FIAC VISIT REPORT

As per the scheduled and approved program for monitoring and evaluation of the FIAC units in 13 tehsils following visit programme was conducted for the month of August:

DATE	TALUKA OF FIAC VISIT	PERSONS
13.08.04	AKOLE/SANGAMNER	HENDRE/BORUDE
16.08.04	SHRIGONDA/PARNER	HENDRE/BORUDE
17.08.04	KARJAT/JAMKHED	HENDRE/BORUDE
18.08.04	SHEVGAON/PATHARDI	HENDRE/BORUDE
19.08.04	NEWASA/SHRIRAMPUR	HENDRE/BORUDE
21.08.04	NAGAR/RAHURI	HENDRE/BORUDE
23.08.04	KOPARGAON	HENDRE/BORUDE

FIAC AKOLE

Visit to the FIAC centre was held on 13.08.04. Following was observed during the visit:

Ø The operator has provided the advisory and information services for the farmers.

Ø The Internet is operational but has not been optimally utilized for the farmers.

Ø Consultancy services are being carried out as is expected.

Ø BTT and FAC meeting held at FIAC Akole which included the TAO, Shri BU Karale, PD ATMA Shri DL Tambhale, other non-officials like Mr Ashok Bhangre, Mrs Kumudini Pokharkar, Chandramohan Nirgude, Dr DB Bangal. Various components of block action plan were discussed and action programmes were finalized unanimously by all the members. Some exposure visits were proposed for the women farmers to UAS Bangalore for purchase of processing equipment for Finger millet and training grown by Tribals in the hill region. Other programs like exposure visit were also finalized for Onion and garlic. Some members have suggested to incorporate the programme for vermiculture seed programme for the farmer clubs in Akole. It was suggested by the PD ATMA that the bricket demonstration in rice program should be implemented immediately as it was already getting very late.

Ø It was suggested by the KVK scientists that the FAC and BTT members should take active role in the meetings for facilitating the FIAC programmes. It was further pointed out that a signboard depicting the activities and services available for farmers by the FIAC at a prominent place be displayed.

The meeting ended with a complete consensus and expectations that the programmes and activities at the FIAC would continue for the farmers.

Overall Performance: 9.00/10.00

FIAC SANGAMNER

The BTT and FAC meeting was attended by only the TAO Mr Kanawade, Shri DL Tambhale PD ATMA Ahmednagar and KVK Scientists. It was stressed upon the TAO by the PD ATMA that a regular and timely meeting be carried out by the TAO by calling all the members of the FAC and BTT so that activities could be conducted by the FIAC and under NATP programme as per the objectives providing a solution for the farmer. The PD ATMA also stressed that a block action plan should be prepared based on needs and problems of farmers and that the TAO is free to take appropriate decision in order to utilize the program funds.

Lateron a visit to FIAC Kokangaon was made by the KVK scientists. The activities of the FIAC were found to be satisfactory and the custom hiring services have been carried successfully as suggested by the KVK.

A serious note was taken during the visit by the KVK scientists regarding the non-reporting by the FIAC operators on the conduct of the programmes. It was thus brought to the notice of the operators of the FIAC Akole and Sangamner that they should furnish the monthly report to the PD ATMA with a copy to KVK Babhaleshwar for information. The Internet information services are not operational and hence it was emphasized to start the services within 30 days time from the date of visit. The visit to FIAC Kokangaon was attended by the Mandal AO, Mr Dhongade and SDAO Sangamner, Mr Kamble. It was highlighted that the Projectised extension programme should be implemented with a skeletal framework and guidelines regarding reporting of such activities by the FIAC operators. Again KVK Scientists suggested the FIAC operators and SDAO Sangamner that the TAO Sangamner may facilitate active participation for conduct of the BTT and FAC meetings during the visit. It was further suggested to the FIAC operators that a brief note be prepared on the activities undertaken by them on the advisory and consultancy services and other hiring services that are being conducted for the farmers.

Overall Performance: 9.00/10.00

FIAC SHRIGONDA

The visit to FIAC Shrigonda was made on 16 August 2004. The Taluka Agricultural Officer was also available. The Farmer Advisory Committee meeting was also held for discussing the Block Action Plan.

The BAP was finalized in the FAC/BTT meeting.

It was noted in the visit that the utilization of the IT Facilitator’s expenses was not done properly. The money disbursed by ATMA was not released for the IT facilitation service.

The documentation and other records have not been maintained properly. It was therefore explained to them the need and benefits of keeping proper records.

The reporting of the monthly targets achieved by the FIAC has not been done despite the deadline of 05^th of every month set by ATMA.

It was emphasized that the overwhelming response from the farmers should be tapped appropriately by extending need-based services from the FIAC. The KVK has asked them to consolidate on formation of groups for providing the services from the FIAC. The entire technical backup would be provided from the KVK.

It was told by the visiting KVK scientists that the FIAC should immediately work for providing the input supply services. It was emphasized that the FIAC should take immediate advantage of the rebate of 15 to 20 % provided to the FIACs exclusively for 18 different inputs produced from the KVK. Other services like soil test, water and petiole services, custom hiring of tools and implements for various agricultural operations, AV aids and other informative literature should be made available for the farmers.

Overall Performance: 6.00/10.00

FIAC PARNER

The FIAC has meticulously arranged the FAC/BTT meeting by ensuring involvement from the member farmers. The Block Action Plan was finalized in the FAC meeting in consultation with the members of the committee. The members were also impressed upon the services that are being made available for the farmers through the FIAC. The TAO was also requested to support the FIAC in all its endeavours to provide the requisite services for the benefit of farmers.

The FIAC has already established Internet connectivity and has been utilizing for extending the information for the farmers albeit not charging for such service.

It was requested that all the services might be extended if there is ample scope of paid service.

It was suggested that in the event of scarce rains a contingency plan may be prepared so that the services like providing irrigation facility by providing custom hiring services of irrigation equipments through sprinkler or rain guns may be taken up for use for the crops in critical stages so that yields may ensured. The services could be made available on paid basis.

Overall Performance: 8.00/10.00

FIAC KARJAT

The visit by the KVK Scientists was made on 17^th August 2004 to FIAC Karjat. The Farmer Advisory Committee was called which was participated by the farmers from the block. A block action plan was also finalized in consultation with the FAC and BTT meeting which was witnessed by PD ATMA.

A review of the FIAC was undertaken and critical comments were made to the FIAC operator Mr Pramod Yelapanekar and Sachin Mokashi. The Internet services were observed to be operational and therefore it was properly utilized for giving various information services. The documentation of various activities was emphasized to the FIAC operators. The programmes and activities are being undertaken as suggested by ATMA.

Further strengthening of the FIAC is required by initiating action on consultancy based services and other hired services and input supply services for the benefit of farmers. The service is intended to enhance resource generation and ensure timely advisory and extension services for the farmers. Further need-based services were emphasized on the part of FIAC.

Overall Performance: 7.00/10.00

FIAC JAMKHED

The KVK scientists along with the PD ATMA Ahmednagar made the visit on 17^th August 2004. The visit witnessed conduct of FAC/BTT meeting in the TAO Office that was represented by the members of the FAC. The Block Action Plan was finalized in which organization of Onion seed production programme and jowar demonstration was discussed.

The visit to FIAC revealed that the temporary FIAC was closed and no responsibility was borne by the concerned in this regard to ensure unheeded service for the farmer. The visiting experts took a serious note in this regard. An explanation was called for from the FIAC operator, which revealed unsatisfactory justification for closure of the FIAC at the odd hour. The FIAC operations are being carried out from a makeshift room in the Institute premises. The FIAC operator has disclosed an unjustifiable reason for using a temporary arrangement despite the availability of the new FIAC building that has been constructed within the APMC premises.

It was further explained to them the facility may be utilized properly and due advantage may be taken during the three marketing days when the APMC market is operational where the farmers are coming from all the parts of the block. It was suggested further that appropriate arrangement may be made at the new FIAC building in such a way so as to facilitate the Advisory and consultancy service unheeded for the farmers during the marketing days in APMC market.

The record and other documentation have not been maintained appropriately. Moreover the Monthly reporting to ATMA has not been done in time.

Overall Performance: 2.00/10.00

FIAC SHEVGAON

The visit was conducted to FIAC Shevgaon on 18^th August 2004. The FIAC continued to exist in a makeshift place of commercial sale of agro-inputs at Me Bhimraj Sagade’s Agro Service Centre. This was despite the earlier request to change the place to a suitable location where the services could be provided with much ease. The current place of FIAC does not suit well for delivering the services for the farmers. No responsible person was available for making the requests by the visiting scientists.

It appears that neither the operator is willing to make a suitable arrangement for the FIAC nor were they serious about such extending any services for the farmers. There was no system of appropriate allocation of manpower or documentation of services provided. Moreover, the FIAC operator undertook no cognizable activities in any form. No reporting of the activities undertaken by them was reported back to ATMA Ahmednagar.

In the light of the above circumstance it is hereby recommended that all the current assets of ATMA handed over to FIAC operator Shevgaon to Mr Balasaheb Sonawane of Ekta Mahila Mandal be withdrawn to secure all the paraphernalia and provide them to a suitable operator till the authorized construction for the FIAC building is completed.

Overall Performance: 2.00/10.00

FIAC Pathardi:

The visit to FIAC Pathardi was made by the scientists from KVK along with PD ATMA Ahmednagar on 18^th September 2004. The FIAC appeared to be most active in providing the extension services for the farming community. The activities have been particularly carried out as Projectised extension with support from Deptt of Agri and ATMA Ahmednagar. The telephone was recently handed over to the FIAC operator by the Deptt officials that provide scope for extending Internet based information services by the FIAC. The documentation of the activities of the FIAC has been maintained properly. They were further advised to carry out programs based on the needs and problems of the farming community. The FIAC is however not reporting the Monthly Activity Report within the given timeframe. The FIAC’s role cannot be underestimated and hence it was requested to the concerned officials from the Department that they extend their support for appropriate functioning of the FIAC. The Block Action Plan was finalized in consultation with PD ATMA Ahmednagar and the members of BTT and FAC.

Overall Performance: 6.00/10.00

FIAC NEWASA

The visit was made by the KVK officials on 19 August 2004. The FIAC operator was very keen to organize the FAC and BTT meeting which was reflected by full quorum of the invitees of the FAC and BTT. The meeting was also attended by the Dy. PD ATMA Ahmednagar. The block action plan was finalized in the meeting.

The FIAC have started various input supply services like Biofertilizers, pheromone traps, neem-based products for supply to the farmers. The documentation has been appropriately done for recording all the activities by the FIAC. They have made forays into utilization of citronella oil as effective mosquito repellant for domestic use. It was heartening to note that the FIAC has gone ahead in extending services not only for the farmers but also for the general community. The citronella oil is effectively being utilized for sale through the FIAC as mosquito repellant. The FIAC is also keen to launch this as repellant and gain further for the strengthening the FIAC services. All the support from TAO Newasa was extended which was utilized appropriately by the FIAC. The FIAC has also properly maintained the accounts and utilization of the funds provided under the Projectized extension. All the activities are being carried out as per the expectations from the FIAC.

Overall Performance: 9.00/10.00

FIAC Shrirampur:

The visit to FIAC was made by the KVK scientists and the Dy PD ATMA Ahmednagar on 19 August 2004. The FIAC had organized FAC and BTT meeting which well attended by the members. The FAC finalized its block action plan during the meeting. A further investigation into the activities of the FIAC was made and it was found that the FIAC is getting adequate response from the farmers since all the block level and sub-division agricultural offices are located near the FIAC and hence they were advised to network and establish linkage with concerned organizations from where they could get all the relevant help and supportive information. They were advised to provide need-based services like providing project reports for the farmers in case there is any demand and all the help will be provided from the KVK.

The Internet based services were all found to be defunct due to under-utilization of the computer and telephone. The TAO was requested to start the Internet based services at the FIAC owing to encouraging response from the farmers.

The FAC members were also advised to disseminate the information services that are being provided from the FIAC Shrirampur.

The meeting ended with the finalization of Block action plan for the Shrirampur Block.

Overall Performance: 3.00/10.00

FIAC AHMEDNAGAR

The visit was made by the KVK scientists and the Dy PD ATMA Ahmednagar on 21 August 2004. The FIAC appeared to be slow in extending the information services from the FIAC location. It was advised that they keep all the inputs for supply for the farmers. The other information and literature could be supplied from the FIAC. They were further advised to develop a customized software for providing market rate prediction and analysis of cost of production and the net returns that could be made through the software for the visiting farmers. The FIAC was given a time limit of 30 days for preparation of such a customized information service.

The documentation was made properly by the FIAC and reporting done to ATMA in time.

The visit also witnessed the FAC meeting which was called to finalize the block action plan for the Ahmednagar block.

Overall Performance: 6.00/10.00

FIAC RAHURI

The visit was made to the FIAC on 21 August 2004 alongwith Dy PD ATMA Ahmednagar. It was observed that the all the assets that were handed over by the ATMA Ahmednagar were installed while the table and computer was still pending with the TAO Rahuri. It was therefore requested to the concerned to hand over the remaining computer and table to the FIAC. The FIAC was furteh advised to remain proactive in rendering the services for the farmers as the FIAC unit in the midst of the approach road to Rahuri for all and the farmers would be most responsive in such a location to take advantage of services from the FIAC’s current location.

The staff was advised to utilize maximum time for extending the services from 0800 in morning till 1800 in evening.

They were advised to remain proactive in providing all the information services.

The Block action plan was finalized at the TAO’s office which was represented actively by the members of the FAC. The Dy. PD advised the concerned official to extend support to all the FAC members.

Overall Performance: 3.00/10.00

FIAC KOPARGAON

The KVK Scientists and the Dy. PD ATMA, Ahmednagar made the visit to the FIAC unit on 23 August 2004. It was observed that the information and other services were not being provided from the existing FIAC building in the Kopargaon city but from the Krishi Chikitsalaya on Manmad Road. It was emphasized that the services should be immediately provided from the existing FIAC building within the Kopargaon town. All the assets have already been transferred to the new FIAC building. It was asked to place audio-visual aids and other training material on proper display for the benefit of farmers. It was also requested to transfer the telephone from the existing place to the new FIAC building. The power supply was a problem as the MSEB required NOC from the Municipality. It was requested to the concerned to furnish the same for acquisition of power supply.

The FIAC official from the Department was asked to maintain proper documentation on the visits of the farmers and the different services that are to be provided.

The FAC and BTT meeting was called on the occasion of the visit which was attended by the members of the FAC. The Block Action Plan was finalized in consultation with the FAC members.

Overall Performance: 3.00/10.00

Evaluation Paramaters

Name of FIAC Unit	Meetings held with FAC, BTT	Punctuality in Reporting & Documentation	Display of Extension & Trg Aids	Information Advisory Services provided No.	Paid Advisory or Consultancy Service No.	Training & Demonstrations Conducted No.	Farmer Groups/ SHGs/FIGs Estbdd. No.	Commercial Input Supply Started	Other Programs through Project based extension/Other sources	Steps taken to generate receipts/revenue	Final score out of 10
Kopargaon	Ö	´	´	´	´	Ö	´	´	Ö	´	3
Sangamner	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	9
Akole	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	9
Rahuri	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	´	´	´	´	´	´	3
Shrirampur	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	´	´	´	´	´	´	3
Newasa	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	9
Parner	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	8
Ahmednagar	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	´	Ö	´	´	Ö	´	6
Shrigonda	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	´	Ö	´	6
Karjat	Ö	Ö	Ö	Ö	´	Ö	Ö	´	Ö	´	7
Jamkhed	Ö	´	´	Ö	´	´	´	´	´	´	2
Shevgaon	´	´	´	Ö	´	´	´	Ö	´	´	2
Pathardi