Rainfed Agro-Ecosystem Production Systems Research Annual Report 2002-03

Not AvailableThe rainfed agro ecosystem is one of the largest components of the production systems research under NATP. This ecosystem is most diverse in terms of natural resources, farming systems and livestock and also quite challenging for technology development and transfer. With 103 PSR and 24 TAR-IVLP projects, the rainfed agro ecosystem covered thousands of farmers across the length and breadth of the country. Participatory on-farm research has been the main strength of the projects in this agro ecosystem. The worst drought experienced during kharif 2002 posed both challenges and opportunities to the scientists working in the rainfed agro ecosystem. In large number of on-farm trials, the scientists could demonstrate the viability and economic feasibility of water conservation technologies on an operational scale. At the same time the continued vulnerability of crop production at many locations due to drought pointed to many research and extension gaps which need to be addressed in future not only under NATP but in the regular programmes as well. It is gratifying to note that some of the technologies on water harvesting demonstrated on an operational scale in participation of the farmers particularly in the states of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand convinced the respective State Governments to come forward with schemes for wider replication. I am happy to note that projects in the area of post harvest technology have made excellent progress and the scientists began to collaborate with entrepreneurs for possible commercialization. This public – private partnership is vital for achieving the much needed value addition in our agriculture. I would like to complement Dr.H.P.Singh, Dr.Y.S.Ramakrishna, AEDs and Dr.B.Venkateswarlu, Principal Production System Scientist for bringing out this comprehensive report reflecting the progress of production system research under rainfed agro ecosystem.Not Availabl