participated.

Dr KD Kokate, deputy director general (Agricultural Extension) stated that the BSSs had offered a platform to the extension scientists for sharing their current concerns related to researches in extension education and also to ponder on the important researchable issues and how their research competency can be improved. The major areas of deliberation during the BSSs included research competency identification of research training needs and prioritization of thrust areas.

The broad recommendations emanated from the BSSs include need for initiating network research projects like yield gap analyses and impact assessment of frontline extension programs and other developmental schemes in agriculture. The detailed outcome of BSSs would be documented and utilized for preparing the status paper which would form basis for preparing the agenda and technical program of a national workshop to be held in near future to develop an action plan and framework on "Improving Research in Agricultural Extension, Topical Issues and Way Forward in the country".