National Agricultural Technology Project
Monthly Monitoring and Evaluation Report of the FIACs in the Ahmednagar District following visit between 22.11.04 to 29.11.04
As per the approved program for monitoring and evaluation of the FIAC units in 13 tehsils following visit programme was conducted for the month of November.
|
DATE |
TALUKA OF FIAC VISIT |
Visiting Team |
|
22.11.04 |
AKOLE/SANGAMNER |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
23.11.04 |
SHRIGONDA/PARNER |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
24.11.04 |
SHEVGAON/PATHARDI |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
25.11.04 |
NEWASA/SHRIRAMPUR |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
26.11.04 |
NAGAR/RAHURI |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
27.11.04 |
KARJAT/JAMKHED |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
29.11.04 |
KOPARGAON |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
FIAC, Akole
The visit to the FIAC was made on 22 November 2004. The visit comprised evaluation of the FIAC unit as per a preset evaluation scale developed by the KVK and adjudging the performance of the FIAC against the scale.
The FIAC has been consistently insisting on providing the Training Hall overtaken by the TAO, Akole. But despite repeated requests made to the TAO during the previous visits the FIAC operator has not been handed over with the Training Hall which is a major part of the FIAC building. This non-cooperation on the part of TAO in extending the Training Hall of the FAIC building has affected the extension activities of the FIAC operator. On account of lack of sufficient space that has been provided to the FIAC operator some of the services like conduct of Training Programmes, Advisory and Information services, display of Information services within the FIAC premises has been impossible.
Rating: 5.08/10.00
FIAC, Sangamner
The visit to the FIAC was made on 22 November 2004 which also included one visit in village Chikhli on the plot of Shri Sanjay Kajale. The demonstration included the Use of Soft Water Storage Tank in the Salt Affected area. The Farmer’s crops on the riverside area have been largely prone to the nutritional deficiencies and severe reduction in the crop yields of Soybean, Bajra, Wheat, Cotton. The farmers have been left with no option but to revert to other animal based enterprise. The FIAC has been able to extend the technological inputs on commercial basis for construction of 9 lakh litre storage tank. The storage has been able to provide soft water for leaching of the salts in the affected area, a highly successful attempt in introducing first step towards use of sub-surface drainage in saline prone zone.
The FIAC has been able to utilize grants from all the sources as per the extension objectives.
The visit also comprised participation in the Farmers Advisory Committee meeting convened by the TAO Mr Kanawade and represented by member farmers, representatives from BDO, Panchayat samiti and chaired by Shri Bhausaheb Navale progressive farmer. The FAC meeting witnessed a review of all the activities undertaken by the Department under the ATMA assisted Block Action Plan. There has been sustained followup for utilization of funds barring exceptions of exposure visits wherein it was suggested by the member farmers that the visit should also include farmers cultivating pomegranate and other crops on organic basis.
A review was taken of the FIAC at Kokangaon as per the format prepared by the KVK.
Rating: 9.08/10.00
FIAC Shrigonda
The visit to FIAC was made on 23 November 2004. The visit programme envisaged facilitation of various extension advisory services that are being carried out by the FIAC. It was repeatedly observed that the FIAC was negligent in keeping the updated records and documentation of various extension activities carried out by them. The display of latest information was also lacking and it was further suggested that appropriate and need based brochures be provided and additionally print outs should also be handed over to the farmers as per the requirement of the farmers. A critical observation of the utilization of the program funds revealed that the FIAC has kept pending an amount of Rs. 75,000/- extended for conduct of Organic Village Programme under the Projectized Extension Project funded by ATMA. The utilization of the amount has been poor in respect of Training, biofertilizers, Nadep, Vermicompost units or installation of Mother Culture Units in the selected village. The FIAC was facing severe problems owing to non-availability of adequate manpower for the FIAC. The KVK Scientist has therefore suggested appropriate manpower placement methods and from where the staff could be deputed. There was also a trained expert group coming out of Vigyan Ashram Pabal whose representative Shri Shantanu Inamdar was also present during the visit. It was therefore suggested by him that the FIAC can choose appropriate person from a batch of youths trained in Diploma in Rural Technology. The KVK Scientist also participated in the FAC and BTT meeting called by the TAO. There was a lack of communication to the members of FAC regarding involvement in the FAC meeting. The FIAC was further evaluated on the basis of the Evaluation scale and suggestions were made to them regarding compliance and sustained reporting of the developments at their level.
Rating: 03.42/10.00
FIAC PARNER:
The visit was made on 23 November at the FIAC. It was observed that the FIAC has taken a giant step forward in conduct of various extension programmes and activities. The FIAC has utilized a sum of Rs 2.91 lakhs out of the Rs. 2.99 allocated to them under BAP, TAO-NATP and other programs under Agriculture Department. The FIAC has suggested that the utilization of the above funds along with other sources have been rather Herculean task to be accomplished by only two staff at the FIAC. In the light of the above it was suggested to them the Operating Institute may think of appointing an additional staff for supporting the activities of FIAC. The FIAC has been able to motivate the farmer beneficiaries to significant extent due to sustained efforts. The FIAC has also requested that some of the programs have not been conducted owing to lack of manpower. This amount is Rs. 61,000/- that has been approved under BAP but has not been received by the FIAC from TAO. It was suggested that the funds may be utilized for other programs as per the need of the farmers as and when a suggestion is made in the Farmers Advisory Committee. Therefore it was also requested to them to conduct the FAC/BTT meeting in consultation with TAO so that necessary action may be undertaken in respect of utilized funds under BAP. The FIAC was also told that it was supposed to keep appropriate record of fund utilization and also make a presentation for the forthcoming meeting with Chairman of ATMA and Collector Ahmednagar to be held at KVK Babhaleshwar.
Rating 08.08/10.00
FIAC SHEVGAON
The visit was made to the FIAC on 24 November 2004. The operator of the FIAC has been unable to make any changes as per the suggestions made by the visiting KVK scientist repeatedly. The operator continued to operate the FIAC from the makeshift place where already an Agro Input Supply centre is existing. The advisory and consultancy services are provided purely at a personal level with no signboard of FIAC nor the list of services that are to be provided through the FIAC unit.
The AV aids are dust laiden with no apparent utilization of the same for any extension activity as envisaged in the NATP.
The FIAC has been found to be grossly ignorant of all responsibilities bestowed and entrusted upon by ATMA and facilitated further by the KVK Scientists.
The KVK scientist also represented the FAC and BTT meeting and it was well represented by the BTT and FAC members along with the Chairman of the FAC. The meeting was convened by the representative of the TAO in his absence. Various queries were made by the FAC members and appropriate answers to their problems were provided. One of the members requested that certain biofertilizers available in the market seem to be spurious and therefore appropriate tests may be conducted at TAO level. It was suggested to them to lodge their complaints at appropriate place which is ADO of Zila Parishad.
There was a fund of Rs. 60,000/- that was left unutilized and it was requested to the FIAC operator that the requisite help may be extended to the Department Official so that immediate conduct of the programs is ensured. The representative of Social Forestry had brought a plan of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Garden worth Rs. 25,000/- and Rs 15,000/- for Training programs for the farmers who would like to undertake plantation of new forest species. It was suggested that new species like Jatropha may be looked into and benefits of scheme of Jatropha on 2ha approved by the Department may be extended for the farmers.
The operator has not coordinated well with the TAO for appropriate utilization of funds and extending all the help to the farmers as decided in the previous FAC meetings. The farmers have strongly advised that need based programs may be undertaken within a certain time period so that proper outcome may be ensured.
In the light of no development at the FIAC operator level despite all efforts and facilitation by the KVK, an appropriate decision may be taken by ATMA.
Rating: 01.16/10.00
FIAC PATHARDI
The visit was made to the FIAC on 24 November 2004. The FIAC had conducted several programmes under the field extension activities which included various training programmes and group discussions, demonstrations etc. The FIAC has been able to perform various extension responsibilities especially for dissemination of technologies in different villages. However it was noted that despite sustained backup and other help during the previous visits the FIAC has not been able to maintain appropriate records and documentation. The FIAC has been able to utilize the funds meant for purchase of pulverizer. Various other programs through Agriculture Deptt have been conducted by the FIAC operator. The operator has been requested to depute trained personnel in the light of repeated absence of the previous Centre Operator so that all the services may be extended to the visiting farmers.
The FAC and BTT meeting was not held.
Rating: 03.50/10.00
FIAC NEWASA
The visit to the FIAC was conducted on 25 November 2004. The FIAC operator made a presentation to a visiting team of 20 farmers from Morshi Dt Amrawati. It was indeed a welcome sign that the FIAC Newasa has become a destination spot for exchange of experiences of the farmers and the crop technology. Some of the queries made by the farmers were also answered by the visiting KVK scientist. The FIAC has made clear inroads in extending the technological inputs for the farmers of the Newasa Block, in the form of technical advice, information delivery, consultancy, advisory, inputs supply and other services.
The FIAC has made available the Mosquito Repellent Air Diffuser as an additional application of agro-product for the community paving the path for application of Citronella oil based product for sale. A highly commendable task in the unfavourable market conditions for sale of the citronella oil. Along with the citronella oil it is additionally supplying other 14 agro-inputs. Very encouraging part of the FIAC extension services is that it has tied up with Corporate sector in extending various agro-inputs for the farmers that were hitherto not available for the farmers. The FIAC has added paid consultancy services and other project services spearheading towards self-reliance. The FIAC operator has been able to utilize funds to the tune of Rs. 1,74,000/- out Rs. 1,86,000/- while the remaining amount is remaining to be utilized.
Later Farmer Advisory Committee and BTT meeting was also convened by the TAO I/C Shri Chemte which addressed various issues raised by the FAC members regarding Rabi based crops. A review was taken of the previous BAP and it was affirmed by the TAO that the funds will be utilized. The FAC and BTT meeting was marked by debate on proper and timely utilization of funds as per the decisions made. Later it was brought to the notice of all the FAC and BTT members regarding the information and advisory services that are being provided for the farmers and that appropriate help may be extended to the FIAC operator while conducting village level extension programmes.
Rating: 07.58/10.00
FIAC SHRIRAMPUR
The visit was made to the FIAC on 25 November 2004. The FAC and BTT meeting was convened by the TAO in charge which was represented by majority of department heads and other farmers. A review of all the programs planned as per the BAP was taken it was observed that most of the programs have been undertaken and some were in the process of completion. It was brought to the notice of the concerned that the funds allocated have to be utilized well in time. The Social Forestry has requested program funds for establishment of Medicinal Plants Garden and it was suggested to submit the same to the TAO for onward consideration to ATMA. Similarly other programs were also suggested by the members for consideration by ATMA. The TAO prepared a brief note on requisite program funds from ATMA. The KVK scientist brought to the notice of all the FIAC operations newly taken over the NGO by Shri Bhosale and was requested to extend help and reap maximum benefits from the FIAC through appropriate promotion for involvement of farmer community.
Later the FIAC operator was reviewed for conduct of all the programs and suggested all the services, consultancy and input supply services for the farmers. It has appointed one Computer professional and hence it was suggested that maximum benefits may be provided for the farmers through preparation of Crop Marketing and Information for the farmers.
It was brought to the notice of the operator that a strong review is being taken with regard to the operations of the FIAC and it may keep strict vigil on proper conduct of its field extension services as well as those from the FIAC centre. It was pleasing to note that the FIAC operator has taken steps to ensure Internet connectivity and other information services.
Rating: 01.16/10.00
FIAC AHMEDNAGAR
The visit to the FIAC was made on 26 November 2004. It was observed that the FIAC has taken some efforts in proper upkeep of the activities and programs for the benefit of the farmers. Some new additions to the display material and information were made by the operator. It was significant to note that the FIAC operator has taken keen interest in designing an Onion Production and Returns Information System (OPRIS) exclusively for providing information to the onion growers regarding the probable yields and returns from the Onion crop as per the directives of the KVK Babhaleshwar. The FIAC operator was later asked to make suitable changes so that the OPRIS becomes user friendly and realistic information provider for the farmers. A commendable effort by the FIAC in painstakingly designing such an information system on the basis of logical support extended for its development by visiting KVK scientist. The repeated requests to the FIAC operator were made regarding adequate deployment of trained staff for proper advisory and consultancy. The input supply was also being refurbished and it was observed that the host institute has taken sincere decision in supply of agro-inputs like seeds, fertilizers, biobertilizers, biopesticides etc. for the farmers at the FIAC location. Later the TAO of Ahmednagar Shri BK Kharde also visited the FIAC and said the FIAC has not coordinated well with the department due to which the TAO office has not been able to extend the programs to be implemented by the FIAC. It was therefore communicated to them that proper liaison may be kept with the TAO for implementation of extension programs. The TAO also agreed to extend some grants for the FIAC operator if the FIAC operator could furnish its detailed plan of action. Later an extensive evaluation of the programs and activities undertaken by the FIAC was done and a stern advice was given for strengthening of its activities. A review of its field activities was also made and it was noticed that the FIAC operator was not very keen on the field extension activities. The FIAC has only implemented a program on Krishi Mitra & Krishi Sainik under MAHITI scheme of the Deptt of Agri. It has not been able to conduct any other significant programs at the field level. The FIAC operator has been able to utilize a sum of Rs. 66,000/- under the program.
Rating: 05.08/10.00
FIAC RAHURI
The visit to the FIAC was made on 26 November 2004. It was observed that the FIAC has not focused on any of the field extension programme. The advisory and information services were being provided from the FIAC on small scale. The records and documentation were also not maintained as per the suggestions by the KVK Scientists. The documentation as suggested by the KVK Scientists has also not been made. The registers were also not properly maintained. The FIAC operator has also not been able to utilize the knowledge gained from numerous training programs organized by the KVK and ATMA. There were no significant activities and programs undertaken by the operator. The KVK scientists have also suggested other techniques and strategies so that revenue generation becomes easier for the FIAC. Despite such repeated suggestions the FIAC operator has not taken initiative for input supply services. The FIAC was further advised to exploit the strategic location of the building on the roadside of main road. The telephone has not been operational due to which it has not been able to extend the Internet connectivity. It was requested to them that it could explore and deploy the wireless based telephone and Internet connectivity. The FIAC has not been very keen on deployment of such information services.
The FIAC has been advised to immediately provide the Internet based information services for which the Internet connectivity should be established as soon as the telephone connection has been ensured.
Various methods to enhance the revenue by the FIAC were also suggested by the KVK Scientists.
Rating: 01.42/10.00
FIAC KARJAT
The visit to the FIAC was made on 27 November 2004.
It was observed that the FIAC has implemented various extension programmes in line with the objectives of the project. A field visit to the village Nimgaon Daku 25 km away from Karjat tehsil was conducted where a Bengalgram Demonstration Program was organized. Upon the visit and discussion with the farmers it was further asked especially to the field staff that the impact of Demonstration may be disseminated to a large section of the farmers from the nearby villages too. The filed staff may therefore need to organize a Field Day and further understand the field problems and provide a logical solution. The demonstration incorporated various biological agent component and hence it was advised that various botanicals like Neem leaf/seed, lantana, Calatropis leaf extract, chilli-garlic extract may also be utilized. The detailed technological inputs of which have already been provided to the FIAC by the KVK during the Training Programmes. The FIAC was therefore asked to demonstrate the benefits not just orally but show them practically how to make the extract, sieve, mix etc and use them as spray for managing the sucking pests and the boll worm. Another visit to was also made to Bengalgram plot whose sowing was done 20 days before. A similar advice was extended to the farmer.
The FIAC has tried to demonstrate maximum technologies through field extension program however a major emphasis was required to be given for extending the paid consultancy services. The FIAC has made a beginning in this regard by providing consultancy for Mango and Lime crops. Similarly some receipts were also generated by sale of seed material.
The FIAC was advised to beef up its activities in such direction so that it becomes an identity of the FIAC. The FIAC operator said it has already chosen a main theme of “Extension through Dissemination of Dryland Agriculture Technologies”. The FIAC was also asked to work on collection and conservation of local germplasm and seed material especially of Jowar, Horsegram and kidneybean which are a major cereal and pulse crop in the scarce-rainfall block. Similarly the FIAC was also asked to work and demonstrate the water diffusion in root zone technique using the 1’ earthen tubes for each plant technique. Such technologies may be utilized for the horticultural crops like Mango and lime orchards. The demand for such water saving technologies and others like use of Rain gun could also be further explored for providing paid advisory and consultancy by the FIAC.
Rating: 06.75/10.00
The visit was made to the FIAC on 27 November 2004. It was observed that the FIAC has been able to present a welcome picture at its new location. The FIAC has already established a fenced wall around the FIAC building. The estimated expenditure was made about Rs. 33,000/-. Some changes like to put tin sheets in place of glass sheets as window pane, planting saplings in the premises, staring another demo unit like vermin-unit was also asked to be done. The other gadgets and accessories were also available, however the telephone was not available since the TAO has not transferred the same. It was therefore asked that the FIAC, instead of waiting for transfer of the telephone, may explore for other telephone services like Wireless Telephone from either Reliance or Tata Indicom etc. so that immediately Internet based information services and other advisory may be started. The FIAC has a collection of books and 12 CDs on different crop technologies provided by the Deptt and KVK therefore it was emphasized that the FIAC utilize the CDs to the visiting farmers. The FIAC was asked to keep the documentation and records as per other FIACs and as suggested by the KVK during the Training Programmes. The FIAC was further asked to work on a theme “Extension for dissemination of Milk Production Enhancing Technologies”. The theme is of supportive to its parent organization which is a Milk Cooperative Federation. Therefore various technologies like Use of Various methods of increasing fodder production like use of new fodder types, Stylo scabra, increasing palatability of dry fodder using Urea, jaggery etc. use of Poly Galacturonase enzymes in the fodder for maximum utilization and assimilation in the body were suggested by the KVK scientists. The FIAC was asked to prepare deadline for immediate grounding of extension activities on war footing. It was asked to organize two training programmes for the milk producers within next 15 days so that farmers become aware of the activities and extension programs of the FIAC. The FIAC was also asked to start input supply, paid information, consultancy, project consultancy seed supply, provide printed matters of farmers’ immediate interest etc so that the operational expenses are compensated through modest receipts. The FIAC was also asked to coordinate well with the TAO and other line departments so that it can also extend the benefits of the schemes to the farmer beneficiaries and initiate programs for them.
Rating: 01.83/10.00
The visit to the FIAC was made on 29 November 2004. There was one staff that was deputed by the TAO Shri Sarode for operating the FIAC. It was further elaborated by the KVK scientist that additional information brochures and other necessary aids may be kept so that information dissemination takes place at faster pace. It was further suggested that the FIAC might further keep different inputs like seeds, seedlings, bio-control agents, and botanical pesticides etc. for sale and supply for the farmers. It was also emphasized that the FIAC should keep upto date information services and advisory services. Additionally it was suggested that it also provide input supply services and it maintain bills and invoices for delivery to the farmers. An additional photographic camera, registers etc should also be purchased by the FIAC so that it may keep proper documentation of the events.
The FIAC operator Mr Deshmukh was also accompanied by the TAO and other Mandal AO for appropriate coordination and sorting out minor needs and problems of the FIAC.
Rating 02.00/10.00
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
(ATMA), AHMEDNAGAR
KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA BABHALESHWAR
STRENGTHENING OF FIACs IN AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT
|
Sr
No. |
Evaluation
Parameters
|
Akole |
Sang amner |
Shri gonda |
Parner |
Shev gaon |
Path ardi |
Newasa |
Shri rampur |
A’ nagar |
Rahuri |
Karjat |
Jam khed |
Kopar gaon |
|
01 |
FIAC
& Services Signboard on roadside installed |
0 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
|
02 |
Meetings
held with FAC, BTT and its outcome & implementation |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
03 |
Punctuality
in Reporting & Documentation |
0.5 |
0.75 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.25 |
|
04 |
New
additions to display of Extension material |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
05 |
Utilization
of Training Aids OHP/Charts/Slides/VHS/CD |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0 |
|
06 |
Application
of Lessons from Exposure Visit |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
07 |
Information
Advisory Services provided for Farmers |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0 |
|
08 |
Paid
Advisory or Consultancy Service No. |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.25 |
0 |
0 |
|
09 |
Training
Programmes Conducted
No. & beneficiaries |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
10 |
Demonstrations Conducted
No & beneficiaries |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
11 |
Functional/Active
Farmer Groups/ SHGs/FIGs Estbd. No. and progr implemented with Farmer clubs
established by KVK |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.25 |
0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
12 |
Types
(No.) of Commercial Inputs Supplied done |
0.25 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
|
13 |
Custom
Hiring of Implements/Skilled labour for farmers |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
14 |
Other
Programs through Project based extension/Other sources |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
|
15 |
Success
Stories Compiled No. |
0 |
0.75 |
0 |
0.75 |
0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.25 |
|
16 |
Record
of Field extension through Written compilation/Photo album/CD/VHS |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.75 |
0 |