NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (ATMA) AHMEDNAGAR

AND

KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA BABHALESHWAR

 

 BRIEF NOTE ON KVK’S INTERVENTION IN

STRENGTHENING OF FIACs IN AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT

 

BACKGROUND

             Krishi Vigyan Kendra (PIRENS) Babhaleshwar is a major stakeholder of the Agricultural Extension system within the Ahmednagar District. It has successfully implemented various demonstration projects directly benefiting the farming community by conducting multifarious extension activities like organizing skill-imparting short term and long term training programmes, frontline demonstration, on-farm-trials, exhibitions, workshops, Farmer-Scientists Interactions in coordination with other line departments of the Ahmednagar District. It has also provided different models for initiating paradigm shift in the existing extension system by forming Farmer Clubs and integrating them with Information Technology in KVK selected villages. The advisory services are being effectively carried out by providing various inputs from KVK Babhaleshwar like biopesticides, botanicals, Biofertilizers, soil testing services and diagnostic services for the farmers. A strong linkage with the line departments of the District has led to extend the reach of its extension activities beyond its existing domain under the National Agricultural Technology Project. Various extension activities have also been carried out for providing technological support for the farming community envisaging various crop demonstrations on Guava, pomegranate, grapes, and vegetables etc, Seminars on Pomegranate Cultivation. Aromatic & Medicinal Plants, Organic Farming etc.

 

 NEED FOR STRENGTHENING FIACs:

 

            The Farmer Information and Advisory Centres have been established under the aegis of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Ahmednagar NATP which includes building, computer with Internet facility, audio-visual aids etc to demonstrate and facilitate information for the farming community in each block of Ahmednagar District. Operationalization the FIACs had been a key aspect for effective dissemination of technologies among farmers. The existing extension mechanism within the District had been overburdened which might have caused further delays in extending agricultural technologies. Following important aspects were noted in the existing extension system:

1.      Inadequacy of manpower in line departments.

2.      Non-technical nature of responsibilities for field level staff.

3.      Limitations of the field level extension functionaries to address ground level crop problems.

4.      Top down extension approach.

5.      Excessive workload on field level staff.

 

It was therefore decided by ATMA to handover the FIACs to the NGOs already conducting different extension services for the farming community. Appropriate and worthy NGOs were selected after assessing their efficiency, manpower and infrastructure etc in different blocks. Consequently 12 out 13 FIACs are being operated by different NGOs and only one FIAC is being operated by the Department of Agriculture.

 

PROBLEMS FACED BY FIAC OPERATORS:

 

Most of the NGOs that were given the responsibility of operating the FIAC were novice and there was a substantial need for streamlining and operationalizing these FIACs within each block. Following problems and shortcomings were noted among the NGO operators:

1.                            Delays in handover of building, telephone and other infrastructure to the FIAC operators from the concerned Taluka Agricultural Offices.

2.                            Poor documentation and record keeping.

3.                            Need assessment and programme focus on extension activities.

4.                            Poor manpower allocation for different mandated extension activities.

5.                            Poor participation from farmers due to lack of substantial need oriented services and activities.

6.                            Lack of technical expertise in certain identified production areas like Rainfed cropping system, Pomegranate & Vegetable growing, Organic Farming system, Livestock & Dairying, IPM etc.

7.                            Poor computer based information services due to lack of telephone and Internet connectivity.

8.                            Lack of appropriate reporting, review and monitoring system.

9.                            Poor utilization of resources at FIAC level.

10.                       Poor coordination of FAC-BTT with FIACs

11.                       Lack of any feedback and information delivery system among FIACs.

12.                       Poor accounts management & inventory control.

 

Realizing the need for streamlining and operationalizing these FIACs in each block, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Babhaleshwar was entrusted the task of strengthening and operationalizing these FIACs through an elaborate and comprehensive program through the project entitled “Strengthening of FIACs in Ahmednagar District”

 

Objectives:

            The KVK has undertaken activities for the FIAC operators for following purposes:

1.      To work as continuous resource organization for FIACs for extending all technical support.

2.      To act as consultant for FIACs for providing solutions to the problems regarding

a.      Building their rapport with farmer

b.      Identification & Implementation of local need based programs and activities.

c.      Help build up services and inputs.

3.      To help forge a better integration with the line departments.

4.      To provide backup support for the FIAC operators for successful operations within the respective areas.

5.      To help develop human resources through people’s participatory programmes.

6.      To build up rapport with FIACs for providing extension services in respective Talukas.

7.      To develop human resources in the identified areas through exposure visits.

8.      To develop communication and technology delivery among FIAC operators through maximum utilization of Information Technology.

9.      To develop a better feedback and information delivery system within Ahmednagar District.

 

Activities Undertaken:

 

Following activities were undertaken by the KVK for the operators of the FIACs to facilitate the extension services in each tehsil. The activities were primarily targeted towards augmenting efficiency in rendering information, advisory and consultancy services at each FIAC.

Sr No	Activities Undertaken	Purpose	No
01	Training on PRA Tools	Assessment of farmers needs, problems in concerned block	01
02	ICT Training	Utilization of IT resources & Integration of District Agriculture Network	01
03	Skill Impartation Training	Provide skills to prepare projects for extension based activities	01
04	Exposure Visit	Developments in Advisory & Consultation	01
05	Brainstorming Meet	Facilitation of FIACs	02
06	Review Meet	Review of Progress and Gap filling	01
07	Monitoring & Evaluation Visit (Once in every month)	Review based on actual performance & facilitate FIACs to undertake need based programmes & activities	78

 

Besides these technical inputs from the KVK the FIACs were also facilitated to perform better and coordinated action programmes by conducting FAC and BTT meetings regularly in each Taluka.

 

MONITORING AND EVALUATION:

 

            The KVK Babhaleshwar has undertaken the evaluation for effective operation of FIACs within the district at regular intervals and to extend useful inputs so that the FIACs function smoothly. The monitoring and evaluation has been undertaken by a Monitoring Team constituted for the purpose which comprised the following:

1. Mr DL Tambale, PD, ATMA, Ahmednagar
2. Mr Arun Kamble, Dy. PD, ATMA Ahmednagar
3. Mr Purushottam Hendre, Scientist (Horticulture), KVK Babhaleshwar
4. Mr Sunil Borude, Scientist (Extension), KVK Babhaleshwar
5. Mr Shantaram Sonawane, Soil Scientist, KVK Babhaleshwar

The team of KVK scientists has conducted regular visits to each FIAC in every month. Comprehensive technical backup through training and HRD activities was provided to the FIACs and regular follow up was undertaken to monitor the performance of extension activities conducted by each FIAC.

 

 

 

MAJOR TECHNICAL INTERVENTIONS BY KVK:

1. Impartation of skills through Training and technical backup by conducting training on PRA Tools, ICT and Consultancy & Advisory Skill Impartation etc.
2. Extending technologies available at KVK through input supply like biopesticides, botanicals, biofertilizers, vermicompost and vermiwash etc.
3. Coordinating and facilitating problem based extension through FAC-BTT interface.
4. Regular review & monitoring of FIAC operations.
5. Facilitating the FIACs to tie up with marketing agencies.
6. Providing ways and means to improve the revenue generation at each FIAC by incorporating commercial services.
7. Facilitating linkage of FIACs with Governmental and Non-Governmental extension agencies.

 

CHANGE INITIATED AMONG FIACS IN RESPECTIVE TEHSILS:

   1.    Technical backup of KVK has helped the FIACs to further help to provide better information  

2. Internet services have been better utilized in extending agriculture related information for the farmers like market and weather based forecast services.
3. There is a better integration of the FIACs with the line departments, other extension agencies and NGOs within each tehsil.
4. Input supply services have further helped to provide better leverage to the FIACs in extending consultancy and advisory services for the farmers.
5. Paid Consultancy services for the farmers have made considerable impact in extending better services for the farmers.
6. Utilization of FIAC infrastructure like computer, Internet, Audio-visual aids have made the FIACs more farmer-responsive.
7. Manpower utilization for performing extension services has been more efficient.
8. Better coordination of each Farmer Advisory Committee with respective FIAC.
9. Custom hiring of implements and skilled labour have given a further fillip towards a better and responsive extension mechanism within each block.
10. Linkages with KVK, MPKV and Agriculture Department have made the FIACs more streamlined in rendering soil test, advisory, consultancy and information services for the farmers.
11. Feedback delivery system has been made more responsive due to online connectivity with KVK.
12. The FIAC operators are diagnosing ground level problems like Crop Pest and Disease symptoms in a more efficient manner.
13. Facilitation of marketing tie-up with SAFAL (NDDB-Fruit & Vegetable Project) and other Marketing Agencies has further enhanced the credibility of the FIACs.
14. Facilitation of extension activities through Group organization efforts have further helped the FIACs to provide better extension services in an integrated manner.
15. Various external agencies like NDDB, MITCON and Corporate houses have taken keen interest in coordinating grassroots level extension programmes through FIACs.
16. There is an increased scope for better crop planning at Taluka level through FAC-FIAC interface.
17. Coordination of ATMA with each FIAC has been rendered more efficient facilitating better planning at central level.
18. The network of all FIACs have been further strengthened which has further facilitated better and coordinated action from the each FIAC for the farming community.
19. Documentation and record keeping have been streamlined at each FIAC enabling them to undertake better and farmer responsive action.
20. Reliable and trustworthy services have enabled the FIAC to attract farmers at their places despite remote location of the FIACs.

 

PRESENT STATUS OF FIACs

 

Sr No	Name of FIAC	Pre-Intervention Status	Present Status
01	SANGAMNER	Poor Documentation No Telephone & Internet Connectivity Poor computer based and technical information services Isolated extension services	Proper documentation & Record keeping Internet based computer based information services available Strong Technical Crop Consultancy service Focusing Pomegranate & vegetable Growing pocket Market Tie up with Finns Frozen India Ltd.Sinnar for marketing of Pomegranate & Green Tur Pod
02	AKOLE	Poor Documentation No Internet Connectivity Lack of Input supply Haphazard extension services	Proper documentation & Record keeping Internet based computer based information services available Strong Technical Crop Consultancy service Focusing Vegetable Growing pocket
03	PARNER	Lack of Input Supply Haphazard extension service Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services	Torch bearer Input Supply started Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Internet & Computer based services available Focusing Organic Farming in Rainfed areas of Parner
04	NEWASA	Lack of Input Supply Haphazard extension service Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services	Input Supply started Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Internet & Computer based services available Focusing on Growing, Processing & Marketing of Aromatic Plants and IPM practices in Cotton
05	KARJAT	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Poor resource base due to rainfed situation	Input Supply started Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Internet & Computer based services available Focusing on Conservation & Multiplication of Local Jowar, Horsegram and kidneybean germplasm in Rainfed tract of Karjat
06	AHMED NAGAR	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Lack of input supply	Input Supply started Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Internet & Computer based services available Focusing on Onion Production & Marketing. Tied up with SAFAL Marketing System of NDDB
07	PATHARDI	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Lack of input supply	Input Supply started Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Internet & Computer based services available Focusing on Group based organization of farmers
08	SHEVGAON	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Lack of input supply	Input Supply started Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Internet & Computer based services available Focusing on Cotton IPM
09	SHRIRAMPUR	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Lack of input supply	Input Supply started Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Internet & Computer based services available Focusing on Non-conventional crops like Bixa and Stevia
10	RAHURI	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Lack of input supply	Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Computer based services available Focusing on Protected Cultivation of flower crops
11	SHRIGONDA	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Lack of input supply	Group Based Input Supply started Consultancy & Advisory services streamlined Internet & Computer based services available Focusing on Group Based Production & Marketing of Vegetables
12	JAMKHED	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Lack of input supply	Training & information services started Computer based information services available Focusing on Dairying & Livestock
13	KOPARGAON	Poor response from farmers Poor Technical services Poor advisory & consultancy services Haphazard extension service Lack of input supply	Training and extension services started Internet & Computer based information services available Advisory & Information services available Focusing on Govt Schemes & Programmes Information services

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION:

 

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Babhaleshwar has been focusing on FIACs to mutually aid each other to enhance the extent of outreach programmes through need based problem solution. Appropriate coordination and consultation meetings conducted during the visit of the monitoring team have yielded substantial response from the farming community in each block. This has helped to not only the FIACs to extend services and inputs for the farmers in each block but also aided the KVK to extend its outreach programmes and technological interventions for the farmers through FIAC, and FAC-BTT interface. This has resulted in a win-win situation for all that is ATMA, line departments, KVK, FIAC and the farmers.

The KVK has taken a major initiative in operationalization of FIACs within Ahmednagar District during the first phase. Considerable efforts have yielded encouraging results in strengthening the FIAC centres. Many of the FIAC centres have been rejuvenated and reincarnated with the technical backup of KVK especially in bringing about responsible services by these FIAC centres. The KVKs intervention has resulted in increasing the farmers’ participation at each FIAC to an extent of average 265 farmers/month/FIAC, which is increasing by each passing day. Some of the FIAC operators are generating resources enough for compensating the operational expenses of FIAC unit. The Sangamner & Akole FIACs are generating a monthly receipt of Rs.11,500/- through input supply, crop consultancy, project consultancy, custom hiring of farm implements etc.

The KVK in the first phase has provided inputs for the FIACs in the form of Training on ICT, PRA and Skill Impartation and further impress upon the need of consultancy services by organizing exposure visit. The KVK has been providing technical backup and also simultaneously reviewing the performance and taking active role in ensuring the FIACs comply with the responsibility in rendering worthy information and consultancy services for the farmers. A serious note taken by ATMA has also made the FIACs responsive to the farmers’ diverse requirements.

The FIACs in general have come above the shortcomings and lacunas in the existing system and face the farmer problems with increased vigour, zeal and reliable technological interventions. This has also provided a level playing field for each FIAC within each block along with line departments and other NGOs.

Addressing of problems reported by each FIAC to the KVK scientists and subsequent follow up by the FIAC has strengthened the feedback delivery system. The FIAC operators have been keen to keep this chain of information delivery intact with the KVK. Thus a constant review and follow up by the KVK has helped them to undertake mandated objectives. The FIACs have therefore demanded unstinted and active support

 

 

FUTURE PLAN:

The FIACs can further become effective chain under the extension system and strengthen further the technology transfer system within the district by filling critical gaps in training and HRD needs of the FIAC operators.  The needs of the FIACs are also diverse and have to be addressed at each stage of problem reporting by the farmers. Non-addressal of technical problems from any responsible stakeholder of the ATMA would lead to dilution of project objectives of NATP and would seriously impact the extension initiatives within Ahmednagar District. The KVK in the second phase of development & strengthening will further provide inputs specifically in order to for a better integration with the line departments, be responsive to a farmer needs and eventually to strengthen their feedback system so that the technological dissemination and adoption becomes demand driven in different parts of the District.

It will also provide technical inputs for imparting skills on ICT, Need Assessment and Advisory & Consultancy services.

It will additionally prepare a database of progressive farmers for access by any FIAC, extension worker or farmer so that exchange and sharing of technological innovations will be unrestricted by all. The database will be available through website which will be accessible from any point of time.

Similarly a Crop Production and Returns Information System is proposed to be designed for use by the operators of the FIAC so that market based advisory and returns information can be provided for the farmers in each block.

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

 

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra gratefully acknowledges generous financial and technical support extended by the PD ATMA Ahmednagar for the project entitled “Strengthening of FIACs In Ahmednagar District”