National Agricultural Technology Project
Monthly Monitoring and Evaluation Report of the FIACs in the Ahmednagar District following visit between 21.10.04 to 01.11.04
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 October.
|
DATE |
TALUKA OF FIAC VISIT |
MONITORING TEAM |
|
21.10.04 |
AKOLE/SANGAMNER |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
25.10.04 |
SHRIGONDA/PARNER |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
26.10.04 |
SHEVGAON/PATHARDI |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
27.10.04 |
NEWASA/SHRIRAMPUR |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
28.10.04 |
NAGAR/RAHURI |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
29.10.04 |
KARJAT/JAMKHED |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
01.11.04 |
KOPARGAON |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
FIAC, Akole
The visit to the FIAC was made on 21 October 2004 which also included 5 Farmers visit in village Sharankhel. The demonstration included the Use of biofertilizers and other Integrated Crop Management tools using various technological inputs like use of biofertilizers, vermicompost, use of NPV and Trichoderma.
The farmers were observed to be not aware of the technical details associated with the use of different inputs supplied under demonstration. They were further informed regarding the use of Trichoderma as a preventive measure for control of Alternaria and Phytophthora and other blight diseases in Capsicum. The area had been largely prone to soil borne fungi under prolonged humid conditions. The other crop like Marigold was also badly damaged for which no remedial measures were beneficial.
The visit in general was critical in making strong reservations regarding the non-follow up of certain scientific recommendations especially those which are evolved by the progressive farmers and are being recommended by the MPKV and KVK.
A general follow up was found to be lacking and adequate technological backup was necessitated and was advised to follow.
The FIAC has been able to utilize the funds of Rs. 20,500/- from ATMA that incorporated Exposure visit to Onion Markets, a Training Programme for Organic Farming and the IT Facilitators amount. An amount of Rs 31,500/- is to be utilized under BAP approved by the TAO.
The TAO was also consulted regarding the follow up of the Block Action Plan. It was revealed that out of the funds amounting to Rs. 1,20,000/- was being utilized for various programmes as per the BAP. Out of this an amount of Rs. 99,000/- was spent and a remaining Rs. 21,000/- is to be utilized for Earthworm mother culture unit.
The FIAC has also utilized the funds for exposure visit to MPKV while the programme fund for the conduct of exposure visit to Bangalore is to be utilized. It was therefore suggested that the same be utilized well before time so that a favourable impact could be seen.
Rating: 06.50/10.00
FIAC, Sangamner
The visit to the FIAC was made on 21 October 2004 which also included 3 Farmers visit in village Jawale Kadlag and Village Kuran. The demonstration included the Use of Zero Energy Cool Chamber for temporary storage of Pomegranate and Carnation-in-Polyhouse growers in Kuran.
The demonstration of use of Zero Energy Cool Chamber on the Pomegranate growers also revealed reasonable amount of awareness about the technology. The farmers from Village Kuran were also observed to be aware of the technical details associated with the use of different soluble fertilizers and other important fungicides and insecticides for control of pests and diseases in polyhouse. They were further informed regarding the use of Trichoderma as a preventive measure for control of Alternaria and Phytophthora and other blight diseases in Carnation grown in Polyhouse.
The visit to Farmers demonstrated with use of Zero Energy Cool Chamber was also remodified on account of the refinements made by the KVK on the technique of erection of cool chamber and installation of bricks and the gap of 2.5 cm between the two walls of the chamber. The demonstration was consequently altered as per the suggestion given by the KVK scientist.
The FIAC has also utilized properly the funds disbursed by ATMA for different extension activities which included the FIAC Inauguration Programme, IT Facilitation, Exposure visit to BAIF Pune and a Training on Organic Farming programme totaling Rs 30,500/-.
Out of an amount of Rs. 68,150/- meant for implementation of Bee keeping Programme the FIAC has utilized an amount of Rs. 53,000/- It was advised that the FIAC also utilize the remaining amount well before time.
The FIAC in general received a good response from the farmers on various aspects of Technology dissemination through Training, demonstration, advisory and consultancy services. The most assuring part of the FIAC was that despite several hurdles it was able to provide different information advisory services through Internet and the farmers’ response to this was observed to be satisfactory. The FIAC has also successfully able to exploit the experiences learnt from the exposure visit conducted for the FIAC operators. It has also well planned to establish a vegetable nursery and install an Automatic Weather Station for Disease Forecasting of different diseases for the vegetable growers from Akole and Sangamner Taluka.
The FIAC had also successfully organized a Soil Testing Campaign for the farmers in the area in collaboration with ATIC MPKV Rahuri. There was overwhelming participation of farmers for soil testing and water testing services. In all there were 109 soil samples and 101 water samples that were tested at the FIAC unit. The FIAC also helped supply of varietal seeds from MPKV from MPKV. Various other inputs from the KVK were also made available for the farmers during the campaign.
The FIAC has been able to conduct various extension programmes quite satisfactorily however it has to maintain appropriate technical backup during consultancy and advisory through trusted literature and sources. Therefore the need of appropriate book grant may be considered for the FIAC library by ATMA.
Rating: 08.50/10.00
FIAC Shrigonda
The visit to FIAC was made on 25 October 2004. The visit programme envisaged facilitation of various extension advisory services that are being carried out by the FIAC. It was 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. No utilization of the amount has been made either for Training, biofertilizers, Nadep, Vermicompost units or installation of Mother Culture Units in the selected village. There was gross negligence on account of the FIAC that was noted by their non-selection of the beneficiaries for implementation of the programme. The FIAC operator was unable to justify the reason for this. Similarly the FIAC operator has also not utilized the fund meant for IT facilitation and maintenance of the Internet based information services. There was gross under-utilization of various extension aids. It was further noted that the FIAC also could not maintain appropriate accounts for receipt and disbursement of program funds. The FIAC could not further justify the non-accomplishment of different programs and it was further told by the operator that due to non-availability of requisite staff the FIAC at Kashti was closed from 14 October to 22 October 2004 which was highly objectionable. It was advised that the FIAC should never be closed on any account and the FIAC should be able to deliver all the need based services. A stern and immediate warning may be initiated at ATMA level so that the FIAC takes up the seriously.
A Soil Testing Campaign was also conducted at FIAC by the ATIC, MPKV Rahuri.
The staff was found to be inadequate in administering and running the FIAC operations and it was suggested that the FIAC may employ additional person.
Rating: 1.75/10.00
FIAC PARNER:
The visit was made on 25 October at the FIAC. It was observed that the FIAC has taken a major lead in conduct of various extension activities by different innovative ways. The FIAC had also staged an Exhibition at the local village Fair in village Dhoki in collaboration with the Deptt of Agriculture. A display various activities and other inputs for sale and information were done by the FIAC.
In the field extension programme the FIAC has taken a lead by implementing all the programmes allocated to them by ATMA, Deptt of Agriculture etc.
The FIAC has utilized a sum of 173,772/- disbursed to them by the TAO for implementing the block action plan especially for Bengalgram Demonstration, (Rs.64,000/-), Jowar Compartmental Sowing Demo. (Rs. 47,000/-) and other Training programmes and exposure visits amounting to Rs.62,772/- All the programs have been successfully implemented and no left over is seen in the bank account. Similarly the FIAC has been implementing Zero Budget Natural Farming Camp for the farmers from ATMA grant of Rs. 75,000/- which is also being implemented satisfactorily. The FIAC has also started sale of different inputs like seed sale, biocontrol agents, traps, seeds etc. The FIAC has also established a direct link with the KVK by utilizing and distributing the KVK inputs and technologies advocated by them especially in organic methods of cultivation and other eco-friendly methods.
The FIAC has additionally has also conducted a Community based Dolichos cultivation for 25 growers.
Rating 08.50/10.00
FIAC SHEVGAON
The visit was made to the FIAC on 26 October 2004. The operator of the FIAC seemed completely irresponsible in making changes as suggested by the KVK scientists. The operator continued to operate the FIAC from the makeshift place where already an Agro Input Supply centre is existing. The operator himself was absent and did not respond to any suggestions to run the services efficiently. 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.
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: 00.50/10.00
FIAC PATHARDI
The visit was made to the FIAC on 26 October 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 visits the FIAC has not been able to perform the some of the field extension activities. There is a gross underutilization of program funds extended by ATMA. The FIAC has received a total sum of Rs. 78,000/- out of which it has spent a sum of Rs 53,000/- for different programmes as approved by ATMA. A further scrutiny revealed the FIAC has not been able to utilize an amount of Rs. 24,000/- (Rs 10,000/- for Farm School Training, Rs 8,000/- for market linkage development exposure visit and Rs 6,000/- for pulverizer) which is conspicuous from the balance amount remaining in the FIAC account. A stern advice was given to the operator for conduct of remaining programs and utilization of all the funds. It has not been able to start the commercial activity on a sound footing and it was therefore suggested that appropriate action may be immediately taken up. The TAO has not been able to provide the funds even after the decision taken in the Farmer Advisory Committee meeting held under the Chairmanship of Shri DL Tambhale, PD ATMA. The requisition made by the FIAC has not been met by the TAO and hence the funds provided by ATMA still remain unutilized with TAO. The FIAC has therefore not been able to conduct Rabi season based extension programmes. The FIAC has on its account has also not been able to keep a regular follow up with the FAC resolution and other decisions taken for implementation of different programmes in consultation with TAO. The BAP included requisite funds for implementation by the FIAC.
The FIAC has been advised to beef up the extension activities with proper coordination with TAO for further implementation of programmes approved under Block Action Plan. Further the FIAC has been advised to undertake remaining programmes on war-footing to accomplish the targeted objectives.
Rating: 04.75/10.00
FIAC NEWASA
The visit to the FIAC was conducted on 27 October 2004. The FIAC was able to present a welcome picture clearly with a signboard indicating the input supply services and other information services available from the FIAC unit. The commercial activities have been running smoothly, so as the advisory services with appropriate technical advice and prescription for the farmers for a particular crop problem. There is also appropriate documentation of field extension activities. The FIAC has brought about an appealing and informative account of the field extension activities and its impact on the farming community and detailed pictorial and descriptive presentation on Cotton IPM programme, Soybean Demonstration programme and a Bajra 18” sowing demonstration programme. The FIAC has also undertaken a massive extension programme on promotion of aromatic cultivation and processing. It was further suggested that the FIAC bring about a detailed success story on the programme. The FIAC had also organized a Soil Test Campaign for the farmers at the FIAC unit under which 80 soil samples and 05 water samples were received and remedy was facilitated by the FIAC in conjunction with ATIC, MPKV Rahuri.
The FIAC has taken a significant leap forward in disseminating technology for the benefit of farmers in remote and distant villages. A true spirit of extension, facilitation and adoption of improved technology has been explicitly shown by the FIAC. On account of these developments ATMA would also benefit immensely if appropriate annotation is brought about through a publication of extension programme undertaken exclusively by the FIAC Newasa. A reasonable amount as grant may be further provided for publication of “Extension Initiatives by ATMA through FIACs” A just case for attempting a documented account of FIACs extension programmes.
Of the 1,00,000/- released by ATMA for conduct of Soybean Demonstration, Cotton IPM and Bajra 18” sowing demo, the FIAC has been able to utilize all but Rs 18,200/- under the Bajra demo. The FIAC has requested that the left over amount may be allowed to be utilized for implementation of Jowar 18” sowing demo. It was therefore suggested that the FIAC may initiate a decision in its favour in the Farmer Advisory Committee for reappropriation of requisite amount. A further approval may also be sought from ATMA for conduct of the programme.
The FIAC has also to utilize an additional amount of Rs. 20,000/- meant for implementation of Spirulina Training and Citronella demo which, the FIAC said, will be utilizing well in time.
The FIAC has also requested an additional grant for fenced wall compound for protection from the intruding stray animals that may destroy its future Vermicompost Production Unit. It was therefore requested to further get the decision approved in the FAC meeting.
Rating: 08.00/10.00
FIAC SHRIRAMPUR
The visit was made to the FIAC on 27 October 2004. The TAO Shri HS Gaikwad informed that the ATMA has requested to hand over the related FIAC paraphernalia to the incumbent operator. A BTT meeting was also organized which was participated by the TAO, LDO from Animal Husbandarying Deptt, and AO from the FIAC and KVK scientist. A review of utilization of funds approved under the FAC meeting for the block action plan was also discussed. The meeting also discussed that the funds will be utilized by the TAO as well as by the Animal Husbandry Deptt.
The TAO informed that all the modalities for hand over of FIAC to the newly selected operator Shri Jayant Bhosale have been made and a formal communication has been prepared to handover it to the operator.
Rating: 01.25/10.00
FIAC AHMEDNAGAR
The visit to the FIAC was made on 28 October 2004. It was observed that the FIAC has been negligent in keeping an appropriate documentation of the advisory and other information services as suggested by the KVK scientist during their previous visits. The FIAC has not been able to keep seven registers for documenting different extension services rendered. The FIAC further has not been able to conduct any demonstration programmes as envisaged. It was therefore suggested that the FIAC should conduct crop demonstrations as per the need and problem faced by the farmers. The input supply services have also not been started by the FIAC as suggested by the KVK. Various methodologies suggested by the KVK scientists for enhancing the visits by the farmers to the FIAC have not been implemented. The FIAC has conducted only a few training programmes under the field extension activities that also has not been documented well in the registers. It has not been able to bag any funds for implementing Projectized Extension Programme from Deptt of Agriculture or ATMA Ahmednagar or any external funding agency.
In all the FIAC has failed to utilize the strategic urban location which it could have tapped for disseminating extension advisory and information services through various input supply and information services. The FIAC has been existing as another agency for its parent institution with utter disregard for providing extension services. There is no amount utilized except Rs. 8,000/- for an exposure visit to Vashi under the Producer Consumer market linkage programme. The FIAC has also failed to show appropriate generation of resources at its present location. The ATIC MPKV team had also visited the FIAC for Soil Test Campaign and other support initiative but also was received with surprise 15 soil samples for testing from the farmers. It was further suggested that the FIAC implement the entire extension programme as per “Guidelines for FIACs” issued by the KVK scientist. The FIAC has also not been able to complete the Market-based Onion Profitability software which it has been asked to complete.
Rating: 01.50/10.00
FIAC RAHURI
The visit to the FIAC was made on 28 October 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 FIAC operator was further advised to maintain the registers as suggested. A modified method to keep the registers was also elaborated and suggested to be used for documentation. Other techniques and strategies were also suggested so that revenue generation becomes easier for the FIAC. The FIAC was further advised to exploit the strategic location of the building on the roadside of main road. The AV aids has been utilized for training programme at the FIAC and the computer has also been utilized for advisory and information services for the farmers. The visit by the ATIC Rahuri team was also made to the FIAC during which different observations were made by them regarding non-conduct of various extension 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: 02.75/10.00
FIAC KARJAT
The visit to the FIAC was made on 29 October 2004.
It was observed that the FIAC has implemented various extension programmes in line with the objectives of the project. The FIAC has been able to provided maximum services for the farmers with the help of different extension programmes in villages. The FIAC has been able to provide different input supply services for the farmers with the help of KVK. The FIAC has also successfully implemented the soil test campaign in coordination with ATIC Rahuri wherein the FIAC has been able to provide soil testing services for about 100 farmers. Out of these the FIAC was able to get soil testing done for 63 farmers. The FIAC was further suggested to keep the latest seed supply services for the coming Rabi season specially Jowar, wheat where the seed could be made available from MPKV Rahuri. The FIAC has received an amount of Rs. 98,000/- for different heads namely IT facilitator’s honorarium Rs. 15,000/-, 8,000/- for conduct of Exposure visit to MPKV, Rs. 75,000/- for conduct of Projectised Extension program on Sendriya Gram. The FIAC has been able make expenditure of Rs. 43,000/- from the ATMA funded extension programme which includes expenses for IT facilitation, exposure visit, Training under Sendriya Gram program, green manuring and for biofertilizers distribution.
The FIAC has been left with Rs. 55,000/- (out of the Rs. 75,000/-) for installation of 10 Vermicompost Production centres, 4 Nadep Compost Units and One mother culture. This programme is likely to be implemented within a month’s time.
The FIAC has also kept appropriate documentation and records, photographs and it was observed to be satisfactory. A field visit was also conducted to Village Binawadi wherein the FIAC has implemented a successful Jowar 18” sowing programme. The FIAC activity has been able to generate a significant interest among the farmers. The adoption among other farmers was also observed due to the FIAC program. The Chairman of the Farmer Advisory Committee also endorsed the success of the Jowar sowing programme.
It was also suggested that the FIAC also implement Dryland Horticulture technology for the needy farmers in assistance with Agriculture Deptt and KVK.
Rating: 05.50/10.00
The visit was made to the FIAC on 29 October 2004. The FIAC was observed to be conducting Soil Testing Campaign in conjunction with ATIC, MPKV Rahuri. There were 62 soil samples that were brought by the farmers and 16 water samples of which testing and immediate remedial measures were provided by the MPKV and KVK scientist who were present on the occasion. Fortunately the chief operating NGO’s functionary Mr Tushar Pawar was present and the KVK scientist brought to the notice the inefficiency of the FIAC staff and the non-performance by the concerned. It was therefore suggested that the appropriate and immediate action may be undertaken in order to render the extension services efficiently as per the guidelines issued by the visiting KVK scientists and the suggestions by PD ATMA. The chief functionary also said that due to preoccupations he was unable to concentrate and now on he would be personally looking after the FIAC operations. Later it was noticed that the work pertaining to refurbishment of the existing FIAC building was being carried out and therefore it was suggested that the FIAC finish up the work and that all the infrastructure be transferred to the new building and that all the services be provided from the present new location. The FIAC was also suggested to keep all the records and documentation as suggested by the KVK and that the telephone connectivity and Internet based information be also immediately provided without loosing anytime.
The FIAC had not conducted any training or carried out any advisory services. The FIAC assisted in roviding 100 beneficiaries for the TAO for conduct of Jowar Demonstration programme. The FIAC had also conducted an exposure visit of farmers to Solapur in assitance with TAO Jamkhed.
The AV Aids had also not been utilized and therefore it was suggested appropriate programmes be conducted at FIAC as well as villages so that proper utilization of AV aids could be done.
Rating: 01.00/10.00
The visit to the FIAC was made on 01 November 2004. It was observed that the FIAC had been established with all rejuvenation work with the aid from ATMA that was provided for renovation work. There was two 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 01.25/10.00
Evaluation
Paramaters
|
Name of FIAC Unit |
Application of lessons from Exposure visit |
Punctuality in Reporting & Documentation |
Utilization of Extension & Trg Aids |
Internet based Info & Advisory Services provided |
Paid Advisory or Consultancy Service |
Field Extension Programme |
Commercial Input Supply Started |
Other Programs through Project based extension/Other sources |
Steps taken to generate receipts/revenue |
Utilization of Program Funds |
Final score out of 10 |
|
Kopargaon |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0.25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
1.25 |
|
Sangamner |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0.5 |
8.5 |
|
Akole |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
6.5 |
|
Rahuri |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
2.75 |
|
Shrirampur |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0.25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
1.25 |
|
Newasa |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
8.0 |
|
Parner |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
8.5 |
|
Ahmednagar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
1.50 |
|
Shrigonda |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.75 |
|
Karjat |
0.5 |
1 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
5.50 |
|
Jamkhed |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1.0 |
|
Shevgaon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.50 |
|
Pathardi |
0.5 |
0 |
1 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
4.75 |
Scale of Marking:
1.00 = Excellent
0.75 = Above average
0.50 = Satisfactory
0.25 = Acceptable
0.00 = Unsatisfactory