This study examines agricultural information sources utilising data from NSSO 2003 and NSSO 2012-2013 and decadal trends to get insights into the dynamics of agricultural knowledge dissemination in India. The findings exhibited the strengths and shortcomings of various information sources, emphasising the importance of tailored actions to improve the efficacy and reach of agricultural extension services. In 2003, only 40.4% of people in India received information from any source. This figure was even lower in Bihar, with just 32.4% of peasants getting information from any source. This means less than one in three farmers in Bihar had access to any information. Progressive farmers are the most trusted source nationwide, emphasizing peer-to-peer learning, while radio was the most popular in Bihar. However, from 2012 to 2013, there was a significant decline from 40.6% to 35% in dependence on all information sources, notably extension agents, KVKs, and agricultural universities/colleges, implying that official extension programmes may not be as accessible because fewer in numbers. The finding shows that if it is proposed to provide one village extension worker for every 800-1000 farm families then the requirement of field-level extension workers is estimated to be about 13-15 lakhs, against which the present availability is only about one lakh workers. Progressive farmers and private commercial agents remain vital, albeit their use has marginally diminished. Decreased reliance on media outlets implies that farmers require higher-quality, more relevant content to suit their informational needs. Veterinary and non-governmental organisation (NGO) services also had lower access, exposing inadequacies in integrating livestock management and community-based initiatives into broader agricultural advising systems. Future research should include a follow-up survey in 2023 to provide updated information on current trends and the effectiveness of agricultural information sources

Agricultural Extension, Farmers-to-Farmers Extension (F2FE), Information Dissemination, NSSO, Rural Development

The analysis of agricultural information sources, including data from the NSSO 2003 and 2012-2013, as well as decadal trends, reveals the dynamics of agricultural knowledge distribution in India. Progressive farmers are the most trusted source globally, stressing peer-to-peer learning, but in Bihar, radio is the most preferred source, reflecting regional dependence on audio-based communication. There has been a considerable decline in dependence on all information sources from 2012 to 2013, notably extension agents, KVKs, and agricultural universities/colleges, suggesting potential concerns with the accessibility and effectiveness of formal extension programs. Progressive farmers and private commercial agents are still essential, although their use has dropped slightly, emphasising the need of non-governmental and peer-reviewed sources in the agricultural information ecosystem. Despite their relevance, dependence on media outlets has fallen, demonstrating the need. Despite their relevance, farmers' reliance on media outlets has decreased, highlighting the need for higher-quality, more relevant content to suit their informational demands. The usage of veterinarian and NGO services has also dropped, pointing to limitations in integrating livestock management and community-based efforts into broader agricultural advising systems. To address these difficulties, policymakers should prioritise revitalising extension services through training, resources, and innovative delivery methods, such as mobile-based advisory services, while also formalising Farmers-to-Farmers Extension (F2FE) programmes to empower lead farmers and promote best practices. Improving content quality and relevance on mass media and digital platforms, developing relations with agricultural colleges, regulating private advisory services for accuracy and unbiased information, and integrating veterinary services can further boost knowledge transmission. Supporting and growing successful NGO programmes can increase their influence, particularly on marginalised people. By addressing these gaps, policymakers and practitioners can ensure that all farmers have access to the information and resources required for sustainable agricultural growth, hence increasing agricultural resilience and production. Farmers-to-Farmers Extension (F2FE) can help improve information distribution in areas like Bihar, where specialised media, like as radio, are highly effective

Lal, S.P. and Samadder, S. (2020). Promoting Farmers to Farmers Extension to Reach the Unreached: Comparative Evidence of 2003 & 2013 NSSO data . Biological Forum – An International Journal, 12(1): 58-61.