operational research in rainfed agroecosystem, crida

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Page 1: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

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Page 2: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

Citation:

G Ravindra Chary, Sreenath Dixit, SP Surve, SKSharma, Y Padmalatha, DH Ranade,MS Yadav, Sukhwinder Singh, LK Midha, H Mariraju, DBV Ramana, PK Mishra,BVenkateswarlu and KPRVittal (2009). Operational Research in RainfedAgroecosystem- Redefiniga new vision through Action Research. All India Coordinated ResearchProject for DrylandAgriculture,CRIDA,ICAR,Hyderabad- 500059, India. pages 98

2009

All Rights Reserved

Published by

Director,Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR),Santoshnagar, Hyderabad - 500059, Andhra Pradesh, India.

PhoneFaxWeb

040 - 2453 0177 (0), 24532262040 - 2453 1802 / 2453 0828http://crida.ernet.in

Printed at: VamsiArt Printers Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, Ph : 040-23311858website:[email protected]

Page 3: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

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Operational Research in Rainfed Agroecosystem- Redefiniga new visionthroughActionRese.arch

G Ravindra Chary, Sreenath Dixit, SP Surve, SKSharma,Y Padmalatha, DHRanade, MSYadav, Sukhwinder Singh,LKMidha,

H Mariraju, DBVRamana, PKMishra, B Venkateswarlu and KPRVittal

¥""3r-rIICAR

All IndiaCoordinatedResearchProjectfor DrylandAgricultureCentralResearchInstitutefor DrylandAgriculture

Hyderabad- 500059,India

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Page 4: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

=== =

I ContributoLU

All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture

Project Coordination Unit

G Ravindra Chary, KPR Vittal, G Subba Reddy, PK Mishra, GR Maruthi Sankar

Centres and ORPs

Anantapur ORP Y Padmalatha, K Bhargavi, G Narayana Swamy

Main Centre T Yellamanda Reddy,K Veerabhadra Rao, S Vasundhara,Krishna Murthy, B SahadevaReddy,M Vijayashankar Babu,John Wesley

Arjia ORP SK Sharma, AK Kothari, RK Sharma

Main Centre MPJain, SNSodani, KCLadha, ML Jat

Bangalore ORP H Mariraju, B Lingappa, P Balkrishna Reddy

Main Centre MASankar, BK Ramachandrappa, IndraKumar, HSShivaramu,Niranjana Murthy

Ballowal-Saunkhri ORP Sukhwinder Singh, Parvinder Sheoran, Amit Salaria, GSDheri

Main Centre PSSidhu, SCSharma, SSBawa, Satwinder Singh

Hisar ORP LK Midha, DS Rana, AC Malik

Main Centre Milak Raj, RPMor, BSJhorar, IS Yadav,MSSidhpuria,

Indore ORP DH Ranade, GS Rawat, MP Chourasia, SK Choudhary, SK Mujalde

Main Centre MPJain, SKSharma, HSThakur, Indu Swaroop, AKArgal,RASharma

Ranchi ORP MS Yadav, Nargis Kumari, Mintu Job

Main Centre DN Singh, DK Rusai, Md Parvaiz Alam, Yogendra Prasad,Shashi BhushanKumar

Solapur ORP SP Surve, SB Thorve, SK Upadhya, DB Bhanavase

Main Centre AN Deshpande, JR Kadam, DK Kathmale, BR Najane

Central Research Institute for Dryland AgricultureSreenath DixitYS Ramakrishana, B Venkateswarlu, DBV Ramana, AK Mishra,GGSN Rao, GR Korwar, G Pratibha,

K Kareemulla, K Srinivas Reddy, CA Rama Rao, CH Srinivasa Rao

Technical Assistance

Devika, U Kiran, Anuradha, A Girija, RVVSGKRaju, L Sreeramulu

Administrative Assistance

Prema Kumari, SR Meena

G Vara Laxmi, B Vijaya Laxmi, MSRAnjaneyulu

II

Page 5: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

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U Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture'!P Hyderabad- 500059

ICAR

Drl B.VenkateswarluDirector ~

Preface I8nIIConcernedbythewideningproductivitygapbetweenirrigatedandrainfedregionsfollowingthegreenrevolution,theIVFiveYearPlan(1969-74)emphasizedtheurgentneedtofocusonthehithertoneglectedfarmersoftherainfedregionstoparticipatemeaningfullyinthedevelopmentprocess.ThedroughtsofmidsixtiescatalyzedtheGovt.to investondrylandresearchsignificantly.TheIndianCouncilofAgriculturalResearch(ICAR)launchedthedrylandresearchprojectastheAllIndiaCoordinatedResearchProjectfor DrylandAgriculture(AICRPDA)in 1970 incollaborationwiththeGovernmentofCanadathroughCanadianInternationalDevelopmentAgency(CIDA).AICRPDAstartedwithfewnetworkcentreswithcoordinatingcellat Hyderabad,AndhraPradesh.In1985,ProjectDirectoratewasupgradedto thestatusofan institutei.e.Centralinstitutei.e.CentralResearchInstituteforDrylandAgriculture(CRIDA)at HyderabadtocarryoutbasicandstrategicresearchwhilenetworkresearchunderAICRPDAumbrellacontinuedin appliedandadaptiveresearchmode.Anothersignificantmilestonewasthestartof theOperationalResearchProject(ORP)in 1974-75 byAICRPDAat fewcentreswithfurtherexpansionsin 1976,1980and1984to totalof eightcenters.TheconceptofOperationalResearchProject(ORP)wasatrustedfeedbacktotheresearchsystemonadoptabilityofdrylandtechnologiesbyfarmersasawingto selectedcentreswitha CIDAfinancialsupport.ORPwasrecommendedas an integralpartof the existingdrylandresearchcenterwiththespecificobjectivesofORPsto test,adoptanddemonstratethenewagriculturaltechnologiesonfarmers'fieldsinawholevillageor inaclusteroffewcontiguousvillages!watershedareas,to identifytheconstraintsbothtechnologicalandsocio-economicwhicharebarriersto rapidchange;andto demonstrategroupactionasa methodofpopularizingmodemtechnologiesatafasterrate.ORPwithitsfeedbackstrategycanhaveastronginfluenceonmaintaininga relevantresearchprogram.

Infuture,nearly45-50%of thetotalcultivableareawill remainraindependent,percapitalandavailabilityis likelyto godownto lessthan0.5haby2025 resultinginoperationalholdingsinmajorityoftherainfedregionsturninguneconomical.Further,climatevariabilityandnaturalresourcedegradationissues,needfor increasingwater.productivityandsustainingthelivelihoodsof therainfedfarmers,necessitatea paradigmshiftin theapproachofORPs.Consideringtheyieldgapsbetweenresearchstations,onfarmtrialsandfarmerfields,thereis anamplescopeforenhancingtheyieldlevelswithappropriatepolicyandinstitutionalsupport.It requireswell-orchestratedeffortsin the researchfrontbackedby soundpoliciesandenabledinstitutions.TheORPprogramsshouldbe inclosecollaborationwiththerespectivemaincenters,stateline departments,KVKs,ATMANGOsetc.for programmeplanning,implementation,capacitybuildingandinconvergencewiththeongoingCentralandStateGovt.schemeslikeNREGS,NHM,ISOPOM,NFSMetc.for upscalingandscalingoutthetestedtechnologies.Hence,theapproachshouldbeParticipatoryActionResearch.

Thispublicationon OperationalResearchin RainfedAgroecosystem- Redefiniga newvisionthroughActionResearch,whichisanoutcomeof theICARadhocproject,hassucessfullybroughtouttheimportanceofcapacitybuildingofORPswithapproachesonproblemidentification,developmentandimplementationofactionplaninvolvingthemaincentersandprimaryandsecondarystakeholders.I complimentDr.G.RavindraCharyandallotherassociatesfortheirbesteffortsinbringingoutthisusefulpublication.

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(B. Venkateswarlu)

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~

~knowledgements 1

'This Pu6rication entideli "'Operationa{ ff(.esearcli in !1(pinfCt! Agroecos!/stem

-!l(pfefbrirwa new Wion tlirOtlflIiJUtion!/(/searcli" is an outcome of the M-cess (Project code:3030834026)

funded by ICJZ/'1('We tfianl(JC!JI2\.jorfinancia£ support. In this pu6{ication, the roCeof O'1(PsreCevantto the

emer;gingneeds and trends in rainfed agricu[ture, by building their capacities through action research withappropriate approaches on pro6{em identification, deve[{;pmentand impamentation of action pran invo[ving

the main centers,primary and secondary sta/(f!ioUus, is higfi[ightea.

'We are higfi[y gratefu[ to:

IV

. 'Dr. 9v£angafa'Rgi, Secretary, 'Department of 5'lgricu[tura{ '1(esearch and 'Education ('D5'l'1('E)

and 'Director yenera[ Indian Councu of 5'lgricu[tura[ '1(esearch, ~w 'De{fii.

'Dr. 5'l.'l( Singh, 'Deputy 'Director yenera[ (:J{'1(9v£),IC.9l!1\,~w 'De{fii..

. 'Dr. 5'l.'l( yogoi, 5'lssistant 'Director yenera[ (5'lgronomy), IC.9l!1\,~w 'De{fii.

'Dr. 'E. 'J/en/(gteswar[u, 'Director, C'1(I'D5'l,'Dr. ~S. '1(ama/(rishna and 'Dr. Jf.P.Singh, former

'Directorsof C'1(I'D5'l,Jiyderabad. .

'Dr. P.'l( 9v£ishra, Project Coordinator (5'lIC2(P'D5'l)and 'Dr. 'l(P.'l?v 'J/itta[ and 'Dr. y. Subba

2\fddy, former Project Coordinators (5'lIC'1(P'D5'l),Jiyderabad.

'Dr. g{'l( Sanghi, former Zona[ Coordinator ('J/), Jiyderabad.

5'l[{the Chief scientists, scientists of the main/sub centers and inefiar;gers and scientists of O2(Ps

and the scientists from other 5'lIC'R!J>s/S5'l'lls

'Dr. y.y.s.g{ '1(ao, Project Coordinator (5'lIC'1(P5'l9v£),'Dr. y.'l?v :J(prwar,

Jiead ('D'1(9v£),C2(I'D5'l and other scientists from C'RJ'D5'l

'Tfie officiaIs from state ane departments, 'l(J/'1(5, 5'l'I!M52i,:J{yOs, :J{ationa[ 'Ean~ etc.

'Tfie farmers fromthe adopted vi[[ages of the O'R!J>s

.

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.

J1lutfwrsJiyderabad

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CContents.=J

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1 Introduction 1 - 3

2 Study Area 4-8

3 The Process 9 - 44

3.1 Sensitization Phase 9 - 10

3.2 Consultation and Modification Phase 11-12

3.3 Capacity Building Phase 12 - 17

3.4 Action Research Phase 17 - 35

3.5 Evaluation Phase 36 - 44

4.0 Summary 45 - 46

References 47 - 48

Annexures 49 - 98

Page 8: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

1.0. Introduction

India - Rainfed Agriculture Scenario

Rainfed agriculture in India is where crop production is totally dependent upon rainfall withannual rainfall ranging from below 300 mm to above 2000 mm. Rainfed regions account for 60 percent (85 M ha) of net cultivated area covering most of the agroclimatic zones in the country.Rainfed agriculture plays a crucial role in country's economy by producing 91, 90, 80 and 65 percent of coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds and cotton, respectively; contributing to 44 per cent ofthe food grain production, supports two thirds of lives took population and influencing the liveli-hoods of 80 per cent of small and marginal farmers (CRIDAVision 2025, 2007). The productivitygains achieved during green revolution in irrigated areas have bypassed rainfed regions. Even iffull irrigation potential of the country is achieved due to poor irrigation water utilization effi-ciency (76 per cent) about 75 m ha will still remain as rainfed and would continue to be a majorfood grain production domain. At the current rate of demographic expansion the per capita landavailability is likely to go down to less than 0.5 ha by 2025. This may result in operational holdingsin majority of the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid regions turning uneconomical. Thus, forcing alarge number of small and marginal farmers out of farming, their only means of livelihood. It ishard to predict at this juncture the consequence of such a large-scale migration of people out offarming and without any alternate skills for earning livelihood. This will have serious implicationson social and economic fronts both in rural and urban environments. In order to meet the growingfood grain demand it is desired to attain from drylands an average of 2 tlha food grains from theprevailing level of less than 0.1 tlha by the year 2010. But the goal is not easy to achieve keepingin view substantial decrease in growth of production of coarse cereals, oilseed, and pulses noticedin rainfed areas since the mid-1990. Unless substantial gains are realized in productivity andprofitability of rainfed crops, the present scenario will not change much (Kerr et aI, 1999). How-ever, considering the yield gaps between research stations, on farm trials and farmer fields thereis ample scope for enhancing the yield levels with appropriate policy and institutional support. Aparadigm shift is observed in cropping patterns mainly due to profitability rather than productiv-ity. Ingenuity in conservation and use of rainwater, the basic resource, is a driving force forenhanced productivity of crops and livestock in rainfed regions. Besides land degradation rainfedagriculture is faced another impending problem - climate change (Kulkhetra, 1991; IPCC,2007;Lal et aI., 2001; Prabhakar, 2008; Ravindra Chary et aI, 2008 ). Further, to minimize the risk inrainfed agriculture, well -orchestrated efforts are needed in the research front backed by testedtechnology transfer models and approaches (Jiggins, 1989; Robert Chambers, 1991; Rhoades, 1990;Fletcher, 1991; sound policies (Gupta, 1991; Jodha, 1989), able institutions (Mathur and Sinha,1991; Kalra,1991)) and effecive linkages (Singh et aI., 1991)

Operational Research Project (ORP) in All India Coordinated Research Projectfor Dryland Agriculture: Background

Concerned by the widening productivity gap between irrigated and rainfed regions following thegreen revolution, the IV Five Year Plan (1969-74) specifically emphasized the urgent need focus onthe hitherto neglected farmers of the rainfed regions to participate meaningfully in the agricul-tural development process. The droughts of mid sixties catalyzed the Govt. to invest on drylandresearch significantly. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the dryland

--

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research project as the All India Coordinated Re-search Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA)in 1970 in collaboration with the Government ofCanada through Canadian International Develop-ment Agency (CIDA).AICRPDAstarted with fewnetwork centres with coordinating cell atHyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. In 1984, the ProjectDirectorate was upgraded to the status of a Cen-tral institute viz. Central Research Institute for Dry-land Agriculture (CRIDA)at Hyderabad to carry outbasic and strategic research while network re-search continued under AICRPDAumbrella in ap-plied and adaptive research mode (Vittal et al,2003). At present, AICRPDAhas 25 centers locatedin 15 states with one of the mandates of the cen-ters is to evaluate and study transferability of improved dryland technology to farmers' fields.

Another significant milestone was the start of the Operational Research Project (ORP)in 1974- 75by All India Coordinated Research Project for DrylandAgriculture (AICRPDA)at few centres withfurther expansions in 1976, 1980 and 1984 to total of eight centers. The concept of OperationalResearch Project (ORP)was a trusted feedback to the research system on adoptability of drylandtechnologiesby farmers as a wingto selected centres with a CIDAfinancial support. ORPwasrecommended as an integral part of the existing dryland research center. The centre for ensuringcontinued research support and feedback to the Dryland centre administers it. Hence, the staffprovided to ORPwas minimal. There has been no attempt to provide staff with specialization inany particular discipline, as farmers expected to carry'}' out our recommendations without rely-ing on "expert". A feedback from Traveling Seminar Participants (AICRPDA,1984) revealed thatemphasis should be on the need for treating the technology transfer objective of the DrylandProject as an integral part of the research program. In fact, the entire dryland project is based onthe assumption that research will be transferable to dryland farmers. ORP with its feedbackstrategy can have a strong influence on maintaining a relevant research program. The researchand transfer program then must be integrally linked. The transfer programs must be rigorous intheir observations, analysis and reporting because, if they lack required rigor, the scientific valid-ity of the total program will suffer. Thus, "Research in Operational Research". The specific objec-tives of ORPsare to test, adopt and demonstrate the new agricultural technologies on farmers'fields in a whole village or in a cluster of few contiguous villages/ watershed areas: to determinethe profitability of the new technologies and their pace or spread among the farmers; to identifythe constraints both technological and socio-economic which are barriers to rapid change; and todemonstrate group action as a method of popularizing modem technologies at a faster rate (Prasadand Byra Reddy,1991).Successive Quinquennial ReviewTeams (QRTReports 1990, 1996 and 2001)appreciated the role of ORPsin rapid transfer of technologies by improving the research outputthrough appropriate feedback. The approach of ORPsto local problems is by and large in a dem-onstrationmodewith emphasison improvingcrop productivity,thus focusis commodityorientedwhile their need of the hour is FarmingSystemsoriented. Similarly the processes adopted by ORPshave yet to tap the fullest potential of participative methods of research and extension. To thisextent the approaches have been more or less top-down. The QRTshave recommended the ORPsto work on diversification of rainfed agriculture besides conducting participatory on-farm re-search on a watershed basis. The review teams have also emphasized on trials of soil and waterconservation and groundwater recharge in ORPvillages. The literature pertaining to ORPsin dry-land areas is by and large confined to impact studies (AICRPDAAnnualReports, 2003). The missinglink is the information on the role of ORPsin the changing scenario particularly in projects like

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Page 10: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

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TechnologyAssessment and Refinement through Institute - Village Linkage Programme (NATP-ICAR,1999-2005)that has a mandate to assess and refine the technologies.

The emerging issues/needs vis-a vis role of ORPs

Rainfed regions are characterized by diverse agro-topoclimates (arid, semiarid, subhumid andperhumid) and production systems, drought prone, fragile soil-landscape continuum with poorsoil and land quality, scarcity of water (surface, subsurface and groundwater) and resource poorsocioeconomic settings. The growth rate in rainfed regions was high before 1990s while it wit-nessed negative or zero rate during 1995to 2005. There is a general consensus that since oppor-tunities for further agricultural growth in irrigated regions is less, the only option left is to pro-duce more from rainfed regions in order to realize 3 to 4 per cent growth rate per annum fromagriculture sector as envisaged in XIPlan (Vision2025 -CRIDA,2007). This demands more focus onenhanced utilization of natural, material, human and financial resources in rainfed agriculture.Toachievethis, the approachshouldbe a paradigmshift from "Input and Policycentric"duringgreen revolution to the present Resource Management and Policy Centric".

TheresearchunderAICRPDAnetworkcenters has been focusingto address the locationspecificproblemsconsidering agroecological characteristics, predominant rainfed production systems andsocioeconomic settings with specific emphasis was on soil conservation and rainwater manage-ment, evaluation of crops/varieties, cropping/farming systems and contingency planning, inte-grated nutrient management, tillage and farm machinery and alternate land use systems. In thelast few years, more focus was given on cropping/farming systems, tillage and integrated nutrientmanagement, alternate land use systems for diversification and efficient implements on a tem-plate of resource management particularly rainwater management.

Addressingnatural resource management issues vis-a vis the twin problems of climate change andland degradation in rain fed agriculture is need of the hour. Emerging modern tools like remotesensing, GISand Information Communication Technologies (ICTs)and appropriate changes in poli-ciesgoverningpricingand export of agriculturalcommoditiesneedto be pursuedrigorously.Suchinitiatives call for taking a close look at the situation and making required structural adjustmentsso as to evolve processes to enhance the effectiveness of ORPas an institution. This requires anunderstanding of the prevailing perceptions of ORPby different stakeholders. Creation of aware-ness among them about the need for a change and development of their capacity for changemanagement.In other words, it is necessaryto makesure the relevanceof ORPsin these areasand to prepare them to take on the challenges in the changed local and global scenario. Thisnecessitated studying on the content and approach of the ORPsso that the livelihood issues areaddressed in a holistic manner while dealing with natural resource management options in rainfedagro ecosystem. Adopting a more participative research and extension agenda will help addressand integrate livelihood issues with natural resource management in this fragile agro ecosystem.Action Research

Action research is a group of research methodologies that pursue action (or change) and research(or understanding) at the same time. In most of its forms it does this by using a cyclic or spiralprocess and alternates between action and critical reflection and in the later cycles it continu-ously refines the methods of data collection and interpretation in the light of the understandingthe developed one in the earlier cycles. It is thus an emergent process, as it increases the under-standing and an iterative process, as it converges towards better understanding of what happens.In most of its forms it is participative and qualitative. In view of this, the present study wasinitiated with the objectives i) to redefine the concept of ORPin the changing scenario of rainfed Agriculture; ii) to build the capacity of ORPfor meeting the changing needs of integrating NRMresearch and livelihood issues and iii) to institutionalize a process to enhance the effectiveness ofORP.

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All India Coordinated Research Project for DrylandAgriculture (AICRPDA)Unit, CRIDA,Hyderabadand 8 ORPsunder All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture Network viz.,Anantapur (ANGRAU),Andhra Pradesh;Arjia (MPUA&T),Rajasthan; Ballowal-Saunkhri (PAU),Punjab; Bangalore (UAS),Karnataka; Hisar (CCSHAU), Haryana;Indore (RVSKW), Madhya Pradesh; Ranchi(BAU), Jharkhand; and Solapur (MPKV,Maharashtra. The location map of the ORPCenters is given in fig.1 TheAgroecologicalsetting of the ORPswith the details of themajor rainfed production system in whichthey are located, their location in theAgroclimatic regions(ACRs)identified bythe Planning Commission, in theAgroclimatic Zones(ACZs)in NARPset upand AgroecologicalSubregions (AESRs)de-lineated by National Bureauof SoilSurvey&Land Use Planning (ICAR)are given below.

2.0. Study Area

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Fig. 1. The location map of the ORP Centers

2.1. ORPCentre, Anantapur

Major Production System: Rainfed Groundnut based Production System

Agro Climatic Region: Southern Plateau and HillsRegion (ACRNo-X)

Agroclimatic Zone: Scarce Rainfall Zone of Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh

Agroecological Subregion: Karnataka Plateau including (Rayalaseema), hot arid eco-subregionwith deeploamyandclayeymixedredandblacksoils, lowtomedium AvailableWater Capacity and Length of Growing pe-riod 90-120 days (AESR-3).

State of soil degradation: Water erosion with moderate lossof top soil, affecting51 - 100%area; highseverity.

Climate and soil parameters: Arid (hot) Potential evapotrans-piration:641mm;Rainfall:390mm;Soilreaction:Normal;Elec-trical Conductivity:Suitable; Organic Carbon: Low; Phos-phate : Medium;Potash: Very low; Deficientnutrients: Zinc

Recommendation Domain: Kurnool,Anantapur, (except south-

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eastern part), western part of Prakasam, ~ourthem ~rt of Mat\a~%Qf Q~G~~ We'5temparts of Kadapa covering Scarce rainfall zone (Rayalaseema) of Andhra Pradesh.

2.2. ORPCentre, Arjia

MajorProductionSystem: RainfedMaizebased ProductionSystem

AgroClimaticRegion:Central Plateau and HillsRegion(ACRNo-VIII)

Agroclimatic Zone: Southern Plain Zone in Rajasthan

Agroecological Subregion:Agro -eco-sub-region: Northern Plain (and Central Highlands)includingAravalis,hot semi arid eco-region: NorthGujarat Plain (inclusionof Aravallirange and east RajasthanUplands), hot dry semi arid eco-sub region with deep loamy gray brown and alluvium-derivedsoils, medium available water capacity and length of growingperiod90-120days (AESRNo.4.2)

Agro Climatic Zone: Undulating Plain Zone in Punjab

Agroecological Subregion: Western Plain, Kachchh, and part of Kathiawar peninsula, hot arideco-region: Punjab and Rohikhand plains, hot dry/moist sub-humid transitional eco-subregionwith deep, loamy to clayey alluvium-derived (including saline and sodic phases) soils, mediumavailable water capacity and length of growing period 120-150 days (Agro-eco-sub-region9.1)

State of soil degradation: Water erosion with slight loss of top soil, affecting 11-25 %area; lowseverity, slight chemical deterioration due to salinization af-fecting 6-10%area: low severity; and slight physical deteriora-tion due to water-logging, affecting 6-10%area; low severity.

Climate and soil parameters: Sub humid (hot dry) Potentialevapotranspiration: 739 mm;Rainfall : 750 mm;Soil reaction:Suitable; Electrical Conductivity: Normal;OrganicCarbon: Low;Phosphate: Medium; Potash: Medium.

State of soil degradation: Water erosion with moderate loss oftop soil, affecting 51 - 100 %area; high severity.

Climate and soil parameters: Semi Arid (hot dry) Potentialevapotranspiration: 1681mm;Rainfall: 307 mm; Soil reaction:Suitable; Electrical Conductivity: Normal;Organic Carbon: Low;Phosphate: Lowto medium; Potash: High.

Recommendation Domain: Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Udaipur,Banswara, Dungarpur, Rajsamand and parts of Ajmer.

2.3. ORPCentre, Ballowal -Saunkhri

MajorProduction System: RainfedMaizebased ProductionSystem

AgroClimaticRegion:TransGangeticPlainsRegion(ACRNoNI)

Recommendation Domain: Hoshiarpur, Nawanshar, Gurdaspur,Roopnagar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar in Kandi region ofPunjab.

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2. 4. ORPCentre, Bangalore

MajorProduction System: RainfedFingermilletbased ProductionSystem

AgroClimaticRegion:SouthernPlateau and HillsRegion(ACRNo-X)

Agroclimatic Zone: Eastern DryZone in Karnataka

Agroecological Subregion: Eastern Ghats and Tamil Nadu Uplands and Deccan (Karnataka) pla-teau, hot semi arid eco-region): Central Karnataka Plateau, hot moist semi arid eco-sub regionwith medium to deep red loamy soils, low available water capacity and length of growing period120-150days (AESR8.2)

State of soil degradation: Water erosion with slight loss of top soil,severity, slight chemical deterioration due to salinization af-fecting 6-10%area: low severity; and slight physical deteriora-tion due to water-logging, affecting 6-10%area; low severity.

Climate and soil parameters: Semi Arid (hot moist) Potentialevapotranspiration:503 mm;Rainfall: 628 mm; Soil reaction:Acidic;Electrical Conductivity: Normal; Organic CarbonMedium; Phosphate: Low ;Potash : Low; Deficient nutrients:Sulphur, Calcium, Zinc, Boron, Molybdenum.

Recommendation Domain: Tumkur, Bangalore (Rural & UrbanDistricts), Kolar, Chitradurga, Mysore and Mandya districts ofCenral, eastern and southern dry zone of Karnataka.

affecting 11-25 %area; low

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2. 5. ORPCentre, Hisar

MajorProduction System: RainfedPearlmillet based ProductionSystem

Agro Climatic Region: Trans Gangetic Plains Region (ACRNo-VI)

Agroclimatic Zone: Southwestern dry zone in Haryana

Agroecological Subregion: Western Plain, Kachchhand part of Kathiawar peninsula, hot arid eco-region: Rajasthan Bagar, north Gujarat Plain and south-western Punjab plain, hot typic-arid eco-subregion with deep; loamy desert soils (Inclusionof saline phase), low available water capacityand length of growing period 60-90 days(AESR2.3).

State of soil degradation: Wind erosion moderate loss of topsoil, affecting 26-50%area; high severity; and moderate chemi-cal deterioration affecting 26-50%area: high severity.

Climate and soil parameters: Arid(hyper) Potential evapotrans-piration: 769 mm;Rainfall: 185 mm; Soil reaction: Normal;Electrical Conductivity: Suitable; Organic Carbon: Low; Phos-phate: Medium;Potash:Medium.

Recommendation Domain: Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Bhiwani,Jhajjar, Mahendragath, Rewari and Gurgaon districts in South-western dry zone of Haryana.

6

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N

A

Map Not to Scale

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2. 6. ORPCentre, Indore

MajorProduction System: RainfedSoybeanbased ProductionSystem

AgroClimatic Region: Western Plateau and Hills Region (ACRNo-IX)

Agroclimatic Zone: Malwa Plateau Zone in Madhya Pradesh

Agroecological Subregion: Central Highlands (Malwa) Gujarat plain Kathiawar peninsula semiarid eco-region: Central Kathiawar peninsula, hot dry semi arid eco-sub region with shallow andmediumloamyto clayey black soils (deep black soils), mediumAvailableWater capacity andlength of growing period 90-120 days (AESR5.2).

State of soil degradation: Water erosion with moderate loss oftop soil, affecting 51-100 %area; high severity to stable terrainshowingwater erosion with slight low of top soil, affecting 26-50%area; low severity.

Climate and soil parameters: Semi Arid (hot moist) Potentialevapotranspiration:616mm;Rainfa1l642mm;Soilreaction:Suit- IIMANDSAUR

able; Electrical Conductivity: Normal; Organic Carbon Low;Phosphate: High; Potash: High.

Recommendation Domain: Indore, Dhar,Ujjain, Dewas, Ratlam,Rajgarh, Mandsaur, Jhabua, Sehore and Shajapur districts inMalwa plateau of Madhya Pradesh

2.7. ORPCentre, Ranchi

NfA.

"'" "" 10 SCALE

Major Production System: Rainfed Rice based Production System

AgroClimatic Region: Eastern Plateau and Hills Region(ACRNo-VII)

Agroclimatic Zone: Western Plateau Zone in Jharkhand

Agroecological Subregion: Eastern Plateau (Chotabagpur) and Eastern Ghats, hot sub-humid eco-region Chhotanagpur Plateau and Gujarat Hills, hot dry-sub-humid eco-sub region with moder-ately deep to loamy to clayey red and lateritic soils, mediumavailable water capacity and length of growing period of 150-180days (AESR:4.1).State of soil degradation: Water erosion with moderate loss oftopsoil, affecting 51-100 %area; high severity.

Climate and soil parameters: Semi Arid (hot dry) Potentialevapotranspiration:455 mm; Rainfall 1485 mm; Soil reaction:Acidic; Electrical Conductivity: Normal; Organic Carbon: Low;Phosphate: Medium ;Potash: Medium.

Recommendation Domain: Entire Jharkhand State

JHARKHAND

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7

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2.8. ORPCentre, Solapur

MajorProduction System: Rainfedrob; Sorghumbased ProductionSystem

AgroClimaticRegion:WesternPlateau and HillsRegion(ACRNo-IX)

Agroclimatic Zone: Scarcity Zone in Maharashtra

Agroecological Subregion: Deccan Plateau, semi arid eco-region: South Western Maharashtra andNorth Karnataka Plateau, hot dry semi arid eco-subregion with shallow and medium loamy blacksoils), medium to high available water capacity and length ofgrowingperiod90-120days (AESR6.1)

State of soil degradation: Water erosion with moderate loss oftopsoil, affecting 51-100 %area; high severity.

Climate and soil parameters: Semi Arid (hot dry) Potentialevapotranspiration: 589 mm; Rainfall: 645 mm; Soil reaction:Alkaline;Electrical Conductivity: Normal;OrganicCarbon: Low:Phosphate: Low to medium; Potash: Mediumto high.

Recommendation Domain: Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Bhiwani,Jhajjar, Mahendragath, Rewari and Gurgaon districts in South-western dry zone of Haryana.

8

MAP rorID SCALE

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3.0. The Process

Thissection describes the method adopted in the process of capacity building. This was a care-fully planned participatory study to realize the set objectives. The entire process was divided into four phases viz. Sensitization phase, consultation and modification phase, action researchphase and evaluation phase.

3.1. Sensitization PhaseAformat when designed to elicit response from ORPscientists on the need to add value in termsof content and capacity to the ORPs. Once the feed-backwasobtained through structured questionaire, andsensitization workshop was organized for ORP scien-tists. Participants represented al the 8 ORPcentres andrespective main centres and CRIDA

Abriefsummaryof the initial feedback( details aregivenAnnexure 1) obtained during the Sensitization Work-shop is given below.

Technical issues

Re-mandating ORPs

ORP-Main centers should study a realistic flexible research progrmme with simulta-neous training process

PRAactivities for on-farm Research, resource mapping for efficient land use

Getting a 500 ha & 50 farmers difficult to take up ORPactivities

Agroforestry, horticulture, livestock, silvipasture, medicinal and aromatic plants, valueaddition, post harvest technologies, feed& fodder for livestock

Creation of additional income from non-agricultural activities

Effective use of ICTtools like TV,radio, computer and AVaids

Emphasis on NRMactivities like rainwater harvesting and soil and water conservation

Evaluate whether technologies in ORPareas sustain in village after 'exit'?

Reexamine the "Free inputs concept"

Involve farmers/stakeholders in consultation and modification phase address issues ofmigration

Land Use Planning based on soil-site suitability

ORPsshould take up seed village programme

Sensitization Workshop

20" October 2005, CRIDA

.

111m1M I!fI

..

......

..

9..

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I

Financial issues

Needadditionalfundsfor all the above.

.More funds for 'hardware' work on large scale

A one time grant for technology generation and verification

Flexibility in financial matters.Infrastructure issues

Modernlab facilities. Provision of custom hiring

ORPareas should have marketing and well connected for mobility.

Policy issues

HRD

.So far scattered input use in ORPs,hence, pool up inputs suiting 10-20 demonstrationAddress role of women in agriculture

Address sociological consequences of ORPs

Contractual service/Consultancy in expert areas and or on Honorarium basis (Mitra Kisan)

Develop farmers groups akin to DWRCRA-group/Self Help GroupsNeed to address IPRand ITKs issues vis-a-vis WTO.

Emphasis on technologies rather than free inputs

Encourage cooperative farming limiting to 2-3 cropsEmphasis on Farmers Field Schools

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

. Brain storming sessions for ORPScientists once in six months

Capacity building of ORPscientists31 key and theme areas

Institutional issues

.

10

~

.ORPlocation ideal vis- a -vis urbanization and industrializationKey dissemination

Linkage between ORPand AICRPDAfor sharing scientific/technical & other resources

ORPactivities should be on "Whole village" approach

Strengthening Scientific/Technical Staff

Faculties/disciplines of agriculture, horticulture, animal sciences, fisheries, home sci-ences, agroforestry, small entrepreneurships, etc.

Need adequate technical staff

.

.

.

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3.2. Consultation and Modification PhaseFollowingthe Sensitization Phase, a Two Day Technical Workshopwas organized to discuss withORPtechnical programme with the scientists from main center, ORPand CRIDA.An Expert facilitated this workshop focusing on amend-ments to the present ORPprogrammes to keeping in view challengesfaced by rainfed agriculture.

1,,1 Techri,,", ow.ili'oP ..,lm- ,...--.1" ~"::::"-=-

Participants

ORPScientists, Chief Scientists of respective main centers, ProjectCoordinators of AICRPDAand All India Coordinated Research Projecton Agrometeorology (AICRPAM),Heads of Divisions, CRIDAand se-lect scientists of CRIDA

Objectives of the Workshop

. Toget the participantsto appreciate the vital linkbetween the AICRPDAcenter and theORPattached to it,

To inculcate a new line of thinking for enhancing the effectiveness of ORP,and

To modify technical program with more emphasis on NRMissues to enhance livelihoodsof and marginal farmers

.

.Methodology

The workshop adopted an 'open agenda' for guiding deliberations and allowed the methodologyto evolve as it proceeded depending on the needs of the participants. Group discussions andbrainstorming formed the core methods of facilitation and experts were invited to present theirworkwhen participants demanded more clarity. A presentation by expert facilitator on "Revital-izing Rainfed Agriculture', set the stage for further discussions. The participants subjected theideas thrown up in his presentation to critical assessment. New ideas such as integration of natu-ral resource management (NRM)for better rural livelihoods and institutional innovation for sup-portingtechnologyadoption were reinforced by presentations of CRIDAScientists. Importantamongthosewere CRIDA'sexperiencesin DFIDfundedproject on Livelihoodimprovementthroughbetter NRM,Crop-crop diversity as key component of IPMfor dryland crop pests, Impact assess-ment of IPMtechnology, Evaluation of Participatory Regenerative Agricultural Technologywith lowexternal inputs, and Integration of livestock in watersheds for sustainable livelihoods of poor.Central to these deliberations was a session on Re-mandating the ORPin Rainfed Agriculturewhichenlightenedthe participantson the need to givemore emphasison research towardssup-port systemsthat aid adoptionand diffusionof rainfed agriculturaltechnologies.Roleof commu-nity-based organizations (CBOs),self help groups (SHGs),village organizations (VOs)and Panchayatraj institutions (PRls)and working in close association with these organizations in enhancing thecapacities of ORPswas discussed at length.

Outcome

The outcomes of the workshop are presented in relation to the objectives set out for the work-shop.. Link between the AICRPDAcenter and the ORP

11

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-Expert facilitator took the participants through the initial phases of development of ORP as aconcept and emphasized that the ORP's mandate to playa vital role in facilitating technologydevelopment, adoption and diffusion processes was as relevant today as it was envisaged duringits inception.Hencethe linkagebetween ORPsand AICRPDAcenters wasveryvital and needed tobe preserved and nurtured. Both ORPand main centers were requested to adopt more profes-sional ways to work and develop an environment where both ORPand main centrecould play rolesthat can compliment to one another's objectives, but not competitive ones.

. Enhancing the effectiveness of ORP

Theeffectivenessof ORPdependson its ability to facilitate technologyadoptionamongits targetfarmers. It is also determined by considering whether such technologies diffuse beyond targetfarmers, i.e., other farmers in the ORPvillage or farmers in the surrounding non-ORPvillages. TheExpert facilitator helped the participants to evolve a simple method to assess the adoption anddiffusionand suggestedwaysto communicatefeedback about rejected technologiesto AICRPDAscientists by organizing farmer-scientist workshops. Atemplate was developed in which the ORPscientists entered the details of technology adoption and diffusion pertaining to their centre togain clarity.

. Integration of NRM and livelihood issues rainfed agro eco system

Participantsappreciated the shift from conventionalresearch modeto farmingsystemsresearchmode linkingNRMissues with farming systems components particularly the vital role of livestock-cattle, small ruminants, or poultry birds- in the rainfed agriculture as are necessary to bring in thenecessary diversity and reduce risk. The ORPsagreed to include at least one intervention pertain-ing to livestock in their technical programme next year.

Feedback

Both ORPscientists and Chief Scientists of main centers better appreciated the linkage as envis-aged in the ORPconcept. "We are now in a better position to appreciate each other's role" saida ChiefScientist. "Ourjob is to conveyto AICRPDAscientists what worksand what doesn't, thisworkshop has given us important tips how we can achieve this without actually causing displea-sure to anyone" said an ORPScientist.

New issues for strengthening ORPcontent such as integration of natural resource management(NRM)for better rural livelihoods and institutional innovation for supporting technology adoptionwerewelcomedbythe participants.Theyappreciatedthe needfor improvingthe capacityof ORPto increase its effectiveness. "It is a very good step to include in the technical programme oneintervention on livestock," agreed the ORPscientists.

3.3. Capacity building PhaseIn this phase it was proposed to put the selected ORP scientists on a continuous learning andcapacity building module. There were periodical interactions and workshops for required attitudi-nal and behavioural changes besides the skills required to arrive at participative research andextension plan.

During the second year, capacity building and action research phases were taken upsimultaneously. A One Day Brainstorming session was organized (9 July 2006) at CRIDA.Expertfacilitator, Project Coordinator (AICRPDA)and scientists from CRIDAparticipated. The discussion

12

J

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W"'6 on now to cont;nue tne "''''pa",;ty' bu;j.c:jjng pna"e and "tart a",t;on ...,."""aych pha,,"" b",,,,,,,d 'O.. th""

initial progress made during the first year. First to understand the technology adoption and diffu-sion process in ORPs,it was felt necessary to obtain information on various technologies that areadopted both by ORPfarmers and other farmers (Category -I); technologies that are adopted byORPfarmers and not by other farmers (Category -II) and technologies that are not adoptedbyeither ORP farmers or by other farmers (Category-III) . Category I Technologies for Participa-tory Extension Plan and for Category II and IIItechnologies for Participatory Research Plan andInstitutional analysis.

In continuation to the Sensitization Phase and Consultation and Modification Phase during the firstyear, it was felt that the effectiveness of ORPsdepends on several factors to facilitate technologyadoption amongst the farmers. It was also determined by considering whether such technologiesdiffused beyond target farmers i.e., other farmers in the ORPvillages or farmers in the surround-ing non-ORPvillages. For explicit information on this, the details on technology adoption anddiffusion under three categories from the 8 ORPswere given. In this phase, as suggested by thereviewers views, one ORPi.e., Hanjagi, Solapur was selected for action research.

The scientists from the ORPswere continuously under interaction with the project team for thefollowing purposes.

I. Modification of the technical content of the ongoing programmeII. Emphasizing both exogenous and endogenous knowledge basesIII. Extension management or local extension management by locally existing Community

BasedOrganizations (CBOs/SelfHelpGroups (SHGs)/VillageOrganizations (VOs)/PanchayatRaj Institutions (PRls).Evolvingand building the Support Systems through participatory research plan to fill thegap in technology adoption. For this, much of the external assistance will be throughfinancial arrangements like revolving funds etc.

V. Enhancing the level of diversification at family level

The characteristics of agricultural technologies and techniques to be diffused affect adoption(Napier,1990;Pearce et aI, 1990;Thomaset aI, 1990).Similarly,socioeconomiccharacteristics(ICAR,1988) (Grewal and Joshi, 1991), cultural definitions (Rogers, 1983), institutional constraints(Napier, 1991) and lack of appropriate training strategies (Chowdhary, 1991; Kidd, 1991) are theother factors that affect upscaling of technology.

In order to evolve new paradigm of policy research beyond technical research, analysis of technol-ogy adoption, diffusion scenario, upscaling of successful technologies etc., were needed (RavindraChary et aI, 2006). Tofulfill these envisaged activities, the following information was sought fromthe ORPscientists

IV.

For Participatory Extension Plan

Relevant in case of Category-I technologies (Technologies that are adopted by ORPfarmers anddiffused to other farmers): This requires analysis o( the technologies including those from othersources for upscaling. Information was sought on: successful technologies in ORPthat are origi-nated form AICRPDAMain Centre and from other source (non-AICRPDAsource), successful tech-nologies and the technologies that include one each from AICRPDAand non-AICRPDAsources withparticular emphasis on natural resource management (NRM).

For Participatory Research Plan

Relevant in case of Category-II (Technologiesthat are adopted by ORPfarmers but not diffused toothers farmers)and Category- III(Technologiesthat are not adopted either by ORPfarmers or by

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1-

others);ScientistsfromAICRPDAMain Centre analysed the reasons for non-adoption by personalinterview or group discussion for a particular technology with the farmers in the ORPvillage andobtained details. For this, information was sought for all the technologies tried in ORP.

Besides this, analysis of existing village based institution analysis was also done to gain an under-standing about the roles they could play in technology diffusion.

The details of the responses on the technologies for participatory research and extension plansfrom 8 ORPsis given in Annexure II. The summary of the feedback is presented below.

Participatory Extension Plan

Category I - Technologies adopted by ORPfarmers and diffused to others

IMC: In situ moisture conservation; RWM-Rainwater management; practices-time of sowing; CS- Cropping systems; FM-Farm machinery;INM-Integrated nutrient management; WM - Weed management; ALU- Alternate Land Use Systems

Participatory Research Plan

Category II- Technologies adopted by ORPfarmers and not diffused to others

IMC: In situ moisture conservation; RWM-Rainwater management; practices-time of sowing; CS- Cropping systems; FM- Farm

machinery;INM-Integrated nutrient management; WM - Weed management; ALU- Alternate Land Use Systems

14

dJ '"""'- JIIn"""AIo1If!!:""-

ORP IMC RWM Varie +Practi CS FM INM WM ALU Total

ties ces",

Ananthapur 3 1 1 2 1 - 1 - - 11

Arjia 3 - 7 5 - 3 2 - - 20

Bangalore 3 - 15 - 2 - - - 1 21

B.Saunkhri 4 - 14 2 2 1 3 2 - 28

Hisar 1 2 8 - 1 3 1 1 2 19

Indore 2 2 4 - 1 3 1 1 1 15

Ranchi 2 1 30 - 1 5 - 1 - 40

Solapur 1 1 6 - - 3 1 - 12

Total 19 7 85 11 8 18 9 5 4 166

ORP IMC RWM +Practices ($ FM WM ALU Total

Ananthapur 3 - - - 1 4

Arjia 1 1 - 1 - 3

Bangalore - 1 - - - 1

B.Saunkhri - - 3 - - 1 - 4

Hisar - 1 1 2

Indore - - - - - -

Ranchi 1 - - - 1 2

Solapur 1 1 - 1 - 1 4

Total 6 2 4 1 2 1 4 20

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~

Category III- Technologies not adopted by ORPfarmers or by others

IMC: In situ moisture conservation; RWM-Rainwater management; practices-time of sowing; CS- Cropping systems;FM- Farm machinery; INM-Integrated nutrient management; ALU- Alternate Land Use Systems; FS - farming Systems

II

Analysis of technologies

Analysis of the various categories of technologies under different themes for support systems ispresented below.

Category I technologies generally need little or no support for adoption by ORPand otherfarmers. They are essentially those that are ready for large scale up scaling. However,theprocess of up scaling them may offer important learnings relevant to institutions andpolicies that may be of value for dealing with category IIand IIItechnologies. Examiningthe kind of support required for encouraging large scale up scaling of Category Itechnolo-gies will help formulate research on support systems.

The reasons for non adoption of technologies in Category II & IIIwere analyzed with re-spect to the support system in terms of research, institutions and policies. A productionsystem-wise classification of such technologies is presented in the followingmatrices.

Category IITechnologies

.

.

15

..-

ORP IMC RWM VarietIes +Practlces CS FM INM ALU FS Total

Ananthapur 1 1 2

Arjia 1 3 3 2 2 11

Bangalore 2 1 1 1 5

B.Saunkhri 2 1 1 1 5

Hisar 1 1 1 3

Indore 1 1 1 3

Ranchi 1 1 2 1 1 1 7

Solapur 1 3 4 1 2 11

Total 1 3 5 9 11 7 2 7 2 47

Theme Support SystemInstitutional Policy Research Others

Refinement New Initiative

IMC Groundnut based Pearl millet based Soybean based -- _nRice based Rice based Rice basedRabi sorghum based Rabi sorghum basedMaize based Groundnut basedPearl millet based Maize basedFingermillet based Fingermillet basedSoybean based

RWM Groundnut based Soybean based n- nn n_n

Rice based Rice basedRabi sorghum based Rabi sorghum

basedGroundnut based

Varietie Soybean based Soybean based Pearlmillet based Maize based nn-

s Rice based Rabi sorghum Pearlmillet basedRabi sorghum based basedGroundnut based Groundnut basedFingermillet based Maize based

Pearlmillet based

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;0= """"""'" =

A careful look at matrix laid out for Category II technologies suggests that most technologies didnot diffuse from ORPvillages to other villages because of lack of institutional and policy support.

Category IIITechnologies

16

Other Rice based Maize based Rabi sorghum based Maize based _n

practice Rabi sorghum basedsFM Groundnut based Maize based Groundnut based n- ----

Rice based Rice based

Rabi sorghum based Rabi sorghum basedMaize based Pearlmillet basedPearlmillet basedFingermillet basedSoybean based

INM Soybean based Soybean based --- Rice based _n

Groundnut basedRice based

WM Rice based n- Rice based _n- _n

ALU Rice based Rice based _n Rice based n

Rabi sorghum based Rabi sorghum Maize basedMaize based basedSoybean based Maize based

Soybean basedFS n- Groundnut based --- n- Finger

milletbased

CS Rabi sorghum based Fingermillet based Rabi sorghum based Rice based --Maize based Maize based Maize based Rabi sorghum based

Rice based Fingermillet based

Theme Support System

Institutional Policy Research Others

Refinement New Initiative

IMC Groundnut based Groundnut based Rice based Rice based Rabi sorghum

Maize based Rabi sorghum based Rabi sorghum based Rabi sorghum based

Fingermillet based Maize based based Maize based

Soybean based Fingermillet based Soybean based

RWM Groundnut based Groundnut based Groundnut based m _m

Maize based Rabi sorghum based

Pearlmillet based

Other m Maize based -- --- m

practices

FM -- -- Maize based m m

WM -- -- -- Maize based --

ALU Groundnut based Groundnut based Groundnut based Rabi sorghum Rice based

Rice based Rabi sorghum basedbased Pearlmillet

Maize based Maize based based

Pearl millet basedPearlmillet based

CS Rabi sorghum based -- Rice based Rabi sorghum m

basedRicebased

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.

.

.

.

.

Category IIItechnologies are perfect cases requiring refinement in order to be adoptedby farmers. Generally these need a re-look by the scientists keeping in view of thefarmer preferences and constraints. Hence, ORPneeds to bring them to the notice ofthe scientists working in AICRPDAmain center. This can be achieved by facilitating aface to face between Maincentre scientists and farmers. This will help providing directfeed back to research system.

Category IIItechnologies (see the matrix), also desire a greater policy and institutionalcommitment, particularly certain NRMtechnologies that involve investment in creationof physical assets for utilization of rainwater (water harvesting, recycling, farm ponds)etc in order for the them to diffuse on a large/community scale. Equally, efforts areneeded in research initiatives and refinements to the existing technologies in view ofaddressing changing scenario of rainfed agriculture in the respective domains.

The process of refinement and diffusion can be hastened for Category IIand IIItechnolo-gies by adopting participatory technology development process. The support requiredin terms of credit/input availability, knowledge/information would also help faster dif-fusion.

It can be summarily inferred that the reasons for non-adoption of NRMtechnologies aremore to do with lack of proper institutional and policy support and hence the solutionfor such problems does not lie in mere research. It also indicates that technology trans-fer in rainfed agroecosystem is not merely communicating the research outputs tofarmers, but a function of creating favorable policy and institutional environment inorder to facilitate higher adoption and wider diffusion. For instance, rainfed agriculturesuffers form shortage of labour. Since many of the NRMtechnologies like communitybased SWCmeasures are labour and energy intensive, institutions such as custom hiringcentres and policies like linking rural employment guarantee programmes with water-shed development activities would help faster uptake of technologies.

Most NRMtechnologies also need community approach for deriving tangible benefits.Therefore, there is need for arriving at community level consensus for adoption of suchtechnologies. Women self help groups (SHGs),Rytu Mitra Groups (RMGslike in AndhraPradesh) could play vital role in adoption.

3.4. Action Research PhaseAction Research at ORP,Solapur

The project reviewers suggested for adoption of one ORPfor implementing action research asproposed in the project. Based on the outcome of the technology adoption and diffusion analysisfor Sarole watershed (previous ORPvillage adopted by Solapur- presented in the following matri-ces) it was decided to conduct a participatory need assessment and develop and action plan forthe kharif/rabi 2007 as part of the action research process, as it was entering into a new village(Hanjagi).

17

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Analysis of Category IITechnologies for Sarole Watershed

IMC: In situ moisture conservation; RWM-Rainwater management; practices-time of sowing; CS- Cropping systems; FM- Farmmachinery;INM-lntegrated nutrient management; WM - Weed management; ALU- Alternate Land Use Systems; CS- Cropping Systems

Analysis of Category IIITechnologies for Sarole Watershed

IMC: In situ moisture conservation; RWM-Rainwater management; ALU- Alternate Land Use Systems; CS- CroppingSystems

Based on the output of the participatory need assessment inthe new ORPvillage i.e. Hanjagi, Akkalkot tehsil, Solapurdistrict and the experiences in technology diffusion in theprevious ORPvillage, an action plan was developed for imple-mentation at Hanjagi. Beinga rabi centre, ORPSolapur couldtake advantage of the output of brainstorming sessions heldin early 2006 and modify the technical programme for rabi2006. It introduced animal component in the farming systemand modified farm machinery interventions to suit local in-tercropping needs. Besides, as a follow up to the sensitiza-tion workshop the following activities were also initiated si-multaneously.

1. PRA,benchmark survey, biophysical resources sur-vey (transect analysis of soils vs. land uses), socio-economic survey

Technical programme implementation

Pre- season (khari! and rabi) Trainingsto farmers

2.

3.

18

w

tt

Brainstorming Sessions in progress

Theme Support SvstemInstitutional Policy Research

-'efine"meQt New InitiativeIMC r rRWM r r

Varieties r r

Other r rDracticesFM r rINM rWM rALU r rCS r r r

Theme ::.upporfSysfemInstitutional Policy Research Others

Refinement New Initiative

IMe r r r r

RWM rALU r res r r

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Takingadvantageof the developmentsas detailed above a two-daytechnicalworkshopon "Par-ticipatory Action Plan Development" was organized (8-9, February, 2007) at ORP,Solapur.

The objective of the Workshop was to prioritize issue for inclusion in the ensuing TechnicalProgramme. Farmers from the ORPvillage, scientists of ZonalAgricultural Research Station (ZARS),AICRPDA& ORP,Solapur, MPKV,AICRPon Safflower, CRIDAand line department officials partici-pated. Brainstorming, focused group discussions, village transect walk, and field visits chieflywere employed to get the desired output from the participants.

Brainstorming Sessions

A brief background of the project was shared with the participants and village elders were askedto present scenario of the village on the following lines.

. Agricultural scenario: Improving the productivityand crop diversification

. Prospects in dryland horticulture:

. Livestock: Challenges and opportunities

. Rural youth: Aspirations in agri entrepreneurship

Farmers were divided into four groups with two to threescientists facilitated discussion on the issues listed above.The focused discussion went on an hour while the facilita-tors summarized the discussion. After this, groups were dis-solved and the summary of the discussions was presentedto all the farmers by the facilitators for validation by theentire group.

Major issues from each groups however is summarized be-low.

. Soils are shallow and most fruit plantations likemango and pomegranate are turning out to be nonprofitable in later years as there is not enough wa-ter even for protective irrigation during dry sea-son.

Dueto depletion of groundwater/surface water re-sources, once flourishing sugarcane farming is nowrestricted to growingdryland crops such as sorghum,safflower and pearlmillet.

Due to some local issues the dairy cooperative so-ciety is not functioning any longer. In its absence,there isnomarketformilkand milkproducts. Manyare not interested in keeping crossbred cows or highyielding buffaloes. They however, prefer localPandherpuri breed of buffaloes, which are hardyand demand less fodder.

.

.

Focused Group Discussions inprogress

A View of the Village TransectWalk. Farmers are not sure if small ruminants could be

an alternative to dairying. There are some social issues in doing so as rearing small

19

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".";"'i"'.,.~~-

ruminants is considered to lower one's social status.

Rural youth is not averse to pursing a career in farming. However, they desire that theyneed to be facilitated with better training and institutional support.

On the second day issues identified by participatory situation analysis were included into the ORPtechnical programme.

In order to build the issues identified in participatory situ-ration analysis a brainstorming session was facilitated for the

scientists of ORP,AICRPDAand ZARS. The issueswere dis- Lcussed in detail keeping in view the biophysical and socio Ieconomic limitations in the ORPvillage. Based on the out-

come of the session, refining the issues and dovetailing of lthe technical programme of ORPfor 2007-08was facilitated.The details of the refined technical programme are as fol- Ilows.

.

. In situ moisture conservation practices to be in-cluded in all rainfed crops, as this is one of thepractices that are not only adopted by all the ORPfarmers, but also by other farmers.

As many fruit orchards (ber, pomegranate and tosome extent amla) have not succeeded due to shal-low soils and shortage of water for protective irri-gation, it was decided to include seasonal veg-etables and flowers as horticultural crops.

Inclusion of livestock in the technical programmewas one of the most discussed issues in the work-

shop. Keeping in view the present socio-economicand socio-political situations of Hanjagi, It was de-cided to address the issue as follows:

Scientists-farmers Meeting withother stakeholders at Main Centre,

Solapur

ft.'.".

.. I-.

~. '~t" .., ..!'.

...4,I(...r ~ ~!;i;1.

.

Situation 1: Increasing the productivity of the existing milk animals is to be ad-dressed by introducing better feed and health management practices.

Situation 2: Twofarmers will be assisted to adopt small ruminants with improvedmanagement practices while three existing goat/sheep farmers will be assisted toadopt improved feeding and health management practices.

The discussions and brainstorming sessions held as part of this workshop have resulted in a broaderunderstanding of the support system required for adoption of technologies on a wider scale. Thishas prompted thinking in terms of support system research through participatory action researchand refinement of technologies for up scaling in a wider area.

Action Plan for ORP,Solapur is given in Annexure III. It was decided that the technical programmewould be reviewed again after the inclusion of the interventions that have emerged out of theparticipatory process, with pre-kharif / rabi trainings, workshops, and meetings by the projectteam.

0

0

As a follow up to above proceedings, following some action research programmes wereimplemented at Hanjgi ORP,village.

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Participatory Technology Development Plan

1. Assessment of recommended improved sorghum cultivars on shallow, medium and deepsoils

Assessment of recommended of improved safflower cultivars on shallow, medium anddeep soils

Assessment of recommended of improved chickpea cultivars on shallow, medium anddeep soils

Effect of in situ moisture conservation practices

Response of rob; sorghum to fertilizer application

Assessment of recommended improved technology for dryland conditions for rob; sor-ghum and chickpea under

Performanceof evaluationof bullockdrawnCRIDAplanter.

Participatory varietal selection of improved genotypes of pearlmillet , pigeonpea andsunflower

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Response of peralmillet to fertilizer application on shallow soils

Response of sunflower to sulphur application

Assessment of recommended intercropping systems viz. sunflower + pigeonpea (6:3),pearlmillet + pigeonpea ( 2:1) and sequence croppingsystemsviz. blackgram- rob;sorghum, greengram- rob; sorghum and cowpea - robi sorghum.

Participatory Extension Plan

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Improved agrotechniques like seed treatment of rainfed crops

In situ moisture conservation practices in pigeonpea

Sowingwith CRIDAplanter and Solapur Shethi Yantra

Thinning in rainfed crops

Vermicomposting

Weeding in rainfed crops with cycle hoe

Livelihood activities

7. Introduction of backyard poultry ( 500 one day chicks of Giriraja birds) in collaborationwith animal husbandry department

Vaccination camps for animals in collaboration with animal husbandry department8.

Training programmes organized

1. Demonstrations of sowing with twobowl ferti-seed drill, bullock drawn Solapur Sheth;Yantro (in collaboration with Agriculture department, Zilla Parishad and ZARS,Solapur)and tractor drawn CRIDAplanter ( in collaboration with CRIDA).

Preseason trainings both in kharif and rabi ) in collaboration with ZARS,Solapur, NRConSorghum, AICRPon Safflower, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK),Solapur , animal husbandryand agriculture departments.

Goat rearing (Sheli Plan) in collaboration with animal husbandry department. And Zilla

2.

3.

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Parishad

Other outreach programmes

1. Organized Farmers- Scientists Shewar Pheri in ORPvillage where in scientists for ZARS,main center and MPKY,Rahuri and other ICARschemes in Solapur participated for on-farm assessment of performance of rainfed technologies, to get feed back from thefarmers.

Oragnized Field Dayon Performace of Chickpea and Safflower cultivars

Organized Exposure visit to farmers from the ORPvillage in Peek Parisanwad to MPKY,Rahuri at where in the live video conference was covered by Doordarshan, Mumbai.

WeeklyAgroadvisories were given in collaboration with AICRPon Agrometeorology cen-ter, Solapur, to the farmers by displaying the information on notice boards of GramPanchayat

Facilitated Diagnostic team visits by SMSduring crop season

2.

3.

4.

5.

Media Coverage

1. Many radio talks were delivered by ORP scientists on topics covering the aspects ofcultivation of summer groundnut, pigeonpea, perennial greenfodder-Lucerne, use ofbiofertilizers, INMin sorghum, etc.

News coverage in local papers viz. Sanchar, Pudhari, in Sakal, Lokmat, Agrowan aboutvarious activities of ORPand weekly agroadvisories, contingency plans etc.

2.

ORPcould establish and strengthen linkages with the following organizations/ institutionsetc.

22

I.td

1. AICRPDAMain Centre, for programme planning, implementation and monitoring in ORPvillage

ZARS,Solapur for programme planning, implementation, trainings and all out reachactivities.

Agriculture department, Solapur, for programme planning, implementation ,trainingsand all out reach activities.

2.

3.

4. Revenue department, Akkalokottahasil, for obtaining various schemes and programmesimplemented in the ORPvillage and also to obtain basic details of the ORPvillage.Programmes.

KrishiYigyanMandaI, Hanjgi for institutional set up for grounding ORPprogrammes.

Ground Water Department, Solapur for information on groundwater status in the ORPvillage.

NRCon Sorghumfor planning technical programme, for quality seed material, preseasontrainings and other outreach activities.

KYK,Solapur for planning technical programme, trainings and outreach programmes.

Department of animal husbandry for organizing animal health camps, training on goatrearing, backyard poultry etc.

Department of Sericulture for promoting sericulture and formed 5 member farmers'

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

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11.group for this.

Department of Social Forestry for implementing agroforestry programmes, supply ofplanting material for silvipasture trial.

Zilla Parishad, Solapur, for organizing seven day training on Goat rearing and other ORPactivities.

DRDA,Solapur for promoting buffalo dairy through SHGs,for facilitating implementa-tion of on-farm trials and demonstrations, trainings etc. in the village.

Central Egg Incubation Centre for providing chicks for backyard poultry.

NABRD,for financingpurchase of buffaloesand goats throughBankof Indiaand alsoadvancing loans for other activities.

Soalpur District Cooperative Bank, for transfer of dryland technologies and facilitatingorganization of Kesharmati Abhiyan in Akkalkot where in the farmers of ORPinteractedwith other farmers for sharing experiences and cross learnings.

Siddeshwara Yatra Committee, Solapur, NGO,for organizing exhibition of dryland tech-nologies

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Capacity building: A Continuous ProcessAs per the approved the technical program and also aspart of the ongoing capacity building initiative in thisproject, a Three day Technical Workshop" Action Re-search, Impact analysis and Participatory TechnologyAs-sessment" was held (1-3 March 2007) at CRIDA,Hyderabad. Scientists from ORPs participated in theworkshop. Besides these, invited excerpts and Direc-tor, CRIDA,expert facilitator, Coordinators of AICRPDAand AICRPAMand Heads of Divisionsand select scien-tists of CRIDAparticipated.

The workshop was organized with the following objectives.

. To impart the knowledge of participatory processes and action researchTo share the experiences of participatory action plan development at Solapur

To analyze technology adoption and diffusion processes in terms of+ support systems.Methodology

The experiencesof WASSAN(an NGOfrom Hyderbad)workingwith several grassroot NGOs,onaction research particularly on backyard poultry, was discussed. Followed by experiences of NGOworking on participatory groundwater management was discussed on participatory assessmenttechniques.

The responses of ORPscientists to a questionnaire to understand ORPscientists' understanding ofthe current perspectives and future prospects of ORPswere discussed. Followed by this the ORPscientists presented the list of technologies that were ready for upscaling without any policysupport and those that require refinement through participatory technology development (PTD).

There was also a discussion on the role of ORPsin Weather based AgroAdvisoryServices (AAVs)to

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the local farming community and in giving feedback to the main center/agromet center on tradi-tional wisdom of the local farming community in drought coping strategies.

Outcome

Major decisions taken for future course of action.

Category III technologies that are neither adopted by ORP farmers nor disseminated toother farmers need to be brought to the notice of the scientists working in AICRPDAmaincenter. This can be achieved by facilitating a face to face between ORPscientists andfarmers. This will help providing direct feed back to the scientists.

It is necessary to examine the kind of support required for encouraging adoption ofCategory I and II technologies. This will help formulate research on support system forwhich policy needs to be developed.

Participatory technology development plan needs to be developed for Category IIand IIItechnologies in order to hasten their adoption. The support required for this may be inthe form of credit/input availability, knowledge/information and social conditions.

Research on Category I technologies may be continued by incorporating the learning'sacquired in the process of adoption. The technologies that require group support, forinstance, certain NRMtechnologies; and those that require financial support may betried in different milieu. For example such technologies may be tried in villages withindividuals and with SHGsupport.

Research on indigenous soil fertility management may be attended to document howthe farming community has been managing the soils over the past years. Asa part of thisenlist about 15 non-chemical/organic practices. Further enquire if they are still in

practice. If yes, find reasons/conditions. Similarly,such practices are no longer contin-ued find reasons for it. Further try listing all such soil health improvement practicesthat have been discontinued due to labour shortage.

Under policy research on support system try finding answer to the following questions

0 which kind of community organizations are ideal for up scaling Category I tech-nologies, whether SHGs,Co-operative societies or RMGs.

Which type of financial incentive is required for adoption and retention of Cat-egory I and II technologies, whether revolving funds, bank loans or contributoryapproach.

Whether the technologies that are not being adopted for want of labour would

be adopted if and only labour was made available?

There is a need to think about such technologies that emerge out of informal researchand document the outcome of such research.

Prepare a list of technologies that can be diffused without any policy research and thosethat require policy support.

The following activities were finalized.

Asa follow up six ORPsviz., Anathapur, Arjia,BallowalSaunkhri, Hisar, Indore and Ranchiselected new sites based on the guidelines developed (Annexure IV) and provided toORPs.

.

.

.

.

.

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Scientists identified two Technologies for up scaling and two technologies for Participa-tory Technology Development.

TwoTrainingModulesdesigned for the capacity building of the scientists of ORPsand MainCentresviz. Module-/ (Ten days): Benchmark Survey, PRAtools, Impact Analysis and Farming SystemsAnalysisand Module-II (7 Days): ICTmediated content generation and management

The activity milestone for the third year is evaluation phase wherein the project is continuouslymonitored over the entire period of the project, as this is an important element of action re-search. Independent evaluation teams are finalized and final workshops will be conducted toprepare a work plan for upscaling project findings.

.

3.4a. Action Research Phase -A Continuous ProcessOnce the capacity buiding programme began, the action research phase also started simulta-neously. Duringthis phase, participatory research and extension plans were grounded in the fieldsin ORPs.

3.4a.1. Action Research at ORP,Anantapur

In order to initiate action research at ORP,Anantapur, a Two day Workshop on "Development ofParticipatory Action Plan and Strategies for TechnologyUpscaling", ORPAnantapur was organized (20-21, June2007) just before beginning of kharif season. As decidedin earlier a new site viz. A.K.Agraharam National water-shed, Eguvapalli village, was adopted for ORPactivities,Garledinne Mandal, Anatapur district. Proceedings of thefirst day of the workshop were held at ORP villageEguvapalli,Garladinne Mandal,Anantapur district with theobjective of identifying issues and prioritize the same foraction research. Participants included farmers from theORPvillage, scientists of ARS,Anantapur (AICRPDA,AICRPon Millets, Soil and Water Conservation scheme, AICRPonArid Horticulture, NARP,State Plan), ORP, scientists/officers representing KVK,DAATTC,State Department of Agriculture, Project Director(ATMA),Com-munity Coordinator, V.O(Federation of SHGs)and representatives of NGO(RIDS).

The methodology involved was brainstorming and focused group discussions to obtain desiredoutput from the participants. Abrief background of the project was shared with the participantsand village elders were requested to present the agriculture scenario of the village in the past andpresent. Initial brainstorming session brought out the general issues of low productivity of crops/sometimes failures, lack of timely supply of inputs, particularly seeds, no crop insurance, need forrain water management for crops, animals and drinking water, credit support for livestock farmingetc. In order to facilitate focused interaction, farmers were divided in to five focused groups viz.rainfed agriculture (black soils and red soils), water management (bore well irrigated/canal irri-gated), livestock/dairy and landless labourers. Other off farm economic activities. A scientistbesides several other scientists participating in them facilitated each group. The focused groupinteractions were continued for an hour during which the facilitator noted the points that emergedduring the discussion. After the interactions, all the groups were reassembled and the facilitatorof each group presented the outcome to the entire group.

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Outcome

The outcome from each group is presented below.

Group I: Rainfed Agriculture

Suggestionsfrom farmers for increasing productivity and cost reduction

1. Cost reduction in cultivation, particularly, in weed control

2. Need drought tolerant varieties

3. Seed availability is a common problem

Group II: Water management (Borewell +canal irrigation)/Dryland Horticulture

1. There was a common agreement for social regulation in ground water management inrespect of borewell water sharing with set norms between the donor and the benefi-ciary.

Rainwater harvesting for recharging dried open wells.

Farmers wanted an exposure visit to a village where social regulation process for ground-water management is in place.

2.

3.

Group III: Livestock

1. Primary requirement is for the establishment/starting of a milk collection center. Thiswill create/force the farmers for profitable dairying, availing subsidized concentratesupplement from APDDCFetc.

There is a need for a regular animal health care through regular visits of a veterinarianor either through a local trained Gopalmitra (a trained rural youth for live stock care forvaccination, first aid and artificial insemination).

Regular fodder supply mechanism is needed either through cultivation, preservation andeffective utilization (chopping) in the village itself under borewells or through PPR/CPRdevelopment (through SHGs)/ development of horti.pastoral system.

Upgradation of the local with Murrah breed for higher milk yield.

ntroduction of developed breeds like Vanaraja, Giriraja, Gramapriya for higher meatand egg production from backyard poultry.

Need based supplementation for both large and small ruminants for better productivity(milk and off-springs)

Institutional and policy support for livestock procurement (loans), subsidy for concen-trated mixture from APDDCF.

2.

3.

4.5.

6.

7.

Group IV: Landless labourers

26

1. This group mainly represented by the women. Most of them are also the members of

SHGsand engage in NREGPactivities but remain idle for 4 months in a year. Get loansfrom SHGsand buy sheep etc., Interested in income generating activities like vermi.composting, neem plantation for neem seed collection (which in future can be suppliedto a neem seed extraction factory in near by town), value addition to the agriculturalproduce like dal chakki etc.,

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Group V: Non agricultural enterprises

16 SHGsare activelyoperatingin the village.The memberwomenengagein multipleoff-farm employment activities like tailoring, weaving etc.

The women expressed some needs for improving tailoring activity like machine tailoringfor fast working, cutting design technology, embroidery and repairs training, regular andhigh payments in every season, good marketing. They also suggested for a Trainingcen-ter to educate girls in the village, formation of a Cooperative society and shop mainte-nance at Pamidi, a near by town.

The discussions were followed by visit to Miduthuru village, Pedda Vaduguru MandaI Anatapurdistrict, where an SHGwas thriving due to microfinancing. The group also visited Madirepallivillage, Shanganamala MandaI, Anantapur district, to study social regulation of groundwaterusage.

1.

2.

On the second day of workshop, a brainstorming was organized wherein issues identified byparticipatory situation analysis were included into the ORPtechnical programme through a con-sortium process. with involvements of all the stakeholdersand further to develop an action plan for ORP,Anantapur.Scientists from CRIDA, AICRPDA, ORP, AICRP on Millets, AICRP

on Arid Horticulture, SWCscheme, NARP,State plan and offi-cials from Project Director (ATMA),KVK,Anantapur, DAATTC,Anantapur, State Agriculture Department and NGO's viz., RDT,RIDSparticipated. The proceedings of this workshop is givenin Annexure V.

OutcomeDiscussionson Partcipatory Action

The deliberations were mainly on the various technologies Plan for ORPat ARS,Anantapurthat were ready for transfer matching microfarming situa-tions (K-6,91114,farmpond, amla, custard apple, CO1 grassfor fodder, mechanicalseed drill,mechanical intercultivation, sub surface drip irrigation to mango etc.,) and technologies forupscaling by ORPviz. small seed in groundnut, soil test based fertilizer application in groundnut,rainwater harvesting and reuse through farm pond technology, dryland mechanization throughmechanical seed drill, improved package of practices for groundnut and intercropping of ground-nut with pigeonpea. There was mixed response from the group about the adoption or possibility ofadoption of above discussed technologies in the recommendation domain. However,it was felt bythe group that in a convergence and consortium mode, there is a large scope for not only upscalingor scaling out rainfed technologies, but there is a huge scope for strengthening capacities of ORPs.

Other suggestions were:

After the field visits to two villages adopted by NGOs,it was felt to document usefultechnologies/ experiences generated by other sources / institutions for policy research

2. Social regulation in ground water exploitation

3. Social regulation in Biomassexploitation (overgrazing in common lands)

4. Experience of Village Organizations (V.Os)

Further for the capacity building of ORPs, 50%ORPactivities should focus on assessment andrefinement of existing technologies matching various microfarming situations for farming system

1.

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research, rainwater management and seed village concept etc.,

Documentation of technology adoption and diffusion of the groundnut varieties intro-duced two years back in two villagesnear to ORPvillages.

In the ORPvillage, support system and policy research on chemical farming vs simpleorganic farming where in organic manure is to be produced at village level. Labour forthis purpose may be used from National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).Incentives for labour oriented operations may be deliberated with district collector.

The Action plan for ORP,Anantapur with the envisaged programmes under participatory technol-ogy development, technology upscaling and other activity was development (Annexure IV).

.

.

Participatory Technology Development

1.

2.Suitability of small seed technology for different land capabilities in the ORPvillage.

Amelioration of drought through application of supplemental irrigation to groundnutharvested in a farm pond

Performanceof mechanical seed drill for different land capabilityclasses in watershedarea, maintenanceof optimumplant populationby usingmechanicalseed drill.

Mechanization in groundnut

3.

Participatory Extension Plan

4.

Trainings

Linkages

28

1.

2.

3.

Improveddryland practices in groundnut

Mechanization in groundnut

Soil test based nutrient management in groundnut

1. Preseason trainings were organized for sensitizing the farmers about improved drylandpractices

1. Strengthened linkages with AICRPDAmain center and Agriculture Research Station,Rekulakunta, ANGRAUfor programme planning, implementation and monitoring.

Watershed development programmes through State line departments like District WaterManagement Agency (DWMA), District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)etc.,

Watershed development programmes through State line departments like District WaterManagement Agency (DWMA), District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)etc.,

For popularizing seed village concept through ATMAand Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Farmers Field Schoolsand diagnostic field visits through District Agriculture and Transferof Technology Centre.

Capacity building through KVK

Milkcollection center through State Dairy Federation.

State Agriculture Department for inputs procurement particularly groundnut seed, par-ticipation in Raitu Chaitanya Yatra and other agriculture development campaignprogramme sin the district.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

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9.

10.

11.

Established linkage with NREGSprogramme for NRMactivities in the village.

Linkage with Animal Husbandry department for promoting goat rearing.

Developed strong linkage with Village Organizer, SHGsfor capacity building of ruralwomen.

3.4a.2. Action Research at ORP,Arjia

In order to initiate action research at ORP,Arjia, a Two Day Technical Workshop on "De-velopment of Participatory Action Plan and Strategies for Technology Upscaling" was organized(24-25 October, 2007).

Proceedings of the first day of the workshop were held at new ORPvillage i.e. Kochariya, TehsilSuwana, and District Bhilwara district with the objective of identifying issues and prioritize thesame for action research. Farmers from the ORPvillage, sci-entists of DFRS,Arjia ORP,scientists/officers representingKVK,State Department of Agriculture, ATMA,AD(DRDA),AD(Horticulture) NGOlike BAIFparticipated. Methodologycom-prised of brainstorming and focused group discussions werechiefly employed to get the desired output from the partici-pants.

A brief background of the project was shared with theparticipants and village elders were requested to presentthe agriculture scenario of the village in the past and present.Initial brainstorming session brought out the general issuesof low productivity of crops/sometimes failures, lackof timelysupplyof inputs, particularlyseeds, no cropinsurance,needfor rain water management for cops, animals and drinking

I

I

water, credit support for horticulture plants, improved ani- ~mal and irrigation methods.

In order to facilitate focused interaction, farmers were di- IIvided in to five focused groups. viz. rainfed agriculture (blacksoils and red soils), water management (bore well irrigated/canal irrigated), livestock/dairy and landless labourers. Otheroff farm economic activities. Each group was facilitated bya scientist besides several other scientists participating in them. The focused group interactionswere continued for an hour during which the facilitator noted the points that emerged during thediscussion. After the interactions, all the groups were reassembled and the facilitator of eachgroup presented the outcome to the entire group.

Discussions on Development ofParticipatory Action Plan

at Kochariya village, Arjia

Outcome

Group I : Rainfed Agriculture

1. Labourcost reductionin weed control with improvedimplements.

2. Demonstration of in-situ/ ex-situ rainwater conservation techniques.

3. Need drought tolerant varieties.

4. Improvement in nadi system for rainwater harvesting and reuse.

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I"""""""

5. Need training and exposure visits in enriched compost making.

6. Need Custom hiring services for improved implements.

7. Knowledge on developing silvipastoral systems.

Group II:Water management

1. Improving and maintaining the existing Nadi systemsfor rainwater harvesting and reuse.

2. Water scarcity in bore wells: Adopting sprinkler drip irrigation under borewells in groundnutand vegetable crops. Five sprinkler set exist in the village.

3. Recharging of well by improving instruments of rainwater demonstration.

Group III: Livestock

Primary requirement is for the establishment/starting of a milk collection center.These will create/force the farmers for profitable dairying.

There should be a regular animal health care through regular visits of a veterinar-ian or either through a local trained Gopalmitra (a trained rural youth for livestock care for vaccination, first aid and artificial insemination).

Upgradation of the local non-descript breeds for higher milk yield. Introduction ofdeveloped breeds like introduction of Jersey, Hoelstein in cattle, Gir EtMurrah inbuffalo and Jamnapuri EtSirohi in goat.

Need based supplementation for both large and small ruminants for better productivity(milk and off-springs)

Institutional and policy support fortrated mixture through ATMA.

Group IV: Horticulture

Big farmers can adopt fruit planting and inter-cultivation of vegetable with some finan-cial support on fencing and tube well establishment.

3-4 year gestation period in fruit plantation also puts the economic burden on farmers(BAIF).

Exposure visit and trainings about nursery and fruit cultivation through drip can help toadopt the fruit-based farming systems(KVK).

Group V: Off-farm activities and women in agriculture

. Since above mentioned activities generate ample income through off- farm employ-ment, ORPscientists along with KVKand ATMAmay facilitate for formation of the womenSHG's and may explore other supportive mechanisms the already exist and operatedthrough various schemes in the district.

The women expressed some needs for improving tailoring activity like machine tailoringfor fast working, Cutting design technology, embroidery and repairs training in everyseason. They also suggested for a Training center to educate girls in the village.

A brain storming sessionwas organized on day two, to include issues identified by participatorysituation analysis into the ORPtechnical programme and initiation of a consortium model withinvolvement of all the stakeholders and further developing action plan for ORP,Arjia. Scientists

from CRIDA,main center, ORP and Dryfarming Research Station, KVK, Bhilwara, officials fromProject Director (ATMA)and DRDA,State Agriculture Department, Dept. of Animal Husbandry and

1.

2.

3.

.

. livestock procurement (loans), SHG'sfor concen-

.

.

.

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Outcome

The deliberations were mainly on the various technologies developed at Main center and dissemi-nated through ORP,ATMA, NGO'slike BAIF,FESand other agenciesviz. ridgingafter sowinginmaize, groundnut+sesame intercropping, gram + mustard intercropping, maize + blackgram inter-cropping maize substitution during delayed onset of monsoon, arjia wheel hoe, rainwater man-agement, livestock/dairy and bio-diverse farming systemsetc.There was mixed response from the group about the adop-tion or possibility of adoption of above discussed technolo-gies in the recommendation domain. However, it was felt bythe group that in a convergence and consortium mode, thereis a large scope for not only upscaling or scaling out rainfedtechnologies, but there is a huge scope for strengtheningcapacities of ORPs.

Useful Technologies/experiences generated by othersources / institutions for policy research.

1. Social regulation in ground water exploitation

2. Social regulation in Biomassexploitation (overgraz-ing in common lands)

Documentation of technology adoption and diffu-sion of the maize, groundnut and pigeonpea vari-eties introduced two year back in two villages nearto ORPvillages.

In the ORPvillage, support system and policy re-search on chemical farming v/s simple organic farm-ing where in organic manure is to be produced atvillage level. Incentives for labour oriented operations may be deliberated with districtcollector.

3.

4.Participatory Action Plan and

Strategies for Technology Upscalingat Main Centre, Arjia

The financial requirement for some of the operations need in the new ORPvillage may be envis-aged through ongoing programmes under ATMA.

Priorities of work for ORP,Arjia and AICRPDAMain Centre, Arjia is given below.

I. On-farm participatory ResearchlTechnology Assessment and refinement

. Assessmentand refinement of improved technologies developed at DFRS,Arjia matchingvarying micro-farming situations.

Testing of new technologies developed by other eminent institutions..II. Coordinated Programmes with DFRS,KVK, SDA, NGOs,VOetc., on Upscaling of Technologies

. Seed village concept

. Non-Pesticidal Management.. Fodder trees establishment in CPRS / PPRs

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Introduction of developed breeds like Gir, Jersey, and Holstein in cattle, Murrah & Suratiin buffalo Sonadi sheep, Jamanapari & Sirohi in goat.

Training in orchard management and grafting techniques through KVK& SDA.

ORP scientists along with Agriculture Supervisor & officials of ATMAand Zilla Parishadmay facilitate for formation of the societies and may explore other supportive mecha-nisms the already exist and operated through various schemes in the district.

The action plan for ORP,Arjia, with the envisaged programmes under participatory technologydevelopment, technology upscaling and other activities was developed and given in Annexure VIII.As part of action research the following were the some of the activities undertaken during theyear.

Participatory Technology Development

1. Participatory evaluation of maize, sorghum and horsegram varieties.

2. Utilization of harvested rainwater for maize + blackgram, groundnut + pigeonpea, maize

+ pigeonpea, groundnut + sesame intercropping systems.

INM in maize, P management in groundnut.

Cropping and farming systems trials in 9 farmers' fields having variability in land andincome resources.

Mechanization of intercultural with Arjia wheel hoe and sowing operations with Arjiatwo row seed drill.

.

3.

4.

5.

MoRD, GOI sponsored Farmers' Participatory Action Research on tank silt application ingroundnut+sesame and maize.

7. Effectof thioureasprayongrainandstraw of wheat, a collaborativeproject with ATMA.

Participatory Extension Plan

1. Improved dryland practices in sesame cv. RT-46and blackgram cv. T-9, Arjia wheel hoe

2. Sowing with Arjia two row seed drill.

3. Ploughing and sowing with rota-til-drill.

4. Improved methods of animal stall feeding in collaboration with ATMA.

5. Spray of thiourea (0.05%) in wheat at tillering.

6. Interculture through. Arjia wheel hoe.

7. Front line demonstrations on horsegram improved cultivars.

Trainings organized

1. Preseason trainings on improved dryland technologies

2. Two day on-campus training at Dry farming Research Station, Arjia, for ORPfarmers tosensitize about improved dryland technologies.

Field IFarmers' Days organized

1. Field Dayson Varietal trials, INMin maize+ balckgram intercropping

2. Field Day on application of thiourea in wheat

Linkagesestablished for strengthening ORPactivities through coordinated programmes with DFRS,KVK, Department of agriculture, animal husbandry NGOs,Zilla Parishad etc., for up scaling of

6.

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technologies

1. Seed village concept

2. Development and efficient utilization of ground level resource

3. Non pesticidal management

4. Fodder production under limited borewell supported micro irrigation

5. CPRS/ PPRs- Silvipastoraldevelopment

6. Introduction of developed breeds of cattle, goat

7. Animal health management

8. Promotion of value addition activities viz., Raub in maize, dal/mangodi in blackgram

3.4a.3. Action Research at ORP,Ranchi

In order to initiate action research at ORP,Ranchi, a oneday brainstorming session was organized (28August2007)at ORP,Ranchi. Brainstorming session was organized atORPcluster, Rarha, Ranchi district with the objective of :

identifying issues and prioritize the same for action re-search. Farmers from the ORP village, Director of Re-search, BAU, Dean, Agriculture, BAUProject Director,SAMETI,scientists from AICRPDAmain center and ORP,Ranchi, BAU,Ranchiand CRIDA,officers representing KVK,state department of agriculture and horticulture, NGOlike Ramakrishna Mission, participated.

A brief background of the project was narrated followedby discussion and interaction with the help of village re-source map of cluster villages. Director of Research also emphasized to categorize the problemsof rainfed farming. Details of the proceedings are given in Annexure IX.

Outcome

.."...

...It

Brainstorming Session in progressat Rarha village, Ranchi

1. Rainwater harvesting is the top most priority in upland, medium land and low landsituations.

Double cropping options in medium lands through better utilization of residual mois-ture.

2.

Integrated farming systems linking crop - animal - vegetable components

Soilconservationmeasures in slopycultivable land (5-8%slope). They interacted forcontrol measures to be demonstrated.

Measures to combat stray cattle menace.

Alternate land use system to utilize wasteland and to reduce loss of forest trees forfirewood consumption and due to sale of firewood for money fetching in local market.

7. Documentation of traditional farming systems.

During field visits to cluster villages viz. Ratna Tanr, Pipra Jarha and Jammu tola. It was felt tofocus on address liming in pulses in uplands and exposure visit to Forest Research Station at Rarha

3.

4.

5.

6.

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for discussionwith NGOandSAMETI.

Theactionplan for ORP,Ranchi,with the envisagedprogrammesunder participatorytechnologydevelopment, technology upscaling and other activities was developed and given in Annexure X.

Participatory Technology Development

1. Upland rice evaluation of upland varieties on farmers input level

2. Vegetable- Fallow-

3. Early-Pea/Cole crops/Tomato; Tomato/ Colocasia- Brinjal / Pea / Tomato

4. Alleycroppingwith Subabulfor (onbunds)- Rice/ Fingermillet (Transplanted) / Maize/balckgram/ pigeonpea

5. Rice based cropping system

6. Rice based farming systems - vegetables - goat rearing/ backyard poultry/ piggery

7. In low lands, water harvesting structure/ Rice-rice + duck/fish

Participatory Extension Plan

1. Rain water management - Field bund stabilization

2. Pigeonpea based cropping system

Training

1. Pre-season trainings

2. Parthenium Awareness Week

3. Agriculture and horticulture crops

4. Spices cultivation

Farmers Day

Agro-Tech KisanMela

3.4aA. Action Research at ORP, Indore

Asper the guidelines, a new ORPsite i.e. Panod village, Indore district, was selected foraction research. PRAand benchmark survey was conducted. (Details of participatory rural ap-praisal is given in Annexure XI). The ORPscientists along with Main center scientists, scientistsfrom other AICRPschemes and officials from state line departments, particularly watershed de-partment, agriculture, organized brainstorming sessions for Development of Participatory ActionPlan and Strategies for Technology Upscaling. Action plan for ORP, Indore, is given in Annexure XII

The major problems identified were

1. Lowwater table

2. Poor irrigation facilities3. Lackof soil and water conservation measures

4. Lowsoil fertility5. Imbalanced use of fertilizer

6. Monocroppingof soybean

7. Longduration varieties of rainfed cropsPotentials identified were

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Highrun off potential whichcan be stored and recycledHigh productive deep black soils

Topographic features are conducive for creation of structures like percolation tanks/farm ponds, for storage of rainwater

Dryland horticulture

DevelopingFarmingsystems modules integrating cropping (soybean, pigeonpea, chickpeaetc.) with dryland horticulture (ber, drumstick, pomegranate, mango, tamarind), dairy,goat rearing, sheep rearing, poultry, pisciculture, floriculture (marigold, Chrysnathemum),vegetables (potato, chillies,brinjal)

Participatory Technology Development

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

3.

4.Soil and water conservation measures

Development of water harvesting structures viz. tank/sunken tanks for rainwater har-vesting and reuse for higher productivity of rainfed crops

Rainwater management through economically feasible water harvesting tanks in blacksoils

5.

6. Participatory varietal selection in chickpea and soybean

7. Sulphur application in soybean

8. INMin soybean

Participatory Extension Plan

1. Chickpea cv. Vishal

2. Recyclingof harvested rainwater through farm ponds

Trainings organized

1. Preseason trainings for farmers of ORP

2. For officers of state agriculture department, DANIDAfield staff, field workers,MandiBoard,

3. Participants of KrishakPrashikshan Kendra on soil conservation measures

Linkages developed

1. AICRPDAMain Centre for programme planning, implementation and monitoring in ORP

2. State line departments for soil and water conservation measures, water harvesting struc-tures (percolation tanks/farm ponds)

AICRPon Chickpea, Kanpur for FLDson chickpea through CRIDA3.

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3. 5. Evaluation PhaseIn continuation to action research initiated at ORPVillageHanjagi and as a part of the evaluation phase a follow upprogramme to evaluate the action research at Hanjagi wasorganized at ORPSolapur (August7-8, 2007). Scientists frommain center and ORP,ZARS,Solapur, CRIDA,NRCon pome-granate, NRCon sorghum and officials from state Line de-partments, NGOs,NABARD,KVKand farmers of ORPvillageparticipated. The details are presented below.

Field visits were made by the scientists from CRIDA,ZARSscientists and farmers to observe the participatory technol-ogy development process on-with on- farm trials initiated aspart of action research at ORP village, Hanjagi, Taluka.Akkalkot, Solapur district. The trials were on intercropping,sequence cropping, participatory varietal evaluation, andbalanced nutrition in pearlmillet, in-situ moisture conserva-tion and performance of crops sownwith SolapurSheti Yantra.The farmers were apprised of the importance of weatherbased crop management, relevance and the access to weeklyagro-advisories.

A meeting was organized at AICRPDAMain center,Solapur to review the progress on action research at ORPand furthering the programmes by developing linkages withthe institutions engaged in research and or development inrainfed agriculture. The deliberations were encouraging wherein the various stakeholders viz. scientists of CRIDA,ZARSSolapur, NRCSorghum, NRCPomegranate, KVK,officials fromdepartment of agriculture, social forestry, animal husbandry,NABARD,State Bankof India, NGOsand farmers from Hanjagivillage and farmers from Hanjagi village agreed up on to workin a convergence mode in sharing not only the experiences ~valuationof Actionresearch bypnmary and secondarystakeholdersbut in implementing NRMprogrammes in ORPvillage, inputsupply (seed, fertilizer, plant material for nursery raising forestablishing agroforestry systems, financial help, supply of farm implements, capacity buildingetc.

Evaluation of Action research atHanjagi village, Solapur

Officialssuggested the farming community to take advantage of various schemes implemented bythe government, to avail loan facility for land development/far machinery, livestock/ dairy etc.,social forestry programmes, developing silvi-pastures, animal health care facility like vaccinationcamps, goats and poultry rearing etc.,

In view of the above suggestions, the technical program of ORPwas further strength-ened. The following programmes were implemented during the year would continue for morefocus at Hanjg\ ORP,village.

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Participatory Technology Development Plan

1. Assessment of recommended improved sorghum, saf-flower and chickpea cultivars of improved chickpeacultivars on shallow, medium and deep soilsEffect of in situ moisture conservation practicesAssessment of recommended improved technology fordryland conditions for robi sorghum and chickpea.Performanceof evaluation of bullockdrawn CRIDAplanter.Participatory varietal selection of improved genotypesof pearlmillet, pigeonpea and sunflowerResponse of peralmillet to potassium in shallow soilsResponse of sunflower to sulphur applicationAssessment of recommended intercropping systemsviz. sunflower + pigeon pea (6:3), pearlmillet +

pigeonpea (2:1) and sequence cropping systems viz.blackgram - robi sorghum, greengram- robi sorghumand cowpea - rabi sorghum.Silvipasturesystem (Glyricidiafor green manuring+subabul for fodder and timber + grasses for fodder +

annual crops)

Duringthe process of participatory technology development aspart of action research, the followings refinements were givento the main center.

2.3.

4.

5.

6.7.8.

9.

Sunflower+pigeonpea intercropping

Response of K application in pearlmillet

Assessment of CPRsforsilvipasture systems

Byconsidering the uncertainty in rainfall, it was feltnecessary to identify suitable sowing windows for recommended intercropping systemsviz. sunflower+ pigeonpea, pearlmillet+pigeonpea

To evaluate the new varieties of sunflower, pigeonpea, pearlmillet fitting in to abovetwo intercropping systems.

There was a need to modify cycle hoe for weeding suitable differently row spaced crops.

Since the farmers were adopting only two hoeings i.e. at 4thand 8thweek after sowing, inrobi sorghum, the need was felt to explore the possibility and verify whether any feasi-bility and impact of introducing first hoeing at 3rdweek after sowing.

5. Needmodificationto CRIDAplanter suitable for sowingof robicrops.

Participatory Extension Plan

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. Improved agrotechniques in rainfed crops both inkharif and rabi.

Insiu moisture conservation practices in pigeonpea.2.

3.

4.

5.

Sowing with CRIDAplanter and Solapur Shethi Yantra

Vermicomposting

Weeding in rainfed crops with cycle hoe

Sowing with Solapur Sheti Yantra

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In-situ moisture conservationin pigeonpea

Seed treatment in rainfed crops Sowing with Tractor drawnCRIDAplanter

Livelihood activities

1.

2.Focus on backyard poultry was continued with sensitization on quality nutrition of birds.

Deworming, vaccination and infertility camps for animals in collaboration.

Introduction of backyard poultryTraining programmes organized

1. Demonstrations of sowing with two-bowl ferti-seed drill, bullock drawn Solapur ShethiYantra and tractor drawn CRIDAplanter..

Preseason trainings both in kharif and rabi.

Goat rearing

2.

3.

Preseason trainings Training on Goat rearing

Other out reach programmes

. Organized Farmers- Scientists Shewar Pheri in ORPvillage

. Oragnized Field Dayon Performance of Chickpea andSafflower cultivars

38

. WeeklyAgroadvisorieswere given in collaboration withAICRPon Agrometeorologycenter, Solapur, to the farm-ers by displaying the information on notice boards of

Gram Panchayat

Facilitated Diagnostic team visits by SMSduring cropseason

Infertility camps for buffaloes

1.Infertility camp for buffaloes

2.

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Media Coverage

1. Manyradio talks were delivered by ORPscientists on topics covering dryland technolo-gies, improved practices in rainfed crops etc.

News coverage in local papers viz. Sanchar, Pudhari, in Sakal, Lokmat, Agrowanaboutvarious activities of ORPand weekly agroadvisories, contingency plans etc.

ORPfurther strengthened linkages with the following organizations! institutions etc.

1. AICRPDAMainCentre, for programme planning, implementation and monitoring in ORPvillage

ZARS,Solapur for programme planning, implementation, trainings and all out reachactivities.

Agriculture department, Solapur, for programme planning, implementation, trainingsand all out reach activities.

KrishiVegan Mandai, Hanjgi for all the programmes initiated in the ORPvillage.GSDA,Solapur for information on groundwater status in the ORPvillage.

NRCon Sorghumfor planning technical programme, for quality seed material, preseasontrainings and other outreach activities.

KVK,Solapur for planning technical programme, trainings and outreach programmes.Department of animal husbandry for organizing animal health camps, training on goatrearing, backyard poultry etc.

Department of Sericulture for promoting sericulture.

Department of Social Forestry for implementing agroforestry programmes, supply ofplanting material for silvipasture trial.

Zilla Parishad, Solapur, for organizing seven day training on Goat rearing and other ORPactivities.

DRDA,Solapur for promoting buffalo dairy through SHGs,for facilitating implementa-tion of on-farm trials and demonstrations, trainings etc. in the village.

13. NABRD,for financialassistanceto promote livestockbased farming.The project was continuously monitored during its period. However, to know the impact of theinterventions made during the project a specially designed questionnaire was circulated to all theORPcenters and ffedback was obtained.

The project wascontinuouslymonitoredits period. However,to knowthe impackof the interven-tions made during the project a specially designed questionnaire was circulated to all the ORPcenters and feedback was obtained. All the centers agreed that the interventions helped to im-prove the linkage between the AICRPDAmain center and ORPs.Several measures were undertaken

by ORPand main centers to bring about convergence with line departments, community basedorganizations.Thishelpedto improvethe visibilityof the workgoingon in ORPsandAICRPDAmaincenters. Followingthis a host of organization working for framers were involved in various stagesof programme implementation (TableA). This was a major shift in the approach followed by boththe ORPsand AICRPDAmain centers. The ORPsbegan to increasingly adopt participative measuresin planning process. This also helped in better implementation of the plan. Moreand more capac-ity building programmes and stakeholder engagement initiatives were taken up across the ORPcenters. ORPcenters addressed the necessity of diversity better by integrating livestock andhorticulture with cropping.

2.

2.

3.

4.5.6.

7.8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

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Table-A

40

CBO/lnstltute Programmeplanmng ImphmentatlOn EvaluafiOn Lapadty Any otherbuilding of activity,sp

" farmers ecifvSelf help HIS,SQL,ATP,BLR HIS,SQL,ATP,BLR HIS HIS,RAN Villagegroups cleaning

(RAN),seedmultiplication (ATP)

Village SQL,BLR,ARG SQL,ARG ARGorganization-federation ofself helpgroups atvillagelevel(vos)Panchayatraj HIS,BS,ARG HIS,BS,ARG HIS,ARG HIS,ARGinstitutes(PRls)Depart of HIS,SOL,RAN,IND,ATPHIS,SOL,RAN,IND,ATPHIS,SQL,ARG HIS,SQL,RAAgriculture ,BLR,ARG, ,ARG, N,IND,ARGDepart of HIS,SQL,IND,ATP,BLR,HIS,SQL,RAN,IND HIS,SQL HIS,SQL,RAhorticulture ARG N,INDDepart ofAnimal SQL,BLR,ARG SQLHusbandry HIS,SQL,RAIn establis-

N,BLR,ARG hing milkcenters(ATP)

Forestry HIS,SQL,RAN,BLR HIS,RAN HIS,RAN Afforest-ation(RAN)

ATMA SQL,IND,ARG IND,ATP ARGWatershed HIS,RAN,ATP,ARG HIS,RAN HIS,RAN HIS,RAN,ATprogrammes P,KVK HIS,SQL,IND,ATP,ARGHIS,SOL,IND,ARG HIS HIS,RAN,AT

P,ARGDistrict Rural HIS,SQL,ARG HIS,SQL,RAN HIS HIS Indevelopmen-t providingagencyI microdistrict water irrigationmanagemen-t systems(ATAgency P)NGOs HIS,SQL,ATP,ARG HIS,RAN HIS HIS,RANNABARD SQL,IND,ARG IND

Any other(specify)

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Another major contribution of the project was that the ORPsbegan to adopt a host of participative toolssuch as focused group discussions, exposure visits, field days and farmers' fairs(Table B).

Table-B

ORPsand AICRPDAmain centers became increasingly aware fo the process of technologyadoption and diffusion and methods of analysing it (Table C).

Table-C

41

IiiIiIIiII

5I.NO. methods Anantapur Arjia Bangalore B.5aunkhri Hisar Indore ranchi solapuradopted

1. Gramasabha [ [ [

2. Focusedgroup [ [ [ [ [ [ [discussi-on

3. Farmvisits [ [ [ [ [ [ [

4. Exposurevisits [ [ [ [ [ [ [

5. Fielddays[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

6. Farmers'days [ [ [

7. Any other Improvin-g Night Capacity Kisanmela Kisha-n Metho-d(specify) the mututal meetin- building of ghosty demon-

contacts gs farmers on strationsamong the natural on seedfarmers resource treatmen-through managem- ts, IPMseed ent andmultiplica- preparati-tioin on ofprogrammes vermico-at village mpostlevel.

SI.NO. Low -Medium Highadoptionadoption adoption (>50%«25%) (25%-50%)

Anantapur1) Soil test base fertilizer application in

ground nut r2) Use of small seed

r

3) Intercroppingof groundnutwith redgram r4) Mechanical seed drill r5) Rainwaterharwesting r

Arjia1) Maize +blackgram(2:2)intercropping and

groundnut+sesame(6:2)intercropping r2) Deep tillage+FYM+RAS+sowingacross the slope

with maize!maize+blackgram- rblackgram!groundnut system

3) Adoption of navjot variety of maize,RT-46 ofsesame, enhancing SRRby 50% r

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* farmers expressed some fear over pest! disease problems

** inadequate bullock power and bullock drawn seed drills besides faster depletion of soil moisture.

Requires more labour

I

L

42

4) Line sowing followed by use of wheel hoe [Ballowal saunkhri

1) Introduction of groundnut in light texture soil [

Harvesting of maize at physiological maturity2) and ploughing and planking immediately after

harvesting of kharif crops In order to conservemoisture for rabi crops

[3) Applications of herbicides in maize crop [

4) Sowing of rabi crops at deep and wider row [spacing to ensure proper emergenceBangalore

1) Improved varities of fingermillet, cowpea andpigeon pea [(95%)

2) Fingermillet +pigeonpea(10:2) cropping system[(60%)**with staggered moisture conservation furrow

3) Pigeonpea+cowpea(1:1) cropping system withinsitu moisture conservation furrow (30%)*

4) Value addition to agriculture produce-pigeonpea dhal making [(95%)Hisar

1) In-situ moisture conservation, tillage and waterharvesting [(75%)

2) Improved varieties of various crops and seedtreatment [(80%)

3) Integrated use of inorganic, and bio-fertilizer[(30)

4) Weed management [(60)Indore

1) Recycling of harvested water from farm ponds[

2) Summer tillage/deep ploughing [

3) Introducing improved varieties of soybean andchickpea

4) Weed control through weedicides [Ranchi

1) Pigeonpea based intercropping in kharif[

2) Line showing of kharif as well as rabi crops

3) Zero tillage seeding for wheat crop for optimalmoisture utilization. [

4) soil and moisture conservation techniques(land based)Solapur [

1) intercropping- sunflower+pigeonpea(2: 1) [

2) improved cultivars -chickpea (vijayand digvijay,[

pigeonpea (vipula),sorghum(m-35-1 and phule yashoda)

3) seedtreatment-use of biofertilizers and trichoderma [

4) IPM- for chickpea and pigeonpea [

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Impact of Action ResearchThe action research processes could really able to converge programmes/ schemes for imple-menting NRMprogrammes (at Arjia through DRDA,NAREGSetc.), rainwater harvesting and reusethroughfarm pond technology (at Indore linkingwith state govt. programmes);participatorytechnology development linking with KYKand ATMA(at Arjia through Farmers' Field Schools),linkingwith CRIDAthrough MoRD,GOI,sponsored Farmers Participatory ActionResearch Programme(at Arjia, Ananatapur, Solapur and Bangalore). The tangible benefits were also observed at ORP,Ballowal-Saunkhri,ORP,Ranchi, ORP,Bangalore, where developing linkageswith line departments/strengthened the ORPactivities other institutions. This was much needed in the sense that, thetechnical personnel and financial resources are meager with ORPsto address the larger and emergingissues in rainfed agriculture even at a particular ORP's recommendation domain, to implementparticipatory technology extension and development plans. For example natural resource man-agement technologieslike rainwater harvestingand reuse, are capital intensive, only can beupscaledby linkingwith ongoingprogrammeslikewatersheddevelopment,NREGSetc., and fur-ther need soft loans to the farmers to adopt efficient water use methods through micro irrigationetc. which need diesel pump, sprinkler/drip systems. For large upscaling of improved varieties,improved agrotechniques, dryland horticulture etc., converging with national programmes likeNational Food Security Mission(NFSM),Rashtriya KrishiYikasYojana (RKVY),and National Horti-culture Mission(NHM)etc would be complementary and very effective in achieving the mandateof ORPs. Further, promoting seed village programmes, capacity building of farmers linking withongoing programmes of KYKs,ATMA,SAMETHI,and NGOsetc. would largely benefit both thefarmingcommunitiesand ORPsto enhanceparticipatoryextensionplans.

Intangible Outcomes

The process of engagement with ORPs through this project has resulted in several positive,intangible outcomes since the beginning of the project in January 2005. First to be no-ticed was the latent enthusiasm among ORPscientists to look critically in to the presentstatus of ORPs with a view to improving the effectiveness of this institution. Many ORPscientists have expressed during informal discussion that this project has provided themwith a forum to think and express freely about the functioning of ORPswith respect to itsmandates and scope to improve it further. Manyof such views expressed by ORPscientistsgo beyond the responses collected from them through structured and open-ended ques-tionnaires administered to them from time to time.

The project has been instrumental in providing a forum to both ORPsand main centreswhere each can appreciate the role of the other and develop mutual respect for eachother's contribution to enhance the production and productivity of rainfed crops. Besides,it has also encouraged the CRIDAscientists to evince greater interest in technology devel-opment and dissemination at AICRPDAand ORPcenters in the study area.

This project also gave the opportunity to the ORPscientists to introspect and criticallyanalyze their own activities, vis-a-vis the mandate of ORPs. Further, it made them tothink out - of - the - box in order to improve the efficiency. For instance, the ORPscientists challenged the demonstration mode of technology up-scaling and started think-ing in terms of participatory need assessment, participatory research and extension plansdevelopment as being pursued in ORp,Solapur.

During this period, with the help of several rounds of discussions, workshops and brain stormingsessions, the participants (ORPand main scientists) have been motivated to think in a cyclicalprocess as an underlining philosophy of action research. The process of capacity building under

.

.

.

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The action research /learning cycle the project has also largely adopted the action learning pro-cess (shown in figure). Thus, this process is now ingrained in the minds of the participants .Thiswill go a long way in sustaining the spirit of action research beyond the conclusion of this project.

question

fie'dL '\reflect \ .4\ ~ \. ..

\. ... new "- . / "analysl§ actions.. ...~ .-/

( ~

The action research/learning cycle

Spillover outcomes

. Though this project deals with 8 ORPsand their respective main centers, the new ideasand initiatives being undertaken have attracted the attention of the rest of the AICRPDAcenters and also spilled over to the institutions of CRIDAand AICRPAM.Manymeetings andworkshops held recently have taken note of the changes being initiated as part of thisproject. This process of change is being keenly observed at a larger level involvingAICRPDAand AICRPAMunder the umbrella organization CRIDA.There is a keen interest at the ProjectCoordination level to engage their network centers in a similar capacity building processin order to rejuvenate and reorient them to the present day challenges.

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4.0 Summary

AP Cess Funded project on "Capacity building of Operational Research Project in RainfedAgroecosystem- AnActionResearch' (2005- 2008)was implementedat eight OperationalRe-search Projects viz. Anantapur, Arjia, Ballowal-Saunkhri, Bangalore, Hisar, Indore, Ranchi andSolapur which are under the Network centers of All India Coordinated Research Project for DrylandAgriculture (AICRPDA).The major objective of the project was to build the Capacity of ORPformeeting the changing needs of integrating NRMresearch and to institutionalize a process to en-hance the effectiveness of ORP.

DuringSensitization Phase (2005-06), the focus was on emphasizing the relevance of this projectthrough a concept note, feedback from ORPsand respective main centres on the emerging issuesin strengthening the capacities of ORPsto equip itself to a paradigm shift from demonstrationmode to action research mode. A Sensitization Workshop was organized at CRIDA(20 October,2005) to discuss issues related to technical, financial, infrastructural, policy, HRDand institu-tional aspects of ORPs. In continuation to this, during Consultation and modification phase, aTechnical Workshop was organized at CRIDA.The need for strengthening the link between maincenter and ORPin a complimentary to one another's objective in role play of ORPfor facilitatingtechnology development, adoption and diffusion process was brought out vividlyin the workshop.

Duringsecond year (2006-07), both Capacity Building and Action Research Phases started simulta-neously. Firstly, progress achieved during sensitization and consultation and modification phaseswas reviewedduringa brain stormingsessionat CRIDA(9 July 2006).Further,to take the advan-tage of the initial progress made, it was felt necessary to obtain explicit feed back on technolo-gies adoption and diffusion under three categories viz. Category 1-Technologies adopted by ORPfarmers and diffused to others; Category 11-Technologies adopted by ORPfarmers and not diffusedto others; and Category 111-Technologies not adopted by ORPfarmers nor diffused to others.Category 1and IIfor Participatory Extension Plan while Category-IIIfor Participatory Research Planimplemented by ORPsafter analysing their capacities in terms of resources.

Once capacity building programmes began, the action research phase started. Duringthis phase,participative research and extension plan were developed as action plans of ORPs.To start with,as suggested by external reviewers of this project, the action research started.

Three DayTechnical Workshopon Action Research, Impact Analysis and Participatory TechnologyAssessment was organized at CRIDAto impart the knowledge of participatory processes and actionresearch, to share the experiences of action research process initiated at ORP,Solapur and also toanalyse technology adoption and diffusion processes in terms of the support systems

During the third year, taking the advantage and experiences from the action research at ORP,Solapur, the same process was initiated at four more ORPsviz. Anantapur, Arjia, Ranchi andIndore through organizing Technical Workshops/ Brainstorming meeting on "Development of Par-ticipatory Action Plan and Strategies for Technology Upscaling".

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This could enable to practice participatory situational analysis, developing action plansfor Participatory Extension Plans and Participatory Technology Development, strengthening link-age between main centre and ORP,ORPand other institutions/agencies/ programme/schemes forbuilding the capacities of these ORPs.

Future Programme

. ORPsas integral part of the main center, should formulate programme planning for effec-tive implementation, monitoring and evaluation

For wider upscaling and scaling out of the rainfed technologies, ORPprogrammes should belinked with the ongoing local schemes/programmes of state/central govts.

A convergence approach with the research, education and extension programmes of thelocal institutions/agencies/organizations/communities engaged in rainfed agriculture de-velopment is essentialPolicy research on support systems is needed:

.

.

.

0

to find out which kind of community organizations are ideal for upscaling Categoy-I and II technologieswhich type of financial incentive is required for adoption and retention of CategoryI and IItechnologies, whether revolving funds, bank loans or contributory approachwhether the technologies that are not being adopted for want of labour would beadopted if and only labour was made available

need to think about such technologies, that emerge out of informal research anddocument the outcome of such research, for validation and upscaling.

0

0

0

0

46

.. ..

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References

AICRPDA,1984. Review of Operational Research Programme - Highlights of a Traveling Seminar, All IndiaCoordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Santoshnagar, Hyderabad, India.

AICRPDA.2003.Annual Reports of 22 Centers (1971-2001). All India Coordinated Research Project for Dry-land Agriculture (AICRPDA),Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad,A.P., India, Pages. 7635.

Choudhary, B.N. 1991. Training strategy for promoting Rainfed agriculture Technologies in India. . In. (Eds.C. Prasad and P. Das.) Extension strategies for rainfed agriculture. Indian Society of ExtensionEducation,NewDelhi, India. Pages.76 - 97.

CRIDAVision 2025. 2007. Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Indian Council of AgricultureResearch, Hyderabad, India. Pages 52

Grewal, S.S. and S.S. Joshi, 1991. Socio-economic considerations in risk management in Rainfed agricul-ture. In. (Eds. C. Prasad and P. Das.) Extension strategies for rainfed agriculture. Indian Society ofExtension Education, New Delhi, India. Pages. 244 -257.

Gupta, Anil K. 1991. Recoconceptualizing development and diffusion of technology for Dry regions. In.(Eds. C. Prasadand P.Das.) Extension strategies for rainfed agriculture. Indian Society of ExtensionEducation, New Delhi, India. Pages. 322-347.

ICAR, 1988. Appropriate Agricultural Technologies for Farm Women. Indian Council of Agricultural Re-search, New Delhi, India.

IPCC.2007. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptations and Vulnerability. Inter-governmental Panel onClimate Change (IPCC), Working Group II, www.ipcc.ch.

Jiggins Janice, 1989. Farmer Participatory Research and Technology Development. Occasional Papers inRural Extension No.5. Dept. of Rural Extension Studies. University of Guelph, Canada.

Jodha, N.S. 1989. Policy for Dryland Agriculture: Potential and Challenge. In: Summary Proceedings: In-dian Society of Agricultural Economics, New Delhi.

Kalra, G.S. 1991. Cyclic credit for Agricultural operations - An innovation step for minimizing risk inRainfed agriculture. . In. (Eds. C. Prasad and P. Das.) Extension strategies for rainfed agriculture.Indian Society of Extension Education, New Delhi, India. Pages. 206-211.

Kerr, J., Hazell, P.and Jha, D.1999. Sustainable development of rainfed agriculture in India. EPTDDiscus-sion Paper No. 20 (Module IV of ICAR/World Bank), Pages. 71.

Kidd, D.W. 1991. Innovative practical Rainfed Training suggestions for Rural Trainees. . In. (Eds. C. Prasadand P. Das.) Extension strategies for rainfed agriculture. Indian Society of Extension Education,NewDelhi, India. Pages.258 - 278.

Kulkshetra, S.M. 1997. Drought management in India and potential contribution of climate prediction.Joint COLA/CARETechnical Report No.1, Centers of Institute of Global Environment and Society,Pages. 105.

Lal, M., Nozawa, T., Emori, S., Harasawa, H., Takahashi, K., Kimoto, M., Abe-Ouchi, A., Nkajima, T.,Takemura, T. and Numaguti, A. 2001. Future climate change: Implications for Indian summer mon-soon and its variability. Current Science, 81: 1196-1207.

Mathur, P.N. and B.P. Sinha, 1991. Extension communication strategies for Rainfedagriculture. . In. (Eds.C. Prasadand P. Das.) Extension strategies for rainfed agriculture. Indian Society of ExtensionEducation, New Delhi, India. Pages. 158 -175.

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Napier,TedL. 1990.Conservationof Soilresource in semiaridregions:Social,Economicand InstitutionalConsiderations. In Soil Quality in Semiarid Agriculture. J.W.B.Stewart ed. Saskatchewan, Canada:Saskatchewan Institute of Pedology.

Napier,TedL. 1991. Property rights and adoption of soil water conservation practices. Invited Paperpresented at the International Workshop on Conservation Policies for Sustainable Hill slope Fram-ing, Solo, Indonesia.

NATP-ICAR,1999-2005. Final Report - Institute -Village Linkage Programme. National Agricultural Technol-ogy Project. Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, India.

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Ravindra Chary, G., Sreenath Dixit, Vittal, K.P.R. and Maruthi Sankar, G.R. (2006). Need for capacitybuilding of Operational Research Projects in rained agro-ecosystem vis-a-vis emerging natural re-source management and livelihood issues. Paper presented in National Seminar on "Emerging is-sues and development strategies for dryland agriculture and waste land management" held atCRIDA, Hyderabad(6-7, March).

Ravindra Chary, G., Venkateswarlu, B., Maruthi Sankar, G.R., Dixit,S., Rao, K.V., Pratibha, G., Osman, M.and Kareemulla, K. 2008. Rainfed Agro-Economic Zones (RAEZs):A Step towards Sustainable LandResource Management and Improved Livelihoods. Proceedings of the National Seminar on LandResource Management and Livelihood Security, the Indian Society of Soil Survey and Land UsePlanning, 10-12 September 2008, Nagpur, India, Pages. 70.

Rhoades, Robert. 1990. The Coming Revolution in Rural Research. International Potato Centre, Philip-pines.

Robert Chambers, 1991. In Search of Extensionstrategy for minimizing risk in Rainfedagriculture. . In.(Eds. C. Prasad and P.Das.) Extension strategies for rainfed agriculture. Indian Society of ExtensionEducation, New Delhi, India. Pages. 47 - 51.

Rogers, Everett M. 1983. Diffusion of Innovations. New York: Free Press.

Singh, S.P. Prasad, c and Daulat Singh. 1991. Research -Development -Farmer Linkage for Sustained HigherProductivity of Rainfed Agriculture. . In. (Eds. C. Prasad and P. Das.) Extension strategies for rainfedagriculture. Indian Society of Extension Education, New Delhi, India. Pages. 218 -243.

ThomasJohn K., HowardLadewigeand Wm.Alex Mcintosh. 1990. The adoption of integrated pest man-agement practices among Texas cotton growers. Rural Sociology. 55 (3).

Vittal,K.PR., H.P.Singh, G.Ravindra Chary, G.R.Maruthi Sankar, Y.G.Prasad, M.Srinivasa Rao, J.S. Samraand Gurbachan Singh.2003. Improved Agronomic practices for Dryland crops in India-A publicationof AICRPDA,CRIDA, Hyderabad. Pages.210.

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The focus of ORP is to test and improve the transferability of dryland research recommendationson farmer's field.

The emphasis is to develop technology through on-farm testing, verification and transfer of com-modity research (Crop, variety, soil, water and nutrient management etc) recommendations and itis more or less a top- down approach.

The operational constraints are identified in adoption of each component technology and feed-back is provided to research station for refinement of technology, if required.Herein, the research recommendation are developed under a resource enrich environment (Atstation) whereas it is to be applied under resource poor conditions(Atfarmer's field). Probably,the concept of integrated research has been adopted for transfer of dryland research but resourceconditions of dryland and imitated farmers are quite different. Therefore, the focus should bechanged to farming system research, wherein the farmer's socio-economic condition resourceshould be treated as major factor.

The focus should be changed to solve the problems of individual farmer by adopting the durabletechnologies, because adoption of a particular technology by a farmer depends on his overallsocio-economic environment.

Aparticular technology may be suitable for one farmer and may not be suitable for another farmer.It should be supported by optimum utilization of natural resources, so that at each stage, supportcan be extended to help in his decision making.The rainwater management studies should be more intensified in ORPto enhance the transferabil-ity of technology as it is more specific to farmer's production environment than other commoditieslike improved crop and cropping system, nutrient management and farm implements.

Bangalore

. The main focus of the ORPshould be not only on transfer of technology on watershed basis but itmust be multidisciplinary in approach.

Besides to keep up the tempo of agriculture production and sustainability, more emphasis shouldbe given to value addition and income generating activities in addition to employment generation.Indeed, the major focus of the ORPcentre should revolve around the livelihood activities in rela-tion to Natural resource Management and to sustain the production in a long run in line with thechanging scenario of rainfed agriculture in order to obtain vertical yield potential of 2 tlha by year2025.

Ballowal Saunkhri

Arjia

Annexure-I

Initial Feedback from ORPsand respective main centres

1. How do you perceive ORP in terms of its objectives and focus?

Anantapur

. The role of ORPin testing the technologiesdevelopedat the researchstation for their validityandadoptability is pivotal

It is limited to agricultural alone. But the entire family cannot sustain on rainfed agriculture alone.Hence mixed farming or the whole family subsistence through out year should be taken into con-sideration. Hence the objectives should also include the methodologies to develop location spe-cific farming systems, arid fruits, agro-forestry systems etc.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

. As per the objectives of Operational Research Project (ORP), the field demonstrations for dissemi-nation of already provendrylandtechnologyon variousaspects are laid out at the farmers fields,its testing and refinement by getting appropriate feedback from the field is carried out and thesame is conveyed to the research workers for its further investigation from time to time

The main focus of this project is to sustain the productivity level through crop diversification,.

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agro-forestry/agri-horticulture, soil and water conservation measures as well as integrated nutri-ent management.

Hisar

We perceive ORPin terms of its objectives and focus relevant but the objectives need to bemodified in the changing scenario of rainfed agriculture.

Indore. So far the approach of ORPis to tackle local problems by and large in demonstrational mode withemphasis on improving crop productivity.

Howeverit has been experienced in these watersheds that conservationof natural resourceshasbeenthe priorityof the villagers.Unlessthese resourcesare made availablein the watershed, thesustainability/adoption of dryland technologies generated at control conditions (on station re-search) is doubtful. Thus the priority/objectives of ORP's should be more on developmental activi-ties supplemented by other trials

On rainfed activities. Therefore, focus of ORPshould aim at addressing natural resource manage-ment issues particularly land degradation in rainfed Agriculture in addition to on going crop re-lated activities... Involvement of farmers/ stakeholders in consultation and modification phase

Ranchi

.

.

.

ORPwas implemented in 1976 at this place, which was a phase-II Programme of Dryland Agricul-tural Project. The objectives of ORPwere mainly:

Transfer of Dryland Technology in a watershed area.

To see the adoption of technology and to get feed back from farmers for modification and refine-ment of technologies.

In spite of best efforts made during the period, the adoption of technologies is low. In order toincrease the effectiveness of functioning of ORPin the changing scenario, its refinement in termsof Integrated Farming System, Horti-Silvi Pasture management, linkages with Government & otherinstitutions are required.

Solapur

The Operational Research Project on Dryland Agriculture has distinction in the sense that the ORPunit has done the testing drylandtechnologydevelopedbyAICRPDA,Solapur;recordingfeed backof research and identified the constraints in transfer of technology. As per the objectives, theproject has conducted demonstrations cum-verification trials on farmers' field viz., in-situ mois-ture conservation practices like ridges and furrows, compartmental bunds.

The adoption of these practices is above 40 per cent in the ORPvillages. Adoption of improved cropvarieties is 100 per cent. The proper sowing time, different cropping systems, dryland horticul-ture, animal component, use of improved farm implements, INMand IPMthese improved tech-nologies reflected in doubling the crop yields and improved economic condition of farmers.

ORP activities reflected in increase in numbers of cross breed milch animals, improvement intransport and communication facilities, adoption in dryland horticulture and successful shift fromtraditional farming to improved dryland cultivation.

In this way the overall development enlighten the living standard of the farmers of ORPvillagesviz., Sasure, Konheri and Sarole villages towards satisfaction.

..

.

.2. How do you perceive the present linkage between main Centre (AICRPDA)and ORP?

Anantapur. The present linkage between main centre and ORPis well maintained to get the research achieve-ments and to implement in farmers fields and feed back to the research station. In ANGRAU,theservices of scientists from veterinary faculty and home science have also been utilizing for ORPinvillage.

Arjia. The present linkage between main centre an<l ORPis satisfactory and is as per mandate.

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The ORPis treated as an integral part of the main centre and they are responsible for transferringthe research recommendations to farmer's field. Whereas if the research is to be changed fromcommodity research to farming system research, then more emphasis should be given on ORPbyupgrading the present positions in ORP and make it more diversified with the changing agricul-tural environment, more experienced persons are required to work at farmer's field (Uncontrolledenvironment) than on -station work (Controlled environment). It will also improve the effective-ness of linkage between ORPand main centre.

Bangalore

. The existing linkage between AICRPDAand ORPcentres though highly satisfactory, it needs to bereoriented in having linkages between various stake holders and NGO's working in the villagecommunity.

Besides it would be appropriate that the scientific manpowered of ORP should be strengthenedwith socio-economic scientists in order to emphasis more focused approached on livelihood activi-ties for sustained production.

Ballowal Saunkhri

The linkage of ORPwith the main centre is well maintained in various aspects on the latest drylandproduction technology at the farmers' fields.

Various extension activities Le. Farmers' group meetings, field days etc. are undertaken in col-laboration with the scientists of the main centre.

The farmers of the adopted village are encouraged to participate in the Regional Kisan Melas aswell as State Level KisanMelas to acquaint them regarding the new innovations, allied enterprisesand also to get the improved seed of the field crops, fruit plant saplings and also to have on -spotinteraction with the scientists during their field visit.

.

.

.

Hisar

. ORP team is satisfied with particularly research linkages with the main centre and transfer oftechnologies to the dryland farmers generated by the main centre.

Indore

The Present linkage between main centre and ORPis quite conducive.Tested research results are being transferred to farmer's fields in the form of trials/ demonstra-tions. These are being tested with the existing practices of the farmers.

The problems or the bottlenecks if any faced by the farmers are given as feed back to the maincentre for further refinement and modification.

Ranchi

The linkage between main centre & ORPis sound.

The technologies developed at main centre are being tested & evaluated at farmer's field in ORPvillages.

Various activities (Farmer's Group, Field day etc) carried out in ORPvillages are under taken incollaboration with scientists of main centres. It is perceived that this linkage should continue.

Solapur

. The various technologies generated at main centre have tested on farmers field by conducting theverification field trials by the ORPstaff. The constraints and feedback in the adoption of technolo-gies are given to AICRPDAScientists.

By considering the feedback given by ORP,the trials are planned and conducted at main centre.Some of the trials based on feedback are: size of compartmental bunds, sowing time of rabisorghum and row spacing for rabi sorghum. The problems of the farmers are solved by organizingpre-seasonal! Mid - seasonal trainings, farmers days and farmers rallies at ORPvillages with guid-ance of AICRPDAScientists, subject matter specialists.

The ScientistsfromAICRPDAand DECfrequently visit the ORPactivities and farmers problemsaresolved by spot guidance. Farmers are advised to use fertilizers as per the soil test by analysing thesoilsamplesat maincentre. There are effective and goodlinkagesbetween AICRPDAactivitiesandORP activities.

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3. Could we. establish an on-farm participatory organic linkage (a sustained two way linkage) with thestakeholders?

Anantapur

. Yes,it ispossibleArjia

Yes, we have established an on-farm participatory organic linkage with the stakeholders that isvisible & on increasing interacting and demand for intuitional work advice at individual farmer's /village level for adopted & new technologies.

Bangalore. At the present juncture, the ORPproject is being operated on non-participatory mode.. It is desired that it would be highly appropriate, if the same project is operated on participatorymode, taking cognizance of the local technology and improved technology together, in order toreach a sustained production besides conservation of natural resources.

Ballowal Saunkhri

.

. Yes, we can well establish an on-farm participatory linkage with the stakeholders.Hisar

. Yes,already we have establishedon farm participatoryapproach.Indore

. In on going programme, on farm participatory organic linkage is yet to be established.Ranchi

Yes, on farm participatory organic linkage can be established with the stakeholders for changinglocal scenario.

Solapur. Operational Research Project can establish on farm participatory organic linkage with farmers.However the farmers are not willing to use organics in dryland because of reduction in yieldsduring first two to three years. As there is shortage of organic matter, farmers prefer to useorganics in irrigated farming. There is need to educate the farmers. regarding the organic farming.The linkages can be developed after giving guarantee for higher prices of organically grown agri-culturaL produce and assured market availability

.

4. How do you think it can be bettered?

Anantapur. Through repeated group discussions, trainings and on- farm farming systems research

Arjia

The organic linkage between scientist and stakeholders can be improved, if the technology canhelp them in decision making of their on-farm activities to improve their socio-economic condi-tions. It will require an application of science rather than suggesting the technology only, becausea technology mayor may not be suitable for each framer's socio-economic conditions

The exposure of the scientist should be wide enough to solve the problems and minimize the risk ofthe farmers through site specific programmers.

Bangalore. It is better to create awareness among the farmers on dwindling natural resources and productivitybesides migration.. Hence the better way to deal with the present scenario is through by formation of various self helpgroups, area groups, wherein the loca! group wiHhave a say in maintaining the natura! resources,rather than we imposing new technology innovations.

Ballowal Saunkhri

.

.

. On-farm participatory organic linkage can be established in the ORPvillage by formulating differ-

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Hisar

.ent village development committees (VDCs)involving the scientists and the progressive farmers ofthe village.

For instance, establishment of a Bio-gas plant on community basis with the technical advice of theexperts to meet both the fuel needs of the villagers as well as to get weed free nutritive bio-slurryfor raising organic based horticulture/vegetable produce. Similarly, the preparation of vermi-com-post on commercial basis by formulating a self help group of the farmers is another organic basedaspect.

Demonstrations on use of well-decomposed organic slurry for cultivation of maize crop underrainfed conditions can be conducted to sustain the soil health and crop productivity.

.

Byinvolving more and more farmers we can do more and in better way for the overall communitydevelopment and to improve the present status of farmers by transferring only feasibly viabledryland technologies through live demonstrations specific to the particular area.RWHthrough tanka

Indore

. It can be bettered by including more components of organic farming like vermi- compost, use ofNeem leaves or oil (Insect repeller), green leaves for mulching and green manuring of Glyricidialoppings.

Ranchi

For the betterment of ORP, involvement of scientist and progressive farmers of the village indifferent groups is required for all round development of the village.

By providing training to stake holders on various aspects of crop husbandly & animal husbandry,home science, human & animal health, aquaculture,

Encouraging small scale livelihood activities etc. this can be realized. The above group may help information of micro finance activities like self help group, user group etc. within the village.

Solapur

The on farm participatory organic linkage with farmers will help to know the impact of varioustechnologies in terms of crops productivity, soil fertility status and soil health. This linkage willalso help to get the feed back points for further refinement.

.

.

.

1. Whether ORPs have been able to stabilize the yield of rainfed crops in your area?

Anantapur

. Yes, ORP is able to stabilize the yield of rainfed crops in ORP area by appropriate productiontechnologies

Arjia

. Yes, It had been demonstrated in the working area, but its horizontal expansion is required.Bangalore

Though ORPshave shown the way in enhancing the productivity of dryland crops on mission Modebasis for a span of 3 years in a locality, the yields were stabilized as long as the existence of ORPNo sooner the ORPwas withdrawn from the locality; the impact was not visible, as it was seenduring the course of implementation.

This may be due to lack of non-participatory method by the farming community, which was drivenonly through input supply. Hence, in order to stabilize the productivity in a long run) t is desiredthat the implementation of the programmes should be on watershed basis through participatorymode with a minimum area of 500 ha. In basin.

In order to achieve this, it is desired that the centre should be strengthened with adequate tech-nical manpower and financial support.

Ballowal Saunkhri

.

.

.

. Yes, ORPshave been able to stabilize the yield of rainfed crops by laying field demonstrations on

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-

latest dryland production technolo -9Ywhich includes crop diversification, soil and water conserva-tion measures, in-situ rain water harvesting and its recycling, integrated nutrient, weed and pestmanagement, and alternative land use system etc.

Hisar

Yes,ORPhas beenable to stabilize the yieldof rainfed crops in area up to appreciable extent butnot able to stabilize the yield of dryland crops particuLarly in desertic region due to. frequentoccurrence of drought owing to lesser and erratic rainfall along with natura1 calamities like hail-storm, sand storms. (Shifting of sand dunes) etc

Indore

.

.

The yield Of rainfed crops in ORPareas fluctuate mainly due to erratic rains and long dry spellsduring the crop period and aberrant weather situations. Though different components of drylandtechnology have been used to combat the situation including selection of suitable varieties (earlymaturing), proper sowing time, correct seed rate, maintenance of proper plant population, use ofcultures, timely interculture operations, IPM,INM,mulching and inter or mixed cropping.

However, despite best efforts made by scientists of ORPand dryland, the yield of rainfed crops inthe area although enhanced but could not be stabilize mainly because of vagaries of monsoon.

The yields of crop mostly depend on availability of moisture, which is certainly a limiting factor.

Therefore the deveLopment of natural resources / water bodies should be linked with demonstra-tions

..Ranchi

The activities of ORPhave helped stabilize the yield of rainfed crops by introducing dryland tech-nologies such as Weed and Pest Management,

Integrated Nutrient management, SoiLftWater conservation measures, Rain water harvesting andits recycling and by adopting alternative land use systems in ORP villages which are spreadinggradually to other parts of the state

Solapur

The yield levels are increased in ORP villages. However to stabilize the yield of rainfed crops thereis need to undertake the integrated use of dry land technologies on large scale in QRP villages.

Similar developments of farming system modules are essential

.

.

2. What is your impression about Farming System Research?

Anantapur. Farming systems research is the best approach to increase the income of the farm families. .Sustainability can be achieved with the farming systems, especially in rainfed areas where the

Cropping season is limited and confined to four months only.Arjia

It will be a good tool to solve the problems of farmers considering their socio-economic conditionsin a particular production environment. It will also help to improve and stabilize the farm incomeand minimize the risk factors.

It will also improve the adoption of technologies, because the recommended technology and farmer'sresource interaction will help in achieving the required outcome.

Bangalore. Asa matter of fact, all most all the farmers in rural area are practicing farming system only, whichprovides them regular income throughout the year, besides employment generation, food andnutritional security on a minimum basis.

Indeed, in order to strengthen the farming system approach, it is very much essential to identifythe lacuna in a farming system and strengthen the weaknesses in a farming system, so that thefarmers income will be raised substantially, in order to meet the changes in the recent agriculturalscenario.

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. Besides the farming system research would not only add to the income stability, but also preventrural migration, as compared to cropping system or any other system. Nevertheless, the farmingsystem will add to the maintenance of natural resources in a long run.

Ballowal Saunkhri. Farming System Research in rainfed conditions may be helpful to the farmers for generating addi-tional income along with farming as main occupation. Dairy, bee- keeping, mushroom growing, andback yard poultry are the enterprises which can be included in the existing farming system

Similarly, inclusion of new aspects Likeagro-forestry, agri-horti as well as vegetables under rainfedconditions in the farming system can be fruitful for enhancing the farm income.

.Hisar

. Yes, the farming system is good in dryland agriculture for sustained livelihood and generatingemployment by involving other allied agriculture enterprises throughout the year to improve thefinancial status of dryland community for the specific area.

Indore

At present there is no specific system which is being adopted in the region except that during rainyseason over 90% of arable lands are planted to soybean under rainfed conditions and soybeanfollowed by wheat, chickpea and some vegetable crops under irrigated and partially irrigatedconditions.

Farmers do not give any cognizance to the important components of the farming systems e.g.dairy, piggery, poultry, agro-hortil agro-forestry, fodder and other allied enterprises.

Although, the farmers of the region practice various farming systems such as Fisheries, Dairy,Piggery, Poultry apart from mixed crops with options for cereals, pulses, oilseed and fodder butthey practice them independently.These systems are prevalent in a very unsystematic and fragmented fashion.

Further, most of the technologies promoted recently do not seem to be very sensitive to issues offarming systems and interdependence of various farming enterprises.

Therefore, any attempt made towards the systematic studies on farming system models cuttingacross the production system and agro- eco-sub region is worth justified specially in the drylandand rainfed areas where these models are not in practice.

Ranchi

.

.

.

.

.

To improve the economic conditions of the farmers conventional agriculture should be supple-mented with allied agricultural activities like Dairy, Livestock, Bee keeping etc, agro forestry,homestead agro horticulture. So an integrated farming system like Dairy, aquaculture, Goat rear-ing, Agro Forestry, and horticulture is required to generate profitable income of the farmers of thisregion.

Solapur. Farming system research is necessary in order to stabilize the dryland crop production. Adoption offarming system will help to improve soil quality, productivity and improve the socio-economicstatus of farmers.

Farming system will make the farmers self sufficient, if proper modules are developed and adopted.However very limited efforts are diverted to generate farming system research module.

.

.3. Do you think ORPs have enough competence to take up Farming System Research?

Anantapur. Positively ORP can do the work. Farming systems research is the holistic approach to improveeconomic status farm families of watershed area.

Asfarming system research involves huge amounts of initial expenditure, sufficient funds are to beprovided to begin the farming systems research in ORPareas.

.Arjia. Yes, has enough competence to take up the Farming System Research. However, exposure of scien-

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tist to modem tools and techniques is required.Hisar

. Yes, ORP have enough competence to take up farming systems research for the area specific.However, animal scientist may be provided in the scheme.

Indore

For conducting farming system research in ORPareas, a team of scientists of different disciplinesalong with the supporting field staff is required.

Ranchi

Byintegrating the indigenous know how and the scientific knowledge,

ORPcan very well take up Farming System Research in Farmers Field.

If additional fund is provided need based periodic capacity building and exposure visit may beprovided on various aspect of farming system research

Solapur. ORP's are enough competence to take up farming system research, if supported sufficient fundsfor soil water conservation structures, animal components and mechanization etc.

..

7. What is your opinion about relevance of research on Organic Farming in rainfed agriculture?

Anantapur. It may take a long time to achieve sustained benefits as moisture availability is the limiting factor. Organic farm produce through revolving funds

Arjia

Research on organic farming in dryland is very relevant. Because the soils are deficit

in organic matter and farmers give more' attention to apply the limited available organic matterto their irrigated areas in spite of rainfed area.It is a crucial factor responsible for soil health; moisture retention and crop yield on sustainablebasis. Therefore, suitable technologies should be developed to improve the organic content in thesoils of dryland ecosystem.

Ways and means of organic farming are be evaluated in farmer's perception by preparing holisticresearch and management plan at farmer's level Wider ORP

Bangalore. It is more desirable and appropriate to adopt integrated nutrient management which includes bothorganics and inorganic rather than going only for organic farming approach, to sustain better cropyield to feed the growing population.It has been well established fact from over 27 years research data at AICRPDAMaincentre thatsustainability yield index for organic farming is 0.64 and integrated nutrient management is 0.89,which is self explanatory.

Ballowal Saunkhri

.

.

.

.

. The organic farming in rainfed conditions has little relevance because the soils of the Kandi areaare low in organic matter with low moisture retention capacity and it is impossible to meet thenutritional requirement of field crops through organic sources to sustain the productivity level.Moreover, it is not possible to meet the requirement of organic fertilizer due to its low availability.However, it may be possible in case of fruit plants as well as kitchen gardening.

Hisar

. At present with the research on organic farming in rainfed agriculture the farmers are satisfied asit requires low inputs and better quality of output ultimately the economic return of the farmersimproves

Indore. Conservation of natural sources, production of environment, and suitability of productive and

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profitable need base cropping systems and safety in long term prospective is the major goal ofsustainable agriculture.

Besides that low input farming system seeks to minimize the use of external input like fertilizersand avoid pollution of surface and groundwater and lower the production cost.

The organic wastes from different sources could be recycled, reprocessed and put to productiveuse. Nearly 100 to 115 million tonnes of crop residue are either wasted or burnt. The organic wasteavailable in India is estimated to supply about 7.1, 3.0 and 7.6 million tonnes of N, Pps and K.20,respectively. The crop residue alone can supply about 1.13, 1.41 and 3.54 MTof N, PPs and KzO,respectively.

Farming system using only manures or compost additions has increased during the recent years asecological farming has become more common.

Hence, it is necessary to undertake the scientific study on the use of organic sources onincreasing production potential in cropping sequences and maintenance of soil productivity.

This kind of farming needs a long term experimentation and financial support to the farmers as theresults of this system will be effective only after 4 to 5 years.

Ranchi

.

.

.

.

As far as the scope for research on organic farming in rain fed agriculture system is concerned, itsrelevance is limited to vegetable and other high valued crops. Though there is stability in produc-tivity due to organic farming but due to partial decomposition of organic matter in moisture stresscondition it cannot be under taken on a larger scale.

Solapur

.

. Organic farming in dry land is one of the important components to increase and stabilize the cropyields by maintaining soil fertility and productivity, However research on organic farming yet to beinitiated.

The farmers of dryland areas are not adopting organic farming as there is reduction in crop yield atinitial stage. It is therefore necessary to produce organic matter through composting techniquewhich is pre requisite for organic farming.

Efforts should be diverted for crop residue management, use of biofertilizers, green manuring,etc. The concept of organic farming can be effectively implemented for few horticultural cropsrather than all field crops under dryland. Dueto very minimumuse of fertilizers and insecticidesunder dryland condition by the farmer therefore the cereals, pulses and oilseeds grown underdryland is more or less organically grown agricultural produce.

Farmers are to be educated regarding the importance of organic farming as it improves the soilhealth, crop production as well as quality of produce.

There is need to have a separate market for organicallygrown productsso that farmers will gethigher rates for organically produced yields and they can compensate the net returns.

.

.

.

.4. Do you think ORPs are well equipped to conduct research on Organic farming?

Anantapur

. Yes, ORPsare well equipped to conduct research on organic farming.

Besides this, the Services of scientists of main centre and the equipment of the main centre canalso be better utilized for intensifying the research.

Yes, ORPscan conduct the research on organic farming. However, some equipment will be requiredto conduct the research.

Bangalore. Research on organic farming needs to be re-examined and reconsideredBalIowaI Saunkhri

.

. The present ORPsare not well equipped to conduct research on organic farming and needs fullyequipped laboratories for chemical residue analysis of soils, product and quality analysis.

Hisar

57

Page 65: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

. Yes,ORPare well equipped to conduct research on organic farming with the condition that mini-mal field staff (Technicians) may be made available during the peak period.

Indore

At present setup of ORP at this centre is not sufficient in terms of Human Resource: Experts/scientists specialized in horticulture; soil science, veterinary sciences and social sciences are re-quired.

. Equipments: Weather station, auto-runoff recorders and sediment samplers are required.

. Transport: Replacement of old jeep.

. Finance: Enhancement in recurring and non-recurring grants.

. These are desperately required to carry out organic farming on farm research.Ranchi

.

Yes, ORPscientist may conduct research on Organic training system in farmers field, if laboratoryfacility for analysis of soil samples for major, minor and micronutrients and quality analysis ofproduce under organic farming is made available at the main centre.

Solapur. Operational Research Project can conduct research on organic farming in collaboration with AICRPDA

Scientist and ORPScientist, in order to show the impact of organic farming on soil health and cropproductivity.

.

5. Whether the present professional expertise with ORP scientist is sufficient to address the emergingissue/needs in rainfed agriculture?

Anantapur

. Yes .But Home science and post harvest technologists and veterinary assistants may be added tothe ORPteam for overall development of economic status and agri-based enterprises in villages.

Veterinary component is the only source available not only for intermittent earnings but. also forconverting agriculture byproducts into value added products.

.

ArjiaNo, The professional expertise is required to be updated in the global changing scenario of agricul-ture specialized training in organic production management and modeling techniques need urgentattention

Bangalore

. The ORPscientists need to be re-oriented through capacity building process from various nationaland international institutes to address the emerging issues.

Ballowal Saunkhri

.

. The present professional expertise in ORPis not fully sufficient to address the em_gill9- needs inthe rainfed- areas. In addition to the raising of field crops, inclusion of horticulture, forestry/silvipasture and animal husbandry can playa vital role in the socio-economic upliftment of thefarmers of the area.

Hisar

. No, at present professional expertise with ORP staff in not sufficient to address the emergingneeds/issues of the rainfed agriculture. For diversification of rainfed agriculture there may be aspecialized team (plant protection, rainfed horticulture).

Indore

To carry out the research on new frontiers like organic farming and farming system research thereis a need of experts in the field of Soil Science, Horticulture and Veterinary Science.

The present expertise with ORP scientists is not sufficient to address the emerging issues of thesubject concerned in rainfed agriculture

Ranchi

.

.4'

58

1181

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'"~. ~". J<=1t::m'r~aaresSLne-emerg1ng Issues IS requIred

Solapur. Additional one Social Scientist, Animal and Dairy Scientists and Plant Protection Scientist are es-sential in order to have farming systems research and to give the guidance to the dairy enterprisesand use of various plant protection measures for control of disease and pest.

6. What is your specific training capacity building needs and in which theme areas of?

Anantapur. Needmore funds and specific trainingin the ar~s of. GIS. New statistical tools for analysis of case stuc}ies

Visualizing success stories in international scenario

Conduct and analysis of Farming system research

Agrotechniques in establishment of new species in this semiarid tract

Agrotechniques to develop grazing or change grazing pattern in villages.

..

.Arjia. Remote sensing, GIS. Organic farming, Site specific Nutrient Management Techniques, Modeling techniques

Bangalore. There is a need for training the ORPscientistson the followingtheme areas.. Advances in improved crops/cropping systems/INM / farming systems. Management strategies.. Mechanization and custom hiring centres.. Value addition to agricultural produce. Natural Resource Management. e) Watershed approach for sustainable yield.Ballowal Saunkhri. Specific trainings for the capacity building of the scientists are needed especially in the field of

farming systems research, organic farming, cultivation of high value crops etc.Short duration training course on modeling (simulation and prediction) in respective fields underrainfed condition needs to be arranged may be in India or abroad. For instance, Centre for farmingsystems at University of Western Sydney, Australia is mainly focusing their research on similaraspects that matches to our climatic conditions too which could be one of the prospective placesfor this type academic exchange programme.

.

Hisar

Our specific training/capacity building needs are to overall development of farming communitythrough live demonstration and trainings needed like value addition, diversification, public andanimal health in rainfed agriculture, village infrastructure and information technology etc. throughspecialized professionals only

Indore

. Training of existing staff is needed in the field of Remote sensing, GISand agro- climatology.Ranchi

.

Training needs on Farming systems, Rainfed agriculture, Organic farming, Soil moisture conserva-tion, Geographic information System and Remote Sensing is essential.

Solapur. It is necessary to arrange the trainings regarding GIS,organic farming, dairy enterprises, sheep andgoat rearing, community organization and social aspects, etc.

.

59

III

Page 67: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

Annexure /I

Details of TechnologyAdoption and Diffusion Process

ORP,Arjia (130 farmers 1 villages)

\ .

60

L..w,.

Technology Adopted Diffused Remarks/reasons

Category 1-Technologies that are adopted by ORPfarmers and diffused other farmers

Intercroppingwith g nut and PP (11: 1/15:1) 30 25

Late leaf spot management in groundnut 20 10

Use of small and shriveled seeds for sowing 30 15 Saves cost, being popularized by othergroundnut organizationsSeed rate and seed treatment 30 15

ImprovedvarietyVemanagroundnut 10 5 Nonavailabilityof seedsSoiltest-based fertilizer application 15 10 Soil test service improved, soil test cards

introduced

Tractor drawn mechanical seed drill 30 20 Customhiringfacility beingprovidedSupplementalirrigationwith harvestedrainwater 5 1

CategoryIITechnologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmersbut not diffusedto others farmersGroundnutandsheepfarmingsystem 10

Category 111-Technologiesthat are not adopted either by ORPfarmers or by othersCompartmentalbunding, contour cultivation, Lackof spectacularresults, operationalconservationfurrows difficulties, silting up of bunding

Technology Adopted Diffus Remarks/reasons

ed

Category I-Technologies that are adopted by ORPfarmers and diffused other farmers

Summertillagein Maize 25 50

Ridgingafter 30 DASin maize 25 60

ImprovedNaadisystemof cultivation for Rabicrops 2 10Maize (navjot),groundnut (JL24, TAG 50 100

24),Semame(RT46),blackgram (RPU 38), greengram (K851),horsegram(AK42)

Maize+blackgram(2:2) 20 10

Grounnut+sesame(6:2) 20 80

Maize-blackgramrotation for 2 years 5 60

Gram+mustard(sowingmustard4m apartactrossgramrows 15 25

Sowingof sorghumfodder, greengramandsesameduringdelayed 10 13onsetof monsoon

Arjia Two tyne seed drill 5 50

Page 68: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

Ballowal-Saunkhri (70 farming families, 1 Village)

61

ArjiaWheelhoe 15 3000 Government supplying on

subsidy

Arjia Cell type seeddrill 2 15

Treeholedigger 5 2

CategoryIITechnologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmers but not diffused to others farmers

Rotavatorseedbedpreparation 10 High cost and non

availability

Sowingof cenchrusandcontourtrenches 5 Straycattle menace

Maize+pigeonpea(1:1) 4 Technologyproblem?

Developmentof degradedcommunitypastureland 1 Socialand physicalfencingand facilitation lacking inother villages

CategoryIII-Technologiesthat are not adoptedeither by ORPfarmers or by othersTrenchof orchardplanting Poor establishment, long

gestation

Aonlabaseddiversifiedfarming Sameasabove

Acaciatortilis+cenchusintercropping Poorsurvival

Technology I Adopted Diffused I Remarks/reasons

Category I-Technologies that are adopted by ORP farmers and diffused other farmers

Finger millet MR1, GPU 28 and 26,HR911 7 80

Pigeon pea TTB7,Hyd 3-C, BRG 1 and 2 6 25

Fodder crops: African tall, Giant Bajra, 5 40

Horse gram PHG 9 8 70

Fingermillet+pigeonpea 10:2 16 80

Maize+cowpea 3: 1 for fodder 3 10

Pigwonpea+cowpea 1:1 10 25

Deep plowing Summer 25 55

Sowing across the slope 40 80

Staggered furrows for moisture conservation 30 60

Pitcher irrigation for mango establishment 10 40

INMin fingermillet 15 25

Agrihorti system:Fingermillet+Redgram (8:2or 10:2)+mango 25 45

Drumstick on field bunds 5 30

Casuarina and silver oak on filed bunds 10 60

Tractor drawn seed-cum-fert drill 2 5

Hand weeders 25 40

Back yard poultry with duel purpose birds (Giriraja) 75 60

Sheep upgradation by including improved ram breed in the herd 4 10

Value addition to pigeon pea by Introduction of Dhal mill 16 30

Category II Technologies that are adopted by ORP farmers but not diffused to others f-farmers

Improved cowpea KBC1and 2, 6 High pest problem,willing to adopt as

only intercrop

Groundnut+pigeonpea (8:2 or 10:2) 10 Wild boar problemBullock drawn Seed cum Fert drill 10 Heavier, native

hallikar bullock breed

declining

Piggery 3 Social inhibitions

Category III-Technologies that are not adopted either by ORP farmers or by othersFingermillet+Soybean (4: 1) Lack of market for

soybean and pest insoybean

Page 69: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

Bang%re (300 farmers ;n two vUlages)

62

L""",,,..

Technology Adopted Diffused Remarks/reasons

CategoryI-Technologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmersanddiffused other farmers

Fingermillet MR1,GPU28and26,HR911 7 80

PigeonpeaTTB7,Hyd3-C,BRG1 and2 6 25

Foddercrops:Africantall, GiantBajra, 5 40

HorsegramPHG9 8 70

Fingermillet+pigeonpea10:2 16 80

Maize+cowpea3:1for fodder 3 10

Pigwonpea+cowpea1:1 10 25

DeepplowingSummer 25 55

Sowingacrossthe slope 40 80

Staggeredfurrowsfor moistureconservation 30 60

Pitcherirrigation for mangoestablishment 10 40

INMin fingermillet 15 25

Agrihortisystem:Fingermillet+Redgram(8:2or10:2)+mango 25 45

Drumstickon field bunds 5 30

Casuarinaandsilveroakon filed bunds 10 60

Tractordrawnseed-cum-fertdrill 2 5

Handweeders 25 40

Backyardpoultrywith duel purposebirds(Giriraja) 75 60

Sheepupgradationby includingimprovedrambreedin the herd 4 10

Valueadditionto pigeonpeaby Introductionof Dhalmill 16 30

CategoryIITechnologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmers but not diffusedto others Harmers

ImprovedcowpeaKBC1and2, 6 High pest problem,

willing to adopt as

only intercropGroundnut+pigeonpea(8:2or 10:2) 10 Wild boarproblemBullockdrawnSeedcumFert drill 10 Heavier, native

hallikar bullockbreed

declining

Piggery 3 Socialinhibitions

Category11/-Technologiesthat are not adopted either by ORPfarmers or by others

Fingermillet+Soybean(4:1) Lack of market for

soybeanand pest in

soybean

Page 70: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

Hisar (523 farmers in 2 villages)

ORP, Indore (310 farmers in two villages)

63

II

Technology Adopted Diffused Remarks/reasons

Category I-Technologies that are adopted by ORPfarmers and diffused other farmers

Discharrowing in kharif fallow for rabi crops for chickpea and 18 280

mustard

Pearlmillet hybrid HHB67 and 94 20 310

Mustard RH 30 10 300

Barley BH 393 4 130

Yellowmosaic resistant MungbeanAshaand Muskan, 15 180

Short duration Cluster bean HG365 and 563 Drought resistant 15 150

Pearlmillet: harvest 3'd row for fodder 3 20

Rhizobium for gram, clusterbean and mung bean and 40 200 Agri Univ has a spl scheme

azotobacter in raya and pearlmilliet for supplyingculture

Wheel hand hoe in pearlmiller and mustard 20 60

Aonlaand ber (8X8) with mungbeanand clusterbean(15 2 1 Blue bull menace and lack of

rows) as intercrops protective irrigation

Improved tanka 1 7 Want subsidy for construction

Category IITechnologies that are adopted by ORPfarmers but not diffused to others farmersMoth bean RMO40 12 Non availability of seeds,

seed germination in the fieldbefore harvest.

Inter cropping of cluster bean/Mung in pearlmillet (8:4) 6 Proper seed drill is not

available

Ridgerseeder for tiny seeded crops (pearl millet) 3 Lackof custom hiring system

Category III-Technologies that are not adopted either by ORPfarmers or by others

A.nilotica, neem, maha neem: in agro forestry Local prosopis preferred, its

population declining due tomechanization

Wider row spacing drought tolerance Concern about lower plant

population

Technology Adopted Diffused Reasons/Remarks

(no) (no)

Category1-Technologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmers anddiffused other farmers

Recyclingof harvestedwater throughfarm ponds(dugout as 10 50 Requires proper technical

well as surface ponds) guidance

Summertillage/deepploughing 20 100 Agri Engg Dept providescustomhiringservice

Soybean(JS335, JS 9355)Pigeonpea(JIA3) 20 150 High yielding and mediumduration,boldseeds

NRCSseed drill and CRIDAplanter 49 50 Being made available on

customhiring basisGabionstructureforoutlet for waterharvesttank 3 1 Easy in construct and low

cost compared to cementoutlet that normallycracksin blacksoils

Page 71: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

ORP,Ranchi(170farmingfamilies in 3 villages)

Solapur(135farm families in 1 village)

!...,

Floriculture-marigold,chrysanthemum 10 30 Goodmarketandprofit

CategoryII Technologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmersbut not diffusedto othersfarmers

Gullystraightening 10 Sitespecific,nonavailabilityof heavymachines

Useof sulphurin soybean 20 Non-availabilityof gypsum

Conjunctiveuse of organicsand inorganicsfor N and Pin 15 Non-availabilityof organics

soybean(50:50)

Category111-Technologiesthat are not adoptedeither by ORPfarmers or by others

Zerotillage/Minimumtillage None Weedproblem?Hardcrust?

Agro-hortisystem(drumstick+pigeonpea,Aonla+pigeonpea)RaisedbedandsunkenbedandBBF

Intercropping(Soybean+Pigeonpea- 4:2)

Technology Adopted Diffused Remarks/reasons

CategoryI-Technologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmers anddiffused other farmers

Intercroppingpigeonpeawith groundnut(1:2) 10 8

Improvedup landriceVandanaandBirsaGora,transplantvariety IR64 30 20

Mustard-Sivani,pigeonpea-BR65,Linseed-SubraandT-397,Peas-Arkel 20 25

Litchi, mangoandtamarindin homesteadgardens 10 20

Grubberasa weedingtool 10 10

Useof NPK-40-20-20in uplandrice 10 05

CategoryII Technologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmers but notdiffusedto othersfarmers

Ipomeaasmulchfor linseedcrop 10 Linseed not main

crop, hence;not sownin rows

Birsaridgerplowto replacecountryplow 10 Highcost,

UplandRiceVarietiesBirsaVikasDhan109,110, 20 Localsprefer coarserones

MaizeBVN,GoundnutBirsaBold,MustardPusabold 20 Yield levels don'tdiffer much

Animaldrawnpora for seedingof wheat 10 Wheat cultivated inlimited area and cost

of porais high

Category111-Technologiesthat are not adoptedeither by ORPfarmers or by others

Contourbundingcultivationoncontourson uplands I Noimmediatebenefits

Technology Adopted Diffused I Remarks/reasons

CategoryI-Technologiesthat are adoptedby ORPfarmers anddiffused other farmersIn-situmoistureconservation 60 40 -50 % spread over

a) RidgesIi Furrows entire district

Improvedgenotypes(Pigeonpea(BDN-2,BSMR-736,BSMR- 30 4000(Dist.)

Page 72: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

65

~

853), Pearlmillet hybrids (Shardha, Saburi), Sunflower (55-56, MSFH-17)

Protective irrigation to rabi sorghum and chickpea 74 80 % depending uponavailability of water

Energy management 90 5000 (Dist.)a) Use of Cycle hoeb) Use of two bowl ferti seed drill 60 Spread over entire

district as it is

subsidized by Govt.Fertiliser application to rabi sorghum (50 kg N ft 25 Kg P,Os 100 2000 (Dist.) 50 percent ofper ha) recommended dose

is adopted.Hand Maize sheller 50 120Hand wheel hoe 45 15Category IITechnologies that are adopted by ORP farmers but not diffused to others farmersIntegrated Nutrient Management 75 -No visual differences were observed bya) Use of Biofertilisers (Azotobactor + Azospirilium for farmers under dryland conditionspearmillet, sunflower, safflower, rabi sorghum ft -Non availability in the local marketRhizobium for pigeon pea, blackgram, greengram,chickpea)

Sequence Cropping (Kharif greengram / blackgram -Rabi 45 -Restricted period of sowing for greengram andsorghum) blackgram (upto end of june)

-Major chances of kharif failureAlternate land use (Agri-Horti system) 18 -Successful only under protective irrigation

however success is doubtful under drylandcondition

Intercropping systems Pearlmillet+Pigeonpea (2:1) 8 -Adoption is there however it was not as perrecommendation (2: 1), farmers are following6:3,2:2, 3:3 proportions

Sunflower+ Pigeon pea (2: 1 20 -Labour requirement for pickingClusterbean+Pigeonpea (2:1 7 Non availability of market at local level

Introduction of fodder crops 40 - Non availability of seed at local levelLucerne, Oat ft Berseem

Introduction of new fodder crop varieties 20 -Non availability of seed at local levelMaize- Africantall, 5Bajara - Gaint bajraPitcher method of irrigation to ber and custard apple 4 LaboriousUse of bullock drawn CRIDAplanter for rabi sorghum 12 High cost, Required good tilthUse of trichoderma for seed treatment 35 Non availability at local marketVermicomposting 7 Needs awareness

Category 1/1-Technologies that are not adopted either by ORPfarmers or by othersIn-situ moisture conservation -Breaking of bunds during high intensity rainsa) Compartmental bunding - Need frequent repairing

-High weed intensityFodder based sequence cropping systems -Due to uncertainty in rainfall either kharifK. Sunflower - R. Berseem crop may affect seriouslyK. Maize - R. Berseem -There are more chances of failure of main

crop i.e., rabi sorghumHarvesting of rain water in farm ponds for recycling Adopted by Maharashtra Govt. in different

villages on large scale, however due to nonavailability of proper site in ORP village it wasnot adopted in ORP. In ORP village all siteswere engaged by percolation tanks.

Live bunds of Leuceana as an interbund management -Hurdle for cultivation-weed problem in live bund row-under drought condition crop can not survivenear live bund

Jyoti planter for sowing of rabi sorghum -High cost, non availability of machine,absence of custom hiring, unavailability ofrepairs at local village.

Page 73: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

Annexure 11/

Acton Plan for ORP, Solapur

.'

66.'

I, ,I

S.No I Title I Crop I Treatments

I. Participatory Technology DevelopmentEco-friendly Water Productive Croppin!! Systems1 Verification trials on performance of the improved Pearl millet Sunflower a) Improved cultivars

genotypes of pearlmillet, pigeonpea and sunflower Pigeon pea Pearl millet - SaburiSunflower-SS-2038

(Bhanu),KSFH-437

Pigeon pea- Vipulab) Control - Localcultivar

2 Assessment of recommended intercropping systems Pearl millet A) Intercropping systemsunder rainfed conditions Sunflower 1) Sunflower + pigeonpea (6:3)

Pigeonpea 2) Pearl millet +Pigeonpea (2:1)B) Control-Farmers practice

PiQeonpea + Black Qram (2:1)3 Sequence cropping Green gram i) Sequence cropping-Kharif

Black gram green gram /black gram/ cowpeaCowpea followed by Rab; sorghum

ii) Control-Farmers practice(monoculture of Rabi sorQhum

4 Performance of hybrid napier Phule Jayavant (RBN- Hybrid napier Phule i) Hybrid napier Phule13) Javavant Jayavant (RBN-13)

5 Performance of rabi sorghum cultivars on shallow, Sorghum A):Full package ofmedium & deep soils practices Improved varieties

Shallow soils-Selection-3Medium soils -M 35-1

Deep soils-RSV-234,Phule Yashoda

B):Control: Farmerspractice - Local cultivar

6 Organic farming Rabi As per normsSorghum

Site Specific Nutrient ManaQement7 Response of Sunflower sulphur Sunflower A) Full packageof practices, useof

application recommended fertilizer dose (50 kg N + 25 kg PZ05 +25kg KzO)with 20 kg sulphur per ha

B)Fullpackageof practices, use ofrecom-mended fertilizer dose

150kQN+25 kQPZ05)8 Responseof rabi sorghumto fertilizer Sorghum A) Full package of practices, use of RDFas per soil

application test + deficient micro nutrientsB) Control - Farmerspractice

9 Effectof crop waste on performanceof Sorghum A) Application of crop waste +

rabi sorghum green leaf loppings (25+25kgN/ha respectively)

B) Farmers' practiceRainWater Management10 Effect of in-situ moisture conservation Pigeonpea i) Openingof ridges and

measureon the yield of pigeonpea furrows before starting ofunder dryland condition monsoonat 60 cm apart

and then sowingofpigeonpea in furrow

ii) Control-farmers'practice

Page 74: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

EnergyManaement11 Demonstrationof tractordrawnCRIDA

planterSorghum A) Sowingwith tractor drawnCRIDAplanter

B) Control-Sowingwith tractordrawnKopergaonseeddrill

A) Sowingwith SolapurSheti YantraB) Sowingwith twobowl ferti-seeddrillControl-Farmers'method (Localseeddrill

12 Performanceevaluationof bullockdrawnSolapurShetiYantra

PigeonpeaSorghum

Fodder: Trees-Glyricidia , Anjan, Subabul,Acacia, PiparniFodderGrasses-Stylo MadrasanjanLive stock-Goat, backvard Poult

67

14 Maximizationof productionof rabi Sorghum A) Fullpackageof practiceswithsorghum,chickpea,sunflowerand Chickpea improvedvarietiessafflowerwith improvedtechnology Sunflower Sorghum- RSV- 423/ PhuleYashoda

Safflower Chickpea- Vihal/ Digvijay,ViratSunflower- Bhima,DSH-129

B)Control- Farmers'practice(localvarietiesof respectivecrops)

SiteSpecificNutrientManagement15 Responseof pearlmilletto fertilizer Pearlmillet A) Full packageof practiceswith new recommended

applicationonshallowsoils fertilizer dose (50kgN+25kgPZ05+25kg KzOha-')B)Fullpackageof practiceswith out potash

(50kgN+25kgPZ05-')C)Control- farmerspractices (nofertilizer)

ainWaterManal!ement16 Effectof in-situmoistureconservation Sorghum In-situmoistureconservation

practicesonthe performanceof rabi practicessorghum a) Ridgesandfurrows

b)control- farmers'practice (harrowing):nergyManagement7 Drudgeryreduction Kharif& rabi 1)Useof Wheelhoe/2) Bullockdrawnhoe

crops:ropDiversification8 Cropdiversificationthroughdryland Drylandfruit Pomegranate/ Aonla/ Custardappleetc.

fruit crops crops9 Cropdiversificationthroul!hfloriculture Flowers Marieold/ GaillardiaI. OtherActivities0 Sericulture Mulberry Mulberryplantation,Silkwormrearing,Cocoonproduction1 Goatfarming Goats VaccinationNutrition2 BackyardPoultry Poultrybirds Giriraja/VanrajKadaknath3 Buildingupjoint Livelihoodgroup Farmwomen Livelihoodactivities

Andothers PHT(Dalmill etc.) / ii) Vermicompostpreparation4 Agroadvisoryservices Farmers Weeklyweatherbasedagroadvisory

ivelihoodactivities5 Activates ORP Wellrefilling/lPMfor chickpea

Farmers'.HumanResourceDevelopment) HRD ORP Trainings,Method

Farmers Demonstrations/Exposurevisits

Page 75: Operational Research In rainfed Agroecosystem, CRIDA

~ Annexure IV

Guidelines for selection of new ORPsite and activities

Criteria for site selection

. Should be representative to similar sub-agro-ecological region/mandate area of the centre

Should have opportunity to test wider options of the technologies, various categories of farmingcommunity, multiple enterprises and different socio-economic/culture of the farming community

Should be dominant in at least 60-70 per cent of the rainfed systems

.

Initiation phase of the new site. Collect secondary data in respect of land utilization, predominant crops, livestock both in num-ber / area and productivity

Critical analysis in respect of interest of the farming community for starting the project

Entry point activities for starting the programme of ORP

Promote farmers' groups/self help groups not only for upgrading skills but also taking decisions inimplementation of the programme.

Resource characterization (type of soils, topography, fertility status, land degradation, area underdifferent crops/cropping systems, fallow lands and other details)

Organize the PRAexercises to characterize the resources, limitations of crop/ animal productivitythrough organization of focus groups/problem cause relationships

Critical analysis of gaps of each enterprise and ways and means to mitigate that limitations withinteraction of scientists with the main centre/scientists in the University

Bench-mark survey of different families and also village to document the impact indicators bydeveloping appropriate proforma (model Annexure)

Arrange interaction of the farmers to design on-farm trials where there is no solution faced by thefarmers through research of main centres. The number of comparisons in each intervention shouldnot exceed more than 4 or preferably 3 (for example 1. farmers practice (2) recommended prac-tice by the main centre/ University (3) intermediate treatment as desired by the farming commu-nity and scientists and each farmer should be taken as one replication

Implement the programme preferably on watershed basis

Conduct verification/demonstration trials not exceeding 20%of the programme from the technolo-gies generated with previous ORPsites to solve the problems of the farming community

Wherever ORP sites changed within one or two years, conduct impact studies in terms of incre-ment in yield, income area of adoption of improved varieties, cropping systems, area under alter-nate land use systems, production of fodder at village level from the inception to last year of theimplementation of the programme.

Give feed back to the scientists of the main centre, where the technologies were not adopted inORPvillages and not defused in other villages

Seed production and facilitation to get required inputs timely is the responsibility of the ORPscientists

Develop linkages with existing extension agencies for up scaling the technologies other than ORParea.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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Annexure V

Proceedings of a Two day Workshop on "Development of Participatory Action Plan andStrategies for Technology Upscaling", ORPAnantapur was organized during 20-21, June 2007.

Dayone

Proceedingsof the Day1 were held at ORPvillageEguvapalli,GarladinneMandal,Anantapurdistrict andis presented below

Objective:

Toprioritize the issues for action research and inclusion in the ensuing Technical programme 2007-08.

Participants:

Farmers from the ORP village, scientists of ARS,Anantapur(AICRPDA,AICRPon Millets, Soil and WaterConservation scheme, AICRPon Arid Horticulture, NARP,State Plan), ORP,scientists/officers representingKVK,DAATTC,State Department of Agriculture, Project Director(ATMA),CommunityCoordinator,V.O (Fed-eration of SHGs)and representatives of NGOlike RIDSparticipated.

Facilitators: Drs.N.K.Sanghi,Expert, G. Subba Reddy, PC(AICRPDA)G.Subbi Reddy,head, ARS,K.VeerabhadraRao,ChiefScientist, AICRPDA,Anantapur, Y.Padmaltha,1/c Scientist, ORP,K.Bhargavi,Scientist, ORP,Sreenath

. Dixith, D,V.B.Ramanaand G.Ravindra Chary, Scientists ,CRIDAI

I Methodology:~ Brainstormingand FocusedGroupDiscussionswere chiefly employedto get the desired output from theI participants.

I Abrief background of the project was shared with the participants and village elders were requested to

l

present the agriculture scenario of the village in the past and present. Initial brainstorming session broughtout the general issues of low productivity of crops/sometimes failures, lack of timely supply of inputs,particularly seeds, no crop insurance, need for rain water management for cops, animals and drinking

I water, credit support for livestock farming etc.,.Inorder to facilitate focused interaction, Farmers were divided in to five focused groups. Each group was

I

facilitated by a scientist besides several other scientists participating in them. The focused group inter-actions were continued for an hour during which the facilitator noted the points that emerged during thediscussion. After the interactions, all the groups were reassembled and the facilitator of each group

pr~edcM~.lrb.~'~~RiiII~ ~ (NM:It soils.-d n'd $iN/s.)

mtter management( bore weft imgatecffcanaf fmgatecf)

Livestock/DairyLandless labourers

Other off farm economic activities

come:

up I: Rainfed Agriculture

[itators: Drs. N.K. Sanghi, G. Subba Reddy, K.Veerabhadra Rao,

cipants: Drs".Vasundhara, Sahadeva Reddy, Murali Krishna, Prakash Babu and Mr.Venkateshwar Reddyfarmers

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. Major crops in red soils are groundnut, sorghum, horsegram and in black soils are groundnut,sunflower and chickpea.

Varieties: Adopt JL-24 and TMV- 2 as common varieties of groundnut in sandy, red and black soils.Not aware of new varieties in village. Aware about the new varieties grown by the other farmers inother villages. Not aware of ICRISATvarieties

Seed availability is the common problem. Government supply is inadequate. Farmers who canafford buy from oil mills and those who cannot, grow pigeonpea and sorghum

Interested in seed bank concept. Has scope for seed production under borewell irrigation s infarmers fields and can be distributed in the village itself. Farmers interested in exposure visit tothe villages where seed bank concept is implemented.

In groundnut, seed treatment with Quinolphos and spraying with insecticide is done two times forred hairy caterpillar and leaf folder. Only 30% of the farmers do spraying. Plant protection in-creased the yield by 120 kg/acre. No spray for leaf spots and the crops harvested within ten days.Bavistin+ DithaneM-45sprayat 30 days, 50days - two spray. Rootgrub is a big problemin sandysoils- only 50acres. Redhairycaterpillar (RHC)is problemin 50%area, sometimesin 100%areaDr.Sanghiinformed about the success story of NonPesticidal Management (NPM)in cotton in Punukalavillage in Khammam district .Earlier farmers used to give 15 sprays. Byintroduction of IPM,over aperiod of five years, now it is totally pesticide -free management in cotton.

ORPfarmers showed keen interest to have exposure visit to NPMvillages.

Fertilizer management: Farmers apply one bag DAPper acre in ground nut in 1000 acres, totaling to50 tonnes.

In rice, they apply 4 bags of DAP/acre. There is general feeling that productivity is declining whilefertilizer consumption is increasing.

Farmers expressed that almost each farmer has organic manures sufficient for one acre. Earth-worm population is reducing. A common feeling of the group was that there should be Policyfavourable for organic manures utilization in terms of incentives for vermicomposting, Panchakavyafor dryland soils, labour incentives for taking up organic manuring activities.

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Suggestions from farmers for increasing productivity and cost reduction. Cost of cultivation - 5000-6000 kg/acreWeedcontrol - cost reductionLabour cost reduction in weed control

Research on drought resistant varieties

...Group II: Water management (Borewell +canal irrigation)/Dryland Horticulture

Facilitators: G.Subbi Reddy, DR.ShivaReddy, P.LaxmiReddy, K.Subrahmanyam, Kishtappa, Dr.Srinivasandfarmers Presently, 40 bore wells exist in rainfed area. Depth is up to 500 feet and an average yield 1-1/2inch to 2-inch water. Nearly 100 bore wells and open wells have completely dried. Drinkingwater is onlyfrom a tank constructed under Satya Sai water scheme. Farmers suggested for a check dam (approximatecost 30 lakhs), between two hills, to store the water

. There was a common agreement for social regulation in ground water management in respect ofborewell water sharing with set norms between the donor and the beneficiary. Rainwater harvest-ing for recharging dried open wells.

Farmers wanted an exposure visit to a village where social regulation process for groundwatermanagement is in place. Awareness on appropriate rainwater management methods.Water scarcity in bore wells: Adopting drip irrigation under bore wells in sweet orange orchardswhich are about very few are adopting channel irrigation. One mango garden and few acres ofvegetable crops under irrigation.

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Group III: Livestock

Drs. D. B.V. Ramana and M.JohnsonA large number of women participated during the discussion in this group.

Livestock situation:

a. Large ruminants:

At present the farmers possess non -descript buffaloes which are yielding only Ho 2 liters of milk /day.Large animals suffering with frequent epidemics of foot and mouth disease (FMD),haemorrhagic septice-mia (HS), black quarter (BQ),there is no regular deworming practice in the village. There is no veterinaryhospital in the village nor does a veterinarian visit the village. Farmers depend up on a private practitio-ner. Only few farmers are giving supplementation after calving. Farmers are reporting long calving inter-vals.

MilkMarketing: There is no milk collection center in the village, hence more dependence on middlemenresulting in lower milk price (Rs.7 to 8/l). If the middlemen do not turn up for milk collection, farmers areforced to go to near by village, Kallur, 10 kms away to sell the milk at a throwaway price. This has alsoresulted in farmers sending their children for milk selling resulting in more school dropouts.

Fodder situation: There is shortage of fodder during summer and farmers are purchasing from near byvillages. Very few farmers are cultivating fodder. The reason for no supplementation seems to be ascribedto higher cost of ingredients and non-remunerative price of the milk.

b. Small ruminants

Among the small ruminants, sheep are the dominating species. Nellore brown and its cross is the onlybreed in the village. Frequent epidemics of Enterotoxaemia (IT), Blue tongue (BT), FMD,Sheep pox werealso reported. There is no regular deworming practice in the village. No supplementary feeding, evenduring summer. Nomigration of the shepherds reported, however they take animals to feed on forest treeson hillocks

Poultry

Under backyard poultry, only desi birds (assel) are being reared. Farmers are aware of developed highyielding breeds like vanaraja, giriraja etc. but not aware of their procurement places, management etc.

Suggestions! needs for profitable livestock farming

. Primary requirement is for the establishment/starting of a milk collection center. This will create/force the farmersfor profitabledairying,availingsubsidizedconcentrate supplementfromAPDDCFetc.

There should be a regular animal health care through regular visits of a veterinarian or eitherthrough a local trained Gopalmitra (a trained rural youth for live stock care for vaccination, firstaid and artificial insemination).There should be regular fodder supply mechanism either through cuLtivation, preservation andeffective utilization(chopping)in the village itself under borewellsor through PPR/CPRdevelop-ment (through SHGs)/ development horti-pastoral system.

Upgradation of the local with Murrah breeds for higher milk yield. Introduction of developed breedslike vanaraja, giriraja, gramapriya for higher meat and egg production from backyard poultry.Need based supplementation for both large and small ruminants for better productivity (milk andoff-springs)Institutional and policy support for livestock procurement (loans), subsidy for concentrated mix-ture fromAPDDCF.,

Dr.Sanghi suggested the farmers to visit BAIF,Shadnagar, for understanding improved buffalo based dairy.

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Group IV:Landless labourers

Drs. G. Ravindra Chary and Sreenath Dixit

Thisgroupmainlyrepresented by the women.Mostof them are also the membersof SHGsand engage inNREGPactivities but remain idle for 4 monthsin an year. Get loansfrom SHGsand buy sheep etc.

Interested in incomegeneratingactivities likevermin-composting,neemplantation for neem seed collec-tion (which in future can be supplied to a neem seed extraction factory in near by town), value addition tothe agricultural produce like dal chakki etc.,

Group V: Non agricultural enterprises

Facilitators: Dr. Bhargavi, Community Coordinator (VO)

. 16 SHGsare actively operating in the village. The member women engage in multiple off-farmemployment activities like tailoring, weaving etc.

The women expressed some needs for improving tailoring activity like machine tailoring for fastworking, Cutting design technology, embroidery and repairs training, regular and high paymentsin every season, good marketing. They also suggested for a Training center to educate girls in thevillage, formation of a Cooperative society and shop maintenance at Pamidi, near by town.

Visit to village Miduthuru, Pedda Vaduguru Mandai adopted under SAPAPprogramme of UNDP

Ina groupdiscussion,interacted with the office bearers of the V.O,who have been trained bythe UNDP's(SAPAP).Thevisitingteam of Scientistsand officialsinteracted with groupand understood the processofSHG'sformation and their transformation into a village level, financial empowerment of women for theirfamilies/community development. Area manager Mr. Ramanappa gave the overview of the programme inthe village. This village was adopted under SAPAPin 1997, later on by Velugu programme upto 2005 andnowunder IKPsince 2005.InSAPAPprogrammethere was no linkagewith line departments. Howeverthelinkage with state line departments was established under Velugu and now IKP.TheV.Owas established onApril 20, 1998. Presently there are 20 SHG's(Agrade-8, Bgrade - 8, C grade - 4), with each SHGhaving 10-15 members. The SHG members are mainly landless people. There are 480 families in the village, ofwhich, 292 families are presently the members of the SHG's. Remaining families are interested to join theexisting group or who would like to form other more SHG's. It may take 2-3 years time to cover all thefamilies. TheseSHG'swere activelyassociatedwithAPRLPsponsoredwatershed developmentprogrammefor 5 years, CPR/wasteland development for fodder production with 29 cows.SHG's used to delineate thearea and decide the amount for fodder use from the CPR's. Oncethe prioritywas givento the SHG'sforthis fodder use, then they sell to other villages. The fund operated by these SHG's is about 30 lakhs(commoninvestmentfund - 3.38lakhs, watershed developmentfund - 18lakhs, bankdeposit - 5.04lakhs,APRLPfund- 3.5lakhs).SHG'smainlygiveloansfor agriculture,other domesticneedsand diggingborewells.The V.Ohas sub committees like recoverycommittee, bank transaction committee, social mobilizationcommittee, marketing committee, food security committee etc. During2000 and 2003 focused activitieson agriculture, marketing, food security, procurement etc started. Food security committee plans for thebasic needs of the group and purchase from the market whereas the marketing committee procuresmaterial from SHG's and sells it on high price in the markets. Of late one RMGfrom the village joinedthese SHG's. The visit enlightened the process of micro finance empowerment and management by ruralwomen, self-sustaining activities through multiple committees, addressing the NRMbased activities in thevillage particularly CPR's linking to livestock management, dairy etc, ultimately building a village levelinstitution within and for the community development in the village.

Visit to Madirepalli village, Shinganamala Mandai adopted by CWS& RIDS

This village is adopted by the Center for World Solidarity (CWS)and Rural Integrated Development Society(RIDS).These NGOsare workingon social regulationsin water management towards water as a commonproperty. The NGOhave facilitated putting in place a social regulation mechanism for groundwater usage.According to this, the villagers have agreed to stop digging bore well and begin sharing water from theexisting bore wells. This visit helped understanding process of development of social regulation in ground-water management as a common property for overall development of the village while conserving thenatural resources and ecosystem. Earlier the norms / rules at village level were for surface water (tank,canal etc.) utilization. Groundwater exploitation through borewell digging was very common in this vil-

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lage. In 2004, there were 139 borewelLs, out yielding. There was a competition for groundwater exploita-tion amongst the adjacent landowners. Even within a radius of 10 feet five borewell were present. Overa period of time the borewells dried up giving low yields resulting in crop failures. CWSand RIDSinter-vened and sensitized the farmers about the ill effects of groundwater exploitation and gradually devel-oped the process of water donor and water beneficiary. Now the result is an accepted social regulationwith set norms which resulted in increase in hectarage, productivity through micro irrigation, groundwater rechargethrough rainwater harvestingand diversionto open wells/borewells,groundwaterconser-vation and utilization even in low rainfall years. This process can also be sensitized in other village withsimilar situations.Dr.N. K. Sanghi, interacted with CRIDA,ORPand AICRPDAscientists and suggested the following.

Category IV- UsefulTechnologies/experiencesgenerated by other sources / institutions for policy re-search.

Social regulation in ground water exploitation

Social regulation in Biomass exploitation (overgrazing in common lands)Experience of V.O's

50%activities for existing technology assessment and refinement in various microfarmingsituations

Farming system research

Rainwater managementSeed village concept

Documentation of technology adoption and diffusion of the groundnut varieties introduced twoyears back in two villages near to ORPvillages.In the ORP village, support system and policy research on chemical farming vs simple organicfarming where in organic manure is to be produced at village level. Labour for this purpose may beused from NREGP.Incentives for labour oriented operations may be deliberated with districtcollector.

In the new ORP village revolving fund scheme exists under watershed programme. Whether financialrequirement for someof the operationsas envisagedby NRMongoingprogrammescan be met throughthisfund (ADA,ORPscientists)

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Day two

Objective:

To include issues identified by participatory situation analysis into the ORP technical programme andinitiation of a consortiummodelwith involvementsof all the stakeholders.

Participants:

Scientists from CRIDA,AICRPDA,ORP,AICRPon Millets, AICRPon Arid Horticulture, SWCscheme, NARP,State plan and officials from Project Director (ATMA),KVK,Anantapur, DAATTC,Anantapur, State Agricul-ture Department and NGO'sviz., RDT,RIDSparticipated.

Methodology:

Brainstorming sessionChairman:Dr.G. Subba Reddy Co-Chair: Dr.G.Subbi ReddyRapporteurs: Drs. B.Sahadeva Reddy and K.BhargaviFacilitators: Drs. Sreenath Dixith and G.Ravindra Chary

Outcome:

Dr.G. SubbiReddy,Head,ARS,Rekulakunta,gave brief account on the technologiesfromARSthat weretransferred in the district like Small seed, Soil test based fertilizer application, Mechanical seed drill,Mechanicalintercultivator,Farmpondtechnologyetc., through state line departments, NGOslike Basics,

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RDTetc. ATMA,KVK, DAnCe.

Followed by the presentation by Dr. K. Veerabhadra Rao, Chief Scientists, AICRPDAMAIN center, on thevarious technologies that are ready for transfer matching micrfarming situations (K-6, 91114,Farm pond,Amla, Custardapple, Co 1 grass- fodder, Mechanicalseeddrill, Mechanicalintercultivation,Sub surfacedrip irrigation to Mango etc.,) followed by presentation on technologies for upscaling (Small seed ingroundnut , Soil test based fertilizer application, Farm pond, Mechanical seed drill, Improved package ofPractices, recommended seed rate + seed treatment, STBF,intercropping with redgram) by Dr.Y.PadmalathaIIC scientist, ORP.

Chairman requested ATMA,RDT,KVK, DATTCCetc. to respond on the presentations.

ATMAis working for upscalingof technology in Anantapur district for rainfed farming, RDT- helpingfarming community for livelihood developmentand NABARD- critical support to farming community,KVKfor capacity building, demonstrations for agriculture and allied activities, DATTCCis for technology trans-fer, demonstration etc.

1. Small seed

50%of the groundnut farmers in the district are adopting this technology

farmers are adopting this technology (KVK)

preference to bold seed by farmers. Small and shriveled seed -may be poor in germination andsurvival. If farmers in the villages are educated they are happy and mixed reaction observed. Ifdry spells are prolonged, shriveled seed showed normal germination but the survival was notgood. But small seed germination and survival was normal even when there was prolonged dryspells. When the rainfall was good there was no problem of shriveled seeds.

(ATMA)

farmers are adopting (RDT)

Farmers acceptance was good but doubts were there (DAAnC).

...

..2. Soil test basedfertilizer application. Farmers were not in a position to accept the technology. Soil test values are also not encouraging

( DAAnC).

STBF- No need to apply fertilizers by farmers. Poor farmers - aim was to reduce the cost ofcultivation( RDT)

Farmers are adopting by seeing the soil test values. Soil testing labs are doing all the samples(ATMA)

STBF- is very important. Mindsetof farmers shouldbe changed. It shouldbe upscaling(RIDS)Demonstrations have been conducted in villages. Collection of samples and giving data to farmersby the Department of Agriculture has to be done (KVK).

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..3. Farm pond technology

Soil water conservation measures ( Gully control structures, Farm pond, Earthen bunding, contourbunding, Stonechecks,Borderbunding - waste weirs, Checkdams, Redgramon border bunding)have been conducted to increase water retention (RDT).Ridges and furrows formed and floodirrigation was not possible during crop growth period

Pipe system in ground nut also not advantageous.

Driedup wells - preparation s were madeto channelizerainwater (run off) to bases,wells. Perco-lation tanks. Construction of structures to improve water conservation (RIDS)

Farm pond technology is being adopted (KVK)

Watershed- 62 nos. items were doing in NREGS.Nomoneyallotted to watershed.

Small pits of 2x1x1 m pits can be done at farmers fields for compost making(RDT)

...4. SeedVillage Concept

Successful seed growers can be identified (RIDS)

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by ARS-ORP-KVK- NGOas model village

Chairman suggested that foundation seed should be supplied by ORP and the buffering mechanism shouldbe developed. Certified good quality seed is there - then farmers go for CIS.With the coordinated effortsof ARS, KVK, DAATTC and local NGO, ORP should take up this programme.

25%of seed requirement can be met by ARSfrom all projects.

. Seed production village concept is there. Foundation seed in 25 acres in a village (ATMA). Process of Breeder's seed, foundation seed to certified seed. Seed can be produced. CAY91114could be produced. 5 acres to 700 acres. Gone up with three seasons. But now seed is notavailable(RDT)

Chairman suggested that revolving fund empowerment should be given to V.O. Then add 10% toseed produced and purchasing proceeded with V.O. NGO model, ORP model, ARSmodel.

. House endorsed that there is technology for storing the seed.

5. Rainwater management

Effective rainwater management through farm pond or by recharging ground water, possibilitiesto be explored. The learning experience of CWS-RIDSon social regulations in ground water/water manage-ment towards water as a common property should be tried in ORP.

. Accepted to do awareness among the farmers with cooperation of ARS,ORP.Effective collaboration is required from (RIDS)

Possibilities in replicating graded border strip/contour bunding etc..6. Livestock/ Dairy. Capacity building of persons living on livestock by arranging exposure visit.

Centrifuge machine is required to record the fat content for farming community. Private agencycenter collects the milk from 1200 buffaloes and are graded. Since the village supplies 200 l ofmilk/day, a society can be formed with some responsible persons as in-charge and run the society.Self Help Groups can be formed. At small scale, milk collecting centers has to be started (RDT).

Exposure visit to Mulkunur and Karimnagar district can be taken up for capacity building of the SHG

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.7 .Non-Pesticidal Management (NPM)

NPMexperiences in groundnutof RIDScan be tried at ORPvillagewith the support of entomologistfromARS, Reddipalli. ORP should coordinate the programme with the help of RIDSand or RDTsince both theNGOshas volunteered to do so. RIDSalso suggested this programme can also be implemented in tieng upwith Indira Kranti Pathakam programme.

8. Farming systems. Since 60%of the ORPvillage is under rainfed, the livelihoods of the small and marginal farmersshould be improved by integration of crop + livestock + horticulture. Efforts, now, should be madeto develop on-farm IFSmodel in consortium with various partners.Farming system of horti + sheep is profitable(RDT).

9. HRD

KVK:To facilitate Training,capacity building,exposurevisitsfor ORPfarmers.DAATTC:Tofacilitate demonstration/trainingson few rainfed technologiesand particularlyon SRItechnology and drip irrigation.. PD (ATMA)):Tofacilitate demonstrations and exposure visits

The chairman emphasized on the A 'Consortium model' can be developed in Based on experiences ofNGOmerits one or two but all solutions cant be found. Meeting together, sharing NGO'sis must. KVK,ORP,ARS,DAATTC,working together are busy with their main activities. Working together is now on

1. Seed production, 2. Farming system and 3. Ground water recharge

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Annexure VI

Action Plan for ORP,Anantapur

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SI.No. Item1 On-farm participatory Research/TechnologyAssessmentand refinement1.1 . 50 per cent of the ORPactivities shouldbe conductedin an on-farm modefor existingTechnology

Assessmentand refinement matchingvaryingmicro-farmingsituations.1.2 . FarmingSystemsResearchex. Developmentof small ruminantbased farmingsystem: Ramlamb

productionfrom existinghorti-pastoralsystem1.2.1 . Documentationof traditional farmingsystems,site characterization, PRA,identifyingdiverse

microfarmingsituations1.3 . RainwaterManagement1.4 . ParticipatoryVarietalSelection2 Coordinated Programmeswith ARS,KVK,DAATTC,NGOs,VOetc., on Upscaling of Technologies2.1 . Seedvillageconcept2.2 . SocialRegulationof groundwaterresources2.3 . NPM2.4 . Fodderproductionunder limited borewellsupported microirrigation-Forex. APBN-1,CO-3etc.2.5 . Foddertrees establishmentin CPRS/ PPRs2.6 . Introductionof developedbreeds likevanaraja, giriraja, gramapriyathroughSHGs.2.7 . Establishmentof Milkcollectioncenter2.8 . AIprovisionthroughGopalmitrafor breed improvement.2.9 . VOcan facilitate for institutional and policy support for loan advancements, labour employment3 HRD with KVK, DAATTC, PD (ATMA),VO,NGO (RIDS,RDT etc)

3.1 Trainingin vermicomposting,PHTlikedal processing,raisingnurseriesof neem, etc.,3.2 . Exposure visits and capacity building at KVK,PD (ATMA),NPMvillages etc.3.3 . Preparationof concentrate mixturein the villageitself throughVObyappropriate training3.4 . Exploringmore off-farmincomegeneratingactivities that are linkedto agriculture/animal

husbandry/dairyetc., likebiomassgeneration (formanure and animalfeed), NonPesticidalManagementin groundnut,

3.5 . ORPscientistsalongwith CommunityCoordinator,VO,mayfacilitate for formationof the societiesand mayexploreother supportivemechanismsthe already exist and operated throughvariousschemesin the district

3.6 . Traininglocalyouthas Gopalmithraand facilitatingregular health campsfor better animalhealthcare.

4 Documentationand PolicyResearch(CategoryIV- UsefulTechnologies/experiencesgeneratedbyothersources/ institutionsfor policyresearch.)

4.1 . Documentationof technologyadoptionand diffusionof the groundnutvarieties introducedtwoyears backin two villagesnear to ORPvillages.

4.2 . Inthe ORPvillage,support systemand policyresearch on chemicalfarmingvs simpleorganicfarmingwhere in organicmanureis to be producedat villagelevel.Labourfor this purposemay beused from NREGP.Incentivesfor labouroriented operationsmay be deliberated with districtcollector.

4.3 . LearningExperiencesof VO,SAPAPVillage4.4 . Learning Experiences of Social regulation in groundwater management

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Annexure VII

Proceedings of a Two day Workshop on " Development of Participatory Action Plan andStrategies for Technology Upscaling", at ORP,Arjia during (24 - 25October, 2007

Day one (morning)

Objective

To include issues identified by participatory situation analysis into the ORP technical programme andinitiation of a consortium model with involvement of all the stakeholders.

Participants

Scientists from CRIDA,AICRPDA,ORP,KVK, Bhilwara, Non-plan scheme and officials from Project Director(ATMA) and DRDA,State Agriculture Department, Deptt. of Animal Husbandry and NGO's viz., FES,BAlE

Methodology: Brain storming session

Chairman: Dr. P.M. Jain, Co-Chairman: Dr. G. Ravindra Chary

Rapporteurs: Dr. S.K. Sharma, Dr. M. Osman

Facilitator: Dr. A.K. Kothari

Outcome

Dr. P.M.Jain, Chief Scientist, DFRS,Arjia, Bhilawara gave brief account on the technologies from DFRSthatwere transferred in the district like Ridging after sowing in maize, Variety TAG-24 of groundnut,Groundnut+sesame intercropping, Gram + mustard, Maize substitution during delayed onset of monsoon,Maize + blackgram intercropping, Arjia wheel hoe, Rainwater management, Livestock/dairy and Bio-di-verse farming systems, NGO's like BAIF,FES,ATMA, KVK.

Followed by the presentation by Dr. S.K. Sharma, Incharge (ORP) on the various technologies that areready for transfer matching micro-farming situations.

Chairman requested ATMA, BAIF,FES,Joint Director (Ag.), AD (Horticulture) etc. to respond on the presen-tations. ATMAis working for upscaling of technology in Bhilwara district for rainfed farming, FES8: BAIFhelping farming community for livelihood development and KVKfor capacity building, demonstrations foragriculture and allied activities, Deptt. of Agriculture 8: DRDAis for technology transfer, demonstrationetc. Outcome of discussions on technologies for upscalling is presented as below:

1. Maize + blackgram intercropping

. Farmers are adopting this technology but more demonstrations in different tehsils are required forhorizontal expansion (KVK).

Rainfall fluctuations have a pressure on farmers for mixed cropping of maize+blackgram/cowpea/greengram (FES).

Educated farmers are adopting with some source of irrigation (ATMA).

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2. Arjia wheel hoe

. Adopted by the farmers on large scale but only on light soils (SDA).

3. Ridging after sowing in maize. Widely adopted by the farmers on medium to deep soils (ATMA).

Farmers are adopting (FES)..

4. Variety TAG-24of groundnut

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. Very good variety preferred by farmers.

Seed availability is a major problem (BAIF).

More demonstrations are required and seed village concept needs to be introduced (KVK).

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5. Groundnut+sesame intercropping

. This system is advantageous during normal and low rainfall (SDA).

HYV seed of sesame (non-branching) type should be advocated (FES8: KVK)..

6. Gram + mustard

.Mixed cropping is prevalent in the region (KVK).

Exposure visit to demonstrations of intercropping to large number of farmers can enhance adop-tion in the district (DRDA, SDA8: BAIF).

7. Maize substitution during delayed onset of monsoon

. Only 25 per cent farmers grow sesame, horsegram and other crops during delayed onset in lastweek of July.

Shortage of fodder is a major reason to grow maize (SDA).

Concept is known by the farmers and can result in cost minimization to farmers but distribution ofpamphlets during such abnormalities can change the rate of adoption (FES, KVK,and SDA).

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8. Rainwater management

. Contour bunding, vegetative strip and harvesting of rainwater through diversion farm pond can beprompted on the community basis and through collaborative works of DFRS,ORP,KVK and NGO'swith financial support from the Govt.

9. Livestock/dairy

For higher benefits, small dairy should be established in the village and SHGcan be formed to keepit alive (BAIF).

Fodder bank should maintain in the village and capacity building of farmers should be taken upthrough KVK, ATMA8: BAIF.

.10. Bio-diverse farming systems

. Performance of bio-diverse farming systems models is appreciable and should be replicated atother locations through ATMA(SDA, ATMA8: KVK).

Integration of livestock and fruit plants should be done for its good adoption at farmers level(BAIF).

Wasteland can be developed as community farming systems for effective development and main-tenance (BAIF, FES,and Horticulture Deptt.).

11. Capacity building

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For capacity building of ORPfarmers, following organization were identified -

. KVK : Training and exposure visits.

. Deptt. of Agriculture: Demonstrations on fields of ORPfarmers on few rainfed technologies par-ticularly water management.

AD (Horticulture) : Training in nursery management and entrepreneurship development.

BAIF : Exposure visit to pasture based farming systems.

FES: Exposure visit to developed watershed.

PD (ATMA) : To facilitate innovative demonstrations and exposure visits.

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The chairman emphasized that experiences of NGO's, State Deptts., KVK,DFRSand allied departmentsshould be involved in the activities of ORP.Resource centre, seed production, water harvesting system,nadi management and community pasture development work can be taken on consortium basis. ThroughSWOTanalysis, activity based cooperation should be extended by the different stakeholders of the dis-trict.

Dr. Ravindra Chary emphasized for attaching land to livelihood of the rainfed farmers. In this direction,participatory technology development, capacity building of farmers and on-farm employment generationshould be taken as a focused approach through consortium route.

Day one (evening)

Proceedings of the Day 1 were held at ORP village Kochariya, Tehsil Suwana, District Bhilwara and ispresented below

Objective

To prioritize the issues for action research and inclusion in the ensuing Technical Programmes

Participants

Farmers from the ORP village, scientists of DFRS,Arjia ORP,scientists/officers representing KVK,StateDepartment of Agriculture, ATMA,AD(DRDA),AD(Horticulture) NGOlike BAIFparticipated.

Facilitators

Drs. Ravindra Chary, Senior Scientist, PCCell (AICRPDA)M. Osman, Senior Scientist CRIDA,P.M.Jain, ChiefScientist, DFRS,Arjia, S.K. Sharma, Incharge ORP,A.K. Kothari & R.K. Sharma, Scientist, ORP and K.C.Laddha, B.S. Kumpawat, Scientists, Arjia, Bhilwara, Manish Jain (V.O.), T.S. Yadav (SDA),GhanshyamMeena, R.S. Rathore and Prakash Panwar (KVK),Yogesh Gupta (NGO).

Methodology

Brainstorming and Focused Group Discussions were chiefly employed to get the desired output from theparticipants.

A brief background of the project was shared with the participants and village elders were requested topresent the agriculture scenario of the village in the past and present. Initial brainstorming session broughtout the general issues of low productivity of crops/sometimes failures, lack of timely supply of inputs,particularly seeds, no crop insurance, need for rain water management for cops, animals and drinkingwater, credit support for horticulture plants, improved animal and irrigation methods.

In order to facilitate focused interaction, farmers were divided in to five focused groups. Each group wasfacilitated by a scientist besides several other scientists participating in them. The focused group inter-actions were continued for an hour during which the facilitator noted the points that emerged during thediscussion. After the interactions, all the groups were reassembled and the facilitator of each grouppresented the outcome to the entire group.

. Rainfed agriculture (brown soils). Water management (well irrigated). Livestock/Dairy. Horticulture. Women development and off-farm employment

Outcome

Group I : Rainfed Agriculture

Facilitators

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Drs. S.K. Sharma, B.S. Kumpawat, Q.G. Qureshi. Major crops in sandy loam soils maize, groundnut, sesame, blackgram, sorghum fodder, mustard,chickpea, guar, wheat.

Varieties - In maize Mukta, Sathi and Negri are common varieties. In groundnut JL-24 as commonvarieties of groundnut in sandy loam and black soils. Not aware of new dryland varieties in village.Aware about the new varieties grown by the other farmers in other villages. Not aware of MPUATvarieties

Timely availability of seed is a common problem. Farmers having irrigation, follow maize-wheatrotation.

Interested in seed bank concept. There is a scope for seed production under well irrigation onfarmers' fields and can be distributed in the village itself. Farmers interested in exposure visit tothe villages where seed bank concept is implemented.

In groundnut, problem of termite is there. Farmers do not adopt practices of seed treatment anddrenching to control termite and white grub.

Problem of weeds like Bognya, Baru, Motha, Malichho, Chhimkdi, Gai.

Dr. P.M.Jain informed about the success story of maize+pigeonpea (1:1) system in Pathliyas villagein Bhilwara district .Earlier farmers used to grow only maize+blackgram (mixed) cropping. Byintroducing pigeonpea, the benefit and employment of farmers can be increased.There are only 12 bullock pairs and 8 tractors in the village, so sowing stress is felt in the village.

ORPfarmers showed keen interest to have exposure visit to ATMAvillages.

Fertilizer management: Seed and fertilizer mix sowing is prevalent. Top dressing is done in maize.

There is general feeling that productivity is increased with the application of tank silt.

Few farmers are applying tank silt and vermi-compost to selected field units and are interested inorganic farming.

Farmers expressed that enriched FYMand compost can be prepared with improved technologyprovided Govt. support is there.

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..

.....

.Suggestions from farmers for increasing productivity and cost reduction. Labour cost reduction in weed control with improved implements.

Demonstration of in-situ/ ex-situ rainwater conservation techniques.

Research on drought resistant varieties.

Improvement in nadi system.

Training and exposure visit in enriched compost making.

Custom hiring services for improved implements.

Development of silvipastoral system.

......Group II: Water management

Facilitators: Dr.A.K. Kothari, Dr. R.K. Sharma, Dr. L.K. Chhata & T.S. Yadav.

Presently, 9 bore wells, exist in rainfed area. Depth is up to 300 feet and an average yield 1-2 inch water.Nearly 30 open wells have completely dried. Drinking water is only from a water tank constructed undercommunity water scheme. There are two anicuts. Farmers suggested for a check dam between two hills,to store the water

. There is no awareness about for social regulation in ground water management in respect ofborewell water sharing with set norms between the donor and the beneficiary. Rainwater harvest-ing for recharging dried open wells.

Water quality is poor in the village.

Farmers wanted an exposure visit to a village where social regulation process for groundwater

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. management is in place. Awareness on appropriate rainwater management methods is required.

Water scarcity in bore wells: Adopting sprinkler drip irrigation under borewells in groundnut andvegetable crops. Five sprinkler set exist in the village.Recharging of well by improving instruments of rainwater demonstration..

Group III: Livestock

Facilitators: Drs. Ghanshyam Meena, Manish Jain, YogeshGupta

Livestock situation

(a) General

At present the farmers possess non-descript cattle, buffalo, sheep & goat with low milk yield. In thevillage 500 cattle, 250 buffalo, 100 sheep and 600 goats exist. There is no regular deworming practice inthe village. There is no veterinary hospital in the village. Only few farmers are giving supplementationafter calving. Farmers are reporting long calving intervals. There is only two cross bred cows.

Milk Marketing - Milk collection centre was existing in the village but due to price problem, it is notworking, hence more dependence on middlemen resulting in lower milk price (Rs.6 to 8/l).

Fodder situation: There is no shortage of fodder during summer and farmers purchase fodder when thereis continuous drought for more than two DFRS.Very few farmers are cultivating fodder.

Suggestions/ needs for profitable livestock farming

Primary requirement is for the establishment/starting of a milk collection center. This will create/force the farmers for profitable dairying.

There should be a regular animal health care through regular visits of a veterinarian or eitherthrough a local trained Gopalmitra (a trained rural youth for live stock care for vaccination, firstaid and artificial insemination).

Upgradation of the local non-descript breeds for higher milk yield. Introduction of developedbreeds like introduction of Jersey, Hoelstein in cattle, Gir & Murrah in buffalo and Jamnapuri &Sirohi in goat.

Need based supplementation for both large and small ruminants for better productivity (milk andoff-springs)

Institutional and policy support for livestock procurement (loans), SHG's for concentrated mix-ture through ATMA.

Dr. Chary suggested the farmers to visit BAIF,Centres, for understanding improved fodder and pasturemanagement.

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Group IV: Horticulture. There is no orchard in the village. Scattered fruit plants like ber & aonla exist in the village.

Farmers are interested in fruit planting but high cost in barbed wire fencing and scarcity of waterduring summer are major constraints.

There is a lack of awareness about improved varieties of fruits and vegetables.

.

Suggestions. Bigfarmers can adopt fruit planting and inter-cultivation of vegetable with some financial supporton fencing and tubewell establishment.

3-4 DFRSgestation period in fruit plantation also puts the economicburden on farmers (BAIF).Exposure visit and trainings about nursery and fruit cultivation through drip can help to adopt thefruit-based farmingsystems (KVK).

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Group V : Off-farm activities and women in agriculture

Facilitators: Dr. K.C. Laddha, Dr. (Mrs.) Prakash Panwar

Drudgeriesfelt in farm, home and animalhusbandryactivities.(a) Traditional chulha are available in their home. None of them have bio-gas plant or

smokeless chula. Problem of eyes because of smoke was identified by women and alsothe bleaching of utensils to require more labour in dish washing also.

(b) There is a problem in storage of grains as they possess mud bins and also unaware ofscientific storage practices for cereals and pulses. Problem of kabea and termite.

Womenface drudgery in farm operations especially weeding, hoeing and harvesting. Itneeds replacement of local sickle by serrated sickle and also use of wheel hoe have to beincreased.

(c)

(d) Regardinganimal husbandry activities none of them were aware of manger and also chaffcutters. There is a need for preparing mangers for hygiene feeding and also to make up thelosses. Chaff cutter can be kept in a group on custom hiring basis.

Agro-processing

Food & fruit presentation training is demandedby women.They knowpreparation ofmango pickle but that also gets spoiled as reported by few respondents. They do not knowabout other preserved items like ketchup, sauce, chutneys, squash, jam and jelly.

Aware about dehydrated vegetables. They do this practice for methi, guarfali, ladyfingerand kachari.

In then off time, they go for grazing the annuals and also collection of wood in forest.

No agriculture based women self help group in the village.

No landless women in the village.

No entrepreneur activity is going on in the village.

.(a)

(b)

....Suggestions:

Day 2

. Since above mentioned activities generate ample income through off- farm employment,ORPscientists along with KYKand ATMAmay facilitate for formation of the women SHG'sand may explore other supportive mechanisms the already exist and operated throughvarious schemes in the district.

Thewomenexpressedsomeneedsfor improvingtailoring activity like machinetailoringfor fast working, Cutting designtechnology,embroideryand repairs training in everyseason.Theyalsosuggestedfor a Trainingcenter to educategirls in the village.

.

Technical session at DFRS,Arjia

Objective:

To include issues identified by participatory situation analysis into the ORP technical programme andinitiation of a consortium model with involvements of all the stakeholders.

Participants

Scientists from CRIDA,AICRPDA,ORP, KVK, Bhilwara scheme, Non-plan and officials from Project Director(ATMA)and DRDA,State Agriculture Department and NGO'sviz., FES, BAIF,Deptt. of Animal Husbandry.

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Methodology: Brainstorming session

Chairman: Dr. P.M.Jain, Co-Chairman; Dr. Ravindra Chary

Rapporteurs: Dr. S.K. Sharma, Dr. M. Osman

Outcome:

1. Useful Technologies/experiences generated by other sources / institutions for policyresearch.

Social regulation in ground water exploitation

Social regula1ion in Biomass exploitation (overgrazing in common lands)

Documentationof technologyadoptionand diffusionof the maize, groundnut and pigeonpeavari-eties introduced two DFRSback in two villages near to ORPvillages.

In the ORPvillage, support system and policy research on chemical farmingv/s simpleorganicfarming where in organic manure is to be produced at village level. Incentives for labour orientedoperations may be deliberated with district collector.

The financial requirement for some of the operations need in the new ORP village may be envisagedthrough ongoing programmes under ATMA.

..

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2. Priorities of work for next five DFRSfor ORP,Arjia and AICRPDAMain Centre, ArjiaI. On-farmparticipatory Research/TechnologyAssessmentand refinement. Assessmentand refinement of improvedtechnologiesdeveloped at DFRS,Arjia matching varying

micro-farming situations.. Testing of new technologies developed by other eminent institutions.

II. CoordinatedProgrammeswith DFRS,KVK,SDA,NGOs,VOetc., on Upscalingof TechnologiesSeed village concept

Non-Pesticidal Management.Foddertrees establishment in CPRS/ PPRs

Introduction of developed breeds like Gir, Jersey, Holstein in cattle, Murrah & Surati in buffaloSonadi sheep, Jamanapari & Sirohi in goat.

Training in orchard management and grafting techniques through KVK& SDA.

ORPscientists alongwith AgricultureSupervisor&officialsof ATMAand ZillaParishadmayfacili-tate for formation of the societies and may explore other supportive mechanisms the already existand operated throughvariousschemes in the district.

III. HRDwith KVK,SDA,PD(ATMA),AS

Training in vermi composting, PHT like dal processing, raising nurseries of fruit plants etc.,

Exposurevisitsand capacity buildingat KVK,PD(ATMA)and other institutionsof nationalimpor-tance.

Preparation of concentrate mixture in the village itself through Agriculture Supervisor by appropri-ate training

Traininglocalyouthas Gopalmithraand facilitating regular health campsfor better animalhealthcare.

...

..

..

.

. Exploring more off-farm income generating activities that are linked to agriculture/animal hus-bandry/dairy etc., like biomass generation (for manure and animal feed), Non Pesticidal Manage-ment in groundnut, collection of need seed Kernel.

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Annexure VIII

Action Plan for ORP, Arjia

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SI.No. Item1 On-farmparticipatoryResearch/Technolo{!vAssessmentandrefinement1.1 . Technologyassessmentandrefinementmatchingvaryingmicro-farmingsituations1.2 . Documentationof traditionalfarmingsystems,sitecharacterization,PRA,identifyingdiverse

microfarmingsituations.1.2.1 .FarmingsystemsResearchex. Developmentof improvedanimalbasedandhorti basedfarming

system.1.3 . RainwaterManagement1.4 . ParticipatoryVarietalSelection1.4.1 . Farmmechanization2 CoordinatedProgrammeswithDFRS,KVK,SDA,NGOs,ZillaParishadetc.,onUpscalingof

Technologies2.1 . Seedvillageconcept2.2 . Developmentandefficientutilizationof Qroundlevelresource2.3 . NPM2.4 . Fodderproductionunderlimitedborewellsupportedmicroirrigation2.5 . CPRS/ PPRs- SilvipastoraldeveloDment2.6 . Introductionof developedbreedsof cattles,Qoat2.7 . Animalhealthmanagement

2.8 . Promotionofvalueadditionactivitiesviz.,Raubinmaize,dal/mangodiinblackQram3 HRDwith KVK,PD(ATMA)

3.1 Trainingin enrichedcomposting,drudgeryreduction,food processingfor valueaddition,nutritionalmanagementof farmfamily.

Awarenessaboveinsurance,loan,20Vt.programmes,silageandhaymakinQ3.2 . Exposurevisits andcapacitybuildinQat KVK,PD(ATMA),villagesetc.4 Documentationand PolicyResearch(CategoryIV - UsefulTechnologies/experiencesgeneratedby

other sources/ institutionsfor policyresearch.)

4.1 . Documentationof technologyadoptionanddiffusionof onintegratedhorti - basedfarmingsystemin the areaandorganicproductionsvstem

4.2 . LearningExperiencesof ATMAandKalyanpurawatershed

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Annexure IX

Proceedings of Development of Participatory Action Plan and Strategies forTechnologies upscaling at ORP, Ranchi

Aonedaybrainstormingsessionwasorganizedat village Rarha,of ORPRanchi during28,August,2007toinitiate action researchin this center.

Objective:

Toinclude the issues identified by participatory mode and include them in the ensuing technical programme.

Participants:

Scientists from BAU and ORP,Ranchi, scientists from CRIDA, NGOs and farmers from ORPparticipated inthe meeting.

Methodology:

Brainstorming and focused group discussions were concentrated on holistic problems and solutions ofparticipants. The farmers were interested to put maximum problems of agriculture and family.

A brief background of project was narrated by Dr. N. Kumari, Junior Scientist, ORP. It was followed bysharing of discussion and interaction with the help of village resource map of each village.

Director of Research also emphasized to categorize the problems of farming. Scientist from CRIDAinter-acted with local participants. Dean (Agriculture) and other scientists also participated and interactedwith villagers.

Shri. Gokul Mehra, Director SAMETIintervened and extracted farmers view for capacity development offarmers. He opined to select two farmers from each village and others, if interested and he assured toprovide linkage help to build capacity of the farmers in taking up agricultural operations.

Representative from R.K.Mission, Morabadi, and Mr. Manoj pointed out that their presence in villagePiprajarha for last two years awarded technical know-how for animal husbandry, poultry. They trainedfarmers for animal health. Goatry, piggery and bee keeping were also taken up. He suggested to popular-ize duck breed Khaki Cambell and poultry Dibyam Red for better adoption. DeanAgriculture, suggested toraise the economic level of farmers through adoption of improved farming system and to integrate theirfarming with fruit, forestry, vegetable and goat and fish.

The villages are situated in between Rarha forest covering an area of 250 ha. The participants indicatedthat large no. of original medicinal and aromatic plants are available in forest. The low-income farmersand landless labourers utilize forest produce for their livelihood.

Majority of farmers were enthusiastically interested to be assured and to know the ways to raise theireconomic status within a short period.

Outcome:

. Farmers indicated that soils in upland condition are light and acidic with 5-8% slope, the majorcrops (upland rice, maize, arhar, ragi etc.) are low yielder but in medium and lowland situations,productivity of kharif paddy is satisfactory (18-20 q/ha). The major problem faced by farmers aredisease, insect-pest damages, low input use and traditional varieties.

In medium lands traditional long duration varieties occupy major area. It delays rabi sowingotherwise moisture available in medium land needs introduction of optimal sowing of rabi crops.

Farmers indicated profitability of vegetable cultivation. The ORP villages have communicationlinkage within 5 km to state highway (Patratu-Ranchi). The two markets, Pithoria (3 km) and

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.Ranchi (15 km) provide opportunity for seeking higher prices of the produce.

Farmers indicated for rainwater harvesting insitu as well as off situ utilizing Lakhari nala and itstributaries.

Soil erosion is major problem inslopy cultivable land (5-8% slope). They interacted for controlmeasures to be demonstrated.

Hybrid cultivation in paddy vegetable and other crops were highlighted. During discussion, farm-ers narrated their experiences and pointed at problems of False Smut in hybrid. However, theywere satisfied with higher yield from hybrids. Director of Research suggested demonstrating hy-brids like PA-6444,KRH-2 etc.

In post kharif crops like Niger and rabi crops like potato, wheat, lentil, gram, oil seeds are to bedemonstrated for better utilization of residual moisture. The problem of stray cattle grazing wasdiscussed and it was suggested to form village committees to check and control this problem.

Alternate land use system to utilize waste land and to reduce loss of forest trees for firewoodconsumption and due to sale of firewood for money fetching in local market, the alternate landuse system was described by Dr. M.S. Yadava (inchare, ORP). He pointed out that farmers are notwilling to adopt and to take demonstration on this aspect, because they utilize leaves, fruits andtwigs of forest trees for consumption of fuel and fodder. However, one farmer viz. Dukhi Oraon invillage Jamun tola has taken up planting Subabul around the field for enhancing fodder for animalsas well as fertility of soil. Dr. G.R. Chary ft Dr. M. Shankar to popularize and demonstrate a modelunder alternate land use system.

Dr. Maruthi Shankar ft Dr. R. Chari suggested to take up scaling of those technologies which arerelevant to different micro-farming situations. It was suggested to have documentation of tradi-tional farming system as well.

After thanks giving ceremony farmers and scientists of ORP invited all the participants for fieldvisit. The team started at 13.00 hrs to village Kawa Tungri and visited several fields of experimentson medium, lowland hybrid rice. It was pointed out that farmers do not adopt line sowing intransplanted paddy. Secondly, they practiced closer spacing which was detrimental to tiller num-ber at maximum tillering stage.

.

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Discussion on Alternate land system.

Then team visited upland demonstration on paddy, Arhar, (pureft intercropping) in upland situa-tion at Ratna Tanr, Pipra Jarha and jammu tola. Also the fields of experiments on up scaling oftechnologies (lime application in pulses, Ragi, upland rice etc.) were shown.

The team appreciated the experimental plot of Sukra Oraon ftbrothers at village jammu tola.

Return to forest Research station Rarha for discussion with NGO and SAMET!..

Development of Technical programme

. At 5 p.m., the team of scientists met in the conference room of department of Agriculture Physicsft meteorology to frame technical programme of ORP2007-08. Dr. A. Wadood, Chairman, Dept., ofAgril. Physics ft Agriculture Meteorology highlighted reach work on meteorology ft rainfall patternin the region. After a long discussion the technical programme for 2007-08 for ORPwas developed

Discussion of the team to develop technical programme

Participants: Dr. B. N. singh, (D.R), Dr. Maruthi shankar, Dr. G. Ravindra Chary (CRIDA), All scientists ofDryland main center, ORPand Agril., Physics ft Meteorology, B.A.U

A meeting was also held with the Director Research and Vice-Chancellor of B.A.U Ranchi. The meeting wasvery successful.

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Annexure X

Actio Plan ORP, Ranchi

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S.No Title Crop Treatments

ParticipatoryTechnologyDevelopmentParticipatory Varietial Selection

1 Uplandrice evaluationof Rice Vandanauplandvarieties on farmers Birsa Bikas Dhan 109

input level FarmersVarietyBunding

2 Vegetable Fallow-Fallowvegetables crops Early-Pea/Colecrops/Tomato

Bunding3 Vegetable Tomato/ Colocasia-Brinjal/ Pea / Tomato

Kharif vegetable- cropsVegetable

4 Alley cropping Rice Subabulfor ( on bunds)- Rice/ FingermilletFinger-millet (Transplanted) / Maize/ balckgram/ pigeonpeaMaizeBlackgramPigeon pea

5 Cropping system Rice Improved method(Lalat!IR-64) Rice (Lalat/lR-64) varietyMustard Farmers input level

6 Cropping system Rice Rice Lalat!IR-64) variety -(Lalat!IR-64) Wheat! rubi pulsesWheat

7 Cropping system Rice Rice Lalat!IR-64) variety -(Lalat!IR-64) Sweet corn/baby cornMaize

Energy Management8 Energy management Rice Improved tillage

Wheat Zero tillage (for wheat)Farming System9 Rice Rice

Crop live stockUplands/Medium lands

10 Rice Rice Rice - vegetables - goat rearing/ backyard poultry /Crop live stock piggeryUplands/Medium lands

11 Low lands Rice-rice WHS(water harvestingstructure)/ Rice-rice+ uck/fishParticipatory Extension plan - up scaling

12 Rain water management Field bund stabilizationUplands

13 Rain water management Study of CPRfor water resourceUplands

14 Cropping system PP + FM15 Cropping system Limeapplicationin uplandacid soilsCrops- soybean

/Rice FM/BG16 Vegetables Cabbage/ cauliflowerCapacity Building17 Formation Women SHGS;MenSHGS18 HRD19 Agro Advisory Service20 Animal Health Camps

21 Kisan Goshti/ Pre-season trainings

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Annexure XI

Details of PRAof Panod, ORPvillage, Indore

As per the requirement, a PRAexercise at proposed ORPsite namely Panod was carried out during April2007 .This programme was attended by personnel from different organizations including Scientist of ORPteam, Scientists of different departments including Agronomy, plant breeding, plant pathology, soil sci-ence, Horticulture, DDAand ADAof Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, fisheries, KVKscientists andextension workers of NGO.After gathering the preliminary information regarding the village, each depart-ment explained the programmes, activities being carried out by it under different state and centralgovernment schemes. The idea was to dovetail the activities in the village Panod for its overall develop-ment. The officers of the department assured that the villagers would be given whole hearted supportand they would try to include the village in their future programme so that the villagers are benefited byvarious schemes. Based on the exercise, the following observations were made:

Observations

The following observations have been made during the study.

The soil of area is black clayey soil, which is certainly prone to erosion. The average rainfall of theregion is 967mm.

Soybeanbased croppingsystem is prevailing.They also prefer mixedcroppingof soybean-Jowar-Maize rather than intercropping.

Soybean is followed by gram/wheat in rabi season. Few farmers opt for different enterprises likeanimal husbandry.

Very few farmers adopt recommended package of practices for the cultivation of crops due to highinput cost and non-availability of labourours.

Dairying is found to be non-profitable enterprise if only purchased feed is provided. Thus it shouldbe a subsidiary business along with the general farming so that the contractual labours, homeproduced feed can be utilized with minimum expenditure on only health care of livestock.

Tubewellsare the mainsource of irrigation.Mostof the open wellsare defunct because of fallingground water level. Every year farmers invest lot of money to dig new bore wells.Credit facility is available in these two villages mainly through commercial banks.

The large and marginal farmers own .Jersi and Deshicow breed mainly for milk production and salein the local market. Mostly, they feed mostly home produced fodder.

Large and medium farmers engage one or two contractual labourers for whole of the year. How-ever, even small farmers engage labours for the harvesting of soybean, gram and wheat. Even nowa days, combines are being engaged for the harvesting mainly soybean and wheat crops.

Village Panod is getting little help from these agencies.

Panod is connected this year to Indore Bypass by road constructed under P.M. Road Programme.This has increased the cost of agricultural land by many folds.

Due to uneven, scanty rainfall during last 5 years, the production has gone down. This has com-pelled many farmers to sale a portion of their land so that to make repayment of loan amount.Some farmers sale their land at premium prize and purchase new land at lower prize.

Farmers of the villages want government to provide sufficient fund to develop water-harvestingtanks to increase the irrigation potential in the area.

The team members confirm the potential and need for a watershed development project. It was observedthat unsustainable use of natural resources has caused low income from natural resources, decreasedproductivity on common land especially, increased sheet and gLJllyerosion. Depletion of the natural veg-etation, inappropriate agricultural practices, overgrazing, rapidly increasing population, governmentprogrammes that are ineffective in reaching the population and lack of funds for land development have

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all contributed to degradation of the land. In most of these watershed areas ground and surface water arenot available in sufficient quantity to allow for development of any major extension of the area withirrigated annual crops. The geological formations are complicated with only isolated pockets of groundwater. This is in combination with quick runoff of surface water, a low recharge to the aquifers and heavyincrease in number of tube wells has resulted in a rapidly falling ground water table and many wells goingdry in the early part of the dry season. The effect of different government programmes to increaseproduction and prevent further degradation of the land has been very limited in these villages.

In Panod, soybean is the measure crop as prevailing almost in all over M.P.Thus soybean based croppingsystem is followed in these villages. However it has been observed that the productivity of this croppingsystem is dependent on the availability of rainwater, its distribution and amount. Therefore efforts shouldbe made to increase the availability of water in this region by adopting suitable soil and water conserva-tion measures. The aims of these structures are as follows:

(1) Conserve maximum water in the soil profile in order to induce vegetative growth on them,

(2) Convert surface flow in to sub surface flow to encourage recharging

(3) Surface storage of water in the tanks constructed in the farmers fields.

This activity will certainly make available enough water for,

Human and livestock drinking

Domestic use like taking bath, washing and cleaning

Irrigation for agricultural crops and vegetable cultivation

Initial watering for fruits and forest plantations.

Thus the challenge before the scientific community is to transform the rainfed farming in to sustainableproduction system specially targeting to benefit the poor people. Water is the starting point for regenera-tion of these rainfed regions.Over the last few decades, many efforts have been made to increase theproductivity of agricultural land but the process of adoption of new technologies by the farmers is stillslow.

The technological strategies that have been developed for the management and conservation of soil andwater sometimes are not adapted for the beneficiaries, because they could not participate in the pro-cesses of the diagnosis, planning and execution of the actions. In addition, the promotion of conservationtillage systems and practices that were not adapted to specific regional requirements has created cred-ibility problems with the farmers probably since they had been developed in other places and introducedwithout a correct diagnosis of the local situation.

The development of technologies that guarantee the maintenance of agricultural land productivity is achallenge that both technicians and farmers must face through collaborative research and fieldwork in thefarmers' own environments and conditions. This includes identification of the problems of managementand conservation of soils and water and a greater emphasis on the evaluation of the potential for systemsof resource conservation adapted to the identical conditions of various regions.

Thus increase in vegetation for longer duration, enhancement in soil moisture due to increased sub-surface seepage, increased runoff water management, decrease in soil loss due to silt trapped in gullyplugs, increase in water levels in wells and increase in soil fertility due to spreading of desilted soils in theadjoining fields will certainly transform the existing rainfed-farming system into sustainable productionsystem.

It has been observed that most of the population of these areas derives its livelihood and environmentalsecurities directly from natural resources like soil, water, vegetation, livestock, and village enterprises.Escalating demographic pressure has reducing per capita cultivated land day by day. Livelihood needs ofrural communities are expected to be realised from increased productivity without degrading qualities ofnatural resources. It has been experienced that top down and supply driven approach of centralizedmacro planning have not produced desired results. Community participation and initiatives in the frame-work of bottom up process of demand driven development is being looked upon for sustainable resourcemanagement. Empowerment of village communities for local level planning has also to be pledged underany village developmental programme. Management of natural resources by communities is the currentparadigm of research and development strategies.

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Natural Vegetation:Vegetation: Common vegetation found in the study area is as below:

Common trees:S. N. Common name1 Palas2. Mahua3. Ber4. Babul5. Neem6. PeepalCommon grasses and weeds:S. N. Common name1. Kans2. Doodhi3. Doob4. Nagar motha

Botanical nameButea monospermaMadhuka latitolialyzyphus jujubaAcacia niloticaAzadirachta indicaFicus religiosa

Botanical name

Saccharum spontaniumEuphorbia hirtaCynodon dactylonCyprus rotundus

CommonKharif crops grown in the area:S. No. Common name1. Soybean2. Maize3. Pigeon pea4. Ladiesfinger5. Brinjal

Botanical name

Glycine maxlea maysCajanus cajanHibiscus Spp.Solanum nigrum

Productivity of different crops in Panod WS.

Yield potential of research farm, farmers' fields and Indore district.

Natural vegetation

IndigenousTechnical Knowledge available

To gain an insight in to ITKs followed in the village, a group of village elders were encouraged to discuss about theiraccumulated experience in dealing with situations and problems in various aspects of farming and health care. Six ITKshave beenfound in this village. Farmersusedto practice them in past but presently they are not usingbecauseof accessto modern techniques.

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Productivitv (q/ha)Season Crops Present 2000-2001 10 years back

Kharif Sovbean 16 - 20 6 - 12 16 - 20

Sor2hum 30 - 35 15 - 20 25 - 30

Maize 25-30 12 - 15 20 - 25

Black2ram 5 -7Rabi Wheat 35 - 40 30 - 35 25 - 30

ChickDea 10 - 12 6-8 6-8Safflower 10-12

Source Yield levels (q/ha)

Soybean Sorghum Maize Wheat Chickpea Potato

Research Potential Yield 30 50 50 50. 20 300

Potential farmer's Yield 25 45 40 50 18 250

District Av. Yield 11.37 11.62 29.10 8

Farm potential Yield 30 50 50 50 20 250

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Indigenous Technical knowledge available in the WS.

Major technical" economic, social and infrastructure related constraints.

Type ofconstraintsTechnical

Constraints

Infrastructure

Economic

Social

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Problem ITK

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) of cattle Feeding of fish to affected animals.and buffalo.

Bloating of cattle and buffalo Mixture of Ajwain with rock salt, ambu haldi and gur is boiled in mustard oil andcooled extract is fed to the animal.

JHATAKE Bones of camel are crushed to powder farm and then fed to the affected animalas drink.

Gala-ghotu (Haemorrhegic sePtisemia) Hot iron is placed on the neck of the affected animal.Sucking parasites Extract of Kachari (Fruit! is mixed with chapatti and fed to the affected animal.

Pest and disease (any) of crops (any) Spraying of neem leaf extract.Spraying of nimori (Neem seeds powder)

Crop ----; KI Soybean Wheat (Lok- Sorghum (CSH- Potato (Jyoti) Maize (Ganga(Samrat) 1) 7) Sated 2)

Indicator

l-High profit 1 I 5 V 1 IV 2 II 4 11\ 32 II 4 IV 2 V 1 III 3 I 53 I 5 V 1 11\ 3 IV 2 II 4

Sub-total 14 4 6 9 12High pest tolerance 1 IV 2 I 5 V 1 II 4 III 3

2 V 1 I 5 III 3 II 4 IV 23 11\ 3 II 4 IV 2 I 5 V 1

Sub-total 6 14 6 13 6Fodder use 1 IV 2 I 5 II 4 V 1 III 3

2 II 4 I 5 11\ 3 V 1 11\ 33 V 1 II 4 III 3 IV 2 I 5

Sub-total 7 14 10 4 11Labour saving 1 I 5 II 4 V 1 11\ 3 IV 2

2 I 5 II 4 V 1 III 3 IV 23 II 4 I 5 IV 2 III 3 V 1

Sub-total 14 13 4 9 5Low requirements of 1 II 4 III 3 V 1 I 5 IV 2inputs 2 11\ 3 II 4 V 1 I 5 IV 2

3 II 4 11\ 3 IV 2 I 5 V 1Sub-total 11 10 4 15 5Additional income 1 II 4 I 5 IV 2 h- --> 11\ 3

2 --- --- --- --- --. --- --- --- --- ---3 IV 2 II 4 III 3 --- --- I 5

Sub.total 6 9 5 --. 8High market price 1 I 5 II 4 V 1 11\ 3 IV 2

2 I 5 III 3 V 1 II 4 IV 23 II 4 III 3 IV 2 I 5 V 1

Sub-total 14 10 4 12 5Less water 1 11\ 3 I 5 V 1 II 4 IV 2requirement 2 11\ 3 I 5 V 1 II 4 IV 2

3 IV 2 I 5 V 1 II 4 III 3Sub-total 8 15 3 12 7High tolerence to 1 I 5 V 1 II 4 III 3 IV 2climaticadversity

2 I 5 V 1 III 3 II 4 IV 23 II 4 IV 2 III 3 I 5 V 1

Sub-total 14 4 10 12 5Total 94 93 52 86 64

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~

. . - --..- _.n. '---'-" -' . . --.-... .._..m.." ," -- .w. -. ..--,...-"--'" .""-'"'

Symbol Name of Problem Rank

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

A Low water table 7 7 12 1 2 1

B No podding syndrome in Soybean 23 5 2

C Ring cutter in Soybean 8 11 6 5

D Rodent attack in Wheat 1 4 8 17

E Late blight of Potato 9 5 12 1 3

F Tuber cracking of Potato 9 8 10 1 1 1

G Green ear disease of Sorghum 2 1 8 7 1 11

H FMD 1 7 5 4 6 7

I Wilting of Garlic 1 5 11 1 2 10

J Potato leaf roll 5 7 1 9 8

------------- -------- --- -. .. --'---'-

Symbol SI. No. Name of Problem RBQ

A 1 Low water table 84.0

B 2 No podding syndrome in Soybean 97.0

C 3 Ring cutter in Soybean 70.0

D 4 Rodent attack in Wheat 26.3

E 5 Late blight of Potato 38.3

F 6 Tuber cracking of Potato 75.3

G 7 Green ear disease of Sorghum 47.7

H 8 FMD 48.3

I 9 Wilting of Garlic 31.7

J 10 Potato leaf roll 40.7

. -- ..n. . --u.

Area (ha)/ No. ofSINo. Problem RBQ % Economic Loss Animal VBI Rank

1 Lowwater table 84.0 30 400 1008000 2

2 No podding syndrome in Soybean 97.0 60 300 1746000 1

3 Ringcutter in Soybean 70.0 40 250 700000 3

4 Rodent attack in Wheat 26.3 60 50 79000 4

5 Late blight of Potato 38.3 20 20 15333 7

6 Tuber cracking of Potato 75.3 20 20 30133 5

7 Green ear disease of Sorghum 47.7 30 5 7150 9

8 FMD 48.3 10 20 9667 8

9 Wilting of Garlic 31.7 20 5 3167 10

10 Potato leaf roll 40.7 20 20 16267 6

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Annexure XII

Action Plan, ORP, Indore

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Title Crop TreatmentsNoParticipatory extension plan - up scaling

Up scaling and out scaling of technology and participatory technology demonstration

1 Natural resource conservation programme Various soil and water conservation measures

for increasing productivity in the region as per the site including provision of adequate

draining

2 Demonstration of package of practice of Soybean 1. Farmers practicesoybean 2. Improved seed, balanced use of

fertilizer, seed treatment prophylacticmeasure of plant protection, weedicide,inter culture and harvesting atphysiological maturity

3 Plantation of Jatropha and Glyricydia on the Jatropha Glyricydiabunds and watershed of farmer's field

4 Live demonstration on seed treatment,preparationof NADEPcompost, use ofweedicide and pant protection chemical tobe !!iven to farmer's of Watershed area.

ParticiDatory Technolo!!y DeveloDmentDevelopment of water harvestim! tank/sunken tanks and its effect on crop productivity5 Studies on rain water harvesting and Development of water harvesting tank

recycling for improving the productivity forrainfed crops

Site Selection Nutrient Mana2ement6 Influence of sulphur application on Soybean 1. Farmers practice

productivity of soybean 2. Farmerspractice +S@30kg/hathrough gypsum

7 Crop diversification studies Onion, Garlic,Potato, Hybridtomato, BrinjalCoriander

ParticiDatorv Varietal Selection8 Introduction of new promising varieties of Soybean Varieties of soybean and chickpea as per

important kharif (Soybean) and rabi Chickpea recommendation and availability(chickpea) and fodder crops under rainfedconditions

Other activities

9 Human Resource Development (i) Training on package of practices prekhrif and rabi season will be organized(ii) Field visits and spot euidance

Livelihood Cultivation10 Custom hiring center for providing improved

tools in non ORParea as wellAlternate land Use11 Plantation of Anoia and Custard apple under Anola Anola

agro-horti system. Custard Custard appleaDDle

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Annexure XIII

ORPs: Envisioning on New Challenges -Summary of the responses

1. What was the farming system module followed during the last season (or those contemplated for2007-08) by your ORPin response to your suggestions on improving the content of technical programme(2006-07)

At Ananthapur. In Pennar Manirevu Watershed, Sheep stall-feeding of groundnut haulms. Narasapuram National Watershed: CPRdevelopment by Hori-pasture system up to 2006-07

. Horti-pasture system based farming system + sheep during 2007-08. Introduction of animal component, studying the economics of the system. Many enterprises have scope.Ranchi

Improving upland rice in different land situations.

Utilization of residual moisture in medium & lowland by introduction of wheat, chickpea, linseed mustardand encouraging vegetable cultivation in uplands.

Introduction of improved animal (goat/pig/poultry) as an alternate strategy, to be included in the farmingsystem

Introduction of dryland horticulture in homestead as well as on barren lands

Proposed Agro-horti-cow-bee-fish-duck Model

. Area: 1 ha. Crops:0.50 ha. Horticulture: 0.25 ha. Pond: 0.10 ha. Cow: 0.05 ha

. Other activity: 0.10 ha. (Agroforestry, FYM,value addition etc.,)

2. How to improve technology adoption by ORP farmers and their diffusion to other farmers inthe same village and other villages. Mandate should be clearly modified for more emphasis on framing of programmes for activities

leading to diffusion

Field Days for successful technologies

Preseason Trainings. Method demonstrations

Interactive Meetings with successful farmers of Watershed vs other farmers of ORPvillage in othervillages. Successful technology dissemination thru pamphlets, distributing the same to neighboring villages

Fortnightly on-farm programmes involving state government, village level workers, farmers andORPscientists.

Development of pamphlets/leaflets etc. for new dryland technologies demonstrated in ORP formore than 2 years involving more than 40 farmers and distribution to state department, ZillaParishad and extension workers.

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. Direct contact of farmers with media/TV for transmission of successful technologies

Meeting with adjoining KVKsfor inclusion of first three successful technologies in their technicalprogrammeand their monitoringby ORPscientists and ZonalDirectorof Research.

Subsidiary links for nursery raising, food processing, organic markets, organic inputs, implementsshould be strengthened through scheduled contact of ORPscientists with concerned depilrtments.

Rotational meeting with successful farmers in a year by villagers.

Development of museum of dryland technologies demonstrated in ORP area with documentedexperiences of farmers.

Technology should be cost effective

Through large scale field demos in the adopted village

Thru Field days/kisan melas/group discussions/meetings/ scientists-farmer interactionsBest farmer award

Demonstration of perfect dryland technology on large scale matching socioeconomic conditions ofthe adopted and other villages

Imparting spot guidance during cropping season

Experiments/trials/demos/ should have not more than one or two successful/recommended tech-nology/farm practice as a treatment in ORP

Field days on regular basis along with encouraging attendance by adjoining villages

Exposure visit of ORPfarmers & other villages to Kisan mela,KVKs,on station trials of SAUs/ICARInstitutes, NGOsetc are to continue

Farmers group formed by ORP be trained with exposure and involved to participatory dissemina-tion of the technologies to nearby villages.

Yield advantages due to ORP intervention are highlighted through participatory mode. Documen-tary film/presentation of success story should be documented and presented.

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.3. What are the methods being adopted at present for impact assessment. PRAtechnique

Socioeconomic survey with in watershed village after project period

Personal interview with farmers and documenting with the help of pre-designed proforma

Questionnaire evaluation method/survey

Benchmark survey

Problem caused diagram of different crops/cropping systems- identification of socioeconomic/biophysical factors

Annual survey of various improved agricultural practices in terms of adoption in the adopted vil-lage; yield gap analysis

Comparison of different improved practices in terms of their adoption with the practices followedin the adjoining non-adopted villages in the same micro-watershed

Comparison of on-farm yields with the potential yield of that particular crop, difference if any andreason there of.

Bycomparing treated area with the non-treated area

Survey after every two years to assess impact

Periodical Brain storming sessions between farmers and scientistsPre and post evaluation in terms of

0 Knowledge change0 Attitude change

0 Skillacquisitiona) Direct impact: increase in income/production/productivity/area covered under dif-

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Behavioral component

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ferent components/ adopting improved practices

b) Indirect impact: increase in knowledge/awareness/improved nutritional status/adop-tion of other improved technologies related to animal husbandry /home science/ edu-cational facilities etc.,

Impact variables like production, cropping intensity, productivity etc are assessed Etcomparedwith abase line survey

Increase in area under different crops is assessed.

Change in productivity level of different crops into consideration.Increase in socioeconomic level in the area.

..4. Is your ORP adopting any participatory technology evaluation method? If, yes, please elaborate innot more than 5 stages. Benchmarksurvey- biophysicalEtsocioeconomicsurvey

Formulation of technical programme based on problems of farmers in the watershed for improvingyields in inter-bunded areas of fields in the watershed village

Conducting verification trials in watershed area

Refinement of Technology through Main Centre

Impact study of successful technologies in/our watershed village and its coverage, economic stud-ies/benefit to the farming community after 5 or 10 years of implementation of technology. Bydocumenting case study, socio-economic survey on the livelihood improvement of farmers in thewatershed.

PRA-The developed technology is tested on farmers' field and the operational constraints aremodified during the crop period by discussion with group of farmers in the ORParea.

The execution of the project thru participatory approach

The demonstration/on-farm trails/ adoptive trials are planned and executed with the help offarmers' thru PRAapproach

Doingand seeing helped adoption

Field applicability

Relative advantage

Compatibil ity

Complexibility

Practicability

During cropping season, a farmers' meetings arranged for technical programme implementation

Need based technical interventions are decided and crop in different trial elaborated.

Plan for distribution of inputs, land preparation and selection of farmers is done.

Framers are encouraged to participate and evaluate the previous year's intervention and the con-straints are discussed.

Frame work for evaluation based on parameters like season, crop selection, irrigation etc., isanalyzed.

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..

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..

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5. What changes need to be done in the present system of ORP to be more relevant in the presentcontext?

. Missionof ORPshould be clarified and guidelines should be finalized

Exposure or frequent visits to local research station and at different farmers fields where adoptingimproved technology

Visits to previous adopted watershedsVisits to similar farming situations in other states

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.Group d,scuss,ons amongst ORP farmers & successful farmers in farming systems technology ofother locations

More flexibility for contact sessions with extension systems of the region.

Financial provision for diffusion activities of technology in nearby villages.New vehicle

Range of technologies from main center to ORPand feedback from ORPto Main center should bestrengthened.

ORPscientists should give documented feedback based on facts which should strictly be a part ofnew technical programme.

To focus on diversification of rainfed agriculture

More research on soil &water conservation and ground water recharge

Thru large no. of demos/ on-farm trials in presently adopted village and in earlier adopted villages

Participatory on-farm research on watershed basis

More emphasis on organic farming

ORP (dryland) should be changed 0 work as ORP (rainfed) in Farming system mode.

Research be need based, location specific and livelihood activities should be promoted.Felid staff and supporting staff should be increased fro ORP.

ORPscientists need frequent movement to HQs, KVK,ZRSsof the region

ORP needs independence for working directly as department of On-farm research as parallel toand in competition with discipline departments in college of agriculture.

Since fertilizer use is low, Organic farming is better option

Limited use of groundwater during prolonged droughtMicro-watershed basis

...

.

..........

...6. What measures (structural, scientific and operational) you suggest for bringing about more visibil-ity and accountability to ORP functioning?

1. StructuralNAJ:P~J;g.M>~~~

All kinds of On-farm research should work under leadership of I/c of ORP/Dept. of On-farm Re-search to the rank of Chief Scientist cum University Professor in AgricultureFfeld staff (other than scientists) should be provided.

Policies and options of networking should be envisaged clearly.

Involvement of allied agencies for quantification of the impact of policy and institutional reformsinfluencing technology adoption should be clearly defined.. Visits of ORPscientists to other ORP/AICRPDAcenters

. Mobility of scientists & field staff should be made easy.

. Finance should be directly handled by ORP head/Director of Research for easy & quick results.2. Scientific

. A minimum first hand exposure to best of dryland technologies to ORPscientists should be con-firmed

Need of multi-disciplinary technical man power viz. animal sciences/ horticulture/social/homescience, on contractual basis.

3. Operational

. Field activists (at least 2 nos.) on contract basis to hasten the process of adoption. More flexibility for on-spot decision making scientists ( beyond technical programme). Accountability with regards to workability should be clearly chalked out

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. Decision making for operational responses in ORPshould be strengthened. Multimedia facilities

. Field level worker to supervise the field works. Independent vehicles are needed. Technical field staff. Formulation of Village Development Committees. Transport facility. Custom hiring facilities thru ORPs4. HRD

. Short duration training courses for farmers/farm women/allied occupations. Specialized training for scientists in horticulture including minor fruits/forestry/animal husbandry5. Finance. Budgetenhancement in the formof Revolvingfund and repayment amongstthe group. More funds for works and instrumentation, for development of nucleus of dryland technology on

farmers' field, for rain water harvesting

More financialassets to the farmers for construction of kunds/tankas in the adopted villageforarid horticulture and potable water

Regular fund release

Consultancy/Honorarium basis (Mitra Kisan) should be encouraged-50

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