farmers/stakeholders to come up with “Plan B.” For example, horticulture farmers may switch to varieties in demand from local consumers rather than outside the state or international markets (Chen et al., 2020).to enhancing the credibility of Extension educators. Using existing media channels such as farm radio, TV, blogs, websites, newspapers, and application of modern technologies, such as smartphones and apps, are important conduits to reach communities with current and relevant information during the COVID-19 pandemic (Chen et al., 2020).

In the days after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Extension educators responded rapidly to provide COVID-19 information to rural and minority communities and to adapt their regular outreach to the “new normal” of social distancing and noncontact communication. In the pre-COVID-19 world, radio was already a trusted source of information for rural residents. Radio reaches 70% of the world’s population and is used by Extension educators to reach rural people with information and advice. Investigations show listening to radio enhances knowledge and leads to adoption of new technologies and practices.

Radio consistently occupies an important informational and community-building function in disasters (Chen et al., 2020).

Most farmers receive information from mass and social media and village posters and public boards. Radio and TV programs are broadcasted several times a week to cover all communities. Extension specialists/associates can use social distancing measures, postponing regular face-to-face contact, and mass media and electronic devices. Extension educators’ smartphones allow ubiquitous connection to the national platforms for knowledge sharing,

management, performance appraisal, and data collection. This system requires minimal face-to-face contact between the Extension educators and farmers, a key advantage during the outbreak (Chen et al., 2020).

during the outbreak (Chen et al., 2020).

The role of technology and the unprecedented switch to virtual engagement in all aspects of life during the COVID-19 pandemic warrants further discussion (Grove et al., 2020). The ability of Extension educators to switch course quickly depends on educators' willingness and ability to adapt to new approaches of service provision, such as applying technology platforms. Extension educators report greater comfort in adopting techniques shared by their peers (Narine and Meier, 2020). The impact of changes to Extension program delivery approaches, the effects of those changes on organizational response, and longer-term effects on organizational functioning will require further evaluation to better inform future responses (Grove et al., 2020). Shocks and pandemics affect individuals and communities in different ways, thus the response of Extension educators will have various impacts on recovery. Further, the relative strength of each Extension educator will affect their capability to respond functionally.

Extension services may be affected in the short run by direct feedbacks and disruptions for Extension educators, via diversion or deployment in response to shocks and pandemics. Those disruptions affect the clientele who normally would benefit from their expertise. On the long-term scale, Extension services may be threatened by lack of investment to rebuild services/systems. That disinvestment may spill over and affect engaged stakeholders/organizations (Babu, 2020).

Extension faculties/specialists prepare necessary resources and information to individuals and communities. Continued investment in Extension services will be needed to ensure Extension educators are resourced and available to proceed vital work and respond in critical conditions. All Extension educators must continue to assess the quality and effectiveness of their methods/programs.

Learning modern and state-of-the-art methods of agricultural technologies will help Extension educators to update their knowledge and be aware of how they can support people and communities with the highest efficiency and satisfaction. Indeed, knowing agricultural and food technologies is key to enhancing the credibility of Extension educators. Using existing media channels such as farm radio, TV, blogs, websites, newspapers, and application of modern technologies, such as smartphones and apps, are important conduits to reach communities with current and relevant information during the COVID-19 pandemic (Chen et al., 2020).