Description

PREFACE

Presently, in an age characterized by rapid technological progress and a burgeoning global population, the intersection of agricultural innovation and strategic communication has become a cornerstone of food security. Agriculture has evolved beyond traditional cultivation into a sophisticated, data-driven industry. Consequently, the success of modern farming depends heavily on the efficient transmission of knowledge from research laboratories to the field. A Textbook of Agricultural Journalism (Theory & Practices) is designed as a definitive guide to bridge this divide, equipping students, media professionals, and extension agents with the skills to translate complex scientific advancements into actionable information.

Herein inclusion of an extensive “Practical” section transforms the volume into a hands-on manual. Through 14 structured exercises—ranging from proofreading and headline writing to layout design and event coverage—students are given the tools to transition from academic study to professional practice. This dual focus on theoretical depth and technical rigor makes  this practical manual on Agricultural Journalism an indispensable guide for students, extension workers, and communication professionals striving to advance the agricultural sector through informed and ethical media practices.

By harmonizing theoretical depth with hands-on methodology, this volume serves as both an academic resource and a professional field manual. It is my sincere hope that this work empowers a new generation of communicators to not merely document the agricultural landscape, but to serve as essential conduits for building sustainable, resilient, and informed food systems across the globe revolutionize the agricultural communication system.

Authors

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Practical Manual on  Agricultural Journalism: serves as a comprehensive resource designed to bridge the gap between technical agricultural knowledge and effective public communication. In an era where food security and sustainable farming are global priorities, this book provides the essential framework for journalists to translate complex scientific data into accessible, actionable information for farmers and the public.

Moving from theory to application, the book delves into the craft of media production. Readers learn how to gather information through scientific abstracting and field interviews, and how to master the art of storytelling—specifically through news and feature writing. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to readability and visual communication, recognizing that the efficacy of a message depends on its presentation. By covering technical aspects such as photocomposition, data visualization, and editorial copy-editing, the book ensures that journalists can produce content that is both readable and visually compelling.

The inclusion of an extensive “Practical” section transforms the volume into a hands-on manual. Through 14 structured exercises—ranging from proofreading and headline writing to layout design and event coverage—students are given the tools to transition from academic study to professional practice. This dual focus on theoretical depth and technical rigor makes  this practical manual on Agricultural Journalism an indispensable guide for students, extension workers, and communication professionals striving to advance the agricultural sector through informed and ethical media practices.

 

SYLLABUS

OBJECTIVES

To impart knowledge and skill in agricultural journalism;

THEORY

Journalism – Meaning, nature, importance, and types of journalism. Agricultural Journalism – Meaning, definition, principle, objectives, types, and scope. Similarities and difference between agricultural journalism and other types of journalism; Role of agricultural journalist, Training of agricultural journalist; Qualities of journalist, Role of journalist /journalism in agricultural development and development of newspaper and magazines readers; Newspaper and magazines as communication media: Characteristics, kinds and functions of newspaper and magazines, Characteristics of newspaper and magazines readers. Form, content, style and language of newspaper and magazines, Standard part of newspaper and magazines; The agricultural story: Types of Agriculture stories, subject matter of the agricultural story, structure of the agricultural story.

Gathering farm information -Sources of farm information: abstracting from research and scientific materials, interviews, coverage of events. Other sources: electronic media, field study. Success stories definition, nature, components, guidelines of writing a success story; Writing a news story difference between news and feature story, the principle of writing a news story, Inverted pyramid structure.

Organizing the material, treatment of the story, writing the news lead and the body; Readability measure-readability ease score, automated readability index, gunning fog index; How to improve readability of articles and stories; Use of photograph in agricultural journalism- Basic principles of photography – composition, exposure, lens, light. Use of artwork (Graphs, charts maps, etc.); Writing the captions; Editorial mechanism: Copy reading, headline and title writing; Proof reading: definition, signs and symbols of proofreading, level of proofreading, duties of a proof-reader; Layout – meaning, principles of layout and design.

PRACTICAL

Practice in writing an agricultural news story. Practice in writing an agricultural feature story. Covering agricultural events for the information collection; Practice in interviewing for the information collection; Abstracting stories from research and scientific materials and wire services. Selecting pictures and artwork for the agricultural story; Practice in editing, copy reading. Practice in headline and title writing. Practicing proof reading; Practice in lay outing of newspaper. Testing copy with a readability formula; Visit a publishing office.

 

CONTENTS

NOTE: FOR THEORY PORTION READERS ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT OUR BOOK ” A TECTBOOK OF AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM” PUBLISHED BY AGROTECH PUBLISHING ACADEMY, UDAIPUR.

THE PRACRICAL EXERCISES HAVE BEEN PRESENTED IN FOLLOWING PAGES

 

S. No.	Topic	Page
PREFACE		3
ABOUT THE AUTHORS		4-6
SYLLABUS		7-8
ABOUT THE BOOK		10
PTACTICAL EXERCISES
1	Practice in Writing an Agricultural News Story	11-21
2	Practice in Writing an Agricultural Feature Story	22-27
3	Covering Agricultural Events for the Information Collection	28-36
4	Practice in Interviewing for the Information Collection	37-42
5	Abstracting Stories from Research and Scientific Materials	43-48
6	Wire Services in Agricultural Journalism	49-54
7	Selecting Pictures and Artwork for the Agricultural Story	55-62
8	Practice in Editing	63-68
9	Practice in Copy Reading	69-77
10	Practice in Headline and Title Writing	78-82
11	Practicing Proof Reading	83-90
12	Principles Practice in Layout of Newspaper	91-111
13	Testing Copy with a Readability Formula	112-124
14	Visiting a Publishing Office	125-141
References		142-146
Glossary		147-156

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Professor (Dr.) A. Zaman, Ph D in Agronomy, is an internationally recognized scientist with 40 years of profound experience in agricultural water management. His ground-breaking and original research in fields such as irrigation water management, rainfed agriculture, cropping systems, watershed management, dry land agriculture, and biodiversity conservation has garnered global appreciation and established him as an outstanding teacher within farm universities worldwide. Dr. Zaman is credited with developing a wealth of original concepts, strategies, techniques, and tools that have profoundly contributed to agricultural science and benefited global society.

Born May 27, 1954, is a distinguished Agronomist specializing in Agricultural Water Management for enhancing crop and water productivity. His extensive career spans influential leadership roles at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) and Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV) in West Bengal, India. He has notably served as Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Director of Research; Head of the Department of Agronomy; and Chief Scientist in AICRP on Water Management (ICAR). With significant research experience in water management, a background in post-graduate teaching, and considerable administrative acumen, Since May 2020, Prof. Zaman has served as the Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences at Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata. His extensive professional journey includes pivotal roles as Founder In-charge of Agriculture at The Neotia University (June 2018 to 2020), Emeritus Professor in Agriculture at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management (September 2016 – May 2018), and Programme Coordinator for the World Bank-funded West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project (September 2014 – August 2016).

Prior to these roles, Dr. Zaman gained invaluable international experience as Head of the Irrigation Expatriate Team for the Government of Uganda (1994-1996) under an ITEC Programme. In this capacity, he was instrumental in designing, laying out, and installing farmer-managed small-scale irrigation systems for sustainable crop cultivation. His vast academic contributions include authorship of 30 textbooks in agriculture, several book chapters, over 150 peer-reviewed research papers, and 179 publications in national and international seminar and conference proceedings. Furthermore, he has significantly shaped future researchers, having guided 7 Ph.D. candidates and supervised over 50 postgraduate thesis works.

Dr. Md Hedayetullah, Assistant Professor in Agronomy, at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur (West Bengal) is a dynamic and influential figure in contemporary agricultural science, bringing a distinctive blend of expertise spanning research, education, and extension policy implementation, and grassroots development.

He also leads the ICAR’s All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Chickpea, BCKV Centre. This pivotal leadership role places him at the forefront of national efforts to enhance pulse crops, driving the development of high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties and sustainable production technologies crucial for India’s nutritional security and farm profitability.

Dr. Hedayetullah earned his PhD in Agronomy from BCKV. His academic excellence was further recognized with the prestigious Maulana Azad National Fellowship, affirming his dedication to advanced scholarly inquiry and deep subject matter expertise.

His career reflects a comprehensive engagement across the agricultural ecosystem, consistently bridging the gap between scientific investigation and practical application:

As an Agronomist at the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD): He gained crucial insight into agricultural finance, rural credit mechanisms, and the economic policies shaping farm performance and rural development.

As an Assistant Professor at the M.S. Swaminathan Institute of Agriculture Science: He focused intensely on sustainable development goals, conducting applied research and implementing innovative, environmentally sound farming practices.

As an Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture, Tripura: He honed his dedication to academic instruction and mentorship, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges faced by emerging agricultural students and researchers.

A prolific author and dedicated mentor, Dr. Hedayetullah has guided 8 M.Sc. and 2 PhD students to successful completion. His extensive scholarly output includes 15 books (authored or co-authored), over 50 peer-reviewed research papers in leading national and international journals, and numerous specialized book chapters. He serves as Principal Investigator for several major externally funded research projects, underscoring his capacity to lead complex scientific initiatives. His commitment to bringing scientific knowledge directly to farmers and the public is evident through extensive engagement in live television talks and impactful farmer training programs. Blending elite academic credentials, comprehensive experience spanning agricultural finance and field research, and a clear commitment to public outreach, Dr. Hedayetullah stands as an authoritative and inspiring guide for students beginning their journey in agricultural science.

Dr. L.L. Somani, Retired Director Resident Instructions, MPUAT, Udaipur. He has worked  as Extension Subject Matter Specialist for several years interacting with the problems of farming community and demonstrated field solurions to their problems. Beside Being Ph.D. in Soil Science He has Earned Diploma in Farm & Science Journalism. Dr  Somani  also holds PG in Journalism from Rajasthan University. He was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Waite Agricultural Institute, Adelaide, AUSTRALIA (1975-77). Prof. Somani has many papers published in national and International Journals/Symposia, etc. and many number of books to his credit in different disciplines of Agriculture. He held different position in MPUAT and has spreaded highly innovative ideas and programmes for the development of Agriculture.