The Directorate of Extension Education was started in the year 1972 for the planning and execution of programmes of outreach activities in coordination with the technical Directorates of the University.

The Director of Extension Education is the Member Secretary of the Extension Education Council.
The Member Secretary, in consultation with university Research system formulates and presents the policies and programmes of the University’s Extension Education activities to the Extension Education Council.

The Directorate of Extension Education, in coordination with the State Government Departments, takes responsibility in disseminating the research outcomes viz., varieties, technologies, machineries, hi-tech cultivation practices, new agri-horti-forestry products developed by TNAU through various outreach programmes.

The Directorate of Extension Education coordinates the extension activities through 15 Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Tamil Nadu, Training Division, Educational Media Centre, e-Extension Centre, Community Radio Station and Kisan Call Centre.

The Directorate of Extension Education is also involved in conducting On Farm Trials, Front Line Demonstrations and Exposure visits etc. Dissemination of technologies about current events is also done through press notice, All India Radio and Doordarshan programme.

The Directorate of Extension Education is also using social media tools namely TNAU You tube channel, M-Kisan portal, Mobile Apps, Whatsapp, Telegram for reaching the unreached.

The Directorate of Extension Education is involved in capacity building programmes for IAS probationers and Group I officers of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.