National Agricultural Technology Project
Monthly Monitoring and Evaluation Report of the FIACs in the Ahmednagar District following visit between 24.12.04 to 01.01.05
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 December.
|
DATE |
TALUKA OF FIAC VISIT |
Monitoring Team |
|
24.12.04 |
AKOLE/SANGAMNER |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
27.12.04 |
SHRIGONDA/PARNER |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
28.12.04 |
SHEVGAON/PATHARDI |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
29.12.04 |
NEWASA/SHRIRAMPUR |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
30.12.04 |
NAGAR/RAHURI |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
31.12.04 |
KARJAT/JAMKHED |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
|
01.01.05 |
KOPARGAON |
HENDRE+BORUDE |
FIAC, Akole
The visit to the FIAC was made on 24 December 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 made significant changes in its services and operations especially field level extension work. The FIAC has been conducting various paid consultancy and project consultancy services for the farmers. The FIAC has also started facilitation of Group based marketing activity for the farmers of Village Mehenduri. The FIAC has been able to successfully provide linkage with the private marketing agencies for marketing of different agricultural produce like vegetables, green Tur pods wherein the farmers have been able to get 8 to 10 % assured and higher prices due to contract farming system. A visit to village Rumbhodi was done to see the feasibility of vermicomposting and Earthworm Culture Unit for the contact farmer of the FIAC. Necessary advice and facilitation was done to the FIAC to provide the needful service for the farmer by incorporating the Vermiculture Production Unit under the Block Action Plan.
A visit to Village Bahirwadi to Aonla Processing Unit of Shri Vasant Padekar was made in order to facilitate the FIAC operator to initiate action with regard to processing activity for farmers in the Tribal belt of Akole.
The FIAC has been able to utilize the funds barring some minor left-oevrs which is also going to be utilized before the end of the month. The FIAC has planned exposure visit cum training for Women in order to impart skills for Ragi Processing at GKVK Bangalore.
In view of the absence of the Taluka Agricultural Officer the Block Action Plan could not be prepared but it was requested telephonically that the same may be furnished to ATMA Ahmednagar immediately for necessary action and release of funds. The FIAC was advised to incorporate the necessary programs under the Block Action Plan and requested to finalize it immediately.
Rating: 6.50/10.00
FIAC, Sangamner
The visit to the FIAC was made on 24 November 2004.
The FIAC makes a pleasant presentation not only at the Seed Farm Campus but also on the roadside for the visitors and passersby due to clear and legible signboards. The presentations at the FIAC Training Hall clearly depict the services and other information facilitated by the FIAC. The FIAC Sangamner and FIAC Akole have jointly conducted Group Marketing Program for the farmers group in the village Nimaj. The visit to village Nimaj reveals that the FIAC has been active in facilitating the farmers group for marketing their produce to the Processing & Marketing agencies like Prince Frozen Foods. The FIAC has been able to provide marketing of green Tur Pods for canning yielding 8-10% higher margins for the farmers.
The field extension programmes have been found to be satisfactory. The bee keeping program initiated by the FIAC has been slow in acquiring the bee-colonies but it was impressed upon them that the same may conducted immediately so that bee activity starts coincides with flowering stage of Rabi season crops.
The utilization of funds has also been found to be satisfactory as no balance except that of bee keeping program is seen.
The FIAC has not received the IT facilitators’ maintenance August to December.
The FIAC was asked further to focus on a prime activity so that they could be identified with a single activity instead of conducting several programs at a time.
Rating: 9.00/10.00
FIAC Shrigonda
The visit to FIAC was made on 27 December 2004. It was observed that the FIAC was facing problem of appropriate manpower deployment due to which streamlining of FIAC activities were getting difficult to implement. It was further suggested to the Head of the NGO that a sincere effort may be made to deploy responsible personnel at the FIAC so that all instructions made by the visiting KVK scientist may be followed. 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. It was asked to prepare a note on the success story of the Group Based Community Extension Program may be documented and suggested that additional exhibit material may be prepared. A critical observation of the utilization of the program funds revealed that the FIAC has kept pending an amount of Rs. 10,000/- out of Rs 75,000/- funds extended for conduct of Organic Village Programme under the Projectized Extension Project funded by ATMA. It was observed that the utilization has been made in major part of the project and some minor payments were yet to be made. The FIAC was therefore asked to utilize the funds. 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.
The visit to FIAC also coincided with visit of Forestry Minister Shri Babanrao Pachpute who was briefed with the activities of FIAC and other extension based programs carried out under NATP by ATMA Ahmednagar. The TAO was unavailable but it was requested to him and the FIAC operator that the Block Action Plan be submitted so that timely disbursement of funds and its utilization could be done. The FIAC has received IT facilitators’ maintenance for the month of March, May, June, July and August only. It was further suggested to the FIAC operator that they may deploy additional personnel for smooth functioning of FIAC activities in absence of which they may not get IT facilitation maintenance.
Rating: 04.50/10.00
FIAC PARNER:
The visit was made on 27 December at the FIAC. It was observed that the FIAC has taken sincere steps in conduct of various extension programmes and activities by conduct of multifarious activities envisaging support through adequate linkage with Agriculture, Animal Husbandarying, Social Forestry and Fisheries Departments. 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. The other FIAC staff has left in place of whom the operating NGO has appointed another personnel who is a Agricultural Diploma holder. The FIAC has been able to motivate the farmer beneficiaries to significant extent due to sustained efforts. The FIAC has been able to utilize the funds and the remaining amount of Rs. 10,000/- would be utilized before the end of the December. The FIAC was further asked to prepare its own Block Action Plan for the next six months from Jan to June 2005 which may be incorporated in the final BAP to be ratified by the TAO. 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.
The FIAC has made significant efforts by making Compact Discs programs conducted on Rural Employment Programs for Women and Natural Farming System which would further help FIAC in replicating the concept behind Organic Farming.
Rating 09.50/10.00
FIAC SHEVGAON
The visit was made to the FIAC on 28 December 2004. The operator of the FIAC has been able to make some changes particularly the signboards to be put at the FIAC as well as near the crowded place as the Bus Stand. Though the operator continued to operate the FIAC from the makeshift place where already an Agro Input Supply centre exists, it was also noticed that the FIAC is making efforts to provide requisite advisory and consultancy services.
The FAC and BTT meeting could not be held but it was impressed upon them that it may consider seriously certain developmental aspects concerning FIAC and to implement programs in coordination with the TAO by incorporating the extension activities as per the needs and problems of the farming community.
It was noticed that the FIAC has conducted the exposure visit of the farmers to Krishi Vigyan Kendra Babhaleshwar and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri.
There was certain spark of hope that the FIAC has risen to their responsibilities and taken initiatives to at least address incidental farmers’ problems. Further facilitation was done by the KVK scientist that the FIAC may consider taking up paid advisory, consultancy, input supply and information services so that the FIAC becomes a prime centre of farmer oriented services.
Rating: 03.00/10.00
FIAC PATHARDI
The visit was made to the FIAC on 28 December 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. It was also noted that the FIAC has also been able to maintain appropriate records and documentation as per the visits. 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 held and a Block Action Plan was prepared in the presence of the TAO who later joined the FAC and BTT meeting. It was clearly indicated to the TAO that the Chairman ATMA has taken the non-utilization of BAP funds with TAO very seriously and it was impressed upon the TAO that the BAP is implemented without any hitches by the FIAC. An support and coordination drive at the TAO level was also asked to conduct for smooth functioning of FIAC activities.
Rating: 04.91/10.00
FIAC NEWASA
The visit to the FIAC was conducted on 29 December 2004. The FIAC, Newasa during the month of December has organised two training programmes about 131 farmers have visited to FIAC out of that the FIAC has earned Rs. 300/- from paid advisory and consultancy in which about 61 farmers were covered. During the month the FIAC has formulated about eleven groups in different villages. The FIAC has started commercial unit of input supply. They have developed three success stories on various aspects covered under demonstration programme.
It was seen that the FIAC is functioning appropriately using innovative extension approach while rendering information and advisory service for the farming community. They have developed good linkages with other agencies. Since inception of FIAC about 3465 no. of farmers have taken direct and indirect benefit from FIAC.
The overall performance of FIAC is good. During due course of time the FIAC has proposed to erect compound for FIAC, establish vermicompost unit and water proofing of FIAC building.
Rating: 08.25/10.00
FIAC SHRIRAMPUR
The visit was made to the FIAC on 29 December 2004. The TAO, Shrirampur has recently handed over this FIAC to the NGO. During the period of two months the NGO has taken steps towards carrying out various activities. They have prepared various sign board on services and FIAC. They have started advisory services through Internet. At present they have not appointed any person from Agriculture for field activities. During the month they have received Rs. 900/- from paid advisory services.
They have documented one success story on Soybean. The FIAC has established two farmers groups in two villages namely Matapur and Nipani Wadgaon. They have prepared various registers. The net connectivity is found to be functional. In due course of time they are entering in commercial input supply and project consultancy.
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 paid consultancy and information services.
Rating: 02.58/10.00
FIAC AHMEDNAGAR
The visit to the FIAC was made on 30 December 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 has prepared the application for use by all the FIACs and extension agencies. 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, biofertilizers, biopesticides etc. for the farmers at the FIAC location and also books in its library for the information of farmers. The Chairman of the Onion Cooperative Ahmednagar was also present during the long and exhaustive discussions regarding the strengthening and streamlining of the FIAC. 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. It was therefore asked toimplement the field extension program in consultation with the Department of Agri.
Rating: 05.41/10.00
FIAC RAHURI
The visit to the FIAC was made on 30 December 2004. It was observed that the FIAC has conducted one Training Programme for the Polyhouse growers and a sincere effort was made in fulfilling the technological need of the farmers in the region. The program was a success since the experts were called from the MPKV Rahuri and it was also well represented by the farmers. The advisory and information services were being provided from the FIAC on small scale. The records and documentation were also maintained as per the suggestions by the KVK Scientists. 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 been operational but it the Internet connectivity was not operational due to technical problems in the Modem. 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: 03.00/10.00
FIAC KARJAT
The visit to the FIAC was made on 31 December 2004. The Dy Project Director Shri Arun Kamble was also present on the occasion during the visit.
It was observed that the FIAC has implemented various extension programmes in line with the objectives of the project. Upon the discussion 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 FIAC has well presented different extension training materials and display boards indicating various extension programmes undertaken by the FIAC. 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 and making paid members for which the FIAC has decided to provide different information and advisory services. 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 started 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. The FIAC has also sincerely made a just beginning in collecting the different local cultivars like Bedri, Gulbhendi, Lakdi of Jowar and various other local cultivars of Kidneybean and Horsegram.
Later FAC and BTT meeting was held which was represented by the FAC and BTT members. The Block Action Plan was prepared in consultation with the members and the TAO Mr Nimbalkar.
Rating: 8.16/10.00
The visit was made to the FIAC on 31 December 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. The negotiations with the TAO were made and it was finally agreed that the FIAC be provided with the telephone. 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. The Block Action Plan was prepared worth Rs 1,30,000/- by the members of FAC.
Rating: 02.00/10.00
The visit to the FIAC was made on 01 January 2005. 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 AOs for appropriate coordination and sorting out minor needs and problems of the FIAC. It was discussed that the FIAC may develop Display material, Powerpoint presentation and the content of website to be hosted soon by all the FIAC.
A BAP for next six months was prepared and finalized by the TAO in consultation with the FAC members.
Rating 1.91/10.00
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 |
Shevgaon |
Pathardi |
Newasa |
Shrirampur |
A’ nagar |
Rahuri |
Karjat |
Jam khed |
Kopargaon |
|
01 |
FIAC
& Services Signboard on roadside installed |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.50 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
|
02 |
Meetings
held with FAC, BTT and its outcome & implementation |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
03 |
Punctuality
in Reporting & Documentation |
0 |
0.50 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.25 |
|
04 |
New
additions to display of Extension material |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
05 |
Utilization
of Training Aids OHP/Charts/Slides/VHS/CD |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.50 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0 |
|
06 |
Application
of Lessons from Exposure Visit |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
07 |
Information
Advisory Services provided for Farmers |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0 |
|
08 |
Paid
Advisory or Consultancy Service No. |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0 |
0.5 |
0.75 |
0 |
0 |
|
09 |
Training
Programmes Conducted
No. & beneficiaries |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
10 |
Demonstrations Conducted
No & beneficiaries |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
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 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
12 |
Types
(No.) of Commercial Inputs Supplied done |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0 |
0.25 |
|
13 |
Custom
Hiring of Implements/Skilled labour for farmers |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
0.25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
14 |
Other
Programs through Project based extension/Other sources |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
15 |
Success
Stories Compiled No. |
0 |
0.50 |
0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.25 |
|
16 |
Record
of Field extension through Written compilation/Photo album/CD/VHS |
0.5 |
1.0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.25 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0.25 |
|
17 |