A principle is a statement of policy to guide decisions and actions in a consistent manner (Mathews).

The principle is a generalized guideline that forms the basis for decisions and actions in a consistent way.

The universal truth in extension which has been observed and found to hold good under varying conditions and circumstances are

Principle of cultural difference:

a) People differ in thinking, living, and culture. So it should be in line with these differences.

b) It is difficult to recognize non-material culture than material culture.

c) The blueprint of the extension program for one area may not suit other areas.

d) Changes will have to be made in the programs according to changing situations.

Principle of cultural change:

a) Culture changes due to extension.

b) Change occurs otherwise also

c) Extension Workers should gain the confidence of people

d) Extension workers should organize result demonstration

e) After increasing production, the Extension workers should concentrate on marketing.

f) Extension workers have to change to meet the cultural changes among the people.

Principle of grass-root organization:

a) Extension workers should pay attention to all the groups’ needs and interests.

b) Imposed innovations have no relevance to groups.

c) People will accept the innovations only when they find them useful

Principle of participation:

a) Attachment will not develop by offering ready-made things.

b) Participation develops leadership and increases confidence.

c) Involving leaders increases people’s participation

Principle of interests and needs:

a) People and extension workers should work together.

b) Co-operation and help of each other needed for social upliftment.

Principle of interests and needs:

a) People should voluntarily participate.

b) Work should start from the interests and needs of people.

c) Fulfillment of needs creates interests.

d) First concentrate on felt needs and then develop felt needs.

Principle of adaptability in the use of teaching methods:

a) People differ in knowledge and understanding.

b) Method should vary accordingly.

c) Use of more than one method is beneficial.

d) If needed new methods must be devised to meet new situations.

Principle of leadership:

a) Extension workers should utilize local leadership to increase the speed of work.

b) Identification, training, and encouragement of leaders is necessary.

Principle trained specialists:

a) Agricultural and other sciences are developing speedily.

b) Maintaining competency in any of these sciences is a continuous process.

c) Without a specialist’s support the extension cannot strive.

d) SMS is responsible for solving the extension workers’ problems.

e) subject matter Specialist (SMS) is a link between research and the application of research.

f) SMS should have a broad outlook and be well-versed.

Principle of satisfaction:

a) The extension program should give satisfaction to the people.

b) People will not participate if they do not get satisfied.

Principle of whole family approach:

a) Extension work should reach all the family members.

b) Neglecting any member may result in the rejection of innovations

Principle of evaluation:

a) Determining the research results in a way is necessary.

b) Intermittent review of progress is necessary.

c) Corrective measures are needed if the direction is found wrong

d) Behavioral changes should be measured.

e) Evaluation helps in improving the quality of work.

Principle of Applied Science and Democracy:

a) People have the freedom to accept or reject the technology.

b) Applied Agricultural Science is a two-way process.