Nepal - Agricultural Research, Extension and Training Project (formerly Agricultural Technology and Dissemination Project)

Report No. PIC4200 Project Name Nepal-Agricultural Research, Extension and... Training Project (formerly Agricultural... Technology and Dissemination Project) Region South Asia Sector Agriculture/Research & Extension Project ID NPPA48026 Borrower Kingdom of Nepal Date This PID Prepared August 21, 1996 Implementing Agency Ministry of Agriculture Singha Durba Kathmandu, Nepal Telephone No. 977 1 523318/522082 (Project Office) Facsimile No. 977 1 522439 (Project Office) Appraisal Date December 1996 Projected Board Date April 1997 Objectives 1. The main objective of the project is to enhance agricultural productivity through the strengthening of national agricultural research, extension and training systems. The project would assist in increasing the contribution of agriculture and rural income, employment domestic food supply and reducing rural poverty. To achieve this goal, the project would: (a) strengthening of institutions related to agricultural research, extension and training services; (b) promote decentralized user-oriented research and extension; (c) emphasize adaptive research with available technologies developed in-country and elsewhere; (d) strengthen a coordination mechanism to improve working relationships among research, extension, education and farmers; and (e) maintain a close linkage with relevant international research institutes and donors for advanced agricultural information and consultations. Description 2. The project would include the following components: (a) selective rehabilitation of existing infrastructures of research, extension and training; (b) program support for research and extension to introduce  priority adaptive research and early adoption of new technology; (c) upgrading of under-qualified research and extension staff; (d) strengthening of agricultural communication system; and (e) intensifying collaboration with international research center and regional/central research institutes. Implementation 3. The project would be implemented over six years by the Ministry of Agriculture in close collaboration with Nepal Agricultural Research Council and the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science. Cost and Financing 4. Total project costs are tentatively estimated US$44.0 million subject to a thorough review of project scope and attainability. Although a financing plan has not been defined, IDA financing could amount to 909 of the total cost. Environmental Aspects 5. The project would have no appreciable environmental impact. Under the project, the identification of problems and needs, and basic planning would originate at the village-level through farmer group approach as the basis for research and extension activities. This would safeguard the equilibrium of agro-systems and minimize health hazards. The project would have a positive effect on the environment by encouraging the sustainable use of localized resource mixes and by facilitating the generation and wider adoption of more sustainable technology, including available conservation farming techniques, in different agro-ecological regions. Contact Point: Public Information Center The World Bank 1818 H Street N.W. Washington D.C. 20433 Telephone No.: (202)458-5454 Fax No.: (202)522-1500 Note: This is information on an evolving project. Certain components may not necessarily be included in the final project. Processed by the Public Information Center week ending August 30, 1996. -2-