Rainfed Agro-Ecosystem Technology Assessment and Refinement through Institute Village Linkage Programme Annual Report 2002-03

Abstract

The Rainfed Agro-Ecosystem occupies a distinct place in Indian agriculture, as it constitutes nearly 67% of net sown area contributing 44% of 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 socioeconomic 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. The technologies developed had only signature of the scientist concerned and the requirements of farmers were rarely taken into consideration. Hence, the benefits of research work are rarely commensurate with the efforts put in. Farmers participation is key to the 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 increase off-farm activities to generate additional income are real challenges in rainfed farming. This could be possible only if the scientists and the farmers work together in 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 (TARIVLP)” under the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP). The Rainfed Agro-Ecosystem Directorate of the NATP at CRIDA is implementing the programme at 24 centers across the country. The main objectives of this programme are 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 plan 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 to improve productivity of various agricultural enterprises in holistic manner. 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 comprehensive information on the progress achieved by TAR-IVLP during 2002-03. I compliment Dr.G.Subba Reddy, Coordinator, TAR-IVLP programme, Dr.B.Venkateswarlu, PPSS, Dr.Ch.Srinivasa Rao, Senior Scientist (Soil Science), Dr.G.Ramesh, Research Associate and other team members in compiling and brining out this valuable report. Mr.V.Srinivas and Mr.Y.Bhaskarachari of the NATP Cell have contributed immensely in typing and preparing the manuscript.