Tribal Sub-plan Report 2012-15

Abstract

The All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA), since its inception in 1972, had been conducting prioritized location-specific research in diverse rainfed agro-ecologies. The project developed doable rainfed technologies in the thematic areas of rainwater management, suitable varieties to cope with deficit rainfall, resilient intercropping systems, highly productive double cropping systems, better nutrient management practices, alternate land use systems, integrated farming systems and energy efficient farm mechanization. The upscaling of doable technologies in the domain districts of the network Centres is one of the unique feature of AICRPDA project. The Tribal sub-plan (TSP) is being implemented since 2011 by AICRPDA network centres and presently by 7 centres in 20 tribal dominated villages across 8 districts in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Jharkhand. The main objective of this programme is to directly benefit either individuals or community of tribal farmers/people through demonstration of improved practices/livelihood interventions for higher productivity, income and employment, creation of physical assets such as water harvesting, implements/animal sheds etc. and capacity building, particularly tribal women leading to enhanced livelihood of tribal people. During 2012-15, AICRPDA-TSP programme could reach tribal people and demonstrate higher productivity by 45%, income by 60 % and generation of employment through various NRM and animal based livelihood interventions. I compliment Dr. G. Ravindra Chary, Project Coordinator (Dryland Research), AICRPDA for coordinating and monitoring the programme at 7 centres and also bringing out this timely document with the support of Dr. K.A. Gopinath and Er. B. Narsimlu, scientists in PC Unit, AICRPDA. I also congratulate the chief scientists, scientists and staff at 7 AICRPDA centres viz. Arjia, Biswanath Chariali, Chianki, Indore, Jagdalpur, Phulbani and SK Nagar. On behalf of AICRPDA and on behalf of CRIDA, I profusely thank the participating tribal farmers and women from 20 TSP villages for successful implementation of this programme. I also thank Dr. A.K. Sikka, DDG (NRM) and scientists at NRM Division, ICAR for their kind support and guidance. I am sure and hope that this document would help all the relevant stakeholders engaged in service of tribal farmers.