Rainfed Agro-Ecosystem Technology Assessment and Refinement through Institute Village Linkage Programme Completion Report 1999-2004

Not AvailableThe Rainfed Agro-Ecosystem occupies a distinct place in Indian agriculture, as it constitutes nearly 67% of net sown area contributing 44% of food grain production and supporting 40% population. Despite concerted efforts made in the past to improve the productivity of these areas by transferring improved technologies, gains in terms of higher yield and income have not been spectacular due to associated risks like aberrant weather, land degradation and poor socio-economic base of the farmers. Small and marginal farmers in rainfed areas have little surplus income to invest in a new technology and inputs. Usually, technology development stops with laboratory and or research stations. Many farm technologies have the signature of the scientist concerned but the requirements of farmers are rarely considered. Hence, the benefits of research are not always commensurate with the efforts put in. Farmers participation is key to successful adoption of improved agricultural technologies. Unlike the top down traditional approach, the farmer and the farm assume central place in the present form of technology transfer. Improving crop productivity with declining natural resource quality and increasing off-farm activities to generate additional income are real challenges in rainfed farming. This could be possible only if the scientists and farmers work together in the field sharing their knowledge and experiences. Keeping this aspects in view, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has launched a project on “Technology Assessment and Refinement through Institute Village Linkage Programme (TAR-IVLP)” under the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP). The Rainfed Agro-Ecosystem Directorate of the NATP at CRIDA has implemented the programme at 24 centers across the country. The main objectives of this programme was to achieve stability and sustainability of production in rainfed areas. Key methodologies in this innovative programme include Participatory Rural Appraisal, focus group interactions, prioritization of the problems and development of action plans with involvement of the farmers and implementation of the technology modules pertaining to the assessment and refinement of technologies for wider adoption in rainfed areas. The on-farm research programmes under TAR-IVLP are mainly based on farmers perspective and implemented with their active involvement. The analyses of the experiences at 24 TAR-IVLP centers across the country provide an insight in to the problems faced by the farmers and the ability of the farmers to draw plans to improve their livelihoods and to achieve the desired goals of improved productivity. I have no doubt that the experiences described in this report shall set a new trend in the participatory on-farm research in India. This report contains a comprehensive account of the progress made by the TAR-IVLP project during 1999- 2005. I compliment Dr.G.Subba Reddy, Fecilitator, TAR-IVLP programme, Dr.B.Venkateswarlu, PPSS, and Dr.A.K.Mishra, Senior Scientist (LPM) for their efforts in compilation and synthesis of this final report. Dr.I.A.Khan, Principal Scientist, Drs.Balloli, M.Srinivasa Rao and Ch.Srinivasa Rao Senior Scientists and Dr.M.Prabhakar, Scientist (Sr.Scale) have also contributed significantly in editing/correcting the report along with the core team members. The TAR-IVLP was ably supported by Finance Officers Mr.P.V.Epachan, Mr.S.K.C.Bose, Mr.P.Bala Brahmaiah and Mr.G.Lakshminarayana, Assistant Administrative Officer. The Technical and Secretarial staff who contributed for the success of project include Dr.G.Ramesh, Research Associate, Ms. P.Lakshmi Narasamma, T-6, Ms. Hemlata Kapil, T-4, Ms.M.A.Rekha, Stenographer and Mr.K.R.Srinivas Rao, Assistant whose help is duly acknowledged.Not Availabl