This textbook is designed to provide diploma students in agricultural polytechnics with a foundational understanding of two key disciplines in social sciences viz. Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Extension. It is divided into two parts, each offering structured, student-friendly content with practical relevance.

Part A: Agricultural Economics

Part A introduces students to the core principles of economics with a focus on their application in agriculture. Beginning with the definition, scope, and importance of economics, the chapters guide learners through essential concepts such as goods, services, utility, value, wealth, welfare and so on. The section builds progressively from understanding human wants and consumption theories to exploring demand, elasticity, and the behaviour of consumers in general. It also covers the building blocks of production i.e. land, labour, capital, and organization alongside the laws of returns and cost structures. The final chapters delve into market forms and classifications, equipping learners in understanding agricultural markets and pricing mechanisms. This part lays the groundwork for economic reasoning, decision-making, and policy understanding in the context of agriculture.

Part B: Agricultural Extension

It begins with the basics of extension education and its significant role in India’s agricultural development. Students will explore teaching methods, media and communication tools that empower rural communities through knowledge dissemination. The section emphasizes participatory approaches, effective communication, and the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tailored for polytechnic learners. The final chapters highlight recent approaches and innovations in extension education, encouraging students to learn to think creatively and adapt to the changing needs of farmers and rural communities.

Together, these two parts provide a strong foundation by integrating economic analysis with extension strategies. The textbook intends to prepare students for higher studies besides careers in farm management, rural development, agricultural advisory services and others. Its content is structured to be clear, adaptable to local contexts, and focused on practical application, enabling learners to apply concepts effectively in field settings.