India - West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project

DOGmAnt of The World Bank FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Report No, 6654 PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT INDIA WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (CREDIT NO. 690-IN) February 27, 1987 Projects Department South Asia Regional Office This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the performance of their official duties. Its contents may not otherwise be disclosed without World Bank authorization. PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT INDIA - WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (CREDIT NO. 690-IN) ADA - Additional Director of Agriculture ADAO - Assistant District Agricultural Officer ADO - Agricultural Development Officer AEO - Agricultural Extension Officer AO - Agricultural Officer APC - Agricultural Production Commissioner ASDAO - Assistant Sub-divisional Agricultural Officer CRS - Commodity Research Station DA - Director of Agriculture DAO - District Agricultural Officer DLTC - District Level Technical Committee DOA - Department of Agriculture (West Bengal) EEI - Extension Education Institute FTS - Field Trial Station GDP - Gross Domestic Product GOWB - Government of West Bengal GOI - Government of India HYV - High Yielding Varieties IDA - International Development Association of World Bank IRDP - Integrated Rural Development Program JDA - Joint Director of Agriculture KPS - Krishi Prayukti Sahayak (Village Level Extension Worker) M - Million(s) M&E - Monitoring and Evaluation NAEP - National Agricultural Extension Project NDO - World Bank New Delhi Office NEC - North Eastern Council PAO - Principal (or District) Agricultural Officer PCR - Project Completion Report PWD - Public Works Department SARF - Sub-divisional Adaptive Research Farm SAU - State Agricultural University SDAO - Sub-divisional Agricultural Officer SLTC - State Level Technical Committee SMS - Subject Matter Specialist T&V - Training and Visits System of Extension VEW - Village Level Extension Worker VLW - Village Level Worker (multi-purpose) WB - World Bank WBAERP - West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project ZARS - Zonal Adaptive Research Station ZRAC - Zonal Research Advisory Committee THE WORLD BANK F OFFICIAL USE ONLY Washington, D.C. 20433 U.S.A. Oike of Dutt.evral Operatim Evaluation February 27, 1987 MEMORANDUM TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Project Completion Report on India West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project (Credit 690-IN) Attached, for information, is a copy of a report entitled "Project Completion Report on India West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project (Credit 690-IN)" prepared by the South Asia Regional Office. Further evaluation of this project by the Operations Evaluation Department has not been made. Attachment i I This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only In the performance of !heir official duties. Its contents may not otherwise be disclosed without World Bank authoriation. FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT INDIA - WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (CREDIT NO. 690-IN) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. Preface ....,.................................. .......... i Basic Data Sheet .............................................. ii Evaulation Summary ................. ....................... iv I. INTRODUCTION .......1....................................... 1 II. THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ....................................... 1 Agriculture in India ,.................................... 1 Agriculture in West Bengal ....... 2 III. PROJECT FORMULATION ......................................... 3 Origin ........ ... .. 4......... ........... ........... 3 Project Appraisal ...............................**....**** 4 Goals and Targets .................... ..............*.... 4 General Description of thz Project ........................ 4 Project Components .o................................. 5 IV. IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERAXING PERFORMANCE ..................... 7 Start-up ......................,*..*.................**. 7 Revisions ......*........00 *0.......0........4.044.. 7 Overall Performance ...................... .............*** 7 Physical Implementation ................................... 8 Inatitutional Improvement and Operating Performance .0....* 9 Input Supply and Credit *......................000 ...4 14 V. PROJECT COSTS AND FINANCING .....o......................* . 15 Project Provisions .......... ..................... 15 Financial Management ...................................... 16 VI. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ...........................,...........* 16 Impact on Production .................................... 16 Institutional Impact ... 0004*.....0................*.. 18 VII. BANK PERFORMANCE ...o..............o......................... 19 This document has a restricte distribution and may be used by recipients only in the performance of their offial duties. Its contents may not otherwise be disclosed without World Bank authorization. VIII. CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONS LEARNED ............................... 20 Project Justification and Objectives .................... 20 Project Content and Formulation ........................... 20 Evaluation of Implementation and Outcome .................. 21 TABLES 1 Progress in Civil Works: Extension Service 2 List of Equipment Procuted 3 Staffing Progress: Extension Service 4 Personnel Trained by Year: Extension 5 Civil Works - Research and Training Components 6 Laboratory and Farm Equipment Procured (major items) Research Component 7 Staff Position: Research Component 8 Schedule of Technologies Developed/Proved in Commodity and Zonal Adaptive Research Stations 9 Project Reporting 10 List of Publications of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit 11 Estimate of Annual Work Load of Monitoring and Evaluation Staff in Man-Days 12 1984-85 Work Plan for Monitoring and Monitoring-cum-Evaluation Surveys and Special Studies 13 Annual Work Program for Monitoring and Evaluation of Training and Visit System of Agricultural Extension 14 Results of M&E Surveys: Farmers Awareness of T&V System 15 Results of Monitoring Surveys: Rate of Adoption of Recommendations 16 Monitoring Surveys: Reasons for Non-Adoption of Recommendations 17 Relationship Between Yield Rate of Crops and Main Source of - Advice to Farmers 18 Relationship Between Yield Rate of Crops and Visits of KPS 19 Project Costs: Comparative Analysis 20 Expenditure Statement under WBAE RP up to March 31, 1985 21 Schedule of Disbursements 22 Reimbursement Position (claimed) for Expenditure to March 31, 1985 23 Civil Works: Visit Costs - Sanctioned Amount 24 Yield of Major Crops 25 Key Indicators ANNEX I - Comments of the State Government on the Final Draft Project Comple- tion Report for the West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project (Credit 690-IN) Map [BRD 12327R PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT INDIA - WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (CREDIT NO. 690-IN) PREFACE This is the Project Completion Report (PCR) of the West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project in India, for which Credit 690-IN in the amount of US$12.0 million was approved on March 22, 1977. The Credit was closed on March 31, 1985, two and one-half years behind schedule; an un-ased balance of US$5.15 million was cancelled. The date of final disbursement was November 18, 1985. The PCR was prepared by PAO/IBRD Cooperative Program in collabora- tion with the West Bengal Department of Agriculture following a mission to West Bengal in March 1985. and is based on a review of the Staff Appraisal Report (No. 1288-IN dated March 19, 1977), the President's Report (No. 1938-IN dated March 10, 1977). the Credit Agreement of June 1, 1977, correspondence with the Borrower. internal Bank memoranda on project - issues as contained in relevant Bank files, as well as interviews with officials both in the Bank and in India who have been associated with the project. A copy of the draft report was sent to the Borrower on October 15, 1986 for comments. Comments received from the West Bengal Department of Agriculture have been incorporated and are attached as Annex 1. This project has not been subjected to an audit by OED. -ii- PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT INDIA - WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (CREDIT NO. 690-IN) BASIC DATA SHEET KEY PROJECT DATA Actual as % Appraisal of Appraisal Estimate Actual Estimate Total Project Cost (US Million) 28.2 18.22 64.5 Total Project Cost (Rs Million) 253.0 188.9 75 Credit Amount (US$ Million) 12.0 12.0 100 Disbursed (US$ Million) 12.0 6.9 57 Cancelled (US$ Million) - 5.1 - Date of Board Approval - 3/22/77 - Credit Agreement Date - 6/1/77 - Date of Effectiveness 5/30177 8/30/77 250 /a Date Physical Components Completed 3/31/82 3/31/84 140 la Proportion Then Completed (%) 100.0 86.0 86 /h Closing Date 9/30/82 3/31/85 145 la Economic Rate of Return (%) ------ Not Calculated------ Institutional Performance - Fair - Number of Direct Beneficiaries (million farmers) 5.0 2.5 50 /b STAFF INPUT /c FY77 FY78 FY79 FY80 FY81 FY82 FY83 FY84 FY85 FY86 TOTAL Identific./Prep. 0.5 - - - - - - - - - 0.5 Appraisal 39.8 - - - - - - - - - 39.8 Negotiations 4.0 - - - - - - - - - 4.0 Supervision 2.6 16.2 15.5 15.4 14.8 11.0 12.3 9.6 2.8 3.9 104.1 Total 46.9 16.2 15.5 15.4 14.8 11.0 12.3 9.6 2.8 3.9 148.4 CUMULATIVE DISBURSEMENTS FY78 FY79 FY80 FY81 FY82 FY83 FY84 FY85 FY86 Appraisal Estimate (US$ M) 1.6 5.0 8.3 10.7 12.0 - - - - Actual (US$ M) - - - - - 1.3 4.68 5.66 6.85 Actual as % of Estimate 0 0 0 0 0 10.8 39.0 47.17 57.0 Date of Final Disbursement November 18, 1985 -111- MISSION DATA Date No. of Specialization Performance Mission (mo/yr) Persons Represented Rating Trend Problems Identification 11/75 3 Ext2/Eco /4 /e /f Preparation 3/76 3 Agr/Res/Eco Appraisal 5/76 7 Supervision I 8/78 2 Ext 3 3 P Supervision II 12/78 2 Ext/Res 3 3 P Supervision III 10/79 4 Ext3/Res 3 1 MP Supervision IV 3/80 2 Res - - Supervision V 1/81 5 Ext4/Res 3 1 M Supervision VI 7/81 2 Ext 3 1 M Supervision VII 11/81 2 Ext 3 1 M Supervision VIII 2/82 2 Ext 3 1 M Supervision IX 8/82 1 Ext 3 1 MF Supervision X 2/83 2 Ext 2 1 MTF Supervision XI 8/83 3 Ext/Agr/ME 2 1 MTF Supervision XII 2/84 2 Ext/Res 2 2 M Supervision XIII 8/84 2 Agr/Ext 2 2 MT Supervision XIV 2/85 3 Agr/Ext2 2 3 MT Completion 3/85 2 OTHER PROJECT DATA Borrower Government of India Executing Agency Government of West Bengal Fiscal Year of the Borrower April 1-March 31 Name of Currency (Abbreviation) Rupees (Rs) Currency Exchange Rate Appraisal Year Average 1977 US$1.00-Re 9.00 Intervening Years'Average 1977-84 US$1.00Rs 8.8 Completion Year Average 1985 US$1.00=Rs 12.0 Follow-on Project None /a Calculated in terms of months from date of Board approval. 16 Project covered 50% of the total area envisaged at appraisal. Ic Input as staff weeks. Source: World Bank Planning and Budgeting Department. /d Agr - Agriculturalist; Ext - Extension Specialist; ME - Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist; Res a Research Expert, Eco = Fconomist. /e 1 = Problem-free or minor problems; 2 - Moderate problems; 3 = Major problems. If 1 = Improving; 2 = Stationary; 3 = Deteriorating. /g F = Financial; M = Managerial; T = Technical; P = Political; 0 = Other. /h In terms of financial expenditure in respect of civil works, vehicles and equipment and technical assistance. - iv - PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT INDIA - WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (CREDIT NO. 690-IN) EVALUATION SUMMARY Introduction The Eastern Region, comprising the States of Assam, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, is India's major rice growing area. Most of the region has moderate to heavy monsoon rains and large areas of relatively fertile alluvial soils. Yet foodgrain yields are generally lower than elsewhere in India and production has barely kept pace with population. Around 1974, special emphasis was given to the development of agricultural projects in the Eastern Region States, aimed to achieve quick increases in foodgrain production. One such project was the West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project. Objectives The main objective of the project was to strengthen and reorganize the extension service and related adaptive research activities in order to increase agricultural production especially among small scale farmers. That objective was appropriate at that time and remains relevant today. Over a period of five years. the project was to extend the Training and Visit system (T&V) in the entire state, improve extension training facilities, develop and upgrade Commodity Research Stations, zonal Adap- tive Research Stations and sub-divisional Adaptive Research Farms, and establish a Monitoring and Evaluation cell to monitor the progress of the T&V system. Implementation Experience The project was boldly conceived to bring the benefits of exten- sion and research to the whole of the state. Unfortunately, the envisaged institutional transformation has been only partly implemented. Introduc- tion of T&V methodology along the project lines had already progressed in six districts from August 1975, assisted by an earlier project, (West Bengal Agricultural Development Project, Cr. 541-IN, August 8, 1975). However, during 1977 the newly elected Government of West Bengal (GOWB) reappraised the T&V-concept, which resulted in a reversal of the process of transferring Village Extension Workers (VEWs) to the sole authority of the Department of Agriculture (DOA). It took considerable time for new senior state level officials to be convinced that the planned statewide change into the T&V system of extension would be an effective means of raising agricultural production. It was only in 1981, through continuous dialogue with the State Government, that the project received renewed endorsement and the program implementation started. The project formula- tion seriously underestimated the magnitude of the problems (mainly - v - administrative) related to staff appointments, transfers and promotions, with the result that many planned posts of VEW, Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) and subject Matter Specialist (SMS) remained unfilled throughout the project period. The institutional framework of T&V system is in place with only about 50% of the personnel required, leaving extensive areas in every district without extension staff. The general pattern which has evolved is therefore, of scattered areas in which extension messages (generated under the severe constraint of a weak research program) are reaching the farmers through T&V system and are appreciated by them. Substantial delays occurred in respect of civil works; there was considerable short- fall in the numbers of houses constructed. The shortfall was partly due to non-availability of suitable sites and partly because the eventual cost for VEW house was three times the appraisal estimates due to design change. The routine training activities of T&V system were properly scheduled. However, the quality of training suffered from lack of ade- quately trained SMSs and insufficient participation by senior officers. Apart from the routine training, other special training for SMS and trainers was not planned systematically except in the last two years of the project. Implementation of agricultural research encountered serious problems relating to delayed construction of laboratory buildings, and inadequate research staff. The research work already in progress at existing stations continued to produce valuable recommendations for exten- sion. However, the effectiveness of adaptive research remained severely constrained by the lack of staff. (overall 63% of existing and incremental positions remained vacant). The final project costs are slightly below appraisal estimates. The project was closed two and one-half years behind schedule; an unused balance of US$ 5.15 million was cancelled. Results No economic rate of return has been calculated. It is still too early in the course of project implementation to expect & fully reliable measure of project impact. The comparison of yield data collected by GOWB of pre-project and project years indicates significant yield increases in potatoes and oilseeds, decreases in wheat and pulses and slight increases in the case of rice and jute. It is difficult to measure the impact of extension on yields as the causality cannot be clearly established in view of the many non-project factors. The M and E surveys, however, indicated a positive response of farmers to extension advice and the yields obtained by such farmers were higher than those of farmers who did not receive extension advice. Sustainability The training and visit system has proved an appropriate vehicle for increasing agricultural productivity; as a result of its introduction, - vi - new agronomic practices are found to spread more quickly than before. Improvement has been found both in irrigated and rainfed areas. The greatest constraint to sustainability is in respect of administrative and operational problems which have been clearly identified, and for which solutions are generally known. Strong commitment by the state government is essential to ensure that these problems are effectively tackled and sufficient funding is provided by the State. The state government has indicated its full commitment to the T&V system and that steps will be taken to strengthen extension services (Annex I). Findings and Lessons The project objectives of institutional development in terms of developing a framework for extension have been generally achieved in dispersed areas of the state. The time it would take to introduce and consolidate major reorganization in the existing and already strong institutions was, in retrospect, too optimistically assessed. Extension alone is only one of the contributing factors to increased production, and the project would have a significant impact on agricultural production only after considerable further institutional improvement and manpower development have occurred, and with simultaneous improvements in other support services, such as input supplies, water management and irrigation. It is too early to predict, with any preciseness, what the degree of the impact will eventually be. However, responses of farmers who have been reached, and also those of staff of the Agriculture Department, have been positive and new agronomic practices are found to spread more quickly than before. PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT INDIA - WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (CREDIT NO. 690-IN) 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Eastern Region, comprising the States of Assam, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, is India's major rice growing area. Most of the region has moderate to heavy monsoon rains and large areas of relatively fertile alluvial soils, and there is a vast, underexploited sur- face and groundwater resource. Yet foodgrains yields are generally lower than elsewhere in India; production has barely kept pace with population growth and most indicators of social and economic development are lower than for the rest of India. Around 1974, special additional emphasis was being given to the development of agricultural projects in the Eastern Region States, aimed at achieving quick increases in foodgrain production while paying particular attention to problems faced by small farmers. 1.2 One such project was the West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project (WBAERP). The core of the project was to reorganize and strengthen the agricultural extension service and related adaptive research in the State. 1.3 The estimated total project cost was US$28.15 M of which US$1.7 M was met from Credit 541-IN and US$12.0 M was provided by IDA Credit 690-IN. 1.4 Information sources used for the Project Completion Report include: the WBAERP Appraisal Report (No. 1288-IN of March 10, 1977) and supervision reports; related Bank reports for West Bengal and other States; correspon- dence and information files of the World Bank New Delhi Office (NDO); and discussions with farmers, local government officials, the World Bank (WB) and project staff, during a field visit in August 1985. II. THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR Agriculture in India 2.1 India has a population of about 750 M, growing at 2.1% annually. The total land surface is some 3.29 M km2, of whici 47% is cultivable. About 28% of the net cropped area is irrigated (1980-81). National income has grown at nearly 4% per annum since 1950. Agriculture is the dominant sector and engages about 70% of the labor force, contributes 40% of GNP and accounts for -2- 60% of exports. During the past 15 years, GOI development plans have given priority to agriculture and sought to raise foodgrain production by increas- ing the use of irrigation, fertilizers, plant protection cheml.cals, and seeds of improved varieties. In support of this, the agricultural credit institu- tions were strengthened and irrigation development was accelerated. From the mid-seventies increasing attention was given to establishing improved exten- sion services and upgrading the related research capabilities. 2.2 Since 1960, per capita income has risen at an annual rate of 1.5% reaching US$270 in 1985. Foodgrain production has grown at about 2.32 annually, slightly exceeding the rate of population growth. Living condi- tions for many in the cities and among landowners have improved considerably. However, for the rural and urban poor, who comprise around 502 of total population, there has been such less change in living conditions. Conse- quently, GOI has been emphasizing the need to raise the growth rate of agricultural output from 2.3% to 3% per annum, in an effort to cope with the growing population and to improve the lot of the poorest. Much of this increase will have to come from rainfed agriculture, and an effective agricultural extension service is considered by GOI to be a necessary vehicle to achieve the desired result. Agriculture in West Bengal 2.3 West Bengal has about 60 M inhabitants (1985) and a total land sur- face of 88,000 km. Population growth is some 2.3% annually (1971-81). / Population density is 680/km , second in India only after Kerala. The net cultivated area is about 5.5 M ha or 63% of the total surfaue area (1980-84). Agriculture is the predominant industry. The State has just over 5.2 M farm families with an average farm size of under 2 ha. Some 67% of the Oarms are under 1 ha. The cropping intensity is about 142%. About 30% of the gross cropped area is irrigated. 2/ The annual per capita income in the period 1980/81 to 1982/83 was Ra 1,644 or US$137, compared to the all-India figure of US$270, In terms of agricultural income generated per unit area. West Bengal is sixth among the Indian States with Rs 3,612 per ha (1981). 2.4 The State on the whole has a warm and humid sub-tropical climate with about 70-80% of the rainfall concentrated over the four months of monsoon (mid-June to mid-October). The rainfall varies from about 1,250 m in the drier western districts of Purulia and Bankura to over 3,000 mm in the Sub-Himalayan Terai region. The temperature varies from a maximum of 40-420C 1/ "Agricultural Production in India": The Center for Monitoring Indian Economy, Economic Intelligence Unit. 2/ Draft Project Completion Report, GOWB August 1985. -3- in summer to about 8-100C in winter, with cooler conditions in the hill areas. 2.5 Supplementary irrigation can contribute to higher yields. Rainfed paddy treas along the lower reaches of the rivers often do not have enough rain. However. floods in the Hooghly valley are frequent. Paddy is the main cereal crop with some 74% of the cropped area, followed by pulses with 7%, wheat 4%, oilseeds 41 and vegetables (mainly potatoes) 2%; jute is the main non-food crop with 9% of the total cultivated area. III. PROJECT FORMULATION origin 3.1 Soon after independence. GOI began sponsoring a number of programs designed to meet the need for more effective, countrywide agricultural development: the Community Development Programs in 1952, National Extension Service Blocks in 1953, Intensive Agricultural District Programs in 1960, Intensive Agricultural Area Programs in 1963-64, and the Small and Marginal Farmers Development Program in 1969-70. Despite their proliferation, these programs reached only a part of the farmer population, and often, the rela- tively better off., 3.2 Foodgrain yields in India's Eastern Region have been generally low and production has barely kept pace with population. Moreover, National Development Plan agricultural production targets looked to the Region to provide around half of the nation's increase in foodgrain production during the fifth plan period. However, it was recognized that, because of the unusually severe constraints to development in the region, a concentrated effort would be needed to realize the full potential. 3.3 In November 1974, GOI and WB agreed to undertake a joint review of the Eastern Region comprising Assam, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal and eastern Uttar Pradesh, to assess agricultural potential, identify critical con- straints and ascertain the opportunities to accelerate foodgrain production. The region's claim for priority attention was accepted by WB in its April 1975 Economic Report (691-IN) and it was agreed to give special emphasis to the development of agricultural projects. 3.4 Favorable experience of the training and visits system of managing agricultural extension (T&V) had been obtained in India through pilot projects.in the "Rajasthan Canal Command Area Development Project" and the "Chambal Command Area Development Project" in 1974/75. The first state in India to adopt T&V extensively (covering six districts) was West Bengal, in the earlier (1975) West Bengal Agricultural Development Project (WBADP Credit No. 541-IN). GOWB was so impressed with the results and decided to extend the reorganization to cover the entire State. However, it became quickly -4- apparent that the new system needed considerably more managerial and techni- cal support than was then available, in extension itself, in adaptive research and in coordination at all levels. The WBAERP was designed to help provide that support. Project Appraisal 3.5 A WB project preparation mission visited West Bengal in March 1976, to review GOWB proposals. Based on the findings of that mission and sub- sequent reviews, the Appraisal Report No. 1288a-IN was issued on March 10, 1977. Goals and Targets 3.6 The immediate target was to achieve early and sustained statewide improvement in crop production by strengthening and expanding agricultural extension activities in the T&V pattern. This action was to complement T&V development over previous years in six administrative districts of the State. Improvements in production would be sustained by the introduction of new technologies to be developed through consolidating and strengthening the State's applied and adaptive research capabilities. 3.7 The eventual goal of the project was to achieve a long-term, integrated development of institutions and factors concerned with and con- tributing to agricultural extension throughout the State, in order to maxi- mize agricultural production. General Description of the Project 3.8 The project objectives over a 5-year period were to: - extend the T&V system to all the 17 agricultural districts of West Bengal; - provide additional staff, housing and transport to the Extension Wing of the Directorate of Agriculture (DOA); - improve the existing seven (later revised to five) Gramsevak Training Centers (later renamed Agricultural Training Centers) by constructing additional classrooms and housing and providing them with vehicles and modern teaching aids; - develop and upgrade six (later revised to five) Commodity Research Stations (CRS), six Zonal Adaptive Research Stations (ZARS) and 50 Sub-divisional Adaptive Research Farms (SARFs) for spreading and strengthening adaptive research in all the agro- climatic zones of the State; -5- - establish a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Cell to constantly monitor the progress of the T&V system and evaluate its impact on agricultural production; and - provide training for research and extension officers in India and abroad and up to 15 man-months of consultancy services. Project Components 3.9 Extension. By the introduction of T&V throughout the State, farmers were to be provided, on a regular and systematic basis, with up-to-date advice on farming practices best suited to their specific conditions, espe- cially proven practices having immediate impact on income. Preconditions for introducing T&V were the establishment of a single line of command from the Director of Agriculture to the Village Level Extension Workers (VEWs) and the transfer to the DA of 2,400 (75%) of the existing 3,200 village level multi- purpose workers and merging them with 1,600 other DOA field staff redeployed from "special schemes" into a unified service employed exclusively on agricultural-extension. Sufficient numbers of staff (about 450) of the first supervisory level, the Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO), were already in-service and available for deployment to the project, to give a supervisory ratio of AEO to VEWs of 1 to 9. 3.10 Additional higher supervisory and specialist cadres were to be provided to achieve staffing patterns in accordance with T&V norms, thus enabling the extension service to react closely with selected contact farmers, who would be representative of a cross-section of all crop farmers and would comprise about one-tenth of all farmers (resulting in 800 to 1,200 farm families per VEW). Extension messages communicated to farmers were to be simple and relevant to seasonal aspects of the area's crops and initially would emphasize low-cost improvements in cultural practices; introduction of higher cost inputs and practices would follow at a later stage. Visit programs of VEWs, supervisory staff patterns, and training and technical support of all extension staff, were to be in accordance with T&V methodol- ogy. 1/ 3.11 To enable extension staff to maintain the required regular and fre- quent farm visits, GOWB gave assurances that VEWe would live in their assigned areas; in support of this, low cost suitably sited houses were to be provided from the project for 25% of VEWs and 40% of AEOs and farm managers. Also, loans for purchase of motorcycles for AEOs and bicycles for VEWs were made available. Additional vehicles and equipment were to be provided at headquarters, districts and subdivisions, including one mobile training unit 1/ Agricultural Extension: Training and Visit System (World Bank, 1977, revised 1983). -6- van per district for training and demonstration. Incremental vehicle operat- ing costs and staff travelling allowances were also to be provided. 3.12 In order to strengthen field supervision and technical support, and further decentralize extension activities, the project was to finance the construction and equipping of 50 subdivisional offices; also, infrastructure, equipment and operating funds were to be provided for conversion of 50 DOA seed farms into subdivisional adaptive trials farms. 3.13 Training. The project was to support training of both new and exist- ing staff, by providing equipment and extension aids, incremental attendance costs for orientation, seasonal, and other short-term training, and scholar- ships for advanced training of selected staff. For pre-service training of future VEWs. the existing training centers were to be upgraded by provision of civil works, equipment, vehicles and additional staff. 3.14 Research. The project was to support adaptivc research in DOA by strengthening five existing Commodity Research Stations (CRS) and estab- lishing a new CRS for crop production research with emphasis on wheat; and by strengthening two existing substations and establishing four new Zonal Adap- tive Research Stations (ZARS), for zonal testing of improved varieties and new cltivation practices for the various crops, in the main agro-climatic zones of the State. Also, 50 existing seed farms, one in each subdivision, were to be converted to Subdivisional Adaptive Research Farms (SARE). 3.15 The commodity-oriented adaptive research program, on a multi-disciplinary basis, was to identify and select improved varieties of important crops obtained from national and international research institu- tions and develop packages of economically significant agronomic practices directed to substantially increasing crop production. The zonal stations were to develop improved cultural practices for the crops recommended by the commodity stations, adapted to the particular agro-climatic zones. Promising varieties were to be identified and schedules prepared for control measures on pests and diseases. Studies on cropping patterns, crop rotation and irrigation requirements were also to be undertaken. 3.16 The research component of the project was to provide for civil works, including the construction of laboratory, office and station buildings, houses for 65% of staff, fencing and irrigation development, together with laboratory and other equipment, including 27 vehicles (two of them power boats), books, journals, and auxiliary power generators. At fuli develop- ment, professional staff were to be increased from 121 to 260 and support staffing was also to be increased. Incremental salaries, allowances and other operating expenses, amounting to 27% of total research costs, were to be financed from the project. -7- 3.17 Monitoring and Evaluation. An M&E unit was to be created in the DOA to carry out sample surveys and speciaY studies which would provide informa- tion needed for day-to-day project management and longer term policy plan- ning. IV. IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE Start-up 4.1 The project received WB Board approval on March 22, 1977. The Credit Agreement was signed on June 1, 1977, and became effective on August 30, 1977. Reorganization of the extension service along project lines had already progressed in six districts from August 1975, assisted by the former project, WBADP. However, as 1977 progressed there was a complete reappraisal of the T&V concept by the newly-elected GOWB. which resulted in a reversal of the process of transferring VEWs to the sole authority of the DOA. Progress on contracting of civil works for the project was also frozen. NDO reports of April 1980 still reported lack of progress "because of the delay on the part of GOWB in deciding whether or not to go through with the project". It was only in 1981, through continuous dialogue with the State Government, that the situation was resolved to the extent that effective action could be taken to launch the project. Revisions 4.2 No formal change was made in project design during implementation, although there were changes in extension staffing. However, due to the delayed start on civil works, and design revisions, a reduced building program was agreed on between GOWB and NDO. As early as 1978 GOWB requested, and WB agreed to an extension of the credit closing date by two years, to September 30. 1984. This was later further extended to March 31, 1985. Overall Performance 4.3 Introduction of T&V methodology had achieved reasonable overall progress before the start of the project, especially under WBADP. However, there was serious setback at the start of the WBAERP as indicated in para 4.1. After having received renewed GOWB endorsement in 1980/81, the program was again implemented with renewed enthusiasm on the part of DOA, though progress was blocked by difficulties in staffing. 4.4 The general pattern which has evolved is of scattered areas in which extension messages (generated under the severe constraints of a weak research program) are reaching farmers through T&V and are appreciated by them, but those progressive areas are interspersed with large tracts in which extension is still very weak. However, after completion of the project, the GOWB has appointed more field extension staff and now 3,646 VEWs are on duty against the sanctioned strength of 4,000. -8- Physical Implementation 4.5 Civil Works. Before work started, there were lengthy discussions as to the agency which should be responsible for the planning and execution of civil works. A Building Implementation Cell (BIC) was created in the Public Works Department (PWD). To guide this unit a State Level Steering Committee was formed (which later ceased to function). At first, the intention was to use private architects, but their preliminary tenders were so high that the task was returned to PWD for design by its own architects and also for execu- tion of the construction work through supervision of Government registered contractors. 4.6 Construction of VEW houses started in 1980. Of the 1,000 planned, only 299 were eventually constructed. The shortfall was due partly to non-availability of suitable sites and partly because the eventual cost per VEW house (Rs 45,000) was three times the appraisal estimate (Rs 15,000 "low cost housing"), and construction of housing of the lower standard initially proposed was not acceptable to the Government authorities. For the CRS, ZARSs, SARFs, and ATCs, designs were cleared and construction started only in 1982, being completed in March 1985. Total civil works expenditure was about 75% of the appraisal estimate. 4.7 Tendering procedures were conducted within the terms of the State Government's regulations. No major defects in building construction have been observed or reported. Constructions inspected by the PCR mission appeared sound. 4.8 Procurement. Virtually all items of vehicles and equipment (Table 2) were procured more or less as planned. Vehicles were of local manufacture and purchased under regular government tendering procedures. Small equipment were purchased locally by prudent shopping, and no delays were experienced. The use of personal loans for the pcrchase of motorcycles by AEOs was below target, whereas it exceeded the appraisal estimate in the case of bicycles purchased by VEWs. 4.9 Procurement followed standard procedures established by most states in India. Tenders were advertised, bids received and items procured accord- ing to the normal tender rules as specified under the procedures of the GOI and GOWB. However, West Bengal is exceptional in the case of vehicles; purchases had to be approved by the highest level, which is the Cabinet, even to the extent of the brand names. Procedures were cumbersome and time-consuming and a major cause of delays in implementation. 4.10 Staffing. The staffing levels for extension, training and research which were envisaged at appraisal were not achieved. As will be described more fully later, the development of all project activities was severely constrained by staff shortages. An overriding problem was the raising of court injunctions by a few dissatisfied staff members who were passed over -9- for promotion. These injunctions effectively froze for several years the whole process of the recruitment, promotion and transfer throughout the agricultural service. Institutional Improvement and Operating Performance 4.11 Extension. Because of the reversal of GOWB policy in the first years of the project (para 4.1), most of the original VEWs were returned to the Panchayat Department. Thereafter, posts for 1,600 new V.EWs (starting in 1979) had to go through the lengthy procedure of sanctioning through the GOWB budget, after which the personnel had to be recruited and trained. The first batch of 500 VEWs was posted by January 1981. At that time, because of confusion of the name, VEW, with the general purpose VLW, the title was officially changed from Village Level Extension Worker to Krishi Praukti Sahayak or KPS. By 1984 the number of KPS in the field was 1,927 as against 2,445 which had been sanctioned by GOWB and the appraisal target of 4,000 (Table 3). 4.12 The AEO rank of field supervisor was later upgraded to Agricultural Development Officer (ADO). By 1984, 250 ADOs were in position (450 target at appraisal; 335 posts sanctioned), but they were still not free to devote full time to extension. In the middle supervisory levels, the Subdivisional Agricultural Officers (SAO), the Principal Agricultural Officers (PAO) in charge of districts and the Joint Directors of Agricultural (JDA) at range level were all responsible for the full range of DOA services which hampered field supervision work relating to agricultural extension. 4.13 Repeated assurances were given by GOWB that constraints would be removed, but it was proved to be beyond the power and/or will of the Administration to comply. The court injunctions (para 4.10) still have not been fully resolved and have seriously hampered the development of both extension and research activities. 4.14 The fact that the extension service is still operating below poten- tial is a reflection of the difficulties faced in effecting a major reor- ganization of a strongly entrenched bureaucracy and of the time it takes to change attitudes both within and outside the affected service, in favor of the fundamentally different approach of the new structure. Project implemen- tation suffered from poor internal supervision, partly due to staffing short- falls and frequent transfers at top level, and partly to the failure to deploy middle-level management staff whose principal task would be to imple- ment the extension program. 4.15 An area of technical weakness was in the formulation of production recommendations appropriate for different farming areas and situations. This was a direct consequence of the staffing problems which made it impossible during much of the project period to use to full effect, the expanded adap- tive research facilities supported by the project. More recently, however, -10- there have been definite improvements in developing and communicating relevant and specific extension messages through organization of training workshops, seminars and joint field visits of extension and research staff. 4.16 Extension staff continue to spend considerable time on input supply matters, particularly the distribution of improved seed. It is well recog- nized by the DOA management that greater attention has to be paid to the management and logistics of alternative input delivery systems to meet the new demands of the situation. 4.17 A further problem concerns the amount of time taken in program administration, fulfilling reporting requirements and attending meetings. This is particularly a problem at middle management levels and is greatest in relation to technical dissemination and follow-up and routine field supervision. 4.18 The difficulties outlined above, though significant, should not be permitted to obscure the steady progress which has been made in some areas and the notable achievements which have begun in the institutional develop- ment of research and extension. 4.19 Training. The regular, routine training activities of the T&V sys- tem, namely fortnightly training of KPSs and ADOs by SMSs and the SAO; monthly workshops for ADOs, middle management and research staff; and pre-season briefings for all personnel, have been properly scheduled and the required meetings have been held. However, the quality of the training has suffered badly from lack of adequately trained and specialized SMSs and insufficient participation by senior officers. Apart from this routine training, other special training was not planned systematically. However, since 1983-84, some steps have been taken to arrange specialized training, with the help of GOI. In 1983-84, 41 SMSs were trained, and 87 in 1984-85. Also, during 1984-85 a series of special-subject workshops were held for ADOs. 4.20 The provision for training the teaching staff of the ATCs was util- ized about 50%, the deficit being due to shortage of trainers. The full capacity of the ATC is required only for short periods. In fact, the ATCs have a much greater potential capacity than needed just for the training of extension staff. 4.21 The provision of 300 training fellowships was practically unused (only six were used), largely because training was perceived by project management not .to be feasible in view of short staffing. Also, procedural requirements for clearance at GOI level acted as a disincentive. 4.22 The pre-service training of newly recruited KPSa was expected at the time of appraisal to concern only replacement of normal attrition, because sufficient village level staff were apparently available for transfer to T&V. -11 1 As described in para 4.11, a need arose to train a large number of new KPSs. The training course of one year (already cut from the two years previously required for the general purpose VLW), was again reduced to a six months period in the first instance, followed after about two years service by a further six months training. This cut to six months allowed two groups per year to be admitted to the seven ATCs, which were to be strengthened under the project. In fact, the crash program of training was completed before any of the project actions to improve the ATCs became effective. The change of the training schedule to two separate periods of six months with field serv- ice in between has, by general consensus, been more successful than the previous continuous year of training. The second period of six months has been judged the more fruitful, because the trainees have by then become more aware of job requirements and are strongly motivated to learn. 4.23 The amount of new construction envisaged at appraisal for the ATCs was reviewed by the new GOWB administration which ruled it to be excessive. In that event, only some of the classrooms were provided, costing Rs 1.96 M instead of the Rs 12.5 M included for this component in the appraisal estimates. In retrospect, this revision appears fully justified, as the original provisions were too large. The ATCs are still operating much below capacity due partly to the overall short-staffing; also, the practical demand and use for the type of short courses which this relatively low level of training facility can offer is less than expected at appraisal. 4.24 Research. Agricultural research in West Bengal is primarily done by the DOA which has long had Commodity Research Stations and a reasonably competent cadre of research staff. However, in keeping with the policy guidelines of the GOI Indian Council of Agricultural Reseatch (ICAR), the GOWB established a separate State Agricultural University (SAU) in 1974, not only to conduct teaching in agricultural sciences, but also to carry out fundamental and applied research in agriculture. Although the SAU has launched all its teaching departments, its efforts in research activities have yet to bear fruit. Recently, a high-level GOWB committee has looked into the mechanics of transferring all aspects of fundamental and applied research to the SAU, with the intention of retaining only adaptive research with the DOA. 4.25 In consideration of the above situation, the project aimed to strengthen research in DOA. Laboratory buildings, store houses, glass houses, lath houses for field staff, threshing floors, dormitories and staff quarters have been completed at all the research stations and farms where work was taken up under the project (para 3.14). In seven of the CRSs and ZARSs, the laboratories have started functioning and most of the staff mem- bers have moved into the quarters constructed for them. In the remaining four ZARSs the laboratories have not yet become operational, as some aspects of work remain to be completed. -12- 4.26 A statement of the staff position regarding research, giving the number of existing professional posts, the incremental number provided in the project, the number of posts sanctioned and the number actually in posi- tion, is given in Table 7. 4.27 Of the 112 professional posts which were already sanctioned in the pre-project situation, 60 (53%) have remained vacant throughout the project period. Of the 159 incremental professional posts provided by the project, 106 (67%) were eventually sanctioned by GOWB, but only 32 have been filled. Overall, 63% of existing and incremental sanctioned posts remain vacant. This represents 69% of the staffing rate proposed in the appraisal target. 4.28 Research work already in progress at existing research stations at the start of the project has continued to produce valuable recommendations for extension (see Table 8). However, relatively little work has been done on local adaptations to suit particular agro-climatic conditions. No trials were conducted on farmers' fields under the control of the adaptive research personnel. Overall, the effectiveness of adaptive research remains severely constrained by the lack of staff. A major consequence was that research work did not respond to problems transmitted by extension field staff and did not adequately address real farm situations. Research input into the T&V system was particularly limited because of the generally ineffective participation of research staff in monthly workshops. 4.29 There has been no need for a formal committee, as proposed in the Project, specifically to coordinate extension and research at State level, because virtually all relevant activities are under the direct supervision of the Director of Agriculture. Moreover, the Program Planning and Implementa- tion Committee chaired by the APC, is concerned with all DOA activities, including clearance of the programs of trials proposed by the seven Zonal Adaptive Research Committees. 4.30 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). The M&E unit was incorporated into the Socio-Economic Evaluation Branch of DOA which existed earlier. The M&E office at Calcutta headquarters is still understaffed. The posts of Economic Research Officer and Evaluation Officer are vacant. The Agricultural Economist who is also ex-officio ADA in charge of M&E has had to look after farm management and statistical affairs generally within the DOA. He could not provide adequate time to project M&E problems. He has been closely assisted by the Rural Sociologist JDA, who has written most of the M&E reports, giving about 75% of his time to M&E work. A JDA Statistician attached to a separate office, has also worked about 20% for M&E. Thus, all higher officers of the M&E unit must be considered as working only part-time for M&E. Moreover, one supervisor and one compiler are now working full-time. 4.31 The Socio-Economic Evaluation Branch of the DOA works rather inde- pendently and totally separate of other offices, in all 17 districts. This -13- branch is comparatively better staffed than various other DOA units and thus. prepared to also do M&E work. The time allocated to M&E can be estimated at 25%. Always, an Assistant Statistical Officer (a University graduate) is in charge at the district level. One qualified supervisor assists him together with a computer and several assistant investigators. But also here, not all posts are filled. As an example, out of the 60 posts sanctioned in GOWB budget for investigators, 39 were filled at the time of completion of the project. (Now 59 have been filled.) 4.32 Government did not sanction all the additional posts foreseen in the project for M&E. Then it took considerable time to find suitable candidates, after some lengthy formulating of recruitment procedures. Training of can- didates took further time. Eventually work started in mid-1982. There was also delay in the finalization of the questionnaires, printing of forms. etc. Thus, M&E work started late and with an incomplete team; full work only started in 1983. 4.33 Mobility of M&E staff has always been limited. Only the HQ office for M&E received three jeeps. The appraisal report did not make provision for transportation of M&E staff at the field level. The provision for field extension staff to obtain loans to purchase motorcycles and bicycles was not extended to M&E staff. This must be considered an oversight of the appraisal. 4.34 The first report published was for Rabi 1982/83 and so far 10 reports are out (see Table 12). One special study was carried out in 1984 on the situation of contact farmers; the report was published in June 1985. 4.35 The methodology and statistical procedures recommended by WB were usually followed (e.g., use of statistically unbiased samples). There were some constraints; for instance, sampliag was confined to areas covered by T&V which was only about 50% of the total area, as there were not enough KPSs for all areas. The areas not covered by T&V were scattered all over the State. Crop cutting experiments were also done by the M&E unit, by the assistant investigators, with an output of 2 crop cutting experiments per day. In addition, the Bureau of Applied Economics and Statistics of GOWB is respon- sible for estimates of production and productivity for 20 major crops. These are separately published. 4.36 M&E crop cutting is limited to the purpose of the evaluation of the T&V system. The work load and work plans are shown in Tables 11 to 13. 4.37 The M&E surveys may be broadly divided into: - those monitoring the operational implementation of the project, and - those concerned with the adoption of technology. -14- 4.38 The aim of the first group of surveys was to obtain knowledge on the progress and status of the introduction and institutionalization of the T&V system. Analysis of farmer's reactions to and awareness of the T&V program is shown in Table 14 (see also para 6.8). 4.39 The other group of surveys assessed if farmers were familiar with recommended practices and whether they had adopted them (Table 15). If they had not, they were asked why. In Table 16, reasons for partial or non-adoption of recommendations are given. Lack of capital or non-availability of inputs rank among the most frequent replies. Input Supply and Credit 4.40 West Bengal's agricultural technology is relatively well developed, compared to quite a number of other Indian states. Bullocks are the main source of draught power, though there is a generally small plot size; there is some mechanization by tractors. Food crop production plays a major role in terms of contribution to GDP. Fertilizer consumption in food crops is some 52 kg/ha (1985) which is among the highest in India and compares to the all-India figure of 35 kg/ha (1982). Foodgrain yields are higher than average (1.232 kg/ha). But per capita foodgrain production was low (133 kg/year) in.the period 1979/80 to 1983/84, against the all-India average of 187 kg. In the years 1979/80 to 1983/84. West Bengal experienced an annual food production growth of 1.4%, while that of all-India was 2.22. 4.41 Effective agricultural development requires adequate availability of credit to support input supply and marketing processes. While in West Bengal the input delivery system for seeds, fertilizers and pesticides continues to place relatively too large a burden on the extension staff (see also 4.16), it is fairly well established and by and large, meets the State's requirements for credit supplying agencies. However, and particularly in the cooperative sector, they have not performed well in recent years, with a substantial fall in the repayments (only about 35-40% of demand) and heavy accumulation of overdues (60-65%). This has resulted in the virtual choking of the credit channels so that only 20-25% of the short term credit used is now coming from institutional agencies, while the rest comes from more expen- sive non-institutional sources and private input suppliers.themselves. 4.42 Recently, the GOWB has revamped the credit institutions and strengthened the collection drives, so that the situation should improve in the coming years. As regards marketing, both the GOI and GOWB participate in price support operations for major crops like rice, wheat, potato and jute. Except for potato, there has been no major problem in price support opera- tions in recent years. The GOWB is considering steps to improve the market- ing of potato by increasing the cold storage capacity. In recent years selected rural markets have been developed and linked with feed#-r roads, which has helped farmers to market their produce and buy their necessities locally. -15- V. PROJECT COSTS AND FINANCING Project Provisions 5.1 The estimated project cost was US$28.15 M of which US$3.55 was met by carryover from the previous WBADP, including US$1.7 M reimbursed from Credit 541-IN. Of the remainder US$12.6 M was to come from GOWB and US$12.0 from IDA Credit 690-IN. The proportions allocated to the components were: Percent Extension 55 Upgrading training centers 5 Adaptive research 39 Evaluation unit and farm surveys 1 100 and allocations by expenditure category were: Civil works 40 Equipment and vehicles 14 Training and consultancy 5 Incremental salaries, allowances and operating costs 41 100 The disbursements under the Credit were to be: Foreign expenditures for laboratory equipment 100% Training and consultancy services 100% Civil works and locally procured equipment and vehicles 90% 5.2 It may be noted that there were to be no disbursemeuts of the Credit for salaries, allowances and operating costs. Also, the Credit Agreement was rather vague on which items could be included for reimbursement under the heading of training, though it was taken as being restricted to training outside the State. 5.3 Actual disbursements were slow. The project became effective in August 1977 and no disbursements were made up to June 1982, reflecting the serious start-up problems noted in para 4.1. After six years only 10.8% of the Credit was used. The Credit was closed on March 31, 1985, and the last disbursement was made on November 18, 1985. -16- 5.4 According to the statements received from DOA, the total project expenditure, including staff salaries, was Re 188.9 M up to March 31, 1985, compared with the appraisal target of Re 195.2 M (Table 21). The schedule of disbursements is contained in Table 21. Unit costs of construction are shown in Table 23. It was proposed to construct cheap (Lath) houses for VEWs in the rural area, at a cost of Re 15,000 per house. But the actual cost came to about Re 45,000 per house; although the number of civil works constructed was much lower than proposed (see key indicators) therefore, the disbursement against this category reached 86% of appraisal target. Credit Allocation Disbursement ----------(US$ million------- Civil works 7.1 6.12 Overseas training/consultants 1.1 0.08 Equipment and vehicles 2.6 0.65 Unallocated 1.3 - 12.0 6.85 Financial Management 5.5 In the years 1976-79, adequate budget provisions were granted. However, because each year's provisions were under-utilized, the amount for the following year was reduced. When project activities accelerated in 1979, the budget provision was then too snall and could not be increased because of general budgetary constraints. Project developments therefore had to be cut back. By the closing date less than 60% of the Credit had been utilized. 5.6 Funds for the project were provided on the basis of annual alloca- tions in the State budget (Annual Plan), following approval by the GOWB Cabinet. Thereafter, work programs were initiated by the DOA subject to the budget provision. The project is also included in the Five-Year State Development Plan, which was indicative and used for general coordination. Sanctioned funds were released to the Director of Agriculture, or to the Engineering Department (in case of civil works). VI. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT Impact on Production 6.1 For an assessment of the growth of production, natural conditions prevailing in recent years as well as levels of inputs have to be taken into consideration. Besides variable factors (amount and timeliness of rainfall, utilization of improved seed, fertilizer and agro-chemical application rates) there are those factors like soil quality which remain more or less constant but which still influence production. Also, average crop yields may decline -17- as areas of less-favored soils are broughc into production. Furthermore, the effectiveness of supporting services like credit, marketing and agricultural extension as well as linked research are all relevant. In West Bengal the following factors affecting production are particularly significant: - there were floods in 1978/79 and a drought in 1979/80; - about 1.2 M ha of land in the Ganges/Hooghly 'alley is endangered by frequent flooding, while another 20% is low-lying and affected by salt intrusion; - irrigated areas are producing much below their potential; - high yielding variety seeds are already widely used; however, further expansion of their use is possible; - although input supply is generally well developed, there are constraints caused by uneven distribution; - there is great pressure on land, caused by high population density. and a high incidence of share-croppint. About 87% of farmers have operational holdings of less than 2 ha, distributed over an average of 8 fragments. 6.2 Although it is still too early in the course of project implementa- tion to expect a fully reliable measure of project impact, the West Bengal official yield data of the pre-project and project years have been compared and indexed (Table 24). (It should be noted that, given the range of vari- able affecting production and limitation on the quality of data available, the information on pre-project and project years is only a poor substitute for information on, with and without, project conditions). Two crops, namely potatoes and oilseeds, show significant yield increases, rice and jute show an indication of an increase and two of the major crops (pulses and wheat) show decreases in yield. The index figures of rolling five-year averages, taking the pre-project period 1971/75 as the base line, for major crops are as follows: 1971/75 1976/80 1977/80 1978/82 1979/83 Rice 100 109 109 102 104 Wheat 100 92 90 91 98 Pulses 100 85 84 82 87 Oilseeds 100 106 107 105 110 Jute 100 97 99 103 105 Sugarcane 100 108 108 104 101 Potatoes 100 116 119 126 135 -18- 6.3 It may be observed that by 1985, average yield trends did not indi- cate a clearly significant impact of the project for all the major crops. Only potatoes, which is an important crop for West Bengal, and oilseeds show significant increases. However, as noted above, there are many problems in assessing or isolating the impact of one factor (the project) alone and factoring out the impact of other variables, such as the timeliness of rain- fall and the often devastating flooding and soil erosion going with the heavy rainfall of West Bengal. Also population pressure leading to expansion of cultivation into marginal soils plays a role. Besides, the effect of agricultural extension and research on growth also depends on infrastructural improvements, such as drainage or development of minor irrigation. 6.4 Lack of uniformity over time in the bases of official statistics hamper long-term analysis. Also, the standard error in district level estimates is often in exce-3 of the normally accepted 5%. Further, the disaggregation of project and non-project factors presents considerable difficulties. Although a multi-factoral regressional analysis is theoreti- cally possible, it would only be worthwhile after improving the accuracy and uniformity of data. 6.5 It is not useful to apply an economic rate of return calculation for the extension activities. The yield increase of 1 - 2% by 1985 which would generate a rate of return of above 50% (as postulated in the appraisal report), may well have occurred, but causality cannot be clearly established in view of the many non-project factors. 6.6 Though the economic results of the projict cannot be expressed mathe- matically, changes of farmers' attitudes about improved farming methods, and in the rates of adoption were enthusiastically stated by farmers in areas where organized system of extension was implemented. 6.7 Crop cutting experiment results have been compiled from various reports in Table 17 and 18. In general, rice yields are on the low side. Wheat, which is a recent introduction in West Bengal, also has not shown improvement in yields. However, while to start with, the wheat was grown on the more suitable soils, recently wheat cultivation has expanded into less suitable areas where soils are marginal, thus having a depressing effect on average yield. Institutional Impact 6.8 The long-term effect of the project on institution building in the DOA is only expected to be positive and significant if continued, and greater commitment is shown by GOWB to the underlying objectives. The build-up of operational capability has been much slower than planned and achieved only in limited areas in spite of the extension of the project period. At the time of project completion the institutional framework of T&V was in place but with only about 50% of the personnel required, leaving extensive areas of -19- every district without extension staff. Since then the position has improved and about 90% of the sanctioned posts have been filled up. In areas where it does operate, the mechanics of T&V are becoming accepted and practiced, training sessions are becoming increasingly well prepared and staff are receiving training. Farmers' response has been positive to the extension advice and the yields obtained are higher than those who received or did not receive advice from other sources. Similarly, farmers who were visited by the extension staff twice or more in the crop season, obtained higher yields than those who had one or no visits. The results of surveys on the relation- ship between source of advice and the tumber of visits are shown in Tables 17 and 18. The gains achieved lack momentum however, and will require reinfor- cement, combined with development of effective backstopping by the Direc- torate of Agricultural Extension (GOI). 6.9 Research work in DOA was already well established before the project, although it was not strongly committed or directed to adaptive research. As yet, the project has had little impact on research, because civil works have only recently been completed and only 40% of proposed staff are in position. VII. BANK PERFORMANCE 7.1 The World Bank, mainly through supervision missions (Table 1) and other technical back-stopping by NDO staff, has contributed significantly to project achievements by patiently and persistently encouraging GOWB to adopt the project concept and improve performance. The comprehensive field reports prepared during supervision appear to have been particularly valu- able, going far beyond the scope of the usual supervisicn report, and having provided specific observations and recommendations which have given con- tinuity and substance to the supervision/development process. 7.2 With hindsight, some of the delays in civil works implementation could have been avoided by including a professional assessment of the capabilities and capacity of the building construction industry early in the project cycle. This might have resulted in a more timely completion of the civil works component and might have been achieved by the inclusion of an architect at appraisal or with an early supervision mission. An architect would have helped to identify and predict the constraints and promote viable courses of action to circumvent the problems. However, as noted earlier in this PCR, fundamental concerns about the project design and about some of the building design standards by the new state administration which took over shortly after project negotiations and approval were also major reasons for delays, and involvement by an architect would have helped solve only part of the problem. 7.3 Insufficient attention was given during project preparation and appraisal to the details of administrative mechanisms needed for achieving the substantial staff reorganization and redeployment required by the -20- project, mechanisms which would be viable within the unavoidable confines of the civil service personnel regulations. VIII. CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONS LEARNED Project Justification and Objectives 8.1 The main objective of the project was to strengthen and reorganize the extension service and related adaptive research activities in order to increase agricultural production especially among small-scale farmers. That objective was appropriate at the time of project formulation and remains relevant today. Project Formulation 8.2 The project was boldly conceived to bring the benefits of extension and research to the whole of the State. Unfortunately, the envisaged institutional transformation has been only partly implemented and the process of reaching and maintaining a consensus on project concepts with changing senior State authorities has proven to be more time consuming and difficult than expected. Especially regarding staff appointments, transfers and promo- tions, the project formulation seriously underestimated the magnitude of the administrative problems arising, aith the result that many planned posts remained unfilled throughout the project period. 8.3 A related problem arose, mainly because it was wrongly assumed that old-style VLWs could easily be transferred to (pure) extension duties and therefore, relatively few new staff would need to be recruited. As no dis- bursements against the Credit were permitted for incremental staff salaries, allowances and operating costs (this being the only agricultural extension project in India to ha.d that restriction), and the state had considerable difficulty in sorting out administrative complications of transfers, DOA was necessarily hampered in obtaining extra funds through the GOWB budget when it was realized that substantial new extension staff recruitment was necessary. 8.4 The project was over-optimistic in assessing the time it would take to overcome bureaucratic inertia and to introduce and consolidate major reorganizations in the existing already strong institutions. Also, much more time than planned was necessary to get the civil works under way. 8.5 The expansion of all seven ATCs in the State, as proposed in the project, would have resulted in substantial over-capacity of the facilities. Fortunately, GOWB realized this and, as a result, did not implement most of the construction program at the ATCs. Even so, there is probably still excess training capacity. It would probably have been more economical to provide for fewer ATCs, properly staffed and under full utilization. -21- 8.6 Some of the delays in the civil works component could have been foreseen and perhaps forestalled by the involvement of a professional architect during project formulation (or at least during the early stages of supervision'. Evaluation of Implementation and Outcome 8.7 It is too early for an evaluation to be made of the impact of the project, which would have to be measured in terms of improvements in yields and production. The project objectives in institutional development in terms of manpower and operational framework, have been achieved only in dispersed areas of the State. The generation of an adequate amount and quality of technical knowledge and packages of practices for transfer to farmers, has been-- and continues to be-- slow. 8.8 The GOWB appears always to have had reservations on the need for field extension staff to be used solely on extension, which is probably an added reason for slow implementation. The project should have paid more attention to the need for parallel development of means to carry out.other essential agricultural servicing which would not be covered by the new exten- sion-only cadre. 8.9 The project can have a major impact on agriculture only after con- siderable further institutional improvement has occurred and the system has built up greater momentum. It is too early to predict with certainty what the impact will be. However, responses of farmers who have been reached, and also of DOA staff have been enthusiastic and new practices are found to spread more quickly than before. The improvement has been noticeable in both irrigated and rainfed areas. 、夕夕一 分編f沙會沙為〞向 INUIA: CREDIT NO. 690 - 10 WEST BENGAL MMICULTURAL EXTENSION & RESEARCH PROJECT PROGRESS IN CIVIL WORKS: EXTENSION SERVICE CatelLry Of Works Appraisal Allotted Completed Completion vegvwlso by P.W.D. Under Crand Total Construction Target to by 1981- 1982- 1983- 1984- Construction Total P.W.D. P.W.D. 82 63 84 85 August 1985 K.P.S. Qtra. 1000 299 280 .41 A 136 29 19 299 Farm Manager Qtrs. 45 45 45 39 6 - 45 Conference Hall 25 24 1 till Nil "Il 1 23 25 H.S. Expenditure after March 185 will be borne by the State Government. Source; Superintending Engineer. P.W.D. Building Implementation Cell. Cr - 24 - Table 2 INDIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT List of Equipment Procured 1977-79 1979-81 1981-83 1983-85 Total Vehicle 53 3 6 26 88 Power tiller 30 8 - 6 44 Calculator 67 - 2 14 83 Projector 10 - 38 8 56 Screen/Board 2,000 - - - 2,000 Camera 10 .14 - - 24 Tape recorder - 73 - - 73 Cassette - 2,190 - - 2,190 Generator - - - 10 10 INDIAt CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Staffina Proaress, Extension Service Total Emoluments Basic at the Minimum of Anoraisal Posts Sanctioned PotiL filled Name of Post Scale of Pay thle Scale ag / 1978-79 1984-85 1984-85 Rps/month ExtensionRp/ot JDA (WBP) 1.600 to 2.250 3.000 t 1 1 I JOA (Range) 1.600 to 2.250 3.000 6 6 7 7 PAOIOAO 1.100 to 1.900 2.500 17 17 17 17 SMS - District 1.100 to 1.900 2.500 st 10 25 23 SAO 660 to 1.600 1,500 50 0 50 50 SMS - Subdivision 660 to 1.600 1.500 150 60 ISO 130 ADO/) 660 to 1.600 1.500 ) 450 335 335 250 AEO ) 500 to 1.360 1,200 KPS 300 to BBs 700 4.000 1.600 2.445 1/ 1.927 j/ JOA (RS) 1 - I a/' JOA (Statistics) 1 1 1 a g/ U DA (E&PM) 4/ 1 V 1 I g Research Officer (Econ.) 1 1 1 Statistical Officer (Eval.) 1 1 1 Assistant Suprvisor 6 - 6 1 Field Supervisor 10 9 t8 16 7/ Computer 23 5 23 9/ Investigator 60 80 60 39 / J/ A group of 500 KPS are in process of recruitment to undergo pre-service training. Also steps are being taken to transfer a substantial number of extension DOA staff to T&V duties. 2/ RS a Rural Sociology - originally a JDA (evaluation) was planned to head the MAE unit. 2/ i.e. Including all regular allowances. _/ E&FM a Economics and Farm Managment - Today a ADA (E&FM) is in charge of the M&E unit. I/ Posts were created in 1978 and actually filled in March 1984. §l Posts vacant since creation in 1970. Z/ Nine posts were created in 1978 and nine were created in f083. A/ Five posts were created in 1978 and t8 were created in 1983. It Posts were created in 1978. INDIA* CREDIT .90-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Pqrsonnel Trained by Year I Extensilon 1977-78 78-79 79-80 80-81 11-22 12-83 83-84 84-15 K. P. 5. a) Preservice (6 months) - - - 752 734 459 20 = b) Refresher (6 months) - - - - - 248 480 472 Special courses. all ranks 240 215 254 226 288 292 348 499 Overseas Training I/ - - - - - - 1 7 I/ Funded by projects others were awarded scholarships from other sources. - 27 - Table 5 INDIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Civil Works - Research and Training Components A. Commodity and Zonal Research Stations: Appraisal Completed TAr et archM5 1. Laboratory Building 9 9 2. Godown 10 10 3. Glass House 10 10 4. Threshing Floor 9 9 5. Dormitory 25 beds 7 7 6. Net House 7 7 7. Lath House 2 -2 8. Senior Staff Qtrs. 16 16 9. Junior Staff Qtrs. 58 58 10, Research Officers Qtrs. 60 60 11. Field Staff Qtrs. 92 92 12. Class IV Staff Qtrs. 86 86 13. Inspection Bungalow 3 3 B. Agricultural Training Centres: 1/ Class Room. 15 10 1/ Plans to construct 5 hostels, 3 workshop-hostels, 3 workshops, 2 auditoriums and 20 staff houses at the ATCs were dropped after review by GOWB. - 28 - Table 6 INDIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Laboratory and Farm Equipment procured - (major items) Research Component Vehicles Nos. procured Jeep 13 Jeep-Trailer *8 Minibus/Station Wagon 2 Truck 1 Laboratory Equipment ra cu ator 62 Duplicating machine 14 Typewriter 26 Voltage Stabilisers 35 Flame Photometer 4 Projector & Screen 14 Research Microscope 18 Kjeldahl Apparatus 13 Balances 40 Camera Lucida 4 Plant Grinder 3 Refrigerator 8 Oven 15 Therohygrograph 1 Incubator 5 Camera & Flash Gun 2 PH meter 10 Generator 11 Seed Brier 6 Colorimeter 3 Seed Cabinet 9 Single Plant Thresher 3 Conductivity Bridge 3 Centrifuge 6 U.V. Lamp 4 Autoclave 6 Air Conditioner 4 Moisture meter 5 Soxlet Apparatus 3 Farm Equipment Tractor - 7 Tractor Trailer 4 Power Tiller, 14 Pump Set 9 Sprayers & Dusters 20 Plough 3 Thresher 12 Paddy Weeder 25 Seed Drill 9 Seed Bin 35 Avery Scale 14 INDIA* CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Staf positions Research Component basic nr Scale of Existina staff totl of Staff E"g from Aoraisal Incremental Staff A D Rps/month Statt*in tiatf In ositio Provided 1ositi1n6 Sanctlone asat kf Sanctioned as on by OWB 31.3.85 Appraisal by GOWD 13.18 (3+6)(4+7) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Commodity Stations Senior (a) 1600-22S0/- 12 10 8 6 6 Is 16 Professionals (b) 1100-1900/- Junior Professionals Rs. 660-1600/- 34 16 26 22 5 56 21 Research Officers Rs. 500-1360/- 57 26 34 23 6 so 32 Supporting Field & Lab. Staff 46 30 85 42 is as 48 Zonal Stations Senior Professionals Rs.1100-1900/- Nil Nil 6 6 5 6 5 Junior Professionals Rs. 660-1600/- 6 Nil 31 26 Nil 32 Nt Res. Officers Rs. 500-1360/- 2 t 36 16 5 to 6 Support inj Field & Lab. Staff 7 3 90 55 t0 62 13 Headauarters and Utstitts Senior (a) Rs.2000-2375/- Professionals (b) Rs.1100-1900/- - - 18 6 6 6 6 a* Junior Professionals Ra. 660-1600/- - - 2 2 1 2 I - 30 - Table 8 Page 1 INDIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Schedule of Technologies Developed/Proved in Cowodity and Zonal Adaptive Research Stations (used as recommendations to farmers and in the process of adoption) Low Cost Technology : - In Boro rice, increase in number of seedlings per hill from 2 to 4 gave increased yield of grain. - If mustard is to be grown under rainfed conditions, 8-5 is to be chosen in view of its better performance over other varieties. - Where irrigation is limited, one irrigation at pre-bloom stage of pea will be beneficial for the crop. - Rai, toria, barley and pea can be profitably taken as a second c :p after harvest of maize in the hills, provided the sowing is done just after the monsoons. * - Very short duration high yielding varieties of rice have been identified for red and lateritic zone. * Maize intercropped with soyabean in rainy season and rai or toria in winter season is remunerative. - Pre-sowing soaking of seeds with potassium metabisulphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate and sodium chloride increases yield of direct sown upland paddy. - Use of Aella and Blue Green Algae reduces the requirement of chemical nitrogenous fertilizer. - The promising varieties of wheat for the lateritic zone are BW-43, N0-2285, UP-262 and HP-1209 and the optimum sowing time is second fortnight of November. - Promising varieties introduced of arhar, mung, lentil, soyabean and till. - * In sugarcane planting of sets in double row, triangular method, is better than end to end/eye to eye method of plantation. - Optimum spacing between rows in sugarcane is 90 cm. - Pure crop of Aus paddy followed by pure crop of rabi Arhar gives better economy than the traditional method of mixed cropping with paddy and Arhar. - 31 - Table 8 Page 2 - The optimum spacing for sowing gram upto second fortnight of November in alluvial zone is 45 cm x 20 cm. For late sowing (to December), the spacing should be 30 cm x 10 cm. - A gain of Rs. 3860/- per ha can be made by shifting mustard sowing from end November to first week of November. - Sesamum 867 if sown after potato, can yield 8-10 quintal/ha without application of any fertilizer . - A 30 cm x 10 cm spacing gives optimum yield for the popular mustard Bonoy (8-9). - In banana, shorter spacing in short duration plantations and higher spacing in long duration plantations are recommended. Medium Cost Technoloy : - Serpentine method of irrigation in potato has been found to be economic and superior to traditional method of irrigating through all furrows. - Application of NPK 0 80 : 40 : 40 kg/ha results in dramatic increase in yield of wheat under irrigated conditions. - 32 - Table 9 INDIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Project Reporting REPORTS REQUIRED No. TyVe Frequency Entity Reporting Format Agreed 1 Progress Report Semi-annual 0OA Yes 2 M&E Results Annual M&E Unit Yes 3 Audit of Project Accounts Annual GOWS Auditor General Yes REPORTS RECEIVED REPORT NO. 1 REPORT NO. 2 REPORT NO. 3 Required Received Required Received Required 1/ Received (period ending) (period ending) (period ending) 03.31.78 6/78 03.31.83 Rec. 03.31.82 2/84 09.30.78 11/78 03.31.84 Rec. 03.31.83 03.31.79 03.31.85 03.31.84 09.30.79 03.31.85 03.31.80 3/81 09.30.80 ) 03.31.81 09.30.81 not received 03.31.82 09.30.82 ) 03.31.83 7/83 09.30.83 - 03.31.84 8/84 09.30.84 2/85 03.31.85 / Required within six months after end of financial year. - 33 - Table 10 INDIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT List of Publications of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit A. MONITORING SURVEYS 1. Rabi 1982-83 Crop (a) Wheat 15 Nov. 82 - 15 Jan. 83 Published 2. Kharif 1983 Crop (a) Winter Paddy (Aman) 15 July 83 - 15 Sep. 83 Published 3. Rabi 1983-84 Crops (a) Mustard 01 Oct. 83 - 01 Nov. 83 ) (b) Potato 10 Oct. 83 - 10 Dec: 83 ) Published (c) Wheat 15 Nov. 83 - 15 Jan. 84 ) 4. Kharif 1984 Crops (a) Jute 01 Mar. 84 - 01 June 84 ) (b) Maize 01 Mar. 84 - 15 July 84 ) Published (c) Aus (Autumn) 01 Mar. 84 - 01 July 84 ) (d) Aman (Winter) 15 July 84 - 15 Sep. 84 ) 5. Rabi 1984-85 Crops (a) Mustard 01 Oct. 84 - 01 Nov. 84 (b) Potato 10 Oct. 84 - 10 Dec. 84 Tabulation (c) Wheat 15 Nov. 84 - 15 Jan. 85 Started (d) Boro (Summer) 15.Jan. 65 - 15 Mar. 85 ) B. MONITORING-CUM-EVALUATION SURVEYS 1. Kharif 1983 Crops (a) Jute 25 June 83 - 01 Sep. 83 ) (b) Aus (Autumn) 01 July 83 - 15 Nov. 83 ) Published (c) Aman (Winter) 10 Nov. 83 - 10 Jan. 84 ) 2. Rabi 1983-84 Crops (a) Mustard 20 Dec. 83 - 20 Feb. 84 ) (b) Potato 15 Jan. 84 - 15 Mar. 84 ) (c) Wheat 01 Mar. 84 - 01 Apr. 84 ) 3. Kharif 1984 Crops (a) Maize 01 June 84 - 15 Sep. 84 ) (b) Jute 25 June 84 - 01 Sep. 84 ) Publishee c) Aus (Autumn) 01 July 84 - 15 Nov. 84 ) (d) Aman (Winter) 10 Nov. 84 - 10 Jan. 85 ) 4. Rabi 1984-85 Crops (a) Mustard 20 Dec. 84 - 20 Feb. 85 ) b) Potato 15 Jan. 85 - 15 Mar. 85 ) Tabulation c) Wheat 01 Mar. 85 - 01 Apr. 85 ) Started d) Boro (Sumer) 15 Apr. 85 - 15 June 85 ) C. SPECIAL STUDIES 1. Survey on Characteristics of 01 Jan. 85 - 01 Mar. 85 ) Published Contact Farmers in West Bengal W IM- J!i-tlici.- OIqLM-IMmKz Esseonht.ef jLtiltt i.ae-t4!!tttit @flinigs Sestioare desi - - Hoffication of geesltinnaire t Seltie i suple - - .1 128 - 41 Trainge 10 05 160 . 178 396 imervisiom et flelN ark 5-,2 576 -- Fiel dt sf d reeps - - - 9,351 Scrottp of data - 10136 n96 1,369 - Tabtatim ad eal,is of datc - te 544 1,548 2,652 - Repre Witts 7 35 - - masistratien 25 28 782 Oeesåg with other officers 30 25 816 lisellauen 15 11 48- Total vripg daps per individual IAWA N.EL21-11 EIIK!ie. ilS !L Wa.lko!!!i!-lt14f 110u!!LkLeIHa.ft.!/ iAbsedi lsteseffhthsV try..tj_: l.g§ a stete 11eJtJ*thc!sd 1, An ittheast 2] Sai.nstat.1si iS. 3/ .E.I.4/ !!A ! Oestionaire design 2.1.84 - 5.1.84 10.4.84 - 21.4.84 16.11.94 - 3.10.04 Iodificatin of question 6.1.04 - 7.1.84 2.4.04 - 24.4.04 29.11.14 - J1.10.84 Priating of schedules 9.1.64 - 21.1.84 25.4.84 - 6.5.84 24.7.64 - 10.8.84 7.11.84 - 28.11.64 Designing of the seorve 12.1.84 - 13.1.84 26.4.64 - 30.4.84 13.8.84 - 16.8.01 -- 27.11.84 - 1.12.84 Draag of saples 24.1.04 - 13.2.04 14.5.64 - 15.5.04 25.8.84 - 16.04 6.1234- 7.12,84 3.12.64 - 10.12.64 Trailng of field staff 22.2.84 - 24.2.84 22.5.04 - 25.5.84 23.9.84 - 25.9.14 14.12.84- 15.12.84 7.12.84 - 24. Q.64 Field wbrt 1.3.84 - 15.9.84 1.6.04 - 10.1.84 1.10.84 - 15.3.84 20.12.04 - 1..5 1.1.85 - 31.3.65 Scrolin and analysis 15.11.84 - 15.11.85 25.2.85 - 4.5.85 15.5.05 - 30.8Z 30.7.r5 - 15.10.85 16.4.5 - 5.5.65 Report writiag 16.1.05 - 14.2.65 6.5.95 - 22.5.05 2.?.65 - 15.1.85 16.10.85- 31.10.85 16.5.5 - 21.5.05 ?filling of reorlts 15.2.85 - 2.4.85 23.5.8 - 27.6.85 16.9.85 - 2S.10.885 .12.65 A.5.85 -29.6.65 I/ Creps caered for 1hoa'if seasons are Aas# Jote, SIaite, and Am. i/ Crops covered for Rabi sommeer suasonis are Wheat, Muostard,* Potato and Pa.re. .. .S. 4 8n.t0riig s.r.e.. V/ A.E.S. *lnrigcnEaule servel. i/ P sutiomairs d5si.ned for 2harif are also 2se4 for surves in ollowin sesons. - 16.8.84- 2510.8 - 29.0.84- 31(0.8 - 7.1.84- 2811.8 -- 2711.8 - 112.8 INotAs CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AN RESEARCH PROJECT Annual Wor Progase for Monitorin and .ivalustlon of Trainina and Visit System of Anricultural Extension FIELD.. SURY Ly.--WQRK Monitoring-cum- Monitoring Survey Evaluation Target date for submission of tabulated crop Season C R 0 P (MS) Survey (MES) MS- HES a Winter Paddy Amen July Is to Sep. 15 Nov. 10 to Jan. 0 Oct. IS Feb. 10 6. Rabi Crops Mustard Oct. 01 to Nov. 30 Dec. 20 to Feb. 20 Dec. 31 mar. 20 Potato Oct. S0 to Dec. 10 Jan. 15 to Mar. IS Jan. 10 Apr. 15 Wheat Nov. 16 to Jan. 15 Mar. 01 to Apr. 30 Feb. 15 May 31 0% tSummer Paddy Doro Jan. 15 to Mar. IS Apr. 18 to June 16 Apr. IS July 1S S dihtictsIag 12 districts t f sIstructs bf m2 districts t e North Bengal Soul" eanal North Oena.L South bannal (1f (In) (tLn) n lb Asstsmo Paddy Aus Mar. 0f to June IS to July 01 to Oct. 01 to Jun 30 Aug. 31 Sep. 30 Dec. Apr. 30 July 31 Aug. 31 Nov. 15 : ribse (Pro- Jut* Var. 01 to may Of to JuDe 25 to Aug. 01 to May 3 0 Jul. 31 SeP. 40 Oct. 30 itherif & KharFf) Apr. 30 June 30 Aug. 28 Sep. 30 # Maine (F.,. some Horth Bengal districts and Purullsn) *01 "Its Sub div. Uac. 01 to June 01 to Ju4149 01 Aug. 31 Apr'. 30 July 30 fb u u.. d&may is to Jul$y 15 tu Aug. 1S Oct. IS "alide July IS Sep. 15 P4 0* 4A) INDIA CREOIT 690-1N WEST BENGAL AGRICU.LTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT Results of MIE Surveys i farmers Awareness of 7&v System in S M.S. Rabit_t/ M.S. Ktarif M.E.S.-JKharif I/ M.S..RobLi M.E.S. Rabl M.S. Kharif M,E_S. Khart 1982-83 1983 1982 1983-84 1983-84 1964 1984 Farmers knowing KPSs Contact farmers 89.6 99.0 90.5 91.6. 85.2 77.4 78.2 "on-contact farmers 78.6 85.6 74.5 79.7 70.5 54.7 56.4 Frequency of visits of KPS during previous four weeks a) Nil visits Contact 11.0 6.0 10.7 11.2 16.1 25.8 26.9 Non-contact 22.7 20.4 26.6 23.5 30.3 46.3 48.9 b) One visit: Contact 3.9 2.9 8.6 14.4 10.1 16.6 20.) "on-contact 5.8 9.0 t0.11 19.3 11.5 18.0 22.4 c) Two and more visits: Contact 85.1 91.1 81'.7 74.4 73.8 57.6 53.0 Mon-contact 71.4 70.6 62.4 57.2 58.2 33.7 28.1 Regularity of visits on the fixed days Contact 81.2 93.0 82.3 80.6 74.6 56.8 48.7 Mon-contact 68.2 77.1 61.S 67.3 58.6 37.2 26.3 Place of visit: a) Field - Contact 17.5 41.7 32.4 42.0 44.3 35.7 30.5 Won-contact 28.0 50.1 36.1 40.6 39.6 25.1 Z1.e b) Other places: Contact 82.5 58.3 07.6 58.0 39.6 38.5 42.6 Non-contact 72.0 49.9 63.9 59.4 30.1 26.6 29.4 j/ U.S. a Monitoring Survey. 21 M.E.S. a Monitoring-cum-Evaluation Survey. INDIA1 CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Results of Monitoring Surveys i Rate of adootion of Recommendation Size of Sample Seed Qate Chemical P-P- S u r ve vs interviewed Organic Manure Fertilizer Irriatian Meaures CF NCF CF NCF CF HCF GF NJF CF MCF Cr "CF Kharif 1903 4) Winter Paddy (Amen) 415 367 13.8 17.4 6.9 1t.7 4.1 5.7 11.6 14.7 - - fully adopted Partially adopted 415 367 81.9 70.8 63.4 74.4 89.6 78.8 86.3 77.9 - - Rabi (1983-84) 4) Wheat fully adopted 900 924 75.9 71.0 26.2 21.5 25.1 20.0 50.0 44.6 8.9 4.0 *Pertially adopted 900 924 13.9 14.0 47.0 49.4 41.0 43.2 34.5 25.9 31.7 28.0 ii) Mustard 00 fully adopted 299 298 98.0 82.6 11.4 9.9 34.1 20.8 56.6 42.7 31.6 32.2 Partially adopted 299 298 4.0 3.3 25.9 28.3 19.4 26.2 27.9 26.4 16.7 10.7 1ii) Potato fully adopted 341 354 57.2 51.4 35.1 31.5 36.1 29.6 44.9 43.8 32.0 29.1 Partially adopted 341 354 40.5 45.5 63.1 64.0 42.6 47.2 37.5 38.7 41.9 39.8 Kharif 1984 i) Aus fully adopted 1550 1863 61.5 7S.S 46.5 43.2 22.1 17.3 44.7 43.7 7.5 10.3 Partially adopted SSO 1863 6.2 6.5 30 2 20.0 38.2 35.4 21.9 21.1 38.9 40.0 Mi) Jute fully adopted 1303 1308 75.7 70.6 40.8 38.0 22.7 17.8 43.2 40.9 IB.4 s6.7 Partially adopted 1303 1308 12.0 13.1 29.0 24.0 31.7 31.4 :8.9 17.0 23.2 23.2 III) Aman fully adopted 2127 2517 22.4 82.3 32.3 29.2 27.5 20.9 37.5 37.) 26.9 19.4 Partially adopted 2527 2517 5.2 3.8 27.5 27.2 29.2 26.2 6.9 9.0 19.7 19.6 Iv) Maite fully adopted 152 160 58.6 56.3 40.8 38.7 0.7 - - - - - Partially adopted 852 160 41.4 43.7 $2.0 S1.9 12.5 10.0 - 3.3 1.2 O-' OIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BERGAL AGR3ICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Monitorinn SUryevsa Reasons for NOn-adontton of Recommendationu (Percentaga of Farmors) Eftaao~ndation Sanwit a t A 5 0 11 S Non-avalabilItv Khari 1984 Crop Stab Too Exponsive Shortane of Labour of Inomts Contact Parzra Sed Rate m) Aus 161 70.9 23.6 5.6 b) Aman 333 70.3 10.5 10.2 c) Jute 150 76.6 20.2 3.2 d) data* - - - Organ4c Manure o) Au% 3411 54.6 36.1 9.1 b> A~on 668 39.5 32.8 27.9 c) Jute 369 57.6 22.2 20.3 d) Matae il 90.9 9.1 chomical o) Aus 612 63.1 34.8 . 2.8 Fertiltaer b) Amen 938 58.6 31.8 #.8 c) Jute 537 73.8 22.5 3.7 d Matto 432 84.1 16.9 - Irrlgation a) Aus 294 46.6 51.7 1.7 b) Amon 669 48.9 25.3 25.8 c) Jute 221 38.9 45.3 16.8 d) gata* 78 . 00.0 - - P.P. Mosures a) Aus 594 65.8 9.3 24.9 b) Amen 1041 78.6 15.0 6.4 c) Jute 871 79.0 20.1 0.9 d) MOta 147 76.2 21.1 2.7 Non-Contact Färmera Sagd Rate a) AUG 237 99.1 30.8 10.1 b) Amn 350 55.7 3.7 42.6 c) Jute 214 86.9 10.9 2.3 d) Mota. - - Organtc Manura a) Aus 424 50.2 43.4 6.4 b) Alan 720 40.0 24.4 35.6 c) Jute 446 63.9 21.1 15.0 d) Mata& 15 86.7 13.3 - Chemical o) Aug 714 69.3 29.8 0.9 Fertitaer b) Aman 1104 53.2 28.1 18.7 c) Jute 593 76.1 17 1 6.2 d) Matace 144 79.2 20.8 Irrjgatlon a) Au 292 46.9 51.7 2.4 b) Aman 651 38.1 37.9 24.0 c) Jute 249 39.4 40.1 20.6 d) Matzo 82 10.0 cr P.P. Mcasures al Aus i(33 70.2 0.1 2>.4 b) Auans 141 78.2 91.6 10.2 c) Jute 557 76.1 27.6 1.3 d) Mala* e4 75.3 22.2 2.5 - 40 - Table 17 Page 1 INDIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Relationship Between Yield Rate of Crops and Main Source of Advice to Farmers imry Source of Advice Irriated Rainfed Total (Kg/ha) (Kg/ha) KHARIF 1983 Aus (Autan paddy) Extension personnel 3,237 638 2.408 Other farmers 2.145 - 3.145 Other sources 3,007 - 3,007 No advice 2,839 2.839 Total 3,142 638 2,667 Amn (inter paddy) Extension personnel 3.534 2,588 3,137 Other farmers 3,508 2,550 3.073 Other sources 3,362 2,496 2,802 No advice 2,844 2,001 2,100 Total 3,508 2,473 3,009 Jute Extension personnel 1,688 2,10S 1,984 Other farmers - 1,849 1.849 Other sources - 1,724 1.724 No advice - 1,701 1,701 Total 1,688 1,899 1,868 RAB! 1983-84 Wheat Extension personnel 2.677 1,791 2.510 Other farmers 2,295 1.729 2,159 Other sources 2.221 1,804 2.147 No advice 2.046 1,604 1,866 Total 2,602 1,751 2,470 Mustard Extension personnel 1,411 889 1.278 Other farmers 1.062 681 926 Other sources 955 - 955 No advice 1,120 691 1,022 Total 1,343 842 1.212 Potato Extension personnel 23,113 11.617 20.528 Other farmers 24,447 15.315 20,912 Other sources 13,458 11,054 12.857 No advice 14,514 10,061 11.100 Total 22.213 11,883 19,346 - 41 - Table 17 Page 2 Relationship Between Yield Rate of Crops and Main Source of Advice to Farmers KHARIF 1984 Aus (Auton paddy) Extension personnel 4,076 1,967 3,132 Other farMers * 3,952 1,972 2,962 Other sources 4,050 1,577 3,277 No advice 3,48 1.457 1,732 Total 4.020 1.814 2,884 Aman (Winter paddy) Extension personnel 4,101 2,848 3.423 Other farmers 3,794 2.569 3,07 Other sources 3,910 2.489 3,200 No advice 3,771 2,018 2.372 Total 3,983 2,564 3,133 Jute Extension personnel 2,636 1,724 2.137 Other farmers 2,357 1,698 1,856 Other sources 2,041 1,586 1,659 No advice 1,396 1,421 1.419 Total 2,532 1,655 1.944 Maize Extension personnel - 1,663 1,683 Other farmers - 1.416 1,418 Other sources - 1.769 1,769 No advice - 1.503 1.503 Total - 1,591 1,591 - 42 - Table 18 1NDIA: CRESLT NEST 8tMAL ARICULTUM EXTENSIOU AND ESEAC~ PRIJECT Relationshls ~tween feld Rat9 @f Cres and visits of KPS y 3 U visit Rraj gm Total (Kg/ha) (Kg/ha) 101ARIF 1983 Aug (Aut.n paddy) MIl 2,038 2,038 One 3,100 - 3,100 Tmo 6 mO 3,320 638 2,718 Total 3,142 638 2,667 AMs (vinter paddy) mil 3,371 1,923 2.568 Om 3,378 2.552 2,832 Two & mr 3,530 2.597 3,118 Total 3,508 2,473 3,009 Jute mil 1,754 1.754 On@ - 1,941 1,941 Tmo ar 1.689 1.971 1.896 Total 1,688 1,899 1.183 RABe 1983-84 Uhest fil 2,05 1,610 1.919 om 2,384 1,689 2.148 Twa or mmr 2,720 1,889 2,638 Total 2.60 1,761 2.470 mustard mil 1,082 633 919 On 1.332 - 1.332 Tmo or mr 1, 910 1.270 Total 1.343 842 1,212 Potato Mil 18,690 10,324 14,714 om 22,248 12,108 16,243 Two or more 22,797 12,837 21.343 Total 22,213 11.883 19,346 KHAR1F 1984 Aus (Atn paddy) #i1 3,712 1,615 2,286 One 3,915 1,690 2,824 Two or more 4,175 2,095 3,803 Total 4,020 1,814 2,884 Jute mil 2,235 1.561 1,689 One 2,430 1,673 1.961 Two or more 2,77 1,777 2,184 Total 2,532 1,655 1,944 Malte mil • 1,468 1.468 One - 1,601 1.601 Tw or mm - 1.733 1,733 Total 1,591 1,591 AMs (sinter paddy) #11 3,643 2.237 2,709 onm 3.858 2,489 2.975 TwO or mare 4,20 3,033 3.636 Total 3,903 2,564 3,133 1/ KPS a Krishi Projukti Sahayak. INDIA1 CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT ProIect Costs t Comoarative Analysis Relebursable- Prouressive Exa. Actual Exo. Expenditure Total Estimate as per 11 Credit Aureement 1/ up to 30.09.92 us to 31.03.4 uo to 31.03.85 ZI Aporalsal Renort a/ M.. .....................:................. as Mitlion ....................................... Civil Works 7.1 63.9 7.243 53.112 74.862 79.14 Equipment IL Vehicles 2.5 22.5 0.844 5.359 4/ 7.248 _4 27.31 Tsaining & Consultancy 1.1 9.9 0.266 0.429 0.817 10.20 Incremental staff costs Nil "it 29.310 68.850 105.990 78.55 Unallocated 1.3 11.7 GRAND TOTAL 12.00 108.0 37.63 127.750 188.917 195.206 ABUXS&t GOWS information to mission. 1/ See pare S.S for actual dIsbursements. 11 figures of expenditure up to 31.03.85 are provisional. 1/ Estimate of total project costs: base costs only. A/ Validity of this data unsure in view of very low credit disbursements for the item. N - 44 - Table 20 INDIA WEST BENGAL ACRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT CREDIT 690-tN PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Expenditure Statement Under WBAE RP up to March 31. 1985 Total Project Expenditure 1977-78 to 1980- 1981- 1982- 1983- 1984- Crand Item 1979-80 81 a2 33 84 85 T3tal --------------------------RP Millions------------------------ Civil Works Nit 0.860 1.288 10.190 40.774 21.750 74.862 Equipment and Vehicles Nil - 0.464 0.Z60 4.135 1.889 7.248 Training and Consultancy Nil Nil 0.133 0.265 0.031 0.388 0.817 Incremental Staff Cost Nil 5.079 12.986 22.609 28.236 37.140 105.990 188.9.7 Note: Figures of expenditure for 1984-85 are provisional. - 45 - Table 21 INDIA WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT CREDIT 690-IN PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Schedule of Disbursement Cumulative Disbursements ctuaL/ Actual Appraisal as % app. FY Total Estimate Estimate -------------:--(USS M)---------------- 1977 1978 1.6 - 1979 5.0 - 1980 8.3 - 1981 19.7 - 1982 0.0 12.0 - 1983 1.3 1984 4.7 1985 5.66 1986 6.85 Note: US$2.2 million was allocated for extension under Schedule 2(c) of Credit 541-IN (West Bengal) Agriculture Development'Project). At project closing, US$1.7 million of this had been disbursed. INDIAt CREDIT 690-10 WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Reimbursement Position (Claimedl for Expenditure to 31 March 1965 Item 1977-70 to 1979-80 .1980-81 1981-82 1982-83 1983-04 1984-f5S Grand Total . Rp Millions. ........................................ Civil works Mi) 0.775 1.150 9.170 36.695 19.575 67.365 Equipment and vehicles Nil Nil 0.417 0.684 3.721 _/ 1.700 _/ 6.522 /C Trafning and consultancy Nil Nit 0.133 0.265 0.031 0.388 0.817 Incremental staff cost NOT REIM 8 URSA 8 LE ggges Claims for a further sum of about Rs25 M will be preferred within August 1985. j/ Validity of this data unsure in view of very low credit disbursement for the item. - 47 - Table 23 INDIA: CREDIT 690-IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Civil Works : Unit Costs - Sanctioned Amounts S1 Rate per No. Description Nos. unit Amount in lakhs K.P.S. Quartirs 251 @ Rs.45,000/- 112.95 25 @ Rs.59,000/- 14.75 24 @ Rs.60,000/- 14.40 -do- for Electrification 203 @ Rs. 4,000/- 8.12 Total Cost a 150.22 2. Farm Managers' Qtrs. (including Electrification + 45 * Rs.61,500/- 27.67 Water supplyetc. Additional expenditure as per different sites 1.36 conditions Repair of Farm Managers Qtrs. at Kalimpong 1.19 Total Cost * 30.22 3. Conference Hall (including sanitary & plumbing electri- 25 @ Rs. 2,00,000/- 50.00 fication) Additional Cost for Maldah 0.96 Total Cost * 50.96 INDIA: CMEDIT 690 - IN WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL BTENSIION AND RESARCK PROJECT VIELD OF MAJOR CROPS (Kg/hee.) 71-72 72-73 73-74 74-75 75-76 76-7 77-78 71-79 79-80 S0-81 81-82 82-83 83-84 I. Annual yield Total Rice 1314 1127 1112 1207 1265 1143 1382 1401 1200 1442 1120 1018 1478 Total pulses 530 522 528 550 * 964 567 592 477 544 454 532 527 650 Total ollseeds 392 396 397 428 433 42' 475 396 421 464 449 442 490 Jute bales * 7.53 7.38 8.78 7.05 8.03 7.88 7.24 7.67 7.49 7.28 8.84 8.62 8.56 Weat 2181 1869 1905 1984 2100 2040 2140 1916 1518 1672 1819 2274 2595 Potato 14559 12533 11991 16754 14322 14410 15152 15144 18612 17057 16500 20013 21008 Sugarcane 48873 50575 52818 58010 58468 61431 60726 58720 49051 60566 61337 51403 50435 11. $-year Average . 71-75 76-80 77-81 78-82 79-83 Total Rice 1205 1314 1309 1236 1252 Total Pulses 619 527 520 507 541 Total Otlseds 409 432 437 430 449 Jute bales 7.75 7.51 7.70 7.98 8.16 Wheat 2008 1857 1813 1839 1976 Potato 13832 16075 16493 17465 18638 Sugarcase 53749 58100 $8080 56215 54558 Ill. ndeA Figures total RICe 100 109 109 102 104 Total Pulses 100 85 84 82 87 Total oleeds 100 106 107 105 110 Jute bales t00 97 99 103 105 Wheat 100 92 90 91 98 Potato 100 116 19 126 135 Sugarcame 100 toS, to 104 101 * Bal6 * I80 br. - 49 - Table 25 Page 1 INDIA WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT CREDIT 690-IN PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT KEY INDICATORS Appraisal Achievements Indicators Target as at February 1985 Staff Position Extension KPS 4000 (2445) 1907 ADO 450 (335) 250 SDAO 50 (50) - 50 SMS 203 (182) 155 FARM Manager 45 (45) 34 JDA, ADA 2 (2) 2 Research Sur. Profess-CRS 20 (20) 8 (Grade I & II)-ZARS 6 (6) 5 Junior Profess-CRS 60 (24) 4 (WBAS) - ZAAS 42 (26) 0 Rebearch Officers-CRS 91 (23) 6 Research Officers-ZARS 41 (16) 5 SMS (HQ) 2 2 ADA 1 1 Training Centers Lectures and'Snr. Lecturers 77 (16) N.A. M and E JDA 1 (2) 2 Statistician/eco.res./DDA 3 (3) 1 Field Supervisor 18 (18) 18 Assistant investigator 60 (60) 28 Aset. Supt. OPS 8 (6) 4 Computer 23 (23) 23 - 50 - Table 25 Page 2 Training Completed KPS Pre-service 3.000 1965 KPS refresher 2.000 992 KPS induction N.A. 1230 KPS-AED in-service 280 2219 (1907 KPS & 312 AHOs) SMS-in-service 180 142 KPST and extension staff 120 42 Fellowships 90 4 (overseas) Civil Works Completed KPS houses 1000 (700) 299 Other extension houses 250 (0) 0 Subdivision office 50 (0) 0 Farm houses 45 (45) 45 Research houses 477 (325) ) Research other building 57 (50) ) 11 KPSTC houses 20 (20) 0 KPSTC other buildings 28 (28) 0 Classrooms in trg. centers 5 (5) 5 Training halls 0 (25) 25 Vehicles Procured Sedan 3 8 4WD - extension 86 50 research 24 14 Vans 17 0 Minibus (KPSTC) 1 0 Truck (research) 1 1 Motorcycles (loans) 150 63 Bicycles (loans) 750 1850 Note: In ( ) are the number of posts sanctioned in GMB budget as of 1983. ANNEY. T Al Communications toGovent GoveroaWt ould give the Numbft, Date and Subject ofDertment any previous Correspondence ad be addressed to the Credit & Extension D_ Secretary of the Department.............. -N25Cro & Axtne/U.3/851- From a Shri !4.K.Zutship Joint Secretary. GVeGraham oonaldsfn, Chief. Agriculture & Human Resources biviuion, TO . Operations valuation .epartment.Worlc Bank, 1818 H kitreet Ni,,9 Wdashingtoup 1i.Er.ZO433 Suibs kroject Gomplatiou Rep6rt on India Wet Bengal Agricultural &etension and Research kroject (Credit 690-IM). sirr 1 am directed to refer to your letter dated 15. 10.86 on the subject mentioned above and to forward herewith our comments oAa the final draft project Completion Report* Your"aahfullyd Joint becr ay. MncloG Aol above Chhuie9iefgiutre&HmnRsure6iiin -52 - ANNEXI Page 2 Comments of the State Government on the Final -Draot-yrofooeCompl0-- I-os -TI-X6-29V for th ast soe !rcultura aztonsin and KGesebo Xrojoo reI 690-ITNLW. Points raieed in the P*Co. Comments of the State Govt laplementation & Operating performance. Overall performance Pas * 4*4 8 Atension to still very Extenuion messages are being weak In large tractse disseminated throughout the State by our extension functionaries under the T & V system* 3646 KP3s out of the sanctioned strength of 4000 are In position enabling us to cover almost the entire farming community* Steps are, however, being taken to fill up the remaining vacancies of KSse Xhysical LMlskmantation IarS * 4.8 3 The use of personal loans 63 motor oycleslmopeds were for the purchase of motor purchased for an amount of cycle/aopeds by A.9*O was b.4098ooo- advanced as loans. practically nil. Procedure for purchase Of The procedure followed for vehicles is time-consuming procurement of vehicles has been laid down by the Finance Deptto of the State Govto in order to effect economy in expenditure in this respect. Institutional Anarovement and operatina performance a 1ar&a .4.12 _U Middle level supervisory The middle level supervisory officers find little time for offices via*, Range J*DOqe, Pehos supervision of extension to and S*A.0s, i#spite of their non. the field* extension responsibilities, devote reasonable time for supervision of extension In the fields They also regularly attend the monthly work. shops under the T & V system. There is some shortfall in the required number of Uistrict & Sub-divisIonal I*T ANNEX I Page 3 Poats ralmed in the *oOLO CoMmnfts of the State Govt. level S.M*So; steps are being taken to mitigate this problem* 335 Awb0a posts and not 353 are sanctioned out of which 269 are In position. & proposal for creation of additional posts of 94 &U*Os in order to enable the existing AhmiPOe to devote full time to extension work to under active consideration of the Govt* Poor internal supervision There is hardly any staffing has adversely affected Project shortfall at the middle-level exten- Implementation sion personnel. The requisite number of Range J.Ass, P.Ai*Os and SoOs are deployed. It may also be stated that the T & V system with Its single line of command has achieved full acceptance by all organs of the State adminIs- trati oa Extension staff spend Steps are being taken to provide considerable time on Input (as already stated above) additional supply. staff support for such purpose so that the existing extension staff can devote full time to extension work* FAgga - 4e1 Undue time is spent by There is a continuous effort middle management levels In to rationalise reporting require. reporting meetings etc. ments, meetings etc. so that the concerned officials can devote sufficient time to supervision and field visits. Shortage of trained S*Meas Efforts are being made to and Insufficient participation overcome the difficulty. by senior officers badly affec- ted quality of training* P* Req. -54-ANNEX Page 4 slatAil thiP*CG Commegg of tht otate te*C, RtA 424 8 Transfer of fundamental 6It has ince been decided by applied research to SM is the Govttof oest oengal to transfer under consideration of Govr.bf fundamental & applied research to West Beagal & 90vtoof ldit the SN in a phased manner, Laboratories to 4 ZhUs A41 the AbaAkofs except the are not operational as yet. one at Mohituaga! are $ operation at Present* There is lack of progress There to a zonal committee for in daptiva Research. each agro-climatic sonso The Commi. ttee, headed by the Rlange J*D*6&., consists of POfSh some Goe.as and the Research staff of the ZIt Rowk.hs Committee decides temns of research to be conducted by 86 eRAn and fixes up Priorities. Therefore the research work conduc. ted at the Z&M is strictly accor- ding to the requirement of the farmers as communicated by the extension staff. The field trials were not conducted by the existing research staff as such trials were not originally envisaged io the Project and also due to staff shortage.e Understaffing at CPR*Bo & Z&448th is a serious diffIculty and efforts are being made to man the C*RS &. Zo&a 2.itsft. fully. The Research work in the C. cong is conducted on the basis of general problems and the problems faced by the research staff during their field visits as well as directly learat from the farmers visiting the CRas The problems thrown by the farmers are sorted out at the origin and specific problems are passed on to the scientists who work on them and once the solutions are available they are regularly passed on to the farmers through T & V systemh COUtd.0Oe.P13. 55-ANNEX I Petat raised An the P*CI*R. Commens of thq Stae Gott Kara a 4,30 & 4033 8 There is understatitag Two vacant posts of Sconomic in the H 6 8 Unit. Research Officer and Evaluation Officer have been filled up. J..*&o (Statistics) Is under the Agricultural SconomLst and looks after all statie. tical matterso M 4 8 staff sanctioned under the Project devote full time to M & a work. 59 posts of &ssistant Investigators out of 60 sanctioned posts have been filled up. asessammnt of IBsaRt AnA1itatianal IasA There is need for coati- This suggestion is well takeno ned streagthening and ein. The State Govt to fully committed forcemeat of extension orga* to make the T 6 V system the kingpin nisation and Its functioninge of the agricultural development programmes and will therefore spare no effort to overcome the operational obstacles In this regard. It may, however, be stated here that almost all the sanctioned posts of Range SoDide, k*Ai.0s and 8..Oe, 80% of the sanctioned posts of AwDeOs and 90L of the sanctioned posts of the K*Ngs have been filled up by nov. Efforts are being made to fill up 9golsAs and lesson the remaining vacancies.* Ivaluation of iolielntation nfd o.t.e.g LAa - L* I& &x8 Zxtension machinery &e already stated in the prece- requires to be adquately ding paragraphs the State Govt is manned and earmarked for taking all attps to solve the problems extension work only* of staff shortage/deplaoyment witn the objective of sufficiently manning the extension network as also enabling it to exclusively devote itself to extension work. 907 N E P A L B H U T A N INDI A WEST BENGAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROJECT Agro-climatic zones, Agricultural districts, Research stations and Training centers COMMODMTY ORIENTED RESEARCH STATIONS W E 5 T ZONAL RESEARCH STATIONS D l N A J P U R VLW TRAINING CENTERS HILL ZONE MAJ'A TERAI ZONE IBALURGR OLD ALLUVIUM ZONE NEW ALLUVIUM ZONE D A LATERITIC ZONE COASTAL SALINE ZONE ------- DISTRICT BOUNDARIES • STATE BOUNDARIES INTERNATIONAL SOUNDARIES S / IHI A R !BRD 12327R 斌