India - Agricultural Extension Projects

Document of The World Bank FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Report No. 8258 PROJECT COMPLETION REPORTS INDIA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CR. 1028-IN) MAHARASRTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CR. 1135-IN) TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CR. 1137-IN) bEGM BR,I 4 99 Agriculture Operations Division * Country Department IV Asia Regional Office This docwwwsenths a restricted distribution and may be used by recip1ents only In the perfornmance of thei officlU dutIes. Its contents neay not otherwise be discosed without World Bank authorization. ABBREIATIP-[S AAO - Assistant Agricultural Officer ADA Additional Director of Agriculture ADA (T0) - Additional Director of Agriculture (Training and Visit) ADDLDA Additional Director Agriculture (Extension) ADH Assistant Director of Horticulture ADO Agricultural Development Officer AEO - Agricultural Fxtension Officer AO Agricultural Officer APC - Agricultural Production Commissioner ASDAO - Assistant Sub Divisional Agricultural Officer CAEP - Consolidated Agricultural Extension Project CDD Community Development Department CEO Chief Executive Officer Zilla Parished CF - Contact Farmer DA Director of Agriculture DAO - District Agricultural Officer DCA - Development Credit Agreement DDA - Deputy Director of Agriculture DOA - Department of Agriculture (Kerala) DOA - Directorate of Agriculture (Maharashtra) DOE - Department of Extension of GOI DOR - Directorate of Horticulture DRD - Directorate of Rural Development DTC - District Technical Committee DVAC - Divisional Agricultural Officer DYAO - Deputy Agricultural Officer FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO/CP - FAO/World Bank Cooperative Programme GOI - Government of India GOK - Government of Kerala GON Government of Maharashtra GOTN Government of Tamil Nadu IDA - International Development Association IRDP - Integrated Rural Development Programme IRRI - International Research Institute JAO Junior Agricultural Officer JD - Joint Director of Agriculture (Tamil Nadu) JDA - Joint Director of Agriculture (Maharashtra) KAU - Kerala Agricultural University KKV - Konkan Drishi Vidyapeeth M - Million (s) M&E - Monitoring and Evaluation MKV - Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth ABBREVXATIONS (continued) MPKV Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth NAEP - National Agricultural Extension Project HARP - National Agricultural Research Project NDO World Bank New Delhi Office PCC - Project Coordination Committee PCR - Project Completion Report PKV * Punjabrao Krishi Vidxapeeth PS - Panchayat Samiti PSC Kerala State Public Service Commission PWD - Public Works Department SAR - Staff Appraisal Report SAU * State Agricultural University SDAO - Sub-divisional Agricultural Officer SLTI - State Level Training Institute SMS - Subject Matter Specialist SSC - State Steering Committee STC - State'Technical Committee T&V - Training and Visit System of Extension TNAU - Tamil Nadu Agricultural University TO - Technical Officer VEW * Village Extension Worker(s) VLW - Village Level Worker(s) WB - World Bank ZRAC - Zonal Research Advisory Committee FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY THE WORLD BANK Washington. D.C. 20433 U.S.A. Offce at oectom-c"Wal Operations avaluatenm December 19, 1989 MEMORANDUM TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Project Completion Reports on India Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Agricultural Extension Projects (Credits 1028-IN, 1135-IN and 1137-IN) Attached, for information, is a copy of a report entitled "Project Completion Reports on India - Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Agricultural Extension Projects (Credits 1028-IN, 1135-IN and 1137-IN)". The Kerala Project was prepared by the FAO/World Bank Cooperative Program, and the Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Projects were prepared by the Borrower, with an overview memorandum prepared by the Asia Regional Office. No audit of these projects has been made by the Operations Evaluation Department at this time. Attachment 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. FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY PROJECT COMPLETION REPORTS * INDIA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1028-IN) MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1135-IN) TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. PREFACE ........................................................... i BASIC DATA SHEETS .. .............................................. ii OVERVIE . .......................................................viii PROJECT COMPLETION REPORTS I- SECTION A - KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT Evaluation Summary..................................... 1 I. Introduction ...................................... 3 II. Project Formulation............................... 4 III. Project Implementation............................ 6 IV. Institutional Performance......................... 10 V. Project Impact.................................... 14 VI. IDA Performance................................... 16 VII. Conclusions....................................... 17 Organizational Chart: Organization of DOA's Extension Staff.... 19 Tables 1-7........................................................ 21 Attachments 1-3.................................................. 28 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. TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) SECTION B - MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT ......... 33 Evaluation Summary..................................... 35 I. Introduction...................................... 37 II. Project Formulation............................... 37 III. Project Implementation............................ 41 IV. Institutional Performance and Development......... 49 V. Project Impact.................................... 53 VI. IDA Performance................................... 54 VII. Conclusions....................................... 55 Tables 1-19............................................. ........ 59 SECTION C - TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT........... 81 Evaluation Summary..................................... 83 I. Introduction...................................... 85 II. Project Formulation............................... 85 III. Project Implementation............................ 87 IV. Institutional Performance and Development......... 94 V. Project Impact.................................... 96 VI. IDA Performance................................... 97 VII. Conclusions........................................ 98 Organization Chart............................................... 101 Tables 1-16..................................................... 103 Annexes I-II - Comments from the Government of India ........... 121 INDIA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1028-IN) MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1135-IN) TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORTS PREFACE This report covers the Project Completion Reports (PCRs) for the Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Agricultural Extension Projects, for which Credits 1028-IN, 1135-IN and 1137-IN in the amounts of US$10.0 million, SDR 18.9 million, and SDR 22.9 million, were approved on June 25, 1980, May 7, 1981, and May 7, 1981, respectively. Credit 1028-IN was closed on June 30, 1986 as originally envisaged and the last disbursement was on January 31, 1987; Credit 1135-IN was closed on schedule on June 30, 1987 and the last disbursement was on April 12, 1988. Both projects were fully disbursed. Credit 1137-IN wes closed on schedule on June 30, 1987 and the last disbursement was on January 22, 1988, at which time SDR 63,374.23 was cancelled. The PCR for the Kerala project was prepared by the FAO/World Bank Cooperative Program and the PCRs for the Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu projects were prepared by the Borrower and an IDA Overview and Evaluation Summaries were prepared by the Asia Regional Office. They are based, inter alia, on the Staff Appraisal Report, the Development Credit and Project Agreements; supervision reports; and internal Bank memoranda, as well as experience from a comprehensive Agricultural Extension Sector Review conducted in 1986/87. This report was read by the Operations Evaluation Department (OED). The draft PCRs were sent to the Borrowers for comments and they are attached to the Report (Annexes I and II). KERAL.A AGRuTCULvtT.A EXTEMSION PROJECTr (Credit 1028-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT BARTC~ DlATA RM RTr VEY PROJVCT DATA AggraiAl Actual As % of tLiffmate AQtuLa1/ A0rAisal1 rstmatA Total Project Cost (US$ million) 15.3 25.1 164% Z1 Credit Amount (USS million) - Disbursed 10.0 10.0 100% Proportion of Physical Targets Met 1L - Housing: for VEWs 488 453 93% AEOs 94 102 109% - Dept. Vehicles: Sedan 15 18 120% 4-WD 85 88 104% Trucks 11 13 118% Motorboats 4 4 100% Bus 1 100% - Staff Owned: Motorcycles 417 429 103% Bicycles 1,560 60 4% Date Physical Components Completed Sept. 1985 June 1986 Institutional Performance Satisfactory Ct1MULTATIVE DlTERGRSEMENTS Appraisal Estimate (USS million) 0.3 1.0 2.4 5.6 9.0 10.0 10.0 Actual (US$ million) - 0.4 1.0 2.2 3.9 6.2 10.0 Actual as 4 of Appraisal Est. (%) 0 40 42 39, 43 62 100 Date of Final Disbursement: 31 January 1987 PROJECT DATES Preparation June 1979 Appraisal August 1979 L Negotiations April 1980 Board Approval 1 May 1980 Credit Signing 25 June 1980 Credit Effectiveness 18 August 1980 Credit Closing 30 June 1986 - iii - STAFF TNPUTS FY79 EM AI FY8 I 71G AA %.AA 11. Exa2. TfT Identification/ Preparation 4.0 9.1 13.1 Appraisal 15.5 15.5 Negotiations 3.1 3,1 Supervision 1.4 11.6 10.0 12.3 21.4 9.7 5.3 0.4 72.1 Subtotal 4.0 29.1 11.6 10.0 12.3 21.4 9.7 5.3 0.4 103.8 MTSSTON DATA No o Mandaysq Soncialization= Tvn mf Misgion nato Persns in Fi.Ald Repnrgsen1ted grtA=g Tgti Probloms (4) (5) (6) (7) Appraisal AL Aug. 1979 3 15 extn, e, Supervision 1 Jan. 1981 2 14 extn, e 3 1 P Supervision 2 Sep. 1981 3 15 a, e, extn 3 2 2, M Supervision 3 Apr. 1982 2 10 extn. 3 2 P, M Supervision 4 Jan. 1983 2 10 extn. 2 1 M. Supervision 5 Jun. 1983 3 15 extn. 2 1 M, Supervision 6 Ja.. 1984 2 12 a, 2 2 M. Supervision 7 Jun. 1984 3 15 a, 2 2 M,F, Supervision 8 Dec. 1984 2 12 a, 2 2 M,F, Supervision 9 June 1985 2 10 a, 2 2 M, Supervision 10 Dec. 1985 1 3 L" 2 Supervision 11 Apr. 1986 1 5 a, 2 QTgr ATA Borrower: Government of India State Government of Kerala Fiscal Year of Borrower: 1 April - 31 March Name of Currency (Abbreviation): Rupee (Rs) Exchange Rate (Rs/USS): - Appraisal Year Average (1979) Rs 8.40 - Intervening Years (1980 - 1985) Rsl0.00 - 1986 Average Rsl2.60 Follow - cn project: None 1L1 As at 31 December 1986. 2. Not directly comparable with appraisal estimate, as records of amounts spent on staff and operating costs have not been maintained on an incremental basis (as in SAR) over the entire project implementation period. AL The project was prepared by GOK with assistance from staff of the World Bank's Resident Mission in India. jj. a- Agriculturalist, e- Agricultural Economist, extn.- Extension Specialist. AL I- Problem free or Minor Problems, 2- Moderate Problems, 3- Major Problems. A.L 1- Improving, 2- Stationary, 3- Deteriorating. .Ll T- Technical, M- Managerial, P- Political. F- Financial, 0- Other. AL Follow up visits were made in December 1979 to finalize staffing details. - iv - rNQ1A MAHARAS4TRA AGRICULTURAL PXTRNSTON (Credit 1135 - IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT BASIC DATA SHEPIT WY PRO71C7T QATA Appraisal Actual as % of Kqti mate AnAAAorasa ItiMAtP Total Project Cost 38.2 40.8 107 (US$ Million) Credit Amount (SDR Million) 18.9 18.9 100 Physical Targets Met -Housing for:VEW 1,200 748 62 AEO 150 91 61 -Dept.Vehicles-4WD 173 225 130 Bicycle 3,090 3,160 102 Motorcycle 762 766 101 Date Physical Components Completed: 30th June 1986 30th June 1987 Institutional Performance: Satisfactory PROJECT DATES Project Appraisal October 1980 Board Approval 21st April 1981 Credit Signing 7th May 1981 Credit Effectiveness 22nd July 1981 Credit Closing 30tb June 1986 30th June 1987 CUMULATTVE DTSURSEMENT* 1119 1988 Appraisal Estimate 0.3 2.4 7.0 14.0 20.0 23.0 23.0 (US$ Million) Actual (USS Million) 0.6 2.0 5.0 10.4 15.7 18.5 20.5 Actual as % of Appraisal Estimate 200 83 71 74 79 80 89 Date of Final Disbursement: 12th April 1988 * Note that the Credit (nominated in SDR) was fully disbursed. STAFF INPUTS (Staff weeks) EXl EYR2 EXJ1 EXAA E F.Y8 £XIA EX11 EIJ ToIAL :dentification/ Preparation 0 Appraisal 6.0 6.0 Negotiations 1.5 1.5 Supervision 2.1 9.0 13.9 17.3 8.5 14.3 4.6 1.3 71.0 qubtotal 9.6 9.0 13.9 17.3 8.5 14.3 4.6 1.3 83.5 MTSSTON DATA Daegf- NoE. of Mandays S2ocializAtions Tvnps of Misgion Persons in Field Reoresented Statusq Prob2lems (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Appraisal 10/80 5 45 A.A,E,E.EX Supervision 1 09/81 3 18 A,E,EX 1 2 0 Supervision 2 03/82 3 18 A,E.EX 1 1 M Supervision 3 10/82 2 8 A,EX 1 2 M Supervision 4 07/83 3 18 A,ME.EX 1 2 M Supervision 5 01/84 2 10 A,EX 1 2 M Supervision 6 07/84 3 12 R,EX,EX 1 2 M Supervision 7 01/85 3 15 A,EX,EX 1 2 F Supervision 8 08/85 3 15 EX,EX,A Sapervision 9 02/86 3 15 E,EX Supervision 10 09/86 2 10 E,EX Supezvision 11 02/87 1 3 OTHER .DATA Borrower: Government of India State Government of Maharashtra Fiscal Year of Borrower: 1st of April - 31st March Name of Currency: Rupee (Rs) Exchange Rate (Rs/OSS): - Appraisal Year average Rs 8.00 - Intervening Years average (1981-1986) Rs 10.72 - 1987 average Rs 12.92 Follow-on project None (1) About 27 days were spent in field to appraise 3 projects (2) A: Agriculture, E: Economics, EX: Extension; ME: Monitoring & Evaluation; F: Forestry; and R: Agriculture Research (3) 1: Problem Free or Minor Problems; 2: Moderate Problems; 3: Major Problems (4) 1: Improving; 2: Stationery; 3: Deteriorating (5) T: Technical; M: Managerial; P: Political; F: Financial; 0: Other - Vi - TAMTL NADE Ar,TCUTURAL ETON PROJRe? (Credit 1137-IN) PROJRCT COMPLETTON REPORT RASIC DATA SHET Appraisal Actual as t of ratimate A-MaL Azoraisal EstimAta KEY PROJP.CT nATA Total Project Cost (USS Million) 45.6 37.8 83 Credit Amount (SDR Million) 22.9 22.84 99.7 Physical Targets Met Housing for: AEO 300 300 100 VEW 1,450 1,450 100 Vehicles: 4WD 115 134 116 Motorcycles 830 692 82 Bicycles 2,500 2,053 84 Date Completed: 30th June 1986 20th June 1987 Institutional Performance: Satisfactory PROJECT nATE= Appraisal October 1980 Board Approval 23rd April 1981 Credit Signing 7th May 1981 Credit Effectiveness 22 July 1981 Credit Closing 30th June 1987 30th June 1987 CMUiT.ATTVr DTqqQRqVM7NTS* E181 EL1 LA ZA 1= ZYAL FCA Appraisal Estimate (US$ million) 0.4 3.9 11.1 19.2 24.6 28.0 28.0 Actual (US$ million) 1.1 4.0 6.2 8.9 13.5 20.1 26.5 Actual as 4 of Appraisal Est.. 275 103 56 46 55 72 95 Date of Final Disbursement: 22nd January 1988 * Note that the Credit (nominated in SDR) was almost fully disbursed. - vil - TAP' INPHTS (Staff Weeks) ,= E=.,2 Z=.1 , XzQ= L,g, , £,,g g Identification/ Preparation 0.4 2.3 2.1 Appraisal 22.3 22.3 Negotiations 1.3 1.3 Supervision 0.8 19.2 11.5 16.3 6.1 12.9 13.5 5.7 85.9 Subtotal 0.4 26.7 19.2 11.5 16.3 6.1 12.9 13.5 5.7 112.2 M$TSATON DATAt Daa of NO*-nf Mandays sopcIAiaizaionng Tyl2gs of Mission 2ALARAA in-Field Reoresented AtAtun Problems (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Appraisal Oct-80 5 9 A,A,E,E,EX Supervision 1 Oct-81 2 15 EX,EX 1 1 0 Supervision 2 Jan-82 1 6 EX 1 1 0 Supervision 3 Jun-82 3 15 EX,EX 1 1 0 Supervision 4 July-83 3 15 AX.EX ME 1 2 M Supervision 5 Jan-84 2 8 EX,R 1 1 M Supervision 6 Jun-84 3 15 A.E, EX 1 2 M Supervision 7 Feb-85 3 15 A,E,EX 1 2 M Supervision 8 Sep-85 2 10 E,EX Supervision 9 Mar-86 2 10 E,EX Supervision 10 Oct-86 4 20 A,A,E,EX Supervision 11 Feb-87 4 20 A,E,EX,F OTHER DATA 3orrower: Government of India State Government of Tamil Nadu Fiscal Year of Borrower: 1 April - 31 March Name of Currency (Abbreviation): Rupee (Rs.) Exchange Rate (Ra./US$): - Appraisal year average (1980). Rs. 8.00 - Intervening years (1981-1986) Rs. 10.72 - 1987 Average Rs 12.92 Follow-on project: None (1) About 27 days were spent in the field to appraise 3 projects. (2) A: Agriculture; E: Economics; EX: Extension; ME:Monitoring and Evaluation; F:Forestry; and R: Agricultural Research (3) 1: Problem Free or Minor Problems; 2: Moderate Problems; 3: Major Problems (4) 1: Improving; 2: Stationary; 3: Deteriorating (5) T: Technical; M: Managerial; P: Political; F: Financial; 0: Others - viti - KERALA (Cr. 1028-INI. MARhRASHTRA (Cr. 1135-IN) AND TAMIL NAQU tCr. 1137-IN) AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECTS PROJECT COMPLETION REPORTS Overview General 1. This overview, prepared by the Asia Regional staff, complements the three Project Completion Reports dealing with the above operations. The projects were successful in establishing the basic structure for improved extension services. Further institutional, administrative, and policy reforms are needed in the participating states (Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) to make their extension services more efficient and effective in keeping the changing needs of the farmers. The overview outlines a number of key adjustments for long term development of extension in these states. Reorganizing Extension 2. Since mid-1970s, the Bank has assisted GOI to reorganize its agricultural extension services which were fragmented and weak. The restructuring of extension was based on the T&V approach. This approach was designed to ensure regular contact with the farmers, regular training of the Village Extension Workers (VEW) and Subject Matter Specialists (SMS), close supervision of field workers, and regular feedback to researchers to solve field problems in order to improve farm productivity and farm incomes. The aim was to establish a professional advisory service staffed by well qualified, closely supervised field workers--fully supported by technical specialists--who would disseminate relevant, up-to- date technical information to cultivators. 3. The initial projects were designed to establish the basic organizational structure and put in place the required manpower for extension services. In the early years, to keep management simple and to allow extension to be established and accepted by the farmers, technology transfer was focussed on selected major crops (cereals, pulses, and oilseeds). This was consonant with GOI's policy at that time to attain self sufficiency in foodgrain production. It was, however, intended that agricultural extension services would eventually cover all on-farm land based activities. The investment program during this first phase of extension development required high capital expenditures (civil works, vehicles, and equipment), with high incremental costs because of substantial expansion of manpower. 4. As part of this first phase development, the above three projects were designed to restructure extpnsion services on a state - ix- wide basis and to establish the basic organizational structure of a professional extension system in each of the participating states. Prj$c Tplement tion 5. Project objectives were achieved under the above projects which were completed on time as expected at appraisal. With the support provided under the Bank financed projects, the basic organizational structure of the reformed extension system, including the hiring of the core staff and the linkage with research, 'ias been established in Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The establishment of the reformed extension system has improved the quality of extension services in the states. Generally, the introduction of professional extension services has been well received in the states, the T&V methodology has been accepted by staff and farmers, and the morale of VEWs has improved as they have gained confidence in their ability to assist farmers. Farmers are accepting the technical advice of extension workers and adopting the recommended practices to improve farm productivity. This in turn has led to changes in the cropping patterns, to yield increases, and to increased use of inputs, even. though monitoring surveys have reported some irregularity in VEW visits and the failure of some farmers to adopt certain recommended crops and farming practises. The extension system is also coordinating to some extent with other support services to provide better research, inputs, water and power services to farmers. 6. Since the projects dealt with significant institutional reforms to restructure extension services, project start-up in each case was fairly slow. The recruitment of staff was difficult in the initial period. The agricultural colleges were turning out a limited number of agricultural graduates each year. The projects also encountered some difficulties in transferring staff from other departments to the Department of Agriculture. The posting of staff to remote locations was also troublesome. The lesson from this is that in projects where transfers of staff are involved it is important to reach agreement at an early stage with the Departments and staff concerned on the implementation arrangements. Another problem encountered during implementation was delays in the civil works component which were due to inadequate budgetary provisions in the early years, difficulties in site selections, shortages of cement and low priority by the implementing agency (PWD). The extension program in these states is still hampered by: (a) weak extension planning and management; (b) inadequately trained staff especially subject matter specialists (SMS); and (c) inadequate budgetary provision and delayed sanction of funds, in recent years, for investments and recurrent expenditures. Insufficient operating expenditures have at times seriously disrupted the regularity of farm visits, staff training and supervision, and adaptive research. Further Reforms for Extension 7. While a lot of progress has been made in providing improved extension to farmers, further changes are now necessary to improve the management, operational efficiency and quality of . extension services. To facilitate prompter adaption to changing needs and emerging national priorities, extension services must become more flexible and efficient. The farmers who are becoming more commercially oriented, now demand a broad range of advise on (a) all farm enterprises and farming activities: (b) improved farming technologies suitable to local conditions: (c) services available for inpLts, credit and marketing; and (d) methods to improve farm management in order to increase farm income. The staff of the future extension service must therefore have the knowledge and expertise to discuss options for resource allocation and to carry out basic farm budget analysis with the farmers. 8. Extension is now at an important crossroads: The present approach to providing extension support to farmers is fragmented and lacks coordination among the natural resource line departments, and encourages development of costly, parallel extension services. Timely institutional and administrative reforms could integrate all land-based extension activities currently supported by several line departments, and make extension more efficient, flexible and cost-effective. 9. The key areas -in which further reforms are needed are outlined below: (a) Broadening the coverage of extension services to cover all land based farm activities (horticulture, animal husbandry, fodder production, soil and moisture conservation, water management, farm forestry, etc.); (b) Strengthening of technical and management quality of extension (including staff deployment, recruitment policies, promotion prospects and incentives, and communication methods ); (c) Strengthening extension to cater to the needs of women involved in farming; (d) Improving the research-extension linkage: (d) Rationalizing centrally and state funded extension programs that duplicate the function of DOA extension services; and (e) Improving planning and funding of the agricultural extension services. 10. The above reforms would not involve significant capital expenditures or incremental costs. However, continued Bank support is considered very important since it would strengthen the hands of those for continued reform to improve the performance of the extension service. If the reforms are not undertaken in a timely manner the effectiveness of the existing extension system could decline, and such a trend could lead to a progressive weakening of the professional extension services in the states. 11. The sustainability of the improved extension system will depend on the capability of the extension service to understand farmers' problems and solve them within the confines of their - xi - means. Moreover, sustainability would also be enhanced by the implementation of significant institutional, administrative, and policy reforms in the areas outlined above. The establishment of a more efficient system, responding to the changing demands of agriculture, would receive strong support from the farming community and from key agencies within the government (Finance, Planning), as it would not require any significant increase in budgetary outlays. SECTIONA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1028-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Country Department IV Asia Regional Office I JIA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1028-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Evaluation Summary Introduction 1. The Kerala Agricultural Extension Project was executed between 1980 and 1986. The project was intended to finance the reorganization and strengthening of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) extension service based on the T&V approach. The Credit closed on time in June 1986. Total project cost, estimated at appraisal at US$ 15.3 M was supported by an IDA Credit of USS 10.0. M. The total credit amount has been disbursed. Proiect Objectives and Rationale 2. The project intended to support the reorganization and strengthening of the DOA extension service, aimed at establishing a single line of command from the Director of Agriculture to the Village Extension Workers (VEWs) through: consolidating staff from special crop schemes into a unified extension service: hiring additional staff; establishing the T&V methodology of extension; supporting a variety of training programs; providing vehicles for the different levels of staff; constructing staff housing; and meeting other incremental costs of the DOA, including those for setting up a monitoring and evaluation unit. Through improvements in the extension service it was expected that agricultural productivity and farm incomes would increase over time. Project Implementation. Results and Sustainability 3. The project has generally been successful in establishing a framework for a professional agricultural extension in the state (away from the diffused system of multipurpose workers and numerous crop schemes). Though there were delays in startup of the project, staffing (scarcity of qualified staff, staff from other departments refusing to transfer, etc), AEO staff assigned dual responsibility (operating input supply centers), provision of staff transport (too low loan cielings and travel allowances), the civil works component (slow land aquisition) and insufficient release of budgetary funds in the early years, the project was implemented largely as envisaged at appraisal. The training and M&E components were especially well implemented. 4. By the end of the project most staff had been appointed and data from M&E surveys in 1986/87 show that on average 21% of the farmers in Kerala were being visited by the VEWs. (57% of the contact farmers received two, and another 20% one visit permonth. - 2- In addition about 6% of the non-contact farmers were visited twice and 15% once in a month). The practises recommended by the VEWs are being adopted and this in turn has led to increased use of inputs and higher yields in the case of paddy, cardamom and banana. It is still too early to assess the project's overall impact on productivity. The long term effect of the project is expected to be positive and lead to increasingly higher rates of adoption of new technologies. The momentum and gain achieved will, however, require a continued committment to the program from higher level officals of the state government and management improvement to ensure the motivation of staff at the field level. Moreover, the sustainability of the improved extension system would be enhanced by the implementation of further institutional, administrative, and policy reforms as outlined in paras 7-9 of the PCR Overview. Findings and Lessons 5. The main lessons that emerge from the project are: (a) constitution of a Steering Committee with the Chief Secretary as chairman and the most senior officials of concerned Departments as members, once it was established in 1984 by the Government, ensured adequate allocation and release of funds for the project which was earlier a problem; (b) commitment and effective field level supervision by middle and senior level staff is of crucial importance; (c) staff should not be assigned non-extension work (d) travel allowances and loan ceilings for vehicle purchase need to be high enough to ensure staff mobility (mopeds should also be included since they are preferred to bicycles); (e) there is concern that extension activities are too heavily biased to contact farmers and it is suggested that the contact farmer approach be complemented by use of voluntary organizations at the rural level or visits to informal farmer groups, and use of media; (f) messages should cover more than crops, take into account local practises and put significantly more emphasis on the financial impact of adopting a particular recommendation; (g) visits should be scheduled according to need (i.e. areas with tree crops only require a lower frequency of visits than areas with annual crops); and (f) constructing staff housing is not a priority in Kerala as it is financially more attractive for staff not to live in government housing and many field staff prefer to live with their families. -3- INDIA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1028-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT I. INTRODUCTION 1.r In the mid 1970s, the Government of India (GO) as part of its national agricultural development policy, accepted the need to reorganize the various States' extension services to provide farmers with up to date advice on farming practices best suited to their specific conditions, on a regular and systematic basis. In line with this and supported by the World 8ank, GOI initiated a programme of reorganizing and strengthening agricultural extension in the various States of India through a series of IDA assisted projects. The basic thrust of these projects was aimed at encouraging the adoption of the Training and Visit (T&V) system of agricultural extension by the respective State governments. 1.2 The Kerala Agricultural Extension Project, the subject of this Project Completion Rqport, was the eighth in this series of IDA supported projects. 1/ This project, appraised in 1979/80, provided for the reorganization of the prevailing extension system in Kerala (which was based on several special crop schemes under the Department of Agriculture, and a network of multipurpose Village Level Workers under the Community Development Department), into a unified extension service under the Department of Agriculture, with a single line of command between full-time village extension workers and extension headquarters. It also provided for an extensive programme of regular in-service training, and improved linkages between agricultural research and extension. Under the State's Agricultural Production Commissioner (APC), responsibility to implement the project lay with the Director, OA, with support from the Kerala Agricultural University in implementing the training component and for providing the necessary research support for extension. A Project Coordination Committee, under the APC, was set up to coordinate the project's extension, research and other related activities. 1f The seven previous projects were the following: Assam Agricultural Development Project (Cr. 728-IN) 1977, West Bengal Agricultural Extension and Research Project (Cr. 690-IN) 1977, Rajasthan Agricultural Extension and Research Project (Cr. 737-IN) 1978, Madhya Pradesh Agricultural Extension and Research Project (Cr. 712-IN) 1977, Sihar Agricultural Extension and Research Project (Cr. 761-IN) 1978, Orissa Agricultural Development Project (Cr. 682-IN) 1977, and the Composite Agricultural Extension and Research Project (Haryana, Gujarat and Karnataka) (Cr. 862-IN) 1979. -4- 1.3 A draft PCR prepared by 0OA in June 1987, together with additional information provided by the department to an FAO/CP mission which visited Kerala between 2-9 July 1987, provide the basis for this PCR. In addition, this report is based on a review of the World Bank Staff Appraisal Report (SAR No. 2863-IN); the Development Credit Agreement and Loan Agreement both dated 25 June 1980; World Bank Supervision reports and project files; and field visits and discussions with 0OA and KAU staff und farmers. II. PROJECT FORMULATION Project Preparation 2.1 As a continuation of the effort to reorganize and strengthen agricultural extension and research activities in India, the World Bank in consultation with GO considered in early 1979, the possibility of a Second Composite Agricultural Extension Project (as a follow up to Cr. 862-IN). Such a project was expected to cover the States of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Government of Kerala (GOK) officials had expressed interest In adopting the T&V approach to extension to an IDA mission in January 1979; approval for this was given by a sub-committee of the State Cabinet in March 1979. However, the other two States were unable to take a formal decision to participate in the proposed project; consequently, the project addressed the requirements only for the State of Kerala. 2.2 The process:of preparing the project followed the approach adopted for earlier extension projects in other States of India, with the State Government being responsible for preparing the project with support from staff of the World Bank's New Delhi Office (NO). The preparation report was completed by the Government of Kerala in June 1979, based on earlier drafts amended in line with comments received from NOO staff during a series of discussions with GOK staff and visits to the State during the project preparation stage. The focus of preparation was on the proposed reorganization of the Department of Agriculture, staffing levels, and the integration of extension activities then carried out by village level workers (VLW) of the Community Development Department (COD). Appraisal 2.3 The initial appraisal of the project took place in August 1979, when a three person IDA mission visited the State. While the essential features of the project were largely agreed during this visit, discussions continued between N0O and GOK on staff numbers, including the number of VLWs to be transferred from COD to DOA. Follow-up visits by IDA were made in December 1979, when staffing details were largely finalised. 2.4 During and after appraisal, the principal issues which needed to be resolved, related to the total number of Village Extension Workers (VEWs) to be deployed under the new extension system, and agreement on the number of VLWs to be transfered from the Community Development Department to 0OA. While IDA was of the view that around 2,100-2,400 VEWs would be adequate for Kerala's corditions, GOK proposed a level of 1,952 VEWs. While accepting that there was no precise vay to determine the "right" number of field -5- staff, IDA felt that the proposal Might spread the VEWs too thinly. To resolve the issue, it was agreed that a physical contingency equivalent to the cost of 250 additional VEWs would be provided, which would be used on the basis of a review after two years of project implementation. As regards the transfer of VLWs to the 0OA, the issue concerned the number of existing VLWs who would be willing to be transferred from the COO, even with adequate protection of their acquired service benefits. Prior to negotiations, GOK approved the transfer of 172 VLWs to the 0OA, to work exclusively as Village Extension Workers under the project. Project Description 2.5 The appraised project supported the reorganization of the extension service of 0OA, aimed at establishing a single line of command from the Director of Agriculture to full-time Village Extension Workers (VEWs); consolidating staff from special crop schemes into a unified extension service; introducing a system of regular in-service training as an integral part of extension activities, and a systematic framework for regular and frequent visits by VEWs to farmers' fields; improving the working linkages between extension operations and agricultural research activities; and developing regular monitoring and evaluation procedures. 2.6 The project provided for: a) recruiting additional staff (630 VEWs, 110 sub-divisional subject matter specialists, 11 assistant sub-divisional agricultural officers, 36 sub-divisional agricultural officers (SDAG), 13 district SMS, 9 principal agricultural officers, and 4 headquarters SMS) to achieve staffing patterns in accordance with T&V norms; b) supporting a variety of in-service and pre-service training programmes for both new and existing staff, which included orientation, seasonal, foundation, and special short courses, and scholarships for advanced training of selected staff; c) constructing 488 houses for VEWs and 94 for Agricultural Extension Officers (AEO); d) purchasing vehicles (for the different levels of staff) and equipment. Loans were to be provided to VEWs to purchase bicycles, and to AEOs and SMSs to purchase scooters and motorcycles; and e) meeting 0OAs incremental operating costs, including those for setting up a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) unit. Total costs of the project, over a five year implementation period, were estimated at Rs128.4 million (US$15.3 million). 2.7 At 0OA headquarters, under the Director of Agriculture, the project provided for redesignating the three existing Additional Directors of Agriculture (ADA) responsibilities as being for Extension, Input Supply and Logistics, and Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation respectively. The ADA (Extension) was to be responsible for the day to day operations and management of the extension service, both technically and administratively. He was to be provided a technical. support staff of 8 SMS at headquarters (for paddy production/farm management, pulses/agronomy, coconut and arecanut, cashews and horticulture, plant protection, spices and cocoa, -6- adaptive research and training, and water management). The 11 districts of the State (each headed by a Principal Agricultural Officer, supported by a 3 member SMS team) were divided at field level into a total of 36 sub- divisions (each headed by an SDA0 and a 4 member SMS team), and 378 agricultural extension circles (headed by an Agricultural Extension Officer) each responsible for supervising between 5-8 VEWs each. To carry out non- extension activities (input supply, logistics and regulatory functions), there were to be 125 Agricultural Development Units/Circles (each staffed by a Junior Agricultural Officer and 2 Agricultural Demonstrators). 2.8 The training component of the project was to be implemented jointly by O0A and the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Strengthening of arrangements for close research and extension coordination between KAU and OA were to be promoted through State and District level technical committees and zonal workshops. Negotiations and Credit Effectiveness 2.9 The negotiations between GOI and IDA took place during April 1980. The Bank's Board of Director approved the proposed IDA Credit of USS10 million on 1 May 1980, and it was signed on 25 June 1980. The Credit became effective on 18 August 1980. III. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Project Start-Up 3.1 Although the proposed extension programme was expected to start by July 1980, various factors contributed to a significant delay in the actual commencement of field activities. These included: a) a change in officers at decision making levels (APC, Secretary of Agriculture, Director of Agriculture) in the second half of 1980, with the new team wishing to review the overall staffing proposals (and in particular the provision of SMS at sub-division level) under the project, and the proposed project phasing; b) disagreement with the proposed drastic reduction in input supply units (the SAR proposed 125 agricultural development units as opposed to the 549 in operation prior to the project), since GOK felt that the prevailing arrangements for supplying inputs, particularly seed and seedlings may get disturbed; c) objections raised by junior level staff on there being inadequate promotional opportunities qnder the project. - 7- On account of the above factors, the Government Orders santioning the start of the project (in 3 districts, as opposed to the 4 proposed for year I in the SAR) were only issued in January 1981. Actual implementation in these first 3 districts (Trivandrum, Quilon and Allepey) did not begin until April 1981, with regular field visits and training beginning in June/July 1981. Revisions to Project Design 3.2 The principal change in project design was in its phasing. Instead of the districts being phased over a 3 year period to cover the whole State (with 4 districts each to be covered in 1981/82 and 1982/83 and 3 in 1983/84), the programe started in 3 districts 1981, with the remaining districts being brought under the new extension system in 1982/83. 1/ Also, instead of reducing the number of Agricultural Development Units to T25, GOK decided to have 378 units (coterminus with the extension circles) each manned by a Junior Agricultural Officer (JAO) and two supporting staff. Finally, the 172 VLWs ordered to be transferred to ODA refused to do so, and OA had to recruit an additional 172 VEWs. Implementation of Specific Components 3.3 Extension. The main problems encountered in the establishment of the T&V system of extension were in staffing and staff transport. During the initial years, a full complement of field staff were not deployed in the 3 districts where the project was in operation. The initial Government Order initiating the project in 3 districts authorised fewer SMS positions (as compared to SAR proposals): 2 instead of 4 in each subdivision, 2 instead of 3 in each district, and 2 as compared to 8 proposed at headquarters (HQ). The delayed appointment of HQ staff and the full complement of SMS unavoidably delayed initial preparatory works such as demarcation of VEW circles and the establishment of a properly organised training and visit system. More serious staffing problems were encountered later in December 1982, when the order was given to implement the project in all the remaining districts simultaneously (with the full complement of staff as proposed in the SAR). Delays were experienced in recruitment, since all civil service appointments had to be made through the Kerala State Public Service Commission (PSC). Given the large intake necessary, the PSC was unable to recruit at the rate required to fill all posts. At the field level delays in PSC appointment of VEW were overcome by the appointment of temporary staff (for 6 months at a time), and 0OA tried to maintain continuity by re- appointments. In the AEO positions, however, shortages were unavoidable because of the limited number of graduates coming out of the Universities. Newly appointed Junior Agriculturki officers (JAO) were assigned, on appointment, first to extension activities as AEOs (JAO grade II) before promotion to JAO grade I for the agricultural development unit activities. In many cases AEOs were assigned dual responsibility and this diluted their effectiveness in supervising the extension work of VEWs. 1/ At appraisal there were 11 districts, which have since been re- demarcated. At present, the State is divided into 14 districts- The number of sub-divisions and extersinn circles however, remains unchanged. -8- 3.4 Shortages in the AEO grade were further aggravated by frequent transfers, as well as by instances where staff took leave of absence when posted to districts they did not like. By the end of the project however, most of the staff proposed at appraisal had been appointed with the exception of 65 AEO positions (i.e. a shortfall of 17% of the appraisal target, see Tables 3 and 4). 3.5 Training. Tne comprehensive training component, involving a series of pre-service, in-service, pre-season, promotional and other training programmes were extremely well managed by KAU. Table 5 shows the main types of courses and numbers trained. With the exception of the promotional courses, the training programme encountered few significant problems. At appraisal two promotional courses were provided as incentives for staff. Provision was made for about one VEW per district per year for a four year B.Sc course and for one SMS and one AEO per district for 2 year M.Sc courses. By the end of the project only 8 (as compared to 59 proposed at appraisal) had been deputed for B.Sc courses, and 73 officers out of the proposed 100 had been deputed for M.Sc courses. Various factors were responsible for the very low intake of VEWs into KAU. Firstly, KAU assigned only 2 places a year for B.Sc degrees and 8 places for M.Sc degrees to OA staff. Secondly VEWs did not have the necessary pre-university qualifications and KAU had to organise introductory courses for such candidates, for which they had limited facilities and staff. The implementation of the non-institutional training programmes such as fortnightly training of VEWs and workshops needed considerable guidance from 10A supervision missions, as there was little prior experience in the State in conducting such training/workshops. However, they continued to improve every year to the satisfaction of supervision missions. On the whole te training courses have played an important role in upgrading staff technici knowledge, self-confidence and communication ability. 3.6 Civil Works. At appraisal, provision was made for constructing 488 houses for VEWs and 94 for AEOs. No provision was made for the purchase : land on the understahding that it would be provided free by the State, loca' authorities or private individuals. 0OA was very slow in soliciting la-: from these sources. Further delays were encountered due to the limited f4fts allocated for the purpose in the State Government budget. Significa-t progress in site allocations was made only during 1983/84 and then it oecime evident that the large construction programme could not be undertaken sole', by DOA's engineering unit. It was decided to apportion a considerable 2art of the construction programme to the Public Works Department (PWD) to soee: up the works. Actual construction therefore started in 1984/85, ano :-e progress made towards completing the programme by the end of the project -as Commendable. At project closing, 555 houses had been completea 7 constructed by OOA and 485 by PWD), with 10 more being completed by Ior* 1987. The present occupancy rate of these houses is very low at arouna 32t. principally due to: a) some houses still needing to be supplied --t- amenities such as electricity and water; b) field staff preferring to !.- with their families, particularly in the southern districts; and c) it *s financially more attractive not to live in Government housing because of -e loss of housing allowance combined with having to pay house rent at Government rates. 3.7 Vehicles and Equipment. While there were budgetary constraints the first three years of the project, by the time the project closed, cst of the items under this component were procured. However, problems ce encountered in getting staff to purchase transport provided under te project, through staff loans. Demand for loans to purchase motorcycles a"c bicycles was very low until the final stages of project implementat':" - 9- because: a) the limits set for such loans were low in Comparison with the cost of the vehicles, and b) the travel allowances paid were financially unattractive. When finally in February 1986 GOK increased the Ceiling for loans to Rs5,000 for motorcycles, RsIO,000 for sconters and Rs4,000 for mopeds, there was a sudden increase in the demand for such loans. By the end of the project, 429 mechanised transport (motorcycles, scooters, mopeds) had been purchased on loan by staff (11 of these by M&E Unit staff), as against the appraisal estimate of 375. Loans were however made for only 60 bicycles out of the appraisal estimate of 1,560 because a) a very large proportion of VEWs (for whom the bicycles were meant) were women, who would not ride bicycles, and b) extension staff generally preferred mechanised transport. Of the 489 loans approved (429 mechanised transport and 60 bicycles), 375 were for VEWs. 3.8 Monitoring and Evaluation. The Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Unit w.s set up under the Additional DiFector of Agriculture (Planning), with staff as proposed in the SAR (with the exception of a sociologist). Few problems of note were encountered by the M&E unit, which began its functions early in 1981, and produced reports of a good standard on all aspects of the project. The Unit has published reports on 4 Monitoring surveys, 11 Monitoring-cum-Evaluation Surveys, and 9 Special Studies (see Attachment 1). Project Costs 3.9 At appraisal the project was estimated to cost Rs128.4 million (US$15.3 million). Based on data available at 0OA, actual project costs, as shown in Table 1, are estimated at Rs284.5 million (USS25.1 million), or 221% (164% in US$ terms) of the appraisal estimate. However, the two total costs are not altogether comparable. This is on account of the fact that while the SAR estimates include only the costs of incremental staff to 3e hired under the project with related incremental operating costs, cost data available at 0OA include the costs of both incremental staff as well as existing (i.e. pre-project) 0OA staff deployed from other schemes to work exclusively on the extension project (see para 4.11). 3.10 If the staff and operating costs are excluded, the actual costs f:r the other components (civil works, equipment and vehicles, and training) were 160% (111% in US$ terms) of the appraisal estimate. The much lower cost overrun in dollar terms reflects the relatively large depreciation of tne Indian rupee since appraisal (1986 exchange rate of Rsl2.60 per USS, as compared to SAR rate of Rs8.40 pef US$). The highest cost overrun has beem on civil works (199% of SAR estimate), where due to a significant delay -r component execution, combined with high inflation, there were much higher unit construction costs to be paid as compared to ohat was original, estimated. Project Financing and Credit Allocation 3.11 The 10A credit of USS10 million was expected to finance approximately 65% of SAR estimated total project costs. While the total credit cllocated for the project was disbursed, actual disbursements were far behind the SAR schedule (see basic data sheet). Though partly on account of the delayed start-up of the project (and that only 3 districts were covered up to the bilirni-i or 111'""' significen- the vehicle. - 10 - the credit through completing the civil works component, IDA kept open disbursements informally for qualifying expenditures incurred up to the end of December 1986. Based on the revised estimate of total costs, as shown in Table 2, the IDA credit financed around 40% of the total cost. 3.12 In terms of the allocation of credit proceeds proposed in the DCA, actual disbursements show that the categories for civil works and Staff salaries were overdisbursed, while the training, and vehicle and equipment categories were not fully disbursed. No formal reallocation of credit proceeds, between the different categories, was carried out. Compliance with Covenants 3.13 In general, GOK complied with the major covenants included in the Development Credit and Project Agreements, though in some instances there were delays in meeting the target dates. Due to financial stringencies, inadequate budgetary provisions were made, inhibiting project imp,ementation as envisaged in the SAR, particularly in the earlier part of the project. GOK's inability to recruit staff to fill all positions (particularly at AEO level), meant that it was unable to comply with the covenant requiring t1hat officers designated for extension activities would not have other responsibilities (such as managing the agricultural development units). Delays were also experienced in the submission of audit certificates regarding project expenditures, though in this case too, the situation improved significantly towards the end of the project. IV. INSTITUTIONAL PERFORMANCE Institutional Reorganization 4.1 The main thrust cf the project was institutional reorganisation ard strengthening of D0A, in order to establish an effective extension serv4ce. While significant delays were experienced in getting the project started ., the project has succeeded in putting in place the basic extension structure as envisaged at the time of appraisal (see para 2.7). The day-to-day administrative and technical management of the project became the responsibility of the ADA (Extension), under the Director, 00A. Active collaboration with the research activities of the Kerala Agricultural University was achieved under the project. The State Tecnnical Committee (STC) set up under the project, was responsible for guiding technical coordination and research and extension linkages. District Techn'cal Committees (DTCs) and the Zonal workshops were established mainly to strengthen research/extension linkages and, together with farmer's representatives (as members of DTCs), identify research needs and priorities. 4.2 Project Coordination. The Project Coordinating Committee, with the Director, DOA as member/secretary, met for the first time in January 1981 as agreed to at Appraisal. Subsequently, the meetings were generally irregular, and over the rest of the implementation period it met a total of five times. It proved unsuccessful in addressing some of the key problems faced by tMe project in meeting appraisal targets, principally on account of its limited influence on government decisions regarding financial/budgetary support to - 11. - the project: As a result, a State Steering Committee (SSC) was constituted in November 1984 with the Chief Secretary (to the Government) as chairman and the senior-most officials of the relevant Departments (Economic Development, Finance, Agriculture, Planning and Public Works) as members. After its first meeting in December 1984, the SSC met three times again in 1985 and once in 1986. It had a favourable impact on implementation in terms of ensuring adequate allocation of funds to complete construction and for the purchase of vehicles and equipment; it took an important decision on increasing the limits for loans and travel allowances for ODA staff. Department of Agriculture 4.3 With the proposed institutional reorganization under the project and the introduction of the T&V system of extension, it was expected that OA would be better able to advise farmers on the most appropriate farming practices. In assessing 0OA's performance, various aspects must be considered. In terms of staffing, there were delays during the early implementation period in getting the full complement of staff appointed, particularly at the extension circle levels. however, despite the difficulties of staff recruitment, 0OA was able to fill vacancies, even if many of them were on a temporary basis. Although technical standards were improved over time with the six months' pre-service training and continuous fortnightly and in-service training programmes, high quality was difficult to maintain because fresh recruits were needed to rep*ace the temporary ones after 6 months of continuous service. 4.4 World Bank missions found that supervision of field staff was inadequate, particularly during the initial period. Headquarters supervisory staff were reminded of the need for more field visits, while field supervisory staff were made to realise the need for a more comprehensive checking of the activities of VEWs and the need for accompanying them on some field visists to guide them in their work. While these weaknesses may be attributed to inexperience, they were further aggravated by the overall shortages in agricultural graduates resulting in many AE0s being assigned responsibilities for the Agricultural Development Units (the numbers of which were increased from 125 to 378) in addition to their extension duties. 4.5 In assessing 0OAs performance with farmers, account must be taken of the prevailing socio-economic characteristics and complex farming systems of Kerala. It is estimated that only about 30% of farmers in Kerala are full-time farmers. Many CFs chosen were not full-time farmers and some had only small garden lots. A special study report prepared by the M&E Unit in 1985, found in a sample survey of contact farmers that an estimated 37% of CFs were not engaged in agriculture, only 43% of CFs discussed messages with fellow farmers, and 45% did not understand the purpose for which they were selected as CFs. In addition 16% of CFs were related to each other. Thougn IDA supervisions called attention to the need for review of this situation, it took 0OA a long time to make changes. In addition, the concentration of efforts on CFs resulted in few non-CFs being reached with technical messages. IDA supervision missions advised that VEWs include non-CFs in their fortnightly visits; 0OA has now adopted a system of giving VEWs targets for visits to non-CFs. This increased the percentage of non-CFs receiving messages and although visits to CFs decreased as a result, the total number of farm families receiving messages increased. However, with the scattered nature of farms with the resulting poor communication among farmers, there is a need for constant review of the adoption rate among farmers in a T&V system with the possibility of periodic changes of CFs. Also, it is generally agreed that staff can be reduced in areas where there are only tree crops (with farmers being visited fewer times) and redeployed in areas where mixed cropping patterns prevail. 4.6 Scheduled visits (2 visits per fortnight) to CFs was not easy to achieve and showed a decline over the years while those to non-CFs increased. The percentage of farmers receiving single visits per fortnight was however generally high and progressively increased with time during project implementation. Estimates of farmers reached by the project are discussed further in Chapter V below. 4.7 00A field staff participated fully in the various workshops and training programmes with KAU, and 0OA's farm trials programe was merged with those of KAU in order to improve on their design and overall relevance to prevailing farming conditions. The fortnightly training of VEWs was Instituted early in the project and despite initial problems the programme improved over time with advice from IDA supervision missions resulting in increased confidence among VEWs. While tne messages cover most of the aspects of crop production, they are largely developed on a crop basis; deal more with aspects related to fertilizer applications; and at least in tr,e earlier stages did not take into account enough the prevailing farming practices (see Attachment 2). 4.8 Overall, the extension service (in collaboration with research staff of KAU) now routinely identifies production constraints which are subsequently discussed at various workshops and training sessions. However, there are certain drawbacks in the manner in which extension messages are developed. These include, among others: limited effort towards placing in terms of priority the various constraints and problems of farmers which are identified; the dearth of information and limited emphasis on the financial implications of extension recommendations: and most crops being viewed as single entities when recommendations are formulated, even though many are usually grown as mixqo crops in Kerala. Given that land pressure is great in Kerala, there is a need to adopt a "whole farm approach" while formulating messages and developing production recommendations. These are all issues which need to be addressed if the management and hence the effectiveness of the extension service is to be improved. Research/Extension Linkage 4.9 Project design ensured active dialogue and linkages between research and extension (KAU, central Government managed research stations and OA) at all levels through a system of technical committees and workshops (see para 4.1). 4eetings of the STC were irregular to begin witm. After the initial meeting as agreed during negotiations, it met once in March 1981. The next meeting was not until February 1983. After that meetings were held twice a year as planned. Meetings of the OTCs were regular from the onset of implementation and their performances were considered very satisfactory. However, with the initiation of the Zonal Research Advisory Committee (ZRAC) in 1983 under the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP), the need for OTCs became unnecessary as all SMSs and other BOA staff were involved in the ZRAC. OTC meetings were stopped in 1984. While the technical committees were meant to assist in technical decision making, the workshops were to ensure a continuous dialogue between research and extension activities and to develop a system by which field problems could be properly linked to research endeavours. The bi-annual zonal workshops, as well as its off-shoot of monthly district workshops, developed into extremely useful meetings where researchers faced extension staff in often heated but friendly exchange of views. In addition to - 13 - reviewing the agricultural situation in the sub-divisions, subjeci.s discussed at the workshops included farm trials, field problems, impact of the T&V system, and reports of the M&E Unit and Diagnostic Teams. There were also presentation of special topics, skill demonstration on specific practices and formulation of messages. In support of the overall training programe, KAU brings out a number of instructional materials, which have proved extremely useful for strengthening extension efforts in the State (see Attachment 3). 4.10 An important development during project implementation was the bringing together of extension and research workers in the conduct of field trials (adaptive research). Up to the end of 1984 few farm trials were conducted by 'DOA; meanwhile, KAU was conducting its own multi-locational trials for testing varieties on farmers fields. With the assistance of IDA, KAU organized workshops on farm trials from August 1984, and Regional. Research Centres became the focal points in developing programmes for farT trials. Proposals emanate from extension and research staff at Zoral workshops, and are discussed at the ZRAC meetings and managed as a commcn farm trials programme run jointly by KAU and 00A. Another development n strengthening research extension linkage was the establishment of field Diagnostic teams made up of researchers from KAU and 0OA staff. These teams go into the field for on-the-spot discussions with farmers to study thei- field problems, and ascertain reasons for adoption or non-adoption of recommended practices. The Diagnostic Team approach to research extension linkage was developed under NARP, and its implementation in Kerala hCs resulted in a better understanding of the complex farming system and t; incorporation of farmers' practices into the field trials programmes. Accounts and Reporting 4.11 The Department of Agriculture maintained information (considered ty IDA to be adequate as a project account) on component-wise expenditures. However, the classification provided for recording project incremental expenditures included certain other expenditures also. Such inadequacies in accounting information related mainly to expenditure on staff costs, which included expenditure on existing extension staff (redeployed from other pre- project schemes to work on extension under the project), in addition to incremental extension and support staff employed under the project. While the need to separate the costs of existing and incremental extension and support staff was stressed by IDA (Financial Review mission, October 1984), 0OA were unable to introduce and implement a suitable accounting fornat. This was largely on account of the dispersed locations all over the State where expenditures were being incurred, the high turnover of staff (particularly temporary staff), and the difficulties faced by district and lower level accounting staff in being able to recognize and correctly record the different costs for existing and project related incremental staff. 4.12 Other than the delays experienced in submitting audit certificates related to project accounting, reporting on project progress was generally satisfactory. Since 1982, six-monthly progress reports were submitted by GOK; in addition, a series of monitoring and evaluation reports (and special reports) were submitted (see Attachment 1), once the M&E unit was established in late 1981. -14- V. PROJECT IMPACT General 5.1 At appraisal, it was estimated that the project would be able to generate a 50% economic rate of return if, by 1987, yields of foodgrains increased by 12 kg/ha and the per hectare yields of coconut and tapioca increased by 10%. As stated in the SAR, quantifying the precise level of benefits generated from an institutional development project of this nature is difficult, since it is not possible to determine what proportion of benefits (arising out of, for example, increased yields) are due to extension alone and what are due to additional purchased inputs or other concurrently ongoing development efforts. Consequently, no attempt has been made to estimate an economic rate of return for the project. 5.2 However, data from the M&E surveys provide an indication of the numbers of farmers reached by the reorganized extension, and extent of adoption by farmerf of messages conveyed by the extension staff. These are discussed in the section below. Although it is still too early in the course of project implementation to expect a measurable impact on crop yields, the final section reviews briefly the levels of average crop yields both during the pre-project period and thereafter. Farmers Reached and their Adoption of Messages 5.3 In reviewing the findings of the M&E surveys, it is necessary to recognize that in .Kerala there is a predominance of homestead-based agriculture; the rural population is more dispersed, and much less village- based as compared to other States in India; and most farmers practise mixed cropping of both annual and tree crops, though there is a large area of mono-cropping in the'coastal sandy strip of coconuts and in the eastern hill areas of rubber and tea. In addition, the majority of farmers in the State are part-time farmers. The combination of these factors makes effective extension more difficult to carry out. 5.4 Data from the M&E surveys show that 72% of contact farmers (CFs) received the regular 2 visits a fortnight during 1981-82, but this declined in subsequent years with the steepest decline experienced in 1983-84 (see Table 6). This was the period when the project was extended to all the other districts simultaneously. In 1986-87 only about 57% of CFs had two visits per fortnight. Approximately 85% of CFs received at least one visit a fortnight in 1981-82; this fell to around 77% in 1986-87. These declines in the percentage of CFs visited were however, compensated by increases in the percentage of non-CFs visited. While in the beginning there were virtually no visits being made to non-CFs, by 1986-87 around 6% of non-CFs were visIted twice and about 15% once in a fortnight. Assuming a ratio of one CF to nine non-CFs, an estimated 21% of total farmers were being visited by VEWs by 198687. Regularity of these visits is however poor. Survey data - also show that VEWs are now the principal source of advice (mainly on paddy production) for farmers; also there is a a reduction in the percentage of farmers receiving no advice at all. However, the number of CFs who discuss messages with non-CFs is estimated at being only around 50%. - 15 - 5.5 The M&E surveys on adoption rates were naturally biased on adoption of technology on paddy and coconuts, the two main crops in the State. Data collected show that approximately 60% of the CFs used tho recommended seed varieties; however, it is not clear from the available data as to how many of the Cs changed the seed used to the recommended variety as a result of the VEWs recommendations. Although a large number of farmers had been using fertilizers on paddy, types and rates of application needed to be changed. The ME reports show that: a) there is an increase in number of CFs using the recommended rates of fertilizer on HYV paddy (at least 50-75% of recommendations). This led to an increase in the use of straight fertilizers at the expense of compounds, with resultant dec-?ase in cost of fertilizer application; b) there is an increase in the use of mineral fertilizers on coconuts althougt wore CFs use mireral fertilizers than do non-CFs; c) there haS been a 44% increase in fertilizer use, rising from 34 kg/ha to 49 kg/ha between 1981-82 and 1985-86 (although this may not be solely due to the project); d) the adoption rate for recommended use of plant protection chemicals is however not consistent (probably due to the annual changes in pest incidence) although there is a discernable increase in adoption. Impact on Production 5.6 It is still too early to assess the project's impact on productivity. However, yield data collected by the State's Directorate of Economics & Statistics has been tabulated to compare yields during the project years with pre-project yield levels. An examination of Table 7 on yields shows that among the important crops, average yields (in the two years 1984/85-85/86) have increased by more than 10% as compared to the pre- project average (1976-81) in the case of paddy, cardamom and banana; remained largely unchanged in the case of coconuts, tapioca and aracanuts; and show a decline in the case of rubber, cashew, pepper and coffee. The average yield of paddy of 1.73 t/ha (for 1984-86) represents a 12% yield increase (or 180 kg/ha) over the five year pre-project average. The stagnant overall yield per hectare of coconut is possibly on account of the increase in area under the crop with a resultant increase in the number of non- bearing trees not adequately accounted for in estimating average yields; the small increase in the yield of tapioca is reportedly on account of poor market prices prevailing, which act as a disincentive for farmers to take measures aimed at increasing productivity. Institutional Impact and Sustainability 5.7 The long-term effect of the project from strengthening and reorganizing 0OA is expected to be positive and should lead to increasingly higher rates of adoption of new *technologies. Although the build-up of operational capability was slower than planned, it has by and large been achieved in the final stages of the project. The institutional framework of I - 16 - the T&V system is in place, the methodology of extension is accepted and now practised routinely, training sessions are well prepared and a system of extension-research linkages well established. The momentum and gain achieved will, however, require a continued commitment to the programme from OA officials at t-e higher levels, and management approaches (including incentives) need to be adopted which will ensure the motivation of staff particularly at the field level. In particular, due Consideration will need to be given to how, for example, monthly workshops should evolve in the future to avoid becoming repetitive and monotonous in nature; greater imagination will be required in developing messages to ensure that farmers retain an interest in and respect for VEWs; and that there is adequate coverage of non-CFs in 0DA's extension activities. VI. IDA PERFORMANCE Overall Peformance 6.1 In initiating and financing the project, IDA made an important contribution towards reorganizing the Department of Agriculture, and re- structuring Kerala's agricultural extension activities towards a target oriented approach (away from the diffused system of multipurpose workers and numerous crop based schemes), emphasizing and increasing the awareness and importance of extension, and in particular its linkages with agricultural research at all staff levels. While due emphasis was given in project design to staffing levels, staff training and developing mechanisms for effective research/extension linkages, inadequate attention was devoted, either at appraisal or during Implementation, to the socio-economic differences in Kerala's agriculture sector as compared to the other States, while devising the manner in which extension was to be carried out. Very early in the discussions between IDA (NOO) and GOK, it was recognized by IDA that "there may be some opportunities to modify the T&V system to fit better Kerala's somewhat unique conditions" (see para 5.3). However, virtually no change was made under the project to the traditional T&V system suggested for implementation in Kerala. For example, the frequency of VEWs' visits suggested for largely tree crop farmers has been the same as that for farmers with mixed cropping systems. No attempt was made to promote informal farmer groups to complement CFs as a means for disseminating extension messages. Supervision 6.2 A total of 11 Supervision missions were fielded by IDA betwee" January 1981 and June 1986. The composition of the missions was technically satisfactory, and there was good continuity of staff between missions. In addition to the supervision mission, there were other technical back- stopping Rissions by NO staff, which contributed significantly towards project implementation and getting a better understanding among extension officials of the extension methodology. I - 17 - VII. CONCLUSIONS 7.1 The project has been generally successful in establishing a framework for agricultural extension in the State of Kerala, which is now well understood by most of the staff involved. Through an extensive training programme, the project has contributed in instilling confidence and upgrading technical skills among extension personnel. Though there were delays in the start-up of the project and in completing the civil works component, the project has been implemented largely as envisaged at appraisal. While the pre-seasonal, monthly and fortnightly workshops are being conducted to varying degrees of effectiveness, they along with the ongoing farm trials programme, have ensured effective interaction between extension staff and research scientists of the Kerala Agricultural University. It is recognized that this regular interaction has resulted in a perceptible shift in research done in KAU more in line witm farmers' problems, though this needs to be further reinforced, particularly in giving it a farming systems focus. 7.2 Given the institution building nature of the project, it is still too early to enable a judgement on its impact on agricultural productivity. However, data collected by the M&E unit of OA, as well as discussions with officials and farmers for the purposes of preparing this PCR, point towards certain conclusions on how the extension system is operating. Broadly, these show that: i) contact farmers have not always proved to be efficient and effective in disseminating information from VEWs; while this may partly be on account of poor selection of CFs, it is also a reflection of the nature of rural society and the agricultural sector in Kerala; ii) there is concern that the extension efforts, as well as complementary research activities (for example, on-farm trial locations) are heavily biased towards contact farmers; iii) the adoption of the T&V system, with little variation to account for the special conditions of Kerala, has meant that VEWs are visiting largely tree crop contact farmers on the same frequency as the other farmers; however, there is little to convey to such farmers on a fortnightly visit basis; iv) there is concern that messages are getting repetitive, since the ability of research stations to come up with new recommendations on a regular basis is obviously limited; this inevitably influences the reception of VEWs from contact farmers, as well as the morale and confidence of VEWs themselves; v) research and extension messages are largely crop based, which do not take into account adequately enough the fairly complex cropping patterns in Kerala; furthermore, not enough emphasis has been given while developing extension messages to economic factors, i.e. the direct financial impact on the farmer from adopting a particular recommendation; I - 18 - 7.3 For a project of an institution building nature, it is inevitable that performance depends largely on the individuals carrying out critical tasks. While a major step has been taken to successfully establish an extension framework, there are certain observations which can be made on the basis of experience in Kerala so far. These include the following; a) while the T&V system provides a framework for extension, due consideration must be given to specific local conditions when it is introduced in a new area, while designing the detailed manner in which it will be implemented; b) when the T&V system is newly introduced in an area, it should be recognized that without specifically designed interventions or mechanisms, the implementing institution will not, at least ih the initial stages, be able to maintain the necessary balance in its support of contact and non-contact farmers; consequently, there will be an overemphasis on the contact farmers; c) in connection with the above, the use of voluntary organizations at the rural level (or informal farmer societies) should be considered to complement the extension activities through contact farmers; d) for the implementing agency, it is imperative to recognize the importance of effective field level monitoring and supervision by middle and senior managers; -19 - NSI1A: NIRALA A4U1Cum.TUUAt SUIMIO3N P10JICT Org2istion of L0A's Estenstee Staff g AS03tsoAL bie«CTOR of AMk. ge$M. IMM A 9 * 4JINT OatCTom Of *GIt. ONt AM D CIOU 0f A401. M*tATllft CONTM: in; sMO02 =m (8) A . Riet and far. rnagnt a. Training end &oetiw* wemech 3. mater ~angewent 4.tolme Plant Plo*giectt II. Niart P-oitet@on .CQZOn%t & rocanmt Ns. #selS JOINT bIeCTee of aaL. (PUINCAL AR.OFFICM S T. $ns T am A 3 f1. TOriuttre C ~2. fite roonsemn T TtSPlant Protectoa1 y 3. ~~~Train"n-u-aonto D $NS onu0A A*of. Fr1. free Cros 13 PCant Pottt~n o 14 Tralfnwfg 37 IS • Subsett Uattert Seec'st 1 00A • etity Orector of aert. £ •Asitant *'rcto tO ar Ltu- Sittage Istensuiona ose * . 'du 1952 S #AMIRS GAOUPS S ForMert. Groupg mer VEW, 1$,016 Gro'dos 10 Contact Paers oer Gru. 15,10 Contact Fareer, INDIA ACRALA AfoRICULTURAL EXTENtON PHgOJI (Credit' 102-IN) 1' Anraisal Estimate Actual Cost it Actualas S SAf Ito Ra A00Jl)D U _tJmID ft1A990 (ISS-00t uss cost Civil Works 31.400 3.750 62.653 5.Od $99 134 Equipment & Vehicles lb.118 1.930 18.562 1.635 15 5 Iraining 6.419 710 5.940 540 92 70 Incremental Staff Costs 40.974 5.830 143.490 L/ 13.020 11 1/ Incremental Opurating Costs 25.257 3.010 53.840 1/ 4.885 I1 jJ Total Proiect Cost 128.36e I5.220 24.45 2§,09 1 1./ 1f Source: Department of Agriculture. Kerala. I/ Figures for actual staff and operating costs are not comparable with the SAR cost estimates. While the latter are on an incremental cost basis, project cost data maintained by DOA are not on the basis of costs of only incremental staff hired since the project began. The actual staff and operating costs shown above are for incremental staff hired for the project (including those for monitoring and evaluation). as well existing pro-project OOA staff deployed from other schemes to work exclusively on extension. If - 22 - Table 2 INDLA KERALA AMICULTURAL EMTERSION PJECT (Credit 1028-1") IDA Financina - Allocation of Credit Proceeds OCA 6SUAal Actual as I AlloWtion Disbursements Undisbursed / of Allocation r .....(USVO000................ . U(I) Oisbursement Cateor 1. Equipment. Furniture & vehicles 1,300 1.041 259 80 2. Civil Varks 2.700 3,361 (661) 124 3. Training 650 358 292 55 4. Staff Salaries & Allowances ..4,80 5.240 (390) 108 5. Unallocated 500 - 500 0 Total 0 10-00 100 3/ No formal reallocation of credit proceeds, between the different categories, was carried out during implementation. gRALA AGICULYTAL. EXTENSION PROJECT (C. f02-iNI Cuesulative Staffin Sttuation: relhnical IAdI~nlätrat$vC..and Fjeld Lewell L.Et.a«aon tkafLf Ont 1/ Staff Catenorw i/ i..900/J t1984/02 1902/13 .f198304 1984/05 1985/86 .986/97 2 1. V.t.w. SAR 705 I.J52 1.952 0.952 1.952 1.952 1.952 Actual 512 •592 512 0.952 1.952 1.952 1.952 2. AE0 SAR 137 258 378 378 370 378 318 Actuat 97 97 97 220 280 337 303 2/ 3. SMS (Sub-tivtstotta) SAR 52 100 144 044 144 144 144 Actual l8 27 144 144 144 144 144 4. SUS (Distr#ct) SAR 12 24 33 33 33 33 33 Actual 6 6 36 39 39 39 39 5. SMSEOQ) SAR 8 8 8 8 Actua 8 8 t i 8 b. SOAO (Extenstont SAR 13 25 36 36 36 36 36 Aftual 9 9 36 36 36 36 36 1. ASDAO SAR 4 7 et le 11 et 10 Actual - - II 1$ It 01 ie 6. PAO SAR 4 8 t I1 t0 e0 it Actual 3 3 02 43 14 84 04 9. JA SAR 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Actual - - 2 2 2 2 2 t0. Addi. DA SAR 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Actual 0 0 0 0 0 1 ./ Statt 'sOtu.atton for Agricultural Development Units excluded. / Cumenutatite statt situatiuon used somt ItPA agrecd tu fund det extension statt costs and not just inceatmenttal Saff costs. -4 pJ Extensiun Utaff situation as at Decefther 1906. There were 65 V&cancle% at the AEO levet. KERALA AGRICILTURAlExTENSION PXOJEcy (Cr, 4028-1111 Mon9itof fnQ and fvaluation Staff ICumulatj!je) tafcattan"-d Q98&RLLU" 12fi4u&tese S. Joint Director SAN I I I I Actual - I 3 2. tead (Ad-Hoc Studies) 5Al . . I I I I ALtual - S 1 I 3. Head (Sample Survey) SAQ Ia ) ALtudl - I 4. Agr. Economist SAN I I I Actual - I g 5. Research Otticer SAN 2 2 2 Actual - 2 2 &2N 6. Social Sciantist ji SAN I I I Actual - - - 7. Field Supervisor (HQ) 11 SAO Actual - - 2 2 8. Field Sopeutiuors SAN 4 6 6 6 Actual - 4 12 9. field Investigators $AR 17 22 36 30 Actual - 9 10 36 so. Statistical Clerks 21 SAN 5 5 5 Actual - 5 12 12 I. TypigtalClurk SAN 2 2 a 2 Actual - 2 2 2 1/ Posiltio approved Juring tmplementatio-1. 11 SuLtal Ncinuot6t positioe Lould iout be filled due to non-*veiability Of quallted staff. .I Five Statitital C6k% Comisilaes woe to be appointed by staff sedeployment. However I7 po~Stso eat aumpIth sf Vt ti ay IDA couri#n implementatlion. a a KtRALA AURICULIURAL LXTENSION PROJECT (Credlt 5028 - IN) Kuaber of Persons Traited Vwna ofTraln 4981/82 1ra/3 493/ 1.84/.5 1Ieill Ip8/I7 Tate§j åm 0. Pre-Service SAR 300 300 150 - - - - 150 821 VEW Tratning Actual 300 194 - all 530 68 1t9 90 2. SPecta Short Cous~e VEW/AEO SAR 700 1.350 1.950 1.950 4.950 - - 7.900 Actual - 305 682 5.750 3.046 477 490 6.680 i. Special Short Couraes 5MSIOther Statt bAl h4 124 tir all el? - - 7it AL.tual 37 38 15 202 484 570 9 5.224 850 4. Ovörseas Training SAR a 2 3 3 - - - Actual - - - - 5 9 6 16 772 *. Deputat ton of VEm for D.Sc. Coursea SAR - 4 10 22 22 - -59 Actu& - 2 2 2 - 2 - t s4 6. Deputation of AEO for M.Sc. Courses SAR 20 20 20 20 20 - 500 Actual - 8 8 20 20 - 71 23 73 jourca. Department of Agriculture. mera%a. 1! KERALA AGRICU&TUfAL EXIENSION PfRoj&LT (Cradit 1028 - IN) Farmers Beina Visited he VEWs 11 er Percentane of Contact Farmers PefLentane of Non-Contact Farmers Gettinn two visits Gettlint one Visit Gettin toto visit. Gettin one vist .......*.*.. - Is ) *................. ............... (S . ................. 1981-82 72.0 85.0 1.0 2.0 1902-S3 66.1 74.3 4.0 7.3 1983-84 67.0 76.8 3.7 7.5 1984-85 61.2 80.9 3.0 5.7 1985-86 64.5 74.6 3.5 9.' 1986-87 56.7 76.4 6.4 14.7 SomLces Monitoring & Evaluation Unit. DOA. 1/ No. at visits per fortnight. Io 4 or Ef.haL AnttLllICitt,ttA4.ELh7ENst0N PaU.Jff? (Credst 1028-IN> Vields of Iminor tant Croos Er_-.otec t ax8e2 laA vraue 1984-86 Averaaf ma ron/un4it .971al 121ml" 19.2/83 I983/4 . 1984/85 9985/06 LUAR-L5/8§ 84/85-5/85 a of Dro-nroaect .................................. f.ons /tls ) .................................. 91ce 5 55 A.66 1.g 1 .63 A.:2 A.73 h 6a 13 III .e,g 0.71 0.77 0.75 0.79 0.85 0.03 0.00 0.82 25 Pueses 0.53 0.65 0.63 0.64 0.69 0.71 0.66 0.67 126 sugarcane i6ur) 5 79 5.94 5 54 6. % 5 45 5.45 % SK 5.52 95 Pepped U.46 0.25 0.21 0.23 0.16 0.21 U.J4 0.25 96 Ginger (ory) 2.76 2.56 2.49 2.47 2.83 2.84 2.64 2.74 99 Tumerkc 1.64 %.88 1.62 1.85 &.A0 1.96 4.86 t.91 I8 Cardeanum (Proce.agd) 0.05 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.08 0.05 0.06 120 Aracenuta '000 kuta/ha 171.76 174.72 181.31 139.55 163.25 181.69 168.10 174.90 102 Coconuts 4.6 4.51 4.72 3.8% 5.02 4.79 4.57 4.68 800 Cashec (Haw 0 b6 0.56 0.63 0.54 0.53 0.58 0 55 0.57 8 lanana & Plantetn 5 79 6.55 6.02 6.37 6.57 6 sa 6.4b 6.64 ls lsptoca t6 h4 16.10 16 9$ I6.7% 17 04 fb. er 56 14 96.21 404 Sweet Potato 6.49 6.52 6.61 6.61 8.37 8.44 7.31 7.86 121 Groundnut 0.98 0.88 0.88 0.87 1.00 0.55 0.66 0.6 62 samc 0.27 0.21 0.26 0.26 0.25 0.47 0.30 0.39 144 Cotton gales of 170 kg. 8.37 1.58 1.56 5.58 5.56 1.61 5.19 1.60 $%l lem 1.29 1.28 f.29 1.26 %.bl 4.61 1.39 1.45 ek2 Coffe 0.69 0.58 0.30 0.95 na 0.36 0.37 0.37 63 Rubber • 0.62 0.59 0.59 0.60 0.65 0.56 0.59 0.58 94 sourc Orectorate of tconomics and Stattstics. 1! - 28 - Attachment 1 INDIA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1028-IN) List of Publications of the Monitoring & Evaluation Unit A. Monitoring Surveys OT LI FV 2/ 1. Summer 1981/82 July 1982 August 1982 2. Kharif 1982/83 September 1982 November 1982 3. Sumer 1982/83 July 1983 October 1983 4. Sumer 1983/84 June 1984 January 1985 8. Monitoring-cum-Evaluation Surveys 1. Kharif 1982/83 November 1982 February 1983 2. Rabi 1982/83 April 1983 September 1983 3. Kharif 1983/84 November 1983 March 1984 4. Rabi 1983/84 April 1984 October 1984 5. Kharif 1984-85 January 1985 April 1985 6. Rabi 1984/85 June 1985 November 1985 7. Summer 1984/85 July 1985 January 1986 8. Kharif 1985/86 March 1986 November 1986 9. Rabi 1985/86 April 1987 10. Kharif 1986/87 January 1987 April 1987 11. Coconut Part I 1984-87 (three-year survey) April 1986 C. Special Studies 1. Study on the characteristics of contact farmers. April 1982 2. Study on low/non-adoption of recommendations. September 1983 3. Study on the role of Junior Agricultural May 1984 Officers (AEO) in the T&V system. 4. Study on the role of Agricultural Oemonstrators October 1984 in the T&V system. 5. Study on the characteristics of contact farmers. January 1985 6. Study on the manurial practices for coconut in September 1985 Shertalal Taluk. 7. A study on 2,4-0 weedicide for paddy crops as a October 1985 low cost technology. 8. A study on the impact of T&V on the cultivation March 1986 practices of ginger crop. 9. A study on the impact of T&V on the cultivation Sepember 1986 practices of banana in Kerala. 0. Other Reports The T&V system in Kerala - An empirial analysis. September 1986 I/ QTR: Quick tabulation report. FT : Final report. - 29 Attachment 2 INDIA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1028-IN) Important Production Recommendations Generated and Adopted by Large Section of Farmers Rice 1. Use of fertilisers at recommended quantities (incorporating H, P. and K at correct dose depending on the duration and variety of crop) and application at appropriate time, giving emphasis to the following: a) basal application of phosphatic fertilisers as a compulsory step and split application of N & K for Basal and Top dressings; b) second top dressing one week before planickle initiation; C) discouraging the use of complex fertilisers and using straight fertilisers for basal and top dressings. 2. Ensuring optimum plant population by planting correct number of seedlings per square metre, i.e., adjusting spacing according to the duration of the variety. 3. Application of chemical weedicide as a low cost technology. 4. Need based application of pesticides (thereby discouraging indiscriminate use of pesticides). Coconut 5. Application of balanced fertilisers at proper time. 6. Applying the fertilisers at 1.2 metre away from the trunk and within the active root zone area. 7. Irrigating the palm during summer months (farmers are convinced that irrigation during summer will definitely increase yield). 8. Mulching the tree basins during sumer to prevent the ill effects of drought. Mulching with dry leaves or stubbles of paddy is accepted as a low cost technology to protect the tree during summer. 9. Application of organic matter (farm yard manure or green manure) to the tree. Attachment 2 - 30- 10. Pest control measures and spraying for coconut leaf disease. Pulses 11. Application of fertilisers to pulse crops. 12. Use of high yielding varieties for better yield. (Popularisation of different varieties by the Department of Agriculture through Minikit Programme, etc. have resulted in the regular cultivation of such varieties in place of old, low yielding ones). 13. Taking a pulse crop during the 3rd crop season in rice fallows. Attachment 3 - 31 - INDIA KERALA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1028-IN) Kerala Agricultural University Publications and Instructional Material in Support of the T&V System 1/ Publications Kerala Agricultural University brings out the following types of publications for the benefit of the Extension personnel of the State Department of Agriculture. a) Non-periodicals i) Package of Practices Recommendations - Crops (English). This publications is brought out once In two years incorporating new practices evolved during the period. The latest (7th) edition was brought out 1986. The 5th and 6th editions were brought out during the project period in 1981 and 1983 respectively. ii) Training Guides on Crops for Step Teaching (Malayalam). Training guides, prepared in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, on crops such as coconut, tapioca, rice etc., for the use of the Agricultural Demonstrators in their field work. iii) Technical Booklets (Malayalam). A series of technical booklets on different aspects of crop production for the field level Extension Workers and progressive farmers. Ten booklets were published during 1985-86; 10 more are proposed for the current year. iv) Primary Leaflets (English and Malayalam). Primary leaflets on technical aspects of innovations in crop production to provide advance information about such innovations to the extension personnel. v) Monographs. Text Books (English). Monographs and text books published by the University and supplied to the participants of various training programmes, as supplementary reading material. 1/ Source:"A note on First Line Support of KAU to the T&V System of Agricultural Extension in Kerala" by the Oirectorate of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University. Mannuthy, Trichur. - 32 - Attachment 3 b) Periodicals i) Research journal - Agricultural Research Journal of Kerala (English). ii) Semi-academic quarterly "Kalpadhenu" in 4alayalam. iii) Agres-News. A quarterly in English highlighting the latest research results and also ongoing research programmes. This is intended for Subject Matter Specialists. iv) "Farm News". This is a monthly Circular in English intended for the field level workers. v) Agricultural column in Malayalam Newspapers: Articles on specific topics are contributed by Kerala Agricultural University in agricultural columns in 15 Newspapers in Malayalam. Radio i) KAU News on AIR. Information on latest research results are - communicated through th s item over All India Radio (AIR), Trichur every Friday. ii) Talks/Discussions/Ag icultural Quiz by Scientists. 1ii) Farm School qn AIR. Slides Kerala Agricultural University supplies slides on various aspects of crop production for the use of Extension personnel of the Departrelt of Agriculture. So far 13,322 slides have been supplied to the Department of Agriculture. Television In collaboration with Doordarshan Kendra, Trivandrum, Kera'a Agricultural University produces TV programmes on its research activities for telecast over Doordarshan. So far 6 features and 12 news items have been produced and telecast. - 33 - MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT January 17, 1989 Country Department IV Asia Regional Office - 35 - MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Evaluation Summary Introduction 1. The Maharashtra Agricultural Extension Project was executed between 1981 and 1987. The project was intended to finance the reorganization and strengthening of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) extension service based on the T&V approach. The Credit closed on time in June 1987. Total project cost, estimated at appraisal at US$ 38.2 M was supported by an IDA Credit of US$ 23.0 M (SDR 18.9 M). The total credit amount has been disbursed. Proiect Objectives and Rationale- 2. The project intended to support the reorganization and strengthening of the DOA extension service, aimed at establishing a professional extension service answerable to the Zilla Parishad (District Council) but that cannot be diverted for other purposes with effective control from the Director of Agriculture to the Village Extension Workers (VEW) through: consolidating staff from special crop schemes into a unified extension service; hiring additional staff; establishing the T&V methodology of extension; supporting a variety of training programs; providing vehicles for the different levels of staff: constructing staff housing: and meeting other incremental costs of the DOA, including those for setting up a monitoring and evaluation unit. Through improvements in the extension service it was expected that agricultural productivity and farm incomes would increase over time. Project Implementation. Results and Sustainability 3. The project has achieved its main objective of establishing a framework for agricultural extension in the state based on regular training and farm visits by staff working exclusively on extension (earlier multipurpose workers and numerous crop schemes). A strong link with research has also been established which has led to farmers' problems being addressed in a more systematic manner. The project was implemented largely as envisaged at appraisal except that the phasing was compressed so that the reformed extension system covered the entire state within 16 months instead of three years. The initial focus on filling field positions was accompanied by a slow development in quality of implementation. Difficulties encountered during implementation include: staffing (scarcity of qualified staff, high turnover, reserved quotas, ban on recruitment, etc), only 60 SMS teams to cover 90 subdivisions, dual line of command (VEWs assigned non- - 36 - extension tasks), poor and biased selection of contact farmers, initial shortage of transport, and slow progress on civil works. 4. By the end of the project most staff had been appointed, all the vehicles have been procured and 62% of the civil works program had been completed. Farmers are being better served now as a result of the project. Data from MSE surveys show that the practises recommended by the VEWs are increasingly being adopted and this in turn has led to increased use of inputs and higher yields. It is still too early to assess the project's overall impact on productivity. The long term effect of the project is expected to be positive and lead to increasingly higher rates of adoption of new technologies. The momentum and gain achieved will, however, require a continued committment to the program from higher level officals of the state government and management improvement to ensure the motivation of staff at the field level. Moreover, the sustainability of the improved extension system would be enhanced by the implementation of further institutional, administrative, and policy reforms as outlined in paras 7-9 of the PCR Overview. Findinag and Lessons 5. While project design gave due attention to staffing of extension, extension/research linkages and transport more attention should have been given to: (a) qualification of VEWs which was not specified - as a result the a substantial number of VEWs have minimal education (less than 10th grade ) (b) having 60 teams for 90 subdivisions -albeit small- has proven difficult to manage; (c) staff should not be assigned non-extension work, the extension set- up used in Maharashtra where staff are answerable to the Zilla Parishad can work smoothly if the CEO of the Zilla Parishad has a strong interest in extension (d) provision of additional staff and equipment for research support to extension at the district level; (e) imaginative technical packages need to be developed with messages that are within the technical and financial reach of the farmers in order to maintain their interest in the extension service, the need is especially strong for new tecnologies for rainfed areas. - 37 - INDIA MAHARASTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT I. INTRODUCTION 1.01 Soon after Independence. the Government of India (Gol began sponsoring a number of programmes designed to meet the need for more effective, country-wide agricultural development. These included: Community Development Programmes in 1952, National Extension Service blocks in 1953, Intensive Agricultural District Programmes in 1960. Intensive Agricultural Area Programmes in 1963-64, Small & Marginal Farmers Development Programme in 1969-70. Despite their proliferation, however, these programmes covered a small proportion of the farmers. Recognizing that a better approach would be required to service farmers better in response to changing rural and administrative conditions, the GOI, with IDA assistance introduced the training & visit (T&V) extension system. It was introduced in India through pilot projects in the Rajasthan Canal Command Area Development in 1974, and the Chambal Command Area Development Project, in Madhya Pradesh in 1975. Following positive results of these experience, many States have now adopted the system as an integral part of their agricultural services. 1.02 The Maharashtra Agricultural Extension Project is the ninth in a series of IDA - assisted projects, The Project was appraised in October 1980 and provided for the re-organisation of the existing extension system into a service with a single line of command from extension headquarters to a full time village level extension workers, capable of providing farmers with up-to-date technical advice on a regular and systematic basis. It also provided for an extension programme of regular training and improved linkage between agricultural extension and research. The project was officially declared effective in July 22, 1981. It was completed in June 1986 and the credit closed in June 1987. This project completion report (PCR) summarized the project's performance during implementation and its impact on the agriculture of the State. The report is the result of a review of the Staff Appraisal Report, the Development Credit Agreement & Project Agreement, World Bank Supervision Reports and Project files; progress and other reports prepared by the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit: and discussions with project staff and farmers. II. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Project Preparation 2.01 The project preparation exercise included a review of the existing txtension system which is summarised below. Since 1962, when it instituted - 38 - the Panchayat Raj (Local Government) the Government of Maharashtra (GOM) has regarded agricultural extension as a task of the local authorities. Under this system, both the multi-purpose village level worker or Gram Sevak/(VLWIGS); and the Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO) stationed at the blocx level who provided technical guidance to the farmers were employed by the District Council called the Zilla Parishad (ZP) and worked under tht direct control if the Block Development Officer (DO), the 8DO being in charge of all development activities in the block and is answerable to the Panchayat Samiti. The DO is responsible to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ZP at the district level. CEO heads a number of departments at the district level and is in charge of all development activities entrusted to the ZP and is also the district liaison officer with the State Government. Agricultural activities at the district level are managed by the Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) who mainly dealt with various development schemes included input supply activities. and, like other district department managers, operated through the BDOs. 2.02 Parallel with this local government organization, there were a number of State sector schemes of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) mainly concerning cash crops. These, at the district level were handled by an Assistant Director of Agriculture (cash crops), Residuary Officer (statistical tasks, orchards, etc.) or Hybrid Seed Production Officer. In 1978, these schemes were put under the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad but maintained their own village level field staff of Agricultural Assistants (AAs) outside the purview of the BDO and the Panchayat Samiti. 2.03 There are seven divisions in Maharashtra. At the divisional level of administration, the activities of the Department of Agriculture were headed by a Superintending Agricultural Officer (SAO). assisted by a number of Deputy Directors of Agriculture (DDA) responsible for the technical guidance of agricultural activities in their respective districts. DDAs were not stationed or based in the district and did not come under the jurisdiction of Zilla Parishad. 2.04 Over the years, dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the multi-purpose VLW in increasing agricultural production had led to the development of a variety of crop programmes of special area. Staff employed under the programmes were administratively controlled by Subject Matter Sections of the Directorate of Agriculture. But such programmes covered only a small portion of farmers and were also attended to dissipate extension efforts in many directions. In addition, staffing Levels, training and facilities for field extension staff were inadequate. 2.05 In order to resolve the above mentioned problems, '0M decided to reorganize its extension service along with the lines of tho training and visit system. A project to this effect was therefore initiated and prepared by GOM with assistance from the WE resident staff Irom New Delhi. The preparation report. which concentrat-d mainly on the r.-organization of DOA. on the integratio.t of the different extension activiti-9 and optimum staffing levels was completed in early 1980. - 39 - Appraisal 2.06 The project was appraised in October 1980 and aimed at obtaining early and sustained increased in agricultural production ia Maharashtra through the re-organization and strengthening of the extension services of DOA. The project proposed to support this re-organization by: (a) provision of incremental staff (2925 AAIAS, 410 AEO, 167 SMS, 27 SDAO & 1 ADA); (b) provision of transpot rtation (168 four-wheel drive vehicles, 747 motor-cycles and 3,000 bicycles), office equipment and Audio- Visual aids; (c) provision of incremental operating costs, travel allowances, vehicle operating costs and extension materials; (d) construction of housing for extension workers (1200 for AS/AS) and (150 for their immediate supervisors (AEOs); (e) improvement of the capacity of the universities to collaborate with DOA by provision of staff (16 senior posts pius supporting staff), vehicles (4) and operating costs; and (f) creation of a monitoring and evaluation capacity through provision of staff (23 senior officers at HQ with supporting staff and 90 field officers in the field) transportation (1 four-wheel vehicle, 15 motor cycles and 90 bicycles) and operating expenses. 2.07 Under the project, the extension service of DOA was to be reorganized following the T&V system to provide farmers the aecessary technical advice on a regular visit basis. The extension field staff were also to receive systematic training and technical support from DOA and research. 2.08 Each Village Extension Worker (VEW) was assigned to work with a number of farm families depending on local conditions, population density, cropping intensity and accessibility. Based on available statistics, one VEW covered about 900-1000 farm families. This implied that on an average, one VEW would cover 800-900 operating farm families with the actual number varying from around 600 in sparsely populated areas to a:ound 1,000 operating farm families in densely settled areas. A VEW was to divide operating families in his jurisdiction into groups of 80-120 each and to visit each group regularly on a fixed day of the week in a two-week cycle. During his visit, the VEW was to meet the contact farmers s.elected from each group and to involve as many other farmers as possibl Ln discussions and demonstrations. 2.09 The VEW was to be helped. guided and supervised in his work by an Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO), normally a graduat- in agriculture. One AEO was to become responsible for about 8 VEWs and : a: least four days a week of his time visiting them in the field. every two weeks, VEW was to receive a full day of intensive trair- ' n.2 :elevant - 40 - recommendations for that period in the coming fortnight. The AEO was - expected to participate in this training session. Thus, every two weeks, AEO spends eight days in visiting each of his eight VEWs groups one day in training and other days in meeting all his VEW in the field or at his headquarters. 2.10 To provide regular training, continuous technical guidance and supervision of field work. three or four sub-divisions were proposed to be established in each district (a total of 90 sub-divisions for the State) and led by Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officers (SDAOs) who headed 8-10 AEO each. Where there were more than 10 AEOs in a sub-division, the SDAO was to be assisted by Assistant SDAO (ASDAO). As some sub-divisions were small, the project proposed to provide 60 teams of three Subject Matter Specialists (SMS). (one in Agronomy, one in Plant Protection and one in Training/Communication). Where a team of SMS has to operate in more than one sub-division, the team was to be under the administrative control of the SDAO where the team would be based. The SDAO was to ensure that the team divided its time equally between both sub-divisions. The SMSs under the control of SDAO were expected to spend one-third of their time in field visits, providing technical support and guidance to VEW and AEO, one-third in building their own stock of knowledge through a regular dialogue with research workers and carrying out farm trials, and one-third in participation in district monthly training workshops and attending short training courses. 2.11 At the district level, the Principal Agricultural Officer (PAO) was made to work full time on extension and to be responsible for the overall extension programme in the district. The PAO was to be assisted by 3 or more SMS (specializing in training, extension and other specializations not provided at the sub-divisional level), and answerable aoministratively to the CEO of the ZPs. and technically to the Divisional Join Director of Agriculture (JDA). The JDA was responsible for all agricultural activities at the Divisional/Regional level. He supervised 3-4 districts of his zone and was directly answerable to the headquarters for both extension and non-extension activities of DOA. 2.12 At the headquarters of DOA, the responsibility for overall agricultural development in the State was to continue to rest with the Director of Agriculture. But an Additional Director of Agriculture (Extn) was to be appointed to be responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the extension service both technically and administratively. He was also to be responsible for training and management of extension personnel. The ADA (Extn) was expected to avail of the technical support from four SMS of the rank of JDA at headquarters (one each for plant protection, horticulture, farm management and farm trials and training). These SMS were to be responsible for improving the technicaL quality of the extension service in their aroas of specialization. and to develop and interpret farm trials, promote linkages with research carriod out by the four universities in Maharashtra and elsewhere in the country, organize training programmes and serve as a clearing house of technical information. 2.13 The project called also for a strong links between extension and research. The key links between the universities and the DOA was expected to take place at the monthly district workshops, whose main function was to -41- prepare detailed plans for the fortnightly training of the VEW, and to provide the basis for discussion on feedback from field staff. The PA0s and the university Extension Agronomists were assigned the task of organising these sessions for DOA staff and SHSs of the district ani sub- divisions. A zonal seasonal workshop was also to be established to cover the areas of influence of each of the four universities as a forum for review of agricultural practices recommended as a result of new research experience, to plan multi-locational verification of new technology, to assess research priorities for the zone and to review the plans and results of farm trials. The Director of Research at each university was given the responsibility to organize the workshops and participants were expected to be Zonal JDAs. PAOs and District SMS as well as the Director of Extension. some department heads, Crop Co-ordinators and Extension Agronomists from the university. 2.14 Zonal recommendations were to be presented by the University Directors of Research and ADA (Extn) to the State Extension and Research Committee, which was to the State Extension and Research Committee, which was to be headed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Other participants were to be the DA and other State level experts, the Vice Chancellor of the universities, the Directors of Extension & Research Committee would review zonal recommendations and assess progress of projects, particularly with respect to research support. The committee was to meet at least twice every year. 2.15 The project, to be implemented over a five year period, was estimated to cost Rs. 306.0 million (US$38.2 million) and provided for an IDA credit of US$23.0 million. III. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Project Start-Up 3.01 The project started on time with the initial impetus on filling field positions as a priority in order to concentrate later on the actual field implementation. This enabled GOM to provide induction training for most of the field staff in the early stages of the project and to deploy them in the field rapidiy. During that time, several of the VEW had more than 1.500 farm families in their jurisdiction. In spite of this, each VEW had selected only eight contact farmers in each group though some of the groups had over 150 families in each group. This large farmer - VEW ratio was later corrected to the pre-determined ratio. In these early stages, the project was slow in appointing the JDAs and it took a few months before GOM could give power to PAO to disburse and make provisions for office accommodation for support staff. During this period all vehicles required for the first eight districts were ordered and selection of sites for staff housing soon started by the local panchavati. By middle of the first year, the new extension system was introduced in all the eight di,tricts and within 16 months, it was made operative throughout the State. - 42 - Revisions to the Project 3.02 No revisions of substance were made to the project and was essentially implemented as foreseen at appraisal. Some minor revisions - recorded were: (a) increase of supervisory staff, vehicles and equipment as a result of an increase in the number of districts by four to 29 after appraisal; and (b) increase in the number of staff of the monitoring and evaluation unit at the field and headquarters. Reorganization of the Extension Service 3.03 The compression of the phasing of the project into 16 months instead of three years was accompanied by a slow development in quality of implementation resulting from problems of staffing, training and research extension linkage some of which persisted at the end of project implementation. 3.04 The development of a high quality extension service was an uphill task, particularly during the first three years of implementation and it required a great deal of guidance from Bank supervision missions to DOA in taking correct actions. Among the problems encountered during these years were: (a) the novelty of most of the staff to their role and inadequacy of their re-orientation in the principles of the T & V system (b) the quick turnover of staff, particularly SMS, because of promotions to fill the numerous supervisory posts created by the project. SMS were therefore unable to effectively serve their areas of specialisation because of lack of enough field experience; (c) minimal support to VEWs from AEOs because of lack of experience; (d) initial shortage of transport; (e) poor and biased selection of contact farmers which required continual reviews; (f) poor supervision at all levels: (g) over-burdening of staff with other than extension activities and unnecessary reports: (h) slow farmer awarenpqs of the role of extension staff with farmers still associating extension staff with mini-kits and subsidy programmes; -43- (i) slow development of appropriate messages for extending/passing to farmers even where some useful messages existed from past research findings. this applied particularly to rainfed crop production: (j) slow modification of general recommendations to suit specific locations; (k) non-utilisation of M & E findings as feedback for management of training programmes and for improvement of the T & V system; and (1) non-development of diagnostic teams, except in one agricultural university, that is, in Konkan agricultural university. 3.05 By mid-1984, however, observable changes for the better had become evident. Increased orientation courses had yielded results such as improvement in monthly workshop seeping down to very much improved fortnightly training programmes. AEO & VEW visit schedules had been clearly drawn. Improvement in selection of contact farmers had began. VEWs were making contact with non-contact farmers, the burdening of VEWs with non-extension activities had been curtailed and gaps between available technology and farmers' adoption considerably reduced. 3.06 Nevertheless by the end of project implementation there still existed room for improvement in areas such as supervision and guidance of VEWs by AEOs, regularity of visits by SMS, SDAOs and ADAOs, limited coverage of farmers by VEWs because of the still higher than anticipated farmer - VEW ratio, inadequate number of special courses for SMS and AEOs and over emphasis on varietal trials. Staffing 3.07 At appraisal it was assumed that the optimum VEW to farmer ratio would be 1:800, that AO/AEO to VEW ratio would on average be 1:8. Supervising management staff for the sub-divisional. district, regional and headquarters levels were also provided to allow for a straight line of command necessary for the establishment of an effective professional extension service. Staff for the service was obtained from: (a) existing extension staff; (b) re-deployment of staff from other schemes under DOA; (c) transfer of multi-disciplinary village level extension workers (VLW) or integrated gramseyaks (GS) from Zilla Parishads (ZPs) to DOA; and (d) by direct recruitment. 3.08 Table 5 shows the performance in filling in of incremental staff positions as compared with appraisal. It demonstrated clearly that by the 3rd year of implementation most incremental staff had been appointed except in case of VEWs and sub-divisional SMS. VEW vacancies continued throughout the project period because of insufficient inflow of candidates from -44- agricultural schools, promotion from this grade into higher grades as vacancies occurred. non-availability of candidates, inadequate members from the "reversed quota," administrative problems in filling the posts by de- reservation and a ban on further recruitment by the State. 3.09 Similarly the position of AEOs and Sub-divisional SMSs could not be maintained at the appraisal level because of promotions on transfers to filling in higher vacant position, the need to pass through the State Public Service commissions recruitment procedures for these higher grade officers and the reserved quota system. 3.10 Twenty-five posts of SDAO which were to have been deployed from the ZPs were later found to be detrimental to input monitoring systems at the ZPs and were therefore not re-deployed with the approval of IDA, DOA filled the posts with incremental staff. 3.11 Although Table 5 shows 100% achievement in the number positions, in actual facts vacancies developed in several staff category as a result of promotions of number of existing more senior staff to vacancies created by the project. At project completion, technical posts still remaining vacant were 386 VEWs, 60 AEOs. 36 SMSs, 7 SDAOs and 1 PAO. Sanctions for recruitment for filling these vacancies have yet to be given by GOM. Training 3.12 As responsibility for most staff training activities was given to the universities, agreement was reached between GOM and IDA at negotiations on staffing arrangements for VEW training institutions, the proposed training curriculum and the schedule of training. The universities were to be solely responsible for induction training of VEWs (1 month) for providing short courses for SMS and Senior DOA staff (2-24 wks) and, together with other universities in India, for or abroad. for promotional courses (4 year B.Sc. courses for VEWs and 2 year M.Sc. courses for AEO/SMS). They were also to join hands with DOA staff in pre-season training for VEWs, AEOs and SMS (3 days), in providing short courses VEWs and AEOs once in a year (7 days) and to participate in district monthly workshops and in zonal workshops (twice a year). DOA senior staff were however solely responsible for pre-season - training of VEWs twice a year (3 days) and orientation training of their staff as and when needed. 3.13 Table 4 gives performance details under the various types of training programmes. It shows that while DOA fell short.in its orientation programme, its performance in pre-season training exceeded appraisal targets. The universities also managed to achieve a high performance in the areas of induction courses and in participation in monthly district workshops. They, however, did not fare too well in their -pcial training programmes. This is claimed to be attributable to inadequato tunding for staff and facilities. 3.14 Refresher courses under the DOA were not considered at appraisal. They were found necessary and introduced in 1984-85. However, the targets set were found difficult to achieve. - 45 - 3.15 The failure during implementation, to depute VEWs for B.Sc. (Agri) course was due to difficulties of the agricultural universities in admitting the VEWs who had less than the requisite educational qualification. The State Government has therefore, set up a university college at Latur under MAU, Parbhani for condense degree course in agriculture during 1987-88. It is proposed to depute 35 VEWs for B.Sc. (Agri) condensed degree course during the year 1987-88 alone. 3.16 The-most important training activity in extension, however, is the fortnightly training of VEWs. Training was generally held at agricultural schools and aimed at imparting to VEWs the stress points required for the following fortnight. Training was the responsibility of the sub-divisional SMS and AE0s were expected to participate in them as well. The SDAOs presided over the training session. Guest lecturers were invited for specific subjects on which they were experts. 3.17 The day's programme normally started with general discussions on the problems encountered during the previous fortnight and a review of field conditions between trainers and trainees, this was followed by lectures, discussions on general farming, input and other situation. practical work on specific subjects and a rehearsal of messages by the VEWs. 3.18 The training programme is now supported by audio-visual aids which has greatly improved the quality of training. However, classes in some circles are still larger than optimum for effective interaction between a trainers and trainees because of shortage of sub-divisional SMS resulting in this to pull together VEWs and AOs from more than one sub-division. An added disadvantage of pooling two sub-divisions together is the distance that VEWs have to travel to reach the training points. Research 3.19 Research. the sole responsibility of the universities was slow to react to the challenge to come out with appropriate messages for transmission to farmers. There was an over emphasis on varietal trials and demonstrations for the assumed reason that management trials and demonstrations (on farmers' farms) which, coinciding as they were with similar trials on research stations, required more supervision from and transport facilities for research staff than were available. Thus a substantial amount of management practices already available from past research did not begin to reach farmers until half way during implementation and the only as a result of prodding from Bank missions. 3.20 Rainfed farming which accounted for about 88Z of -Ltrivable arpa suffered more because technology for drought conditions hav- still to be defined adequately to suit different ecological conditions. Needless to say some messages have start4d to be brought out which have had a moral raising effect on extension staff as farmeri found them helpful. This includes a lower population density for sorghum resulting in higher yieldings of grain without adverse effect in straw. - 46 - 3.21 Research staff, however, provided solutions to some of specific problems brought to them by extension staff in areas of crop soil related problems and pest control. where solutions were not available some research work began on them. 3.22 At appraisal the staff resources of the universities were assumed to be adequate and only eight Extensicr Agronomists were provided for training and research extension linkages. The strain due to the load of work on these is beginning to be felt as the extension philosophy becomes more and more accepted, particularly in terms of feedback and the need for generating recommendations to specific environments increases and come into conflict with a researcher's search for distinction in the areas of the unknown. At appraisal it was anticipated that the 4th National Agricultural Research Project. then on stream, would provide the necessary staff support and facilities to augment the provisions of this project. Unfortunately this did not happen as NARP II's support for research stopped at the zonal level having district level activities with inadequate staff and equipment for the work needed. Civil Works 3.23 At appraisal it was assumed that staff houses would be constructed through the Public Works Departient's (PWD) wing of the Zila Parishad (ZP) using the standard des_gn apiroved for various categories of staff. Since ZPs came under the adminis:ration cf district CEO, GOM ordered that construct of the staff houses should be the responsibility of the Executive Engineer (EE) of the ZPs who was also responsible for various construction works within the distric:. DOI had therefore, no direct control on the implementation and perfoiance of the civil works component. 3.24 Compared with other construction activities in the district. DOA's requirements for staff ho-uing were of very low priority for the ZPs and therefore received inadeq.a:s attention from the EES such as cement and transport facilities. This has slowed implementation (Table 6). DOA could also not properly monitor -he utilisation of funds given to the ZPs and costs rose to almost dcuble appraisal estimates. Few problems were encouitered in the se:ec:ion of sites, which were mainly government-owned lands or lands given free by the ZPs for handing over to EEs for construction, but since DOA was compelled to abide by the development needs of the ZPs. it 1,ad -c powers of influence on start up. However, once construction startet, houses were generally completed within a few months. 3.25 At comrplet-cn of tas project 91 AOs' quarters and 748 VEWs' quarters had been ccnstructea as compared with appraisal estimates 150 and 1200 AOs and VEWs hcLses respectively or a performance rating of 62t. Table 7 shows the ar.ual phy;si:al performance in the civil .rorks component of the proiect. Th= qualitv ot construction of completed houses was generally satisfactcr- and provided with th+a necessary fitting for connection to electricity and water supplieq when they were or became available. -47- Monitoring & Evaluation 3.26 The M & E Unit was establishe;d soon after the start-up of the project in 1981-82. It was to be responsible for monitoring project performance and to issue reports which would be used by management to asness the effectiveness of the extension system and to make improvements where necessary. These reports were to be based on continuous survey by specially appointed sub-divisional level statistical assistants (27) under the supervision of 15 districts level Senior Statistical Assistants. At headquarters survey data would be computed by computers (4) and key-punch operators (2) and analysed by 2 Senior Statistical Assistants. The unit was to be headed by a JDA assisted by two DD (Economics & Statistics). 3.27 Three main types of reports were to be produced by the unit and were to be based on three main types of surveys as follows: (a) Monitoring Surveys (twice a year for each season); (b) Monitoring-cum-Evaluation Surveys (twice a year during each season); and (c) Special studies (on various aspects of the T & V System as and when needed. 3.28 Due to inadequate staff at headquarters. the computation and analysis of the initial survey data was unduly delayed. When no reports had been produced after a whole year the IDA supervision mission of October 1982 recommended the discontinuation of the processing of the baselines studies and to use the results of the 1982-83 surveys as baseline for future evaluation. The mission also recommended that headquarters staff be strengthened to cope with the increasing backlog of survey data. In May 1983. 14 additional posts of Senior Statistical Assistants were sanctioned. 3.29 At the field level the recruitment of staff did not increase at the same rate as the number of districts covered by the project. This, together with constraints in mobility was found to be adversely affecting field performance and since the full staff requirement of 90 Statistical Assistants proved difficult to achieve as rapidly as required, GOM sanctioned the acquisition of motor cycles for the field staff to enable them to cover larger areas. See Table 5 (page 2) for staffing performance of the M & E Unit. 3.30 The first reports of the unit (that of the kharif season of (1982-83) was published only in August 1983. The unit has so far been able to publish 16 monitoring surveys of most seasons during the implementation period: 5 monitoring-cum-evaluation studies and 6 special surveys. However, there is still a ba,klog of surveys still to be published. Table 10 shows the list of reports published and those yet to be published. Out of 27 reports published during the project period, it is observed that most of them have been published late due to which the results of the reports could not be used to achieve the objective of K & E as contemplated in the Operational Notes on T & V System of agricultural extension by the World Bank. - 48 - 3.31 The Bank supervision mission also advised that a micro-computer be purchased to speed up analysis and publication of reports. However, this was delayed until April 1987. This should help in speeding up processing and publication of the backlog of unpubl.ished and future survey reports. Vehicles & Equipment 3.32 There were no problems encountered in the purchasing of vehicles. By the end of the third year, almost all vehicles required had been purchased. Similarly most of the staff who were eligible to loans for purchase of motor cycles and bicycles took advantage of the loan facilities for purchase of their vehicles by the third year (Table 7). 3.33 At the inception of the project during the period prior to the delivery of project vehicles, 38 four-wheel drive vehicles were pooled from departmental service for the extension service. When these became unserviceable during implementation, DOA, with the agreement of IDA, replaced these vehicles with new purchases of 5 wagonets and 33 jeeps on 30 June 1987. Total number of vehicles purchased were therefore, in excess of appraisal estimates (Table 7). 3.34 Similarly. equipment consisting mainly of audio-visual aids for training purposes were purchased on time whenever needed. However, during implementation, the need for more audio-visual aids was found to be necessary for improvement of training of field staff and with approvement from IDA these were purchased (Table 8). Procurement 3.35 The main item of procurement were houses for VEWs and AEOs, vehicles (departmentally owned 4 wheeled and staff owned two wheeled vehicles) and office and training equipment. As agreed at appraisal contracts were awarded on the basis of competitive bidding following local advertisement. For vehicles, since they would be purchased in small quantities over three years and would be widely dispersed in rural areas availability of spare parts was considered of paramount importance and as such locally made vehicles of the type already used by government departments were procured. Motorcycles and bicycles were purchased by individual staff from loan funds provided by the State Government. 3.36 During implementation of the project, civil works construction contracts were handed over to the ZPs on GOM's orders and were carried out according to normal government bidding procedures which were satisfactory to IDA. Departmental vehicles were procured from the approved GOM's firm at government contract rates which was also satisfactory to IDA. Small items of office and training equipment were purchased through prudent shopping by the District PAO or CEO. Howevpr. other equipmonts that could be bulked and needed some te,hnical specifications were procured through the Departmental Purchase Committee. In no case did contracts exceed USS100,000 which would have required IDA's approval both before bidding and award of contract. Since the project staff were operating under familiar procedures, no problems were encountered in procurement. - 49 - Project Costs 3.37 The total project costs have been estimated at Project completion at Rs. 463.5 million (US$40.8 million) against appraisal estimates of Rs. 306.1 million (US$38.2 million). These are about 151% (107Z in US$ terms) of the appraisal estimates. The cost overruns are mainly due to the staff costs, whose phasing has been faster than anticipated at appraisal, and to escalated costs of civil works as the result of the slow implementation of this component. The comparatively lower costs increases in US$ terms are due to continuous appreciation of the US$ during the project implementation period. Present exchange is Rs. 12.90 per US$1 against that at appraisal of Rs. 8.0 per US$1. Table 1 & 2 provide details on annual projects costs as well as comparison between appraisal estimates and actual expenditures. Disbursement 3.38 Because of the faster coverage of T & V in the State than anticipated at appraisal, disbursement was about double of the appraisal estimates in the first year (Table 3). However, the rate of disbursement in the later years was reduced to percentages ranging from 71% to 84%. The main reason for this was the delay in the completion of civil works and the continuous appreciation of USS against the Rupee (Paragraph 3.34). 3.39 During the initial year the project staff were not very conversant with the preparation of withdrawal applications dc had included some items not eligible for reimbursement viz. claims for %:.ponditure on support staff, for contingencies on costs, and for operating expenses on vehicles which were not eligible. On the contrary, the project staff was not making claims on expenditures on salaries of all eligible extension staff, but limited its claims only on incremental staff. These points were explained to the project staff by an IDA mission, a specialist on expenditure accounts and disbursement procedures, in July 1982. Nevertheless the project continued not to claim reimbursement on all eligible staff until year 4 of the project. Disbursement was suspended on 1st October. 1986 because of GOM's inadequate financial reporting (Paragraph 4), but was resumed on 19th March, 1987 after GOM fulfilled the reporting requirements. IV. INSTITUTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT Initial Reorganization 4.01 The project's main theme was the re-organisation and strengthening of the extension service of the DOA in order to improve its effectiveness, DOA which was expected to introduce the T&V system, phased over a three year period, succeeded in covering the whole state within 16 months from start-up. This was achieved because of strong efforts by G(M in requisitioning staff from other departments and recruitment new staff. The initial level of staffing was later disrupted as a result of promotions to the vacant posts by seniority and consequent transfers of staff. The staffing issue remained critical throughout the project implementation particularly with regard to VEWs, AEOs and sub-divisional SMS (Table 5). - 50 - 4.02 Nevertheless, the project succeeded in putting in place the basic institutional structure for carrying out extension along the lines of the T&V system as contemplated at appraisal. The ADA (Extension) has taken charge of the day-to-day management of the project and linkages between extension and research established. The State Extension and Research Committee was maintained and met 10 times (Table 10) to assess progress of the projects especially of research support and to solve any constraints resulting from deficient coordination. 4.03 The project's organizational set up is different from other similar projects in the country, because it has not the single line of command which characterizes the IDA assisted extension projects in India. At appraisal. it was explained that the aim at the district level was to build a professional extension service answerable to the Zilla Parishad, but which cannot be diverted for other purposes except in rare emergency situations. Therefore, although the PAO is assigned full-time on extension works, he discharges his responsibility under a double line of command, the CEO for administrative matters and the Divisional J.D.A. for technical matters. Although confined within DOA there is also a double line of command as far as the Divisional JDA is concerned. The Divisional JDA is responsible for all agricultural activities in his Division. He is therefore responsible to the ADA (Extension) as far as extension works is concerned, but to the DOA for the other non-extension activities. 4.04 The Divisional JDA's double line of command within DOA is mentioned here as a difficulty only to illustrate the heavy work load and the double accountability of the Divisional JDA. The double line of command at the district level, involving the ZP is, however, an anomaly which in some cases has discouraged extension staff at the district and field level because of bifurcated loyalty to the DOA and CEO. Although the extent ir not known, there are reports that CEO's have instructed PAO and their staff to undertake non-extension works. Examples of non-extension works undertaken by extension staff includes campaign on small savings, family planning, bio-gas development and non-agricultural extension works in tribal areas. The DOA has protested on a few occasions and invited the CEO's concerned not to assign extension staff to non-extension. In his letter of 21 May 1984, copied to all CEO's, the Additional Chief Secretary of GOM warned against such misuses and instructed as follows: "You are therefore requested not to requisition the services of the extension staff for organizing campaigns. Only in case of grave emergencies such as floods and where it is absolutely essential the services should be requisitioned." In spite of these instructions from the Government, not only the FAOs and his extension staff from the district but within DOA also, the Divisional JDAs (Extn.). State level JDAs (Extn.) and ADA (Extn.) have been assigned with many non-extension works. 4.05 The main issue remains whether the CEO's will refriin from using extension staff for other works. From CEO's point of view. the extension staff are within the jurisdiction of the ZP of which he is the administrative head like the staff of other departments. Since most of the activities within the village are for the benefit of people who are predominantly farmers is tempted to use the most available staff, whether extension or not, in works considered by him and the ZP as priority works. - 51 - On the other hand, the PAC. being administratively under the CEO. cannot refuse to undertake non-extension works. It should be remembered that it is the CEO who annually evaluates the PAO's performance, which is later used for promotion and career development. Smooth operation of the e.tension service at the district and field level under the present set-up can be achieved if the CEO places high priority on extension works. However, being administratively answerable to the Rural Development Department, the CEO has other development priorities and targets to achieve every year. Extension and Research Linkages 4.06 Extension research linkages were established at the State, zonal and district levels. At the State level the linkage was in the form of the State Extension and Research Committee, under the chairmanship of the Secretary of Agriculture, whose membership included the Vice Chancellors of the universities, the Director of Agriculture, whose membership included the Vice Chancellors of the universities, the Director of Agriculture and other State level expertise. the Director of Education, Crop Coordinators and selected heads of other university departments. This committee which met twice a year reviewed recommendations from Zonal committees and prioritised them according to practices and research needs. It also assessed the progress of research support for the project and any constraints resulting from deficient coordination. 4.07 During period of implementation the Committee met on 10 occasions including its first meeting on 30th September, 1981 as agreed with the Bank, Meetings were conducted at an interval of 1 month to 16 months (Table 11). Thus its role in providing coordination for research and extension on the seasonal basis is subject to doubt. At the Zonal level, the Zonal workshops, held at each of the 4 universities were organised by the directors of Research at each university in collaboration with the ADA Extension and attended by the Zonal JDAs, PAOs. district SMS, selected university Department heads, crop coordinators and Extension Agronomists from the University. The workshops were responsible for reviewing agricultural practices recommended as a result of new research and experience, planning multi-locational verification trials of new technology. assessing research priorities for the zone in addition to reviewing plans and results of farm trials conducted at the district level. Zonal workshops were organised twice a year before each planting season successfully. 4.08 The most important link between research and extension was the monthly district workshops organised jointly by the FAO and the university Extension agronomist appointed exclusively for this purpose. Participants included all district and sub-division SMS and SDAO. univer,ity crop agronomists. crop protection staff varying according to the :rops and problems relevant to each season. The two day workshops. held generally at research stations was responsible for preparing farm trial plans, their progress and analysis, outlined plans for training of VEWs during the following two fortnights and - 52 - framing the messages for the next month address feedback on farmer reactions by either making/modifying recommendations or referring problems for further research. 4.09 Monthly workshops were held regularly at each district. Initially they responded very little to adjustments needed in recommendations that take account of farmers resources and to location specific problems. Joint field visits by participants were rarely undertaken to generate feedback and diagnostic teams were late in being set up. Over time the workshop have improved and this has seeped down into the monthly training programmes. It is however felt that further improvements could be achieved by such things as improved transportation for increased joint farm visits and increased participation of research, the research staff in on-farm trials. Accounts and Reporting 4.10 An IDA mission which visited the project in July 1981 reported that the DOA had an adequate system for recording project expenditure. However, it suggested to prepare the expenditure in an identifiable project account and provided a format to this effect. The mission also explained the need to furnish IDA with certified statement of expenditure (SOE) audit. No difficulties have been encountered with regard to keeping proper and identifiable accounts for the project. However, the project faced difficulties with regard to accounting and financial reporting. With the exception of the first year, GOM was not submitting the certified SOE's within the prescribed 9 months after the closure of each fiscal year. In addition, due to misunderstanding, GOM was submitting only the audit certification for each year but not the full audit report and the SOEs. IDA, after reminding GOM of the need for satisfactory SOE audit, suspended disbursement against SOE's until GOM complied by submitting audit certificates of the SOE's for the overdue period 1981-82 to 1985-86 on 19th March 1987. From this date, disbursement against SOE's was resumed. 4.11 Apart from the financial reporting requirements mentioned above. the project was expected to prepare two periodical reports namelyt the 6 monthly progress report and monitoring and evaluation summary. The preparation and submission to IDA of these reports were generally satisfactory although some minor delay in transmitting to IDA were recorded. Because of scarcity of staff no annual monitoring survey was produced before August 1983 (Table 10). In general the reports were useful in providing information about the project's progress and performance. Compliance with Covenants 4.12 GOM has complied with all major covenants although in the case of the covenant which required the furnishing to IDA with audittd project accounts it was done with excessive delay (paragraph 4.10). The only major covenant which has been only partially complied with is the need to review adequacy of ratio of VEW's and make adjustments, if necessary. The review was carried out by the project and the need for additional 709 VEW's and 87 AEOs has been identified. So far, however, GOM has not made the necessary adjustments by sanctioning these posts. -53- V. PROJECT IMPAT General 5.01 The project's main thrust has been the re-organization of the extension service of the DOA and its institutional impact has been described in Chapters III and IV. Unlike in the case of the institutional impact. it is difficult to assess the project's agricultural impact for two reasons. First, the project being of institutional building nature, its full impact in agriculture will be felt much longer after the implementation period, when the Irocess of institutional strengthening is advanced. Second. there are many other factors and agricultural inputs which together with extension are responsible for increase in agricultural productivity. Therefore separating benefits due to only extension becomes difficult. 5.02 One of the striking feature of the project is its relatively low cost. Hence even a very small and slow production increases can generate high economic returns. The total projects cost, on current price basis, is about Rs. 681 farm family or Rs. 26/ha. (assuming as total farm family population of 6.86 million and cultivated area of 18.2 million ha.). The recurrent annual cost would be only about Rs. 18/- farm family or about Rs. 8/-ha. based on the budget estimates for 1987-88. Due to continuous drought in the last few years, it is difficult to appreciate even indirectly from the State's agricultural statistics the project impact on yields and production. However, based on sample survey carried out by the M&E Unit it appears that farmers are increasingly adopting the messages provided by VEWs and this beiefitting from the project as indicated below. Adoption Rate 5.03 Monitoring and evaluation surveys carried out between 1983-84 and 1986-87 show the following: (a) the number of farmers who know their VEW and reported being visited by VEW's increased. Increases were higher among non- contact farmers (NCF) than among contact farmers (CF) (Table 12). Since there was an average of one contact farmer per group of 10 farmers this shows that despite the increase in farm family - VEW ratio, the VEW did manage to increase their visits to farmers very significantly; (b) the percentage of farmers being visited regularly also increased and so did that of farmers who reported that visits were useful. Again the percentage increase was higher among NCF than CF: (c) the use of improved varieties by farmers increased in most crops except irrigated bajra where there was a slight derrease in use and in unirrigated wheat where there was little change in patterns among farmers (Table 13): - 54 - (d) the overall use of fertilizer increased every year (except in 1982-83 and 1986-87 when there were small declines in use) this increase was evident in all three basic nutrients (Table 14). Total consumption of NPK fertilizers increased by 65% in the pre- project years but only by about 252 during project years; (e) for most crops, the percentage of farmers using fertilizers as well as those using them at near recommended ratio increased during the project (Table 16); (f) except for a drastic decredse in 1986-87, the use of pesticides rose during the period of implementation (Table 15); (g) the use of pesticides for most crops decreased among CP during the period of implementation while they varied with the type of crop as regards M NCF - (Table 17); (h) for the major crops, the yields of farmers visited by VEW were higher than for those not visited except in the case of NCF producing paddy under irrigation (Table 20); (i) new sorghum, millet and groundnut varieties introduced during the implementation period became widely accepted because of their productivity; (j) about two-thirds of the area under paddy has been brought under intensive cultivation during project implementation and area under HYV paddy increased by nearly 1 million hectares between 1982-83 and 1984-85; and (k) sunflower production spread from 63,000 ha. to 322,000 ha. in 1985-86. VI. IDA PERFORMANCE General 6.01 IDA's support in re-organizing the extension service has made an important contribution to the effectiveness of DOA in advising farmers better and thus to the agricultural development of the State. The project design which called for the establishment of permanent linkage and continuous interaction between extension and research has led to the concentration of efforts in identifying and solving farmer's problems. While project design had given due attention to the staffing levels of extension personnel, extension/research linkages, provision of equipment and vehicles, this was not the case with regard to VEW qualifications and training, staffing of research personnel and the implications of the double line of command. 6.02 Because the educational qualifications of the post of VEW was not specified at appraisal, the newly established extension service seems to have become the dumping ground for staff with minimum education during the deployment exercise. As a result a substantial number of VEWs possess much - 55 - less than 10th grade certificates. A number of problems have resulted which need addressing. These include the absorption capacity of the low level staff for the technical messages they are expected to deliver, the level of training during fortnightly training to classes comprising a vase difference in educational levels, the prospects of advancement through promotional courses for staff unqualified for entering universities, and the confidence of poorly educated VEWs contacting farmers of superior educational background. A further shortcoming during appraisal was the arbitrary designation of 60 SMS teams to look after 90 sub-divisions has become difficult to manage. Likewise, adequate staff was not provided for the universities with the assumption that the firthcoming National Agricultural Research Project II would provide the necessary staff and other facilities, but this did not happen as it stopped at the zonal Research station, leaving oLt the districts. Supervision 6.03 A total of 11 full supervision mission were fielded by IDa during the implementation of the project. The composition of these missions was in general satisfactory. With the exception of the last mission (18-20 February 1987), all missions included an extension specialist and had more than one mission members. Continuity of staff between missions wa satisfactory. The supervision mission have significantly contributed to a smoother implementation of the project by explaining to the project staff the extension methodology, project reporting methods and requirements and by responding positively to some new requests deemed necessary by DOA; for example the inclusion of addition staff and vehicles to the M&E unit. In addition, the mission was continuously supporting the project to GOM for resolution. Lack of examination of the basic qualification of the VEWs, the function of the system under the ZP and late notification to GOM about the inadequacy of financial reporting, can be considered to have been the limitation of IDA supervision of the project. VII. CONCLUSIONS 7.01 The project has achieved its main institutional objectives. It has succeeded in establishing a framework in agricultural extension based on regular training and visit system. The project has also successfully established a strong linkage between the extension service and agricultural research, as a result of which farmers' problems are being addressed in a more systematic manner. At completion. the T&V system is well understood by all the extension staff. The regularity of visits and training as well as the interaction with research staff and scientists have made technical information more reality available to the extension staff, thus has resulted in the upgrading of their knowledgo and boosting their moral and confidence. 7.02 The project is an institutions building type and the building type and the building progress is still continuing. It is therefore too early to evaluate its impact on the State's agricultural production. According to the data compiled by the M&E Unit (Paragraph 5.3) however, it appears - 56 - that farmers are increasingly adopting new messages imparted by the project, and thus increasing their crop yields and benefits. 7.03 Project design provided for a double line of command the T&V system at the district level. Accordingly the project has established linkage with local governments by putting its district extension officers, the PAO, under the administrative control of Zilla Parishad by being answerable to the CEO. This was arranged with the understanding that the extension staff would be working full-time on extension. In general this wa; adhered to but there are instances where the CEO has instructed the FA0 and his staff to undertake non-extension or even non-agricultural works. There is a feeling of some Government officials that during off seasons, extension workers could be used elsewhere, forgetting that during this period of time. refresher courses and other training programmes need to be organised and also to advice on farms enterprise planning, land preparation and soil conservation. The CEO should therefore not pressurise the extension staff to undertake non-extension works, because it would put them under divided loyalty and thus strain staff jeopardize the extension service in the process. 7.04 Since the project has successfully put in place an organisational structure suitable for practicing training and visit on a regular basis and established a working linkage between extension and research, the farmers are better served by the extension system. It is of paramount importance to maintain the momentum gained in achieving a better service to farmers by ensuring continued commitment of the staff to project. In this connection DOA together with research needs to come up with imaginative approaches geared towards developing technical packaged that are acceptable and within the financial and technical reach of the farmers. Otherwise, repetitive or unrealistic recommendations will lead to loss of farmer's interest in the T&V system and VEWs may not command respect from the farmers. These could result in a demoralised field staff. Some observations have already been made in the State that recommendations have tended to become very general, repetitive and in some instances costly and not commensurate with the risks entailed in rainfed farming. The sustainability of the project will greatly depend on the project's capability to understand farmer's problems and capability to understand farmer's problems and capability and thus to be able to solve their specific problems within the confines of his means. Therefore an efficient feedback mechanism is necessary to enable research to refine general recommendations to suit specific areas and problems. 7.05 The following issues will. have strong bearing on the future performance of the extension service: (a) The continuation of the project along the lines established by the T&V extension system: (b) Ensuring tull-time ,ork of all 'xtonsion staff including the senior staff at headquarters: (c) Close monitoring of the Z.P. and extension staff relationship with a view to safeguarding undue interference in the now- regularized T&V extension system; - 57 - (d) Improvement of the composition of VEWs with better educated personnel in order to improve service to farmers by motivated staff for future farmer development; (e) Retension of experienced and trained extension staff oy creating promotion channels within the extension service: (f) Review of the present training programmes and formulating of new courses to take account of staff's educational background; (g) Early sanctioning of the identified VEW requirements to improve the effectiveness of extension by adjusting the VEW farm families ratio to the optimal level; (h) Need for continuous generation of research recommendations based on eco-units and farmers' resources: and (i) Development of a system that would ensure an efficient process of feedback from farmer through extension to research and vice-versa. 59 . Table 1 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Project costs by year Incurred by Agril. Department/Agril. Universities (Rs in million) Sr. Total to No. Category 81-82 82-83 83-84 84-85 85-86 86-87 81-82/86-87 1. Vehicle, equipment & furniture 3.1 12.1 9.3 2.8 3.1 2.6 33.0 2. Civil work 0.0 00.9 10.4 24.7 28.3 20.4 84.7 3. Training 0.3 0.4 0.2 1.7 2.7 2.1 7.4 4. Incremental staff 8.5 30.4 44.4 55.4 69.7 73.9 282.3 5. Incremental operating costs 4.7 14.8 9.4 11.2 9.8 6.2 56.1 Total 16.6 58.6 73.7 95.8 113.6 105.2 463.5 Note: Excluding cost of existing staff pooled to the extension service of Rs 234.0 million for which reimbursement was made. - 60 - Table 2 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRILCULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COHPLETION REPORT Comparison of Project Costs Between Appraisal Estimates & Actuals (Rs in million) App:aisal Extimates Actuals Rs USS Rs US$ Million Million Millicn Million 1. Incremental staff 114.8 14.4 282.3 24.7 2. Civil work 37.9 4.7 84.7 7.1 3. Equipmentivehicles 22.0 2.7 33.0 3.2 4. Training 13.6 1.7 7.4 0.6 5. Incremental operating costs 40.0 5.0 56.1 5.2 6. Physical contingencies 9.1 1.1 - 7. Price contingencies 68.7 8.6 - - 8. Total Project Cost 306.1 38.2 463.5 40.8 Note: Using exchange rates of US$1-Rs 8.93, 9.59, 10.23. 11.81, 12.24 and 12.74 for the fiscal years 1981-82 to 1986-87 respectively. 1 - 61 - Table 3 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Cumulative Disbursement of Appraisal Estimate and Actual (Rs in million) Period Estimated Actual as Z FY Quarter (At SAR) Actual of latest estimate 81-4 0.0 0.0 82-2 0.1 0.0 - -4 0.3 0.6 200 83-2 0.9 0.8 89 -4 2.4 2.0 83 84-2 4.5 3.2 71 -4 7.0 5.0 71 85-2 10.5 6.3 60 -4 14.0 10.4 74 86.2 17.0 12.71 75 -4 20.0 15.7 79 87-2 22.0 17.1 78 -4 23.0 18.5 80 88 (Aug) 23.0 19.3 84 Table 4 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Staff Training and Progress Total of 81-82 82-83 83-84 84-66 86-88 86-87 Total as U of T No. Type of Traini ng T A T A T A T A T A 1. Induction Training 1,200 1,420 2,000 2,902 2,000 2,002 800 780 - 311 - 151 8,000 7,518 125.27 (AA/AS) 2. Pro-season Training 1,924 1,822 3,912 4,720 8,000 5,151 6,000 8,162 6,000 6,070 6,000 6,354 29,836 30,269 101.50 (AA/AS) 3. Pro-season Training 306 289 615 952 1,049 834 1,049 960 1,049 1,290 1,246 1,449 6,313 6,070 108.65 (AEO-SMS) 4. Special Short course 2,184 211 4,400 4,168 8,847 1,627 6,847 4,073 8,847 1,844 4,76L 4,910 33,870 18,822 64.98 (AA/AEO) 5. Special Sh6rt course 97 26 205 224 817 370 317 480 817 619 317 777 1,670 2,495 168.90 (SMS/Other) 8. Project Orientation Workshop 2,281 2,293 4,606 6,985 7,164 9,614 7,164 3,141 7,184 2,196 7,164 2,426 36,522 25,801 72.24 7. Deputation for B.Sc. (Agri) 00 00 32 00 50 00 50 00 50 00 50 00 232 00 00.00 8. Deputation for M.Sc. (Agri) 00 00 16 5 26 21 25 24 25 41 26 9 118 100 88.20 9. Monthly District Workshop 108 96 225 301 346 363 346 353 346 655 377 367 1,748 2,026 116.98 10. Refresher Course 00 00 00 00 00 00 400 37 2,000 6837 2,000 738 4,004 1,412 32.00 Total of 1 to 10 118,605 93,873 79.16 TOS INDIA MAARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Incremental Staff Requirement (Cumulative) and Achievements SU Staff Total Percentage of No. Category 1981-82 1982-63 1983-84 1984-85 1986-88 1988-87 1987-88 Achiements targo" T A T A---x T-A--x Tm A T-~~-T T 1 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Extension staff 1. A.D.A. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100 2. J.D.A. (H.) 4 - 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 100 3. J.D.A. (DW) 7 - 7 - 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 100 4. P.A.0 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 100 6. Asat. Adm. Officer 8 9 18 20 25 29 26 29 26 29 26 29 25 29 29 118 6. S.D.A.0. - - 2 26 2 27 2 27 2 27 2 27 27 27 27 1,350 7. S.M.S. (Dist) 11 9 21 27 32 386 2 86 32 8 38 as 38 38 36 100 8. S.M.S. (Sub.Div) 37 37 90 130 135 130 135 130 135 180 136 180 185 130 130 98.3 0 9. Agril. Officer 128 138 293 294 416 420 418 430 418 430 418 430 416 430 430 103.4 w 10. Agril. Asst./VEW 831 913 2,085 1,887 2,925 2,800 2,925 2,800 2,925 2,800 2,926 2,800 2,925 2,800 2.800 96.7 11. A.S.0.0 7 7 14 11 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 100 12. Stnographer (He) 11 - 11 - 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 100 13. Sr. Clerk 10 19 37 63 70 72 TO 72 70 72 70 72 70 72 72 102.6 14. Jr. Clerk - 22 84 04 84 84 84 64 84 64 64 64 84 64 84 100 16. Clerk (OH) (Asst. Supdt) 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 - - - 18. Drivers 48 65 106 120 160 175 168 175 188 183 168 188 1 8 183 1e3 100 17. Asst. Supdt. - 1 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 4 100 18. Stenotypist - 1 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 4 100 19. Artist cum Operator - - 29 - 29 - 29 13 29 13 29 13 29 13 13 44.8 Table 5 Page 2 of 2 2 of total Staff over Category Year - 1 Year - 2 Year - 3 Year - 4 Year - 5 Total target T AQ T A T A T A T A T A 1. Joint Director of Agriculture 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100 2. D.D. (Economics) /a 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100 3. D.D. (Statistics) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100 4. Statistical Officer - - - - - - - 4 4 4 100 5. Senior Statistical Assistants lb 6 6 13 12 20 30 20 30 31 31 31 100 6. Stenographer 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100 7. Operators 2 4 4 4 4 6 4 6 4 6 6 150 8. Senior Clerk 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100 9. Junior Clerk 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 100 10. Junior statistical Assistants 27 n.a 57 n.a 90 78 90 87 90 87 87 97 11. Drivers 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 100 /a Post of Deputy Director of Agriculture (Economics) was vacant with effect from 1-12-1985 to 14 - 1- 1987. lb 14 additional posts of Senior Statistical Assistants were sanctioned by Govt. with effect from 19.4.1983. - 65 - Table 6 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Staff Vcancy Positions Sr No of posts NO. Nam of the Post sanctioned Yearwise Position of Vacancies 81-82 12-08 83-84 04-85 05-86 86-87 87-68 (sC June 87) Extension staff 1. Addl. Director of Agriculture (Extn) 1 - - - - - - 2. Jt. Director of Agri. (Extension) (a) State level 4 - 2 * - - - (b) Divisional level 7 - 3 4 2 - - . 8. Principal Agri. Officer 29 - - 3 - - 1 4. District Subject Matter Specialist 36 - 3 3 4 - 4 2 5. Sub-divi. Agricultural Officer 90 - 9 2 4 - 2 8 6. Subject Matter Specialist 10 - 22 21 26 19 32 19 7. Asst. Administrative Officer 29 - 6 4 5 16 10 9 9. Agricultural Officer 794 - 264 151 112 138 71 114 9. V.E.W (4800) x Agril. Supervisor (1200) 6,000 - 850 469 442 490 176 640 10. Asst. Superintendent 29+7 36 - 7 7 6 9 6 7 11. Senior Clerk 209 - 22 4 17 6 6 16 12. Junior Clerk 239 - 25 9 8 11 7 13 13. Steno typist 29 - 6 8 9 6 4 3 14. Drivers 224 - 98 40 36 41 17 23 16. Peons 338 - 46 19 13 17 12 12 16. Stenographers (Higher grade) 12 - 3 2 2 2 - - 17. Artist-cue-operator 29 - 29 28 27 28 12 16 Monitoring A Evaluation Cell 1. Head monitoring A Evaluation 1 - - - - - - - 2. Dy. Director of Agriculture (Eco) 1 - - - - - - - 3. Dy. Director of Agriculture I - - - - - - . 4. Statistical Officer 1 - - - - 1 - 6. Senior Statistical Asst. 31 - 16 2 1 2 2 - 6. Junior Statistical Asst. 90 - 17 10 10 16 - 3 7. Computer (Operator) 6 - - - - - - - 6. Senior Clerk 1 - - - - - - . 9. Stenographers (Higher grade) I - - - - - - - 10. Clerk 2 - - - - - - - 11. Driver 2 - - - - - - - Total 140 /a Created during 86-6. Since the TAV system has been started nitially during 81-82 (Aprii i3) in nine districts, th. position of vacancies will not tally with the sanctioned staff. Table 7 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Progress in Construction of Civil Works Total 'A* Upto as 2 of Type of Work 1981-82 1982-8. 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 30-6-87 Total total Year-i Year-2 Year-3 Year-4 Year-5 Year-6 Year-7 T A T A T A T A T A T A T A T A T Housing 748 622 as VEW 240 - 360 - 360 14 240 201 - 228 - 305 1.200 91 612 A.O. (No) - - 30 - 45 - 45 3 30 21 - 35 - 32 150 Sub-total - - 270 - 405 - 405 17 270 222 - 263 - 337 1,350 839 622 Hostel K.K.V. 1- - - - - - - - 1 1 - - 1 1 1002 MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1185-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Progress in Purchase of Vehicles Total achievement Type of Vehicles 1981-82 192-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1988-87 30-8-87 Total %ase To--F-r Ye-ar-2 Vosr-a Vor- Vo-* FT Year-8 ea- T A T A T A T A T A T A T A T A T 4 whe*I drive 10 10 8 17 9 7 - - - - - - - 6 27 39 144% (Wagonnats) 4 wheel drive 39 20 60 68 63 53 - 7 - - - - - 33 142 171 1205 (Jeops 4 whe*I drive 4 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 4 1001 (Wagonnates) Agri. Universities Ambassador - - - - -- Matador - - * * - - - 8 - 8 - Sub-total 63 34 68 76 82 83 - 15 - - - - - 38 173 225 130% Motor cycle 164 129 229 162 230 242 149 163 - 61 - 29 - - 762 786 1015 Bicycle 1,027 807 1,032 877 1,031 1,404 - 230 - - - 42 - - 3,090 3,160 102% INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1185-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Equipment Procured Sr. Appraisal Appraisal estimate Quantity Actual purchase No. Audio Visual Aid Equipment quantity Re in *000 purchased cost Rs in '000 Name of the Item Equipment at Dist. Level 1. 18 m. Sound projector for diet. (13147:32) } 29 391.15 2. Over head projector for dist. (3309 :00) } 77 272.27 S.D.A.Os ) 3. Slide projectors (8986:28) -do- ) 116 27 100.80 -do- ) 4. Tape recorders (2800:00) -do- ) 27 70.20 6. 35 am camera (1691:20) -do- ) 1,560.00 30 69.15 6. Opel slide projector for HQ (11700:00) ) 1 11.70 7. Tape recorders for SDAOs ) 90 190.26 1 8. Slide projector -do- ) 90 316.36 9. Equipment at field level such as slide ) 4,500 5,600 145.00 o viewer insecticide boxes magnifying lenses black boards bags etc. ) Rs 5000/-for field level ) Total ) 4.615 1,650.00 6,871 1,66.68 Table 10 -69 - Page 1 of 2 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT List of Publications of Monitoring and Evaluation Unit A. Monitoring Surveys QR-1 F R 2 1. Kharif 1982-83 Oct. 83 Aug. 83 2. Rabi 1982-83 Oct. 83 Feb. 84 3. Kharif 1983-84 Dec. 83 May 84 4. Rabi 1983-84 Apr. 84 Oct. 84 5. Kharif 1984-85 Nov. 84 July 85 6. Rabi 1984-85 June 85 March 86 7. Kharif 1985-86 Jan. 86 Feb. 87 8. Rabi 1985-86 June 86 Sept. 87 9. Kharif 1986-87 Dec. 86 10. Rabi 1986-87 May 87 B. Monitoring-cum-evaluation Survey 1. Kharif 1983-84 Aug. 84 2. Rabi 1983-84 Nov. 84 3. Kharif 1984-85 Dec. 85 4. Rabi 1984-85 June 86 5. Kharif 1985-86 July 87 C. Special Studies 1. Report on Spl. study on Jan. 85 formation of farmers' groups and selection of contact farmers. 2. Report on special study reg. May 85 reasons for non-adoption of recommended Agril. practices by farmers during Rabi season of 83-84. 3. Special study reg. agril. messages Dec. 85 broadcast by Pune station of Alt India Radio. Note: (1) Quick report (2) Final report Table 10 -70- Page 2 of 2 4. A repoi:t on study of Trg. & visit July 86 scheme in CADA areas in Maharashtra 84-85. 5. Report on study of Soil March 87 testing work in Maharashtra (Jan. 86) 86-87. D. Reports in the Pipeline (Surveys carried out but reports not yet published) 1. Monitoring-cum-evaluation survey rabi 85-86. 2. Monitoring survey. Kh. 86-87 (Final). 3. Monitoring-cum-ev*.aation survey Kh. 86-87. 4. Monitoring survey Kh. 86-87. 5. Monitoring cum-evaluation survey rabi 86-87. 6. Monitoring survey Kh. 87.88. 7. Monitoring-cum-evaluation survey Kh. 87-88. 8. Report on spl. study of seed practices of farmers in kharif 85-86 seasons. - 71 - Table 11 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1.35-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT List of Yearwise and Datewise Meetings of State Extension and Research Committees Year Meeting held Dates of meeting 1982-82 2 30-09-81 21-12-81 1982-83 2 14-04-82 06-11-82 1983-84 3 25-05-83 23-06-83 27-02-84 1984-85 1 25-01-85 1985-86 1 24-12-85 1986-87 1 28-08-86 1987-88 1 11-06-87 Total 11 Table 12 - 72 - INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT VEW - Farmers Relationships Particulars Kharif 1983-84 Kharif 1986-87 CF NCF CF NCF 1. Percentage of farmers knowing their VEWs. 92 55 94 70 2. Percentage of farmers reporting two visits during last 4 weeks. 72 22 70 27 3. Percentage of farmers reporting one visit during the last 4 weeks. 15 20 15 28 4. Percentage of farmers reporting no visit during the last 4 weeks. 13 58 15 45 5. Percentage of farmers reporting visits on scheduled days. 66 18 75 41 6. Percentage of farmers reporting visits useful. 85 53 90 69 (Rabi 85-86) Table 13 - 73- INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Adoption Rates for Recommended Varieties of Seed Sr. Z of farmers using Zage of farmers using No. Crop recommended varieties recommended varieties 1983-84 1985-86 CF NCF CF NCF 1. Irrigated paddy 39 22 67 53 2. Un-irrigated paddy 42 29 58 45 3. Irrigated kh. jowar 90 100 97 99 4. Un-irri.kh. jowar 93 84 93 90 5. Irrigated bajra 76 78 75 73 6. Un-irrigated bajra 67 66 82 77 7. Irrigated Gr.nut 78 62 92 82 8. Un-irrigated Gr.nut 64 55 83 82 9. Un-irrigated cotton 91 84 87 86 10. Irrigated rabi jowar 87 83 92 91 11. Un-irrigated rabi jovar 69 63 81 76 12. Irrigated wheat 83 77 91 88 13. Un-irrigated wheat 50 45 55 45 Table 14 - 74- INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Use of Fertilizers (000'M tonnes) Year N P K Total 1975-76 168 36 53 257 1976-77 201 71 44 316 1977-78 228 71 61 360 1978-79 226 81 71 378 1979-80 259 90 73 422 1980-81 267 91 65 423 1981-82 324 118 87 529 1982-84 291 123 91 505 1983-84 398 145 99 642 1984-85 359 129 93 581 1985-86 410 151 107 668 1986-87 398 159 99 656 Table 15 - 75 - INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Use of Pesticides (In M. tonnes) Year Technical Grade Material 1978-79 3,336 1979-80 2,074 1980-81 2,658 1981-82 4.570 1982-83 4,724 1983-84 4,933 1984-85 4,875 1985-86 5,114 1986-87 1,229 Table 16 MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1186-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Incremental Staff Requirement (Cumulative) and Achievements (in X) Sr No. Crop 1988-84 1986-86 CF NCF CF NCP 0 Upto Above 0 Upto Above 0 Upto Above 0 Upto Above 605 50% 601 601 50% 60% 501 501 1 2 a 4 5 a 7 6 9 10 11 12 18 14 1. Irrigated paddy 28 59 14 46 44 11 8 37 56 16 38 48 2. Unirrigated paddy 21 48 31 33 41 28 17 42 41 81 38 8i 3. Irrigated Kh.Jowar 6 18 76 21 40 89 8 83 81 8 43 49 4. Unirrigated kh.jowar 14 32 54 28 28 44 12 24 64 20 29 61 6. Irrigated bajra 18 10 72 29 48 26 19 82 49 19 4B 36 8. Unirrigated bjra 44 4 62 49 9 42 48 20 37 47 21 82 7. Irrigated Gr.nut 27 10 63 71 29 - 33 1S 62 37 21 42 9. Un-irrigated Gr.aut 46 16 39 69 9 22 83 14 53 47 11 42 9. Un-irrigated cotton 18 25 82 27 28 41 6 16 79 12 20 68 10. Irrigated rabi jowar 28 10 84 33 23 44 19 43 8 24 40 8 11. Un-irrigated rabi jower 68 14 20 81 8 11 84 24 12 75 17 FA 12. Irrigated wheat 7 27 68 9 28 63 5 19 76 8 22 ;0 13. Un-irrigated wheat 42 18 40 58 22 20 66 29 16 50 26 16 14. Irrigated gram 68 11 28 74 3 23 41 16 48 41 16 44 16. Un-irrigated gram 74 6 21 83 5 12 63 9 28 75 6 19 - 77 - Table 17 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Adoption Rates in Use of Pesticides for various crops (in Z) Sr.No Crop 1983-84 1985-86 CF NCF CF NCF 1. Irrigated paddy 15 8 11 10 2. Un-irrigated paddy 13 10 7 3 3. Irrigated kh. jowar 41 33 47 44 4. Un-irrigated kh. jowar 30 18 20 15 5. Irrigated bajra 18 14 4 - 6. Un-irrigated bajra 15 18 8 7 7. Irrigated Gr.nut 37 9 24 27 8. Un-irrigated Gr.nut 28 19 18 16 9. Irrigated cotton n.a n.a 76 66 10. Un-irrigated cotton 61 47 73 69 11. Irrigated rabi jowar 23 20 12 7 12. Un-irrigated rabi jowar 15 6 9 6 13. Irrigated wheat 15 11 7 6 14. Un-irrigated wheat 8 4 3 4 15. Irrigated gram 39 25 45 38 16. Un-irrigated gram 30 16 29 20 - 78 - Table 18 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT NO 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Impact of VEW Visits on Yields (85-86) Sr. Crop Farmers who got Farmers who did No. visit not get visit CF NCF CF NCF 1. Un-irrigated paddy 2,432 1,927 1,700 1,985 2. Un-irrigated kharif jowar 16,09 1,175 1,262 932 3. Un-irrigated rabi jovar 637 533 522 393 4. Irrigated wheat 1,701 1,168 1,489 1,206 - 79 - Table 19 Page 1 of 2 INDIA MAHARASHTRA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credi: No. 1135-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Key Indicators Appraisal Achievements Indicators Targets 30 June 1987 1. Addl. Director of Agri. (Extn) 1 1 2. Joint Director of Agriculture (Extn) State level 4 4 Division lelve 7 7 3. Principal Agricultural Officer 29 28 4. District Subject Matter Specialist 36 34 5. Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer 90 82 6. Subject Matter specialist 180 161 7. Assistant Administrative Officer 29 20 8. Agricultural Officer 794 680 9. Village Extension Workers 6,000 5,360 10. Assistant Superintendent 36 29 11. Senior Clerk 209 193 12. Clerk 239 226 13. Stenographer (Higher Grade) 12 12 14. Steno-typist 29 26 15. Artist-cum-Operator 29 13 16. Driver 224 201 17. Peon 333 321 Total 8,281 7,398 - 80 - Table 19 Page 2 of 2 MONITORING AND EVALUATION CELL Appraisal Achievements Indicators Target 20 June 1987 1. Head, Monitoring & Evaluation 1 1 2. Dy. Director of Agriculture (Eco) 1 1 3. Dy. Director of Agriculture (Stat) 1 1 4. Statistical Officer 4 4 5. Sr. Statistical Assistant 31 31 6. Jr. Statistical Assistant 90 87 7. Operator 6 6 8. Senior Clerk 1 1 9. Stenographer (Higher Grade) 1 1 10. Clerk 2 2 11. Driver 2 2 Total 140 137 Training Courses 113,782 98.214 Total Courses: Detailed statement enclosed Vehicles 2urchased: 1. Jeeps 176 176 2. Wagonette 34 34 3. Matador 8 8 4. Motor-cycle (staff owned) 747 823 5. Cycles (staff owned) 3,000 3.144 3,965 4,185 Civil Works: New Construction 1. VEW Quarters 1,200 748 2. Agricultural Officers Quarters 150 91 1,350 839 - 81 - SECTION C 9 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT January 17, 1989 Country Department IV Asia Regional Office - 83 - TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Evaluation Summary Introduction 1. The Tamil Nadu Agricultural Extension Project was executed between 1981 and 1987. The project was intended to finance the reorganization and strengthening of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) extension service based on the T&V approach. The Credit closed on time in June 1987. Total project cost, estimated at appraisal at US$ 45.6 M was supported by an IDA Credit of US$ 28.0 M (SDR 22.9 M). The credit amount was almost fully utilized (99.7% was disbursed). Project Objativeg and Rationale. 2. The project intended to support the reorganization and strengthening of the DOA extension service, aimed at establishing a single line of command from the Director of Agriculture to the Village Extension Workers (VEWs) through: consolidating staff from special crop schemes into a unified extension service; hiring additional staff; establishing the T&V methodology of extension; supporting a variety of training programs; providing vehicles for the different levels of staff; constructing staff housing; and meeting other incremental costs of the DOA, including those for setting up a monitoring and evaluation unit. Through improrements in the extension service it was expected that agricultural productivity and farm incomes would increase over time. Proiect Imnlementation. Results and Sustainabilitg 3. The project has generally been successful in achieving its broad objectives of reorganizing the extension service along the lines of the T&V approach. The flow of technical information to the farmers is regular and the link with research is firmly rooted. Though there were delays in startup of the project, staffing (inadequate numbers of qualified VEWs, staff from other departments refusing to transfer, etc), provision of staff transport (too low loan cielings), and the ci-1 works component (slow land aquisition and low priority given 1y PWD), the project was implemented largely as envisaged at appraisal. Construction of 80 information-cum-training centers not forseen at appraisal was added to the project and financed from savings due to the appreciation of the dollar. 4. By the end of the project most staff had been appointed and data from M&E surveys in 1985/86 show that adoption rates are high. The extension service is paricularily proud of their W 84 - achievements in peat surveillance and in cultivation methods for paddy in the Thanjavur delta in 1987, which saved the kharif season paddy crop in that exceedingly dry year. Tarmers have also obtained substantial benefits from the messages and statistics show increased use of inputs and higher yields which in part can be attributed to the project. Zt is still too early to assess the project's overall impact on productivity. the long term effect of the project is expected to be positive and lead to increasingly higher rates of adoption of new technologies. The momentum and gain achieved will, however, require a continued committment to the program from higher level officals of the state government and management improvement to ensure the motivation of staff at the field level. Moreover, the sustainability of the improved extension system would be enhanced by implementation of further institutional, administrative and policy roforms as outlined in paras 7-9 of the PCR Overview. 74nA4~g LA=A tomafns~ 5. The project benefitted from: (a) assistance to project management by a high level coordination comnittee which ensured adequate allocation and release of funds for the project, and aspisted in other areas such as site selection, allocation of cement, and other inter-departmental issues, (b) a strong research- extension linki (c) strong emphasis on communication training, and (d) staff being encouraged to be innovative in their approach to extension work. Other findings and areas which need improvement ares (a) staff transfer from other departments is a difficult issue (b) loan ceilings for vehicle purchase need to be high enough to ensure staff mobility (mopeds should also be included since the are preferred to bicycles)i (c) site selection and design for civil works should be done before project effectiveness; and (d) more imaginative technological packages and messages need to be developed, which will enhance the motivation of the field workers and keep the interest of the farmers. - 85 - TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (Credit 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT L. IN-TRODUCTIO 1.01 In its drive to boost agricultural development, the Government of India (GOI) has been investing heavily in irrigation and in the production and supply of other necessary agricultural inputs. In support to these development efforts, Government of India in the mid 1970's, sought to re- organize the State Extension Services with a view to providing farmers with up-to-date advice on farming practices best suited to their specific conditions on a regular and systematic manner. The programme of re- organization and strengthening of the extension services was to be achieved by strictly programmed visits from regularly trained field staff, supported by professional advice from the Department of Agriculture and from research. This system of agricultural extension, commonly known as Training and Visit (T&V) system, was pioneered under the Rajasthan Canal Command Area Development Project in 1974, with the assistance of the World Bank. The result of this experience was positive and has led to the expanded adoption of the Training and Visit system in the country. 1.02 The Tamil Nadu Agricultural Extension Project was started as the tenth in a series of IDA assisted projects designed to re-organize and strengthen agricultural extension in the State. This project was appraised in 1980 and provided for the re-organization of the existing extension system into a unified extension service under the Department of Agriculture with a single line of command from the extension headquarters to a full time village level extension worker. It also provided for an extension programme of regular training and improved linkage between agricultural extension and research. The project, which became effective in July 22, 1981, was completed in June 1986. This project Completion Report (PCR) presents the implementation experience of the project as well as its performance and impact on the State's agriculture. The report is based on review of the Staff Appraisal Report, the Development Credit Agreement and Project Agreement; World Bank supervision reports and project files; progress reports prepared by the Monitorit4Z and Evaluation Unit; and discussion with Project staff and farmers. II. PROJECT FORMULATION Project Preparation 2.01 The Government of Tamil Nadu has been experimenting use of different types of extension system by re-organizing its extension service. The latest re-organization before this project was carried out in the early seventies and provided for the replacement of the multi-purpose village level extension worker by several special crops schemes. After a review of the crop specific extension system, it became apparent that this did not - 86 - fully meet the requirements of the agricultural sector. Following GOI recommendations, and encouraged by the results of T&V system in other States, GOTN decided t re-organize its extension service, by introducing the T&V system with the assistance of the World Bank. 2.02 Project preparation was carried out by GOTN assisted by 001 Extension Directorate and staff from New Delhi Office of the World Bank. The preparation report was completed in early 1980. The main emphasis of the preparation exercise was on the proposed re-organization of the DOA, level of staffing and the integration of extension activities of the different schemes. The preparation report had also outlined staffing levels as well as housing, transport and other equipment requirements which were refined later during appraisal. At preparation, the project was estimated to cost about Rs. 2,9 Quillion. Appraisal 2.03 The project was appraised in October 1980 and the basic concept and the main features of the project were similar to what had been proposed during preparation. As appraised, the Project sought to achieve early and sustained increases in agricultural production in Tamil Nadu's 15 districts through the re-organization and strengthening of the extension services of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the directorate of Horticulture (Nilgiris District only). To this end, the project proposed to establish a single line of command between full time village level extension worker (VEW) and extension headquarters; to consolidate staff from the special crop schemes of DOA into a single unified service; to incorporate regular in service training as an integral part of the extension activities; and to establish regular monitoring and evaluation procedures. 2.04 The project provided the following: (a) recruitment of additional 1,351 VEW's, 182 Deputy Agricultural Officers (DYAO), 140 Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) at sub- Divisional and District levels, 39 Divisional Agricultural Officers (DVAO), 12 Joint directors (JD) and one Assistant Director of Agriculture at Headquarters; (b) financing pre-service and in service training programmes for all the T&V staff including higher level training within and outside the State; (c) construction of 1,750 houses for VEWs and DYAOs, one training centre and a number of buildings to be used for horticultural extension-Nilgiris District; (d) purchase of 2,500 bicycles 830 motorcycles, 115 four-wheel drive vehicles, 19 vans; 12 sedans and other equipment and furniture; and (e) financing incremental operating expenses. The project, to be implemented over a five year period, was estimated to cost Rs. 364.8 million or US$45.6 million and provided for an IDA credit of US$28.0 million. - 87 - 2.05 The overall responsibility for the project was vested vith Secretary of Agriculture and Director of Agriculture and Horticulture. However, for the day-to-day operations and management of the T&V both technically and administratively, the position of an Additional Director of Agriculture (Extension) (ADDLDA EXT) was created under the project. He 'a to be responsible for management of all activities under the system at the headquarters and was to be assisted by 7 Subject Matter Specialist (SM) f different specializations. His responsibilities included improving the technical quality of extension, training and promoting linkages between extension and research. He was to be supported by a small administrative and accounting staff. 2.06 At the district level, the Joint Director of Agriculture (JD) was responsible for extension operations throughout the district and was answerable to the ADDLDA (Extension). the JD was to be assisted by a Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) and 3 SMS to review, plan, discuss and coordinate extension activities in the district. Each of the 6-11 sub- divisions in the district was to be headed by a DVAO/ADA.I/ Each DVAO was to be in charge of 6-10 circles each headed by an Agricultural Officer (AO)Z/ who would be responsible for 5-8 VEWs)/ The DVAO was to be supported by a technical staff of 3 SMSs, who, among other things were to be rasponsible for conducting fortnightly training of VEWs. Each VE1W was to fallow a fixed schedule of four nightly visits to specific groups of farmers and training courses conducted by the AOs and SMSs. 2.07 By establishing a single line of command from headquarters to the village level the Project aimed at making field level staff accau-nzable to their supervisors both technically and administratively. Researzn was made the responsibility of the Tamil Nadu agricultural University (TNAU), while training was to be implemented jointly by DOA and TNAU. To facilizate project implementation a high level Project Coordination Committee (?CC) chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture, was to be established. Membership included representatives of TNAU, DOA, and other concerned Covernmenc Departments and agencies including Finance, Irrigation, Cooperatives and input supply agencies. Similarly, for planning of programmes to be implemented under the Project, the project proposed the establishment of different levels of technical committees as detailed in Chapter IV. III. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Project Commencement 3.01 Although the Project became effective in July 1981, field implementation started only in October mainly due to staff-related problems. One of those problems was the unwillingness of the VEWs to transfer from the Rural Development Department to DOA. Nevertheless, by October the Project succeeded to overcome the difficulties. Yost of the Phase I staff had been converted and positioned in the field, starting j/ Sub-divisional Agricultural Officers (SDAO) of the rank of Assistant director of Agriculture (ADA). 2/ AOs were graduates but non-graduates performing similar aztivities were designated as Deputy Agricultural Officers (DYAO). 1/ VEWs occupied the rank of Assistant Agricultural Officers (AAG). - 88 - immediately to undertake the scheduled visits and required training. During this time orders were also placed for vehicle requirements for the first phase of the project and designs of Civil Works and their cost estimates had been finalized. Due to outstanding issues concerning staff, crop coverage and farm family to VEW ratio, the Horticulture component did not start until January 1982. Project Revisions 3.02 The main change introduced in the Project concerned the ratio between VEW and Farm families which was designed to be 1:800 at appraisal. During implementation, when DOA realized that the expected transfer of VEWs from the Department of Rural Development (DRD) to its extension personnel would not take place, it decided not to recruit additional VEWs; but to increase instead the ratio of VEW and farm families to slightly over 1:1000. Other revisions were the increase in the number of extension districts from 15 to 19, the down scaling of Civil Works in Horticulture extension and the construction of additional 80 Information-cum-Training Centres at the sub-divisions which were not foreseen at appraisal. Re-organization of Extension: 3.03 Project implementation was to begin in 7 of 14 districts plus Nilgiris (see map) in the first year and in the other 7 in the second year. There was a slight delay of about 3 months in starting. Once started, there were few problems of senior staff postings since there had been in existence special schemes with ample numbers of staff. Positions of JDs - ADAs - and SMS, were immediately filled for the first phase through staff deployment and promotions. By 1st September 1981 most Senior level staff were in position in the first phase districts. Before initiation of T&V system, however orientation courses were organized, with the assistance of the Bank Office in Delhi in February/March 1982, for all state level graduate staff earmarked for the extension service. 3.04 Procurement of vehicles and equipment was initiated on schedule although some problems were encountered in loans for VEWs. Training of the first batch of VEWs were started at Kudumiamalai in November 1981 and continued satisfactorily. Similarly, once staff were in position, research and extension linkages were initiated by inauguration of monthly zonal workshops at each district. 3.05 The second phase in the remaining 7 districts started, as scheduled in July 1982. Here again no serious problems were encountered in senior staff postings, procurement, training and in the inauguration of monthly Zonal workshops. 3.06 Some problems were however encountered with regard to staffing at the VEW/AAO level, construction of staff houses and office buildings and to utilization of loans for the purchase of 2-wheeled vehicles for AOs and VEWs. These problems and how they were overcome are discussed under separate headings below. 3.07 Since the T&V System was dependent on contact farmers (CF) and their selection, although this was done before the initiation of field visits, representation was biased towards farmers with irrigation facilities and against small farmers. Bank supervision mission pointed out these failures which were later put right. - 89 - 3.08 During fiscal year 1984-1985, the district of Ramanathapuram was broken up into three districts and that of Madurai was broken up into two districts in 1985-86. In 1986-87, Tirunelveli District was broken up into two districts from 15 to 19. Although the ground level organization or circle and Sub-divisions existed, the need for providing for additional full complement of management staff arose. Directorate of Horticulture however decided to man only one new district. Staffing 3.09 At appraisal, staff requirements for the T&V system was expected to come from (a) redeployment of staff within DOA and DOH; (b) transfer of Village Level Extension Workers (VLW) from DRD and (c) hiring of 1,351 new VEWs. The transfer of VLWs. from DRD to DOA was a condition of invitation to negotiations and therefore GOTN issued an order for the transfer of 513 positions from DRD to DOA in September 1980. Staffing details are given in Table 4. 3.10 When the project started, 378 VLWs, transferred but the remainder refused to do so. DRD also had a number of schemes for which they needed the manpower. In the wake of ensuing court actions, DOA agreed even to send back the 378 who did transfer and it resorted to redeployment of staff, upgrading demonstrators to fill in the vacancies and recruitment from the open market. Open market recruitment was also restricted to availability by the availability of trained staff. Only two institutions existed in the State for turning out agricultural diplomats at a rate of about 100/year. The end result of these initial problems was that at project completion there were 4,000 VEWs at post compared with the appraisal estimate of 4,777 (i.e. an achievement of 84%). 3.11 The recruitment of graduate level staff was dependent on the turn- out from TNAU, which was satisfactory for project needs. By project completion most graduate staff positions had been filled despite the increase in number of districts. The number of posts was more than estimated at appraisal because of the increase in the number of districts and additional positions created at headquarters. 3.12 The decrease in the number of VEWs resulted in a decrease in the ratio of VEW per farm family from the appraised target of 1:800 to 1:1,050. This wider coverage of VEWs does not seem to have had any negative influence on project performance and impact and DOA intends to maintain this ratio. Any future increased in the number of district would only require increased in the JDA and district SMS posts, sinre at the ground level the basic staff needs for the whole State have been met. Training 3.13 A number of training courses were provided for under the project. These may be divided into training provided by TNAU, those provided by DOA and promotional and overseas training courses. 3.14 TNAU was to be responsible mainly for training of graduate level staff i.e. AO and SMS. DOA was respon;b'1.a orientation, and refresher courses - - to be deputized for promotional courseb a: :. ':.;:.s - 90 - both within the country and outside. Provision was also made for overseas study tours. These courses were in addition to the normal fortnightly training courses for VEWs and monthly Zonal Workshops. 3.15 From Table 5, which gives the annual training performance for different categories of staff, it is clear that TNAU managed to achieve in targets, except in promotional courses, which was due to the entry requirements demanded for graduate and post graduate training courses. Problems were also encountered in these course because of difficulties in finding universities in other States for trainees, delays in obtaining sanctions from GOTN and, sometimes, the need to retain staff at posts to oversee important functions. 3.16 DOA's achievements fell below appraisal estimates due to: (a) refresher training and special short courses of VEWs were not undertaken during the first 2 years of the project because of inadequate facilities at the State Level Training Institute at Kudumiamalai (SLTI) and (b) lower than appraisal requirements of VEWs. The Institute also faced problems of high staff turn over because of lack of incentives. This resulted in inadequate staff required for monitoring special courses. 3.17 Although late in starting, overseas training courses were provided for 20 staff members, as against 18 as appraised, as follows: Nine for various courses in Korea, Philippines and Indonesia. Two for Water Management in USA and Nine for rice promotion technology at IRRI. Fortnightly.Araining 3.18 This programme was started early during implementation and, with the guidance of Bank supervision missions, has improved significantly with time. Site selection for training was important to provide practical training. As such these have been held on research stations, State Seed Farms or on Farmers holdings where neither of the former two exist. Participation of district SMSs has been satisfactory. FortnightlX Planning and Review Programme 3.19 These have also developed into institutions for development of improved approaches to T&V. The programme has developed a 5 step approach to the planning of activities. These are: (a) Planning of agricultural production for the villages; (b) Planning of water resources management programmes; (c) Planning of specific production campaigns; (d) Planning of demonstrations; and (e) Planning of integrated pest control programmes. This planning process results in feedback from the field an strengthens the fortnightly VEW training programme. - 91 - 3.20 All the various training programmes were undertaken also in DON. However overseas training could not be obtained for the department's candidates because of bureaucratic procedures and institutions providing them. Nevertheless 7 Horticultural Officers, 3 sub-divisional officers (ADHs) and 1 District Level SMS were deputed for Post graduate studies. Civil Works 3.21 This component took a long time to take off and it as not until about 1984 that it started to move. The reasons for this delay were the slowness of procedures in getting Public Works Department (PWD) in accepting the responsibility for overseeing construction of the large number of scattered project works in addition to its were encountered in selecting the appropriate sites. It was envisaged at appraisal that staff houses should be in or near villages close to VEW's area of work. However, since the land was to be obtained free of cost from community/Government land, it was not always possible to get appropriate sites easily. In early 1983 a bi-monthly inter-departmenzal meeting between PWD and DCA was instituted and agreements reached in procedures which allowed for closer cooperation among the DOA, PWD and District Collectors. This resulted in speeding up construction. 3.22 The inter-departmental meetings thus succeeded in removing problems of communications and not only were appropriate sites agreed on but preparation of tender documents and contracts were awarded for those areas where site selection did not pose any difficulty. Major problems were referred to the PCC which also lent its weight on site selection officials of concerned government Departments and District Administ,ations. By 1984-85 most of the site selection problems had been resolved. For areas where appropriate sites were not found (about 200 houses) it was decided to construct twin buildings to serve more than one village. 3.23 As the construction programme gathered momentum, shortage of cement was experienced because the annual quota allocated for the project was sufficient. The problems was however resolved quickly by the Government which either increased the quota or authorized purchases of cement outside the quota system. Implementation of this component therefore remained far behind schedule for a considerable time. No building was completed in the first 3 years of the project and only 88 out of 1,750 were constructed in fiscal 1984-85. Buc implementation speeded up from 1985-86 onwards when about 600 houses were constructed in that year alone (Table 10). The DOA suggested and IDA approved the construction of information-cum-training centres out of the savings in civil works at a cost of Rs. 640 lakhs. This was done in the year 1986. This infrastructure is really helping to provide information support to farmers and training of extension workers with the modern electronic gadgets. 3.24 The construction programme is now completed. The quality of construction is generally satisfactory. Local contractors who undertook the construction have followed the specifications given by PWD. Vehicles and Equipment 3.25 Project vehicles were purchased more or less on schedule with the exception of bicycles and motorcycles, where the first year purchase slipped into the next year (Table 11). The number of vehicles purchased at - 92 - project completion were slightly more than appraisal estimates mainly as the result of the increase of the number of districts by 4 which necessitated a supply of additional vehicles to the new offices. About 42 trailers were also purchased for use in transporting equipment and materials in the sub-divisions. The loan facilities for purchase of motorcycles and bicycles could not be fully utilized because of steep increase in prices which did not cover the loan provision of Rs. 6,000 per motorcycle and Rs. 600 per bicycle. Even though loan ceilings were later raised to Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 800 respectively for motorcycles and bicycles, the demand from staff was not sufficient to make use of the project provision. Moreover, VEWs preferred mopeds to bicycles for which rules did not provide. This matter will be given due consideration in the future. 3.26 Other office and audio-visual aids have been purchased as envisaged at appraisal. However, because of the increase in the number of districts, and the construction of 80 new Information-cum-Training Centres, purchases increased accordingly. No difficulties of relevance were encountered in purchasing project equipment. Monitoring and Evaluation 3.27 A Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit was proposed as an integral part of the Project with the aim of providing management with information on both the progress of implementation and of the effectiveness of the T&V System. Information was to be gathered through a series of annual overall M&E studies and special specific studies depending on needs. It was to be headed by a Director and assisted by four Specialists (Statistician, Economist. Rural Sociologist and a head in charge of special studies) and four technical Assistants at headquarters and 14 Supervisors and 56 Investigators at the field level. Provision was also made for supporting staff at headquarters (See Table 4 for proposed and actual staffing of the Unit). 3.28 There was a slight delay in obtaining Government approval for setting up the Unit, but by the end of 1982, most of the headquarters staff were in place and enough field staff had been assembled to carry out survey and analytical activities in four districts. By the end of FY 82-83 two monitoring surveys were completed ir 5 districts and one monitoring-cum- evaluation survey as well as the baseline studies had been completed in the first phase districts. - 3.29 The main problems encountered during this period was the unavailability of enough field staff positions especially field investigators, lack of continuity in the position of head of the Unit. inadequate mobility, lack of appropriate training of M&E staff and undue delays in compilation of data and production of reports. A problem affecting mainly the quality of work was that of filling that post of Agricultural Economist and later, that of Rural Sociologist. Thus staffing was not fully resolved until the fiscal 1985-86 when the Unit was able to acquire its full complement of staff. 3.30 Not withstanding these problems the volume and quality of work continued to expand and improve over the project period. By project completion a large number of valuable reports have been produced as shown in Tables 7 and 8. The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit has carried out 9 monitoring Surveys and 6 monitoring-cum-evaluation surveys (Table 7). - 93 - In addition it undertook 26 Special studies which cover a wid range of agricultural topics (Table 8). These surveys and studies have been useful to the project because they brought new information either as added knowledge or a information necessary for follow-up actions in the field. Other Studies 3.31 In addition to the studies carried out by the M&E Unit, two studies have also been conducted by the Directorate of Evaluation and Applied research on behalf of DOA. The first study was the base line survey conducted in two phases. Phase 1, carried out in December 1981 and January 1982, covered 8 districts while Phase 2, carried out in November 1982 and January 1983, covered the remaining 7 districts. The same institutions also understood the mid-terms survey during Khariff 1985/86 in the districts of Coimbatore, Madurai and Thanjavur. The report on the mid- term survey was completed only in April 1987. DOA is satisfied with these studies and has considered them as useful for its future work. Pgocurement 3.32 As envisaged by the Development Credit Agreement, contracts were awarded on the basis of competitive bidding following local advertisement. Contracts for Civil works or for equipment and furniture estimated to cost US$100,000 were reviewed by IDA both before bids were invited and contracts awarded. All vehicles, with the exception of motorcycles and bicycles, have been procured in accordance with existing Government procedures. Motorcycles and bicycles for the field staff were however purchased under loan on personal basis. Minor equipment were bulked and procured through local bidding procedures except where the value was less than US$50,000 when they were purchased by prudent shopping. Since most of the items were locally manufactured and the DOA was used to these procedures, no serious procurement problems were encountered. Project Costs 3.33 At completion project costs have been estimated at Rs. 431.3 million (US$37.8 million) against appraisal estimates of Rs. 364.8 million (US$45.6 million). These are about 118% (83% in US$ terms) of the appraisal estimates. An 18% cost overrun in Rupee terms can be considered a remarkable achievement taking into account the delays experienced in the civil works component and the addition of 80 buildings for use as information-cum-training centres and the purchase of more vehicles and equipment. The lower costs in US$ terms are the result of the appreciation of the US$ since appraisal. Current exchange rate is Rs. 12.90 per US$ against the appraisal rate of RS 0.00 per US$. Details on annual costs and comparison between appraisal estimates and actuals are shown in Table I and 2. Disbursements 3.34 Credit disbursement started exceedingly well and was more than double of the appraisal estimates for fiscal year 1982 and about equal to appraisal estimates in 1983. This was due to rapid procurement of equipment and vehicles, supplemented by costa of newly recruited staff. From 1984 to 1986, however, disbursement lagged behind appraisal estimates; dropping to 56%, 46% and 55% at the end of the fiscal years of 1984, 1985 - 94 - and 1986 respectively. Th- decline was due to the sloe progress of the Civil works Component and to the appreciation US dollar Vis-a-Vis the Rupee. Although it was understood that the completion of the civil works component would improve the disbursement rate towards the end of project implementation, it was clear that all the credit would not be utilized because of the US$ appreciation. Efforts were therefore made to improve credit utilization. These included the construction of Information-cum- Training Centres in 80 sub-divisions and additional expenditure on vehicles and equipment for the newly created districts. All these actions boosted disbursement rate to 94% by October 1987 and the rate is expected to increase slightly as some reimbursement application have not yet been processed. Details on annual disbursement are shown in Table 3. IV. INSTITUTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT Installation of T&V Extension System 4.01 The DOA started to implement the reorganization of its extension service in a rationale and systematic way because it undertook the necessary administrative preparations before the project start-up. Thus the project succeeded in establishing the basic extension structure as planned at appraisal without much difficulty. Project Management guided the project staff in the best possible way to adjust during extraordinary times when field staff strength was not complete and later when the district were increased by four. Active collaboration with the research and extension wings of TNAU was established almost immediately when the project started. Performance of the field staff in their different roles has been commendable as was their reLations with farmers and research staff. On top of the regular training and visit activities, the project has been producing publicity materials in the districts and distributing them. TNAU also uses different forms of media, particularly the radio, to reach a wider audience. Project Coordination 4.02 The State level project Co-ordination Committee met 9 times during the Project implementation (Table 9). Although the number of meetings were less than what had been envisaged at appraisal, i.e. two times a year, the committee has been extremely helpful in solving problems which were beyond the ability of DOA to solve. The committee has been successful in tackling difficulties in the procurement of sites for project buildings, in expediting reiease of funds, increasing annual budget when necessary and increasing the availability of Cement to the project. Frequent difficulties with the construction of civil works had put strain both to the DOA and P'D, which could not tackle them individually. An inter- departmental meeting was therefore established between the two where they have jointly addressed the problems at the departmental and field levels. Since the es:ablishment of the inter-diepartmencal meetings in April 1983, the civil works component started to move particularly in the acquisition of sites. Decisions were also taken at this meeting to construct twin houses once it was realized that appropriate public sites were not available. - 95 - Besearch-Extension Linkage 4.03 Prior to the initiation of the project, DOA was responsible for research in a number of crops on 25 locations scattered through the state while TNAU, in addition to its teaching activities, conducted research on its two main campus at Coimbatore and Madurai and on 10 out-reach stations and sub-centres. Just prior to appraisal Government of Tamil Nadu transferred all research activities to TNAU and a member of DOA Research staff came under the jurisdiction of TNAU. To achieve the aims of rapid transfer of technology from research to farmers through the T&V system a strong link between extension and research became essential. The former links between extension and research were maintained. These links were representation of research and extension personnel in the TNAU's Research Advisory Committee or Annual Scientific Worker's Conference and DOA's Extension Education Council. Closer working relations between research workers and extension staff, particularly Subject Matter Specialist, were established through a number of regular meetings for inter-change of ideas and cross-fertilization (Table 6). 4.04 The most important forum was the Monthly Zonal Workshop which in Tamil Nadu was held at the district level because each district had at least one research station with different staff specializations. In addition one special research team was established in each of the 19 districts to participate fully in these workshops which were attended by Agricultural Officers and Subject Matter Specialist at the district and sub-divisional levels. These workshops were off the ground early and have developed into forums where often heated but frank and friendly discussions between scientists and field staff took place and location specific technologies were developed for the two fortnights of the month for use in training VEWs at fortnightly meetings. 4.05 For joint planning of research and extension activities, the Regional Research Extension Advisory Committee, was started with the establishment of the National AgriculturzA Research Project; it consists of scientists from the Zone, Directors of University, campuses as well as senior extension staff and serves as the place where district programmes and research priorities are discussed, priorities and approved and, where necessary, refined/modified and returned to the districts for submission to the State Technical Committees. The Zonal committee met twice a year, prior to the beginning of each planting season. Meetings have been regular and have continued to be refined with experience. 4.06 Perhaps among the other areas of cooperation and inter-change of ideas the introduction of the diagnostic team approach to solving location specific problems has been the most useful since it entails periodic visits to problem areas to find solutions to production problems of various kinds while documenting farmers' practices and innovations and feeding back unsolved problems to research. 4.07 Research workers and field staff have also joined hands to assess the benefits or otherwise of specific recommendations through visits (at least twice in the season) for newly introduced innovations. 4.08 Research has also developed for extension to farmers, a number of new technologies which include the increasing use of bio-fertilizers, use of micro-nutrients such as ferric sulphate, calcium sulphate and zinc - 96 - sulphate, improved water management technology such as the use of cross- furrows in land preparation, optimum plant population for different ecologies and, most significantly,.pest and disease surveillance for economic an deficient use of pesticides. This last program is reported to have saved the state an estimated 10 million rupees during the last financial year alone. Also being developed as an integrated pest control approach to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. 4.09 Last but not least of the achievements of research in linkages with extension and farmers has been the volume of information emanating from both TNAU and Department of Agriculture in terms of production practices for various crops and training material for all levels of staff. Various forms of information media have been used i.e. t.v., radio, newspaper, pamphlets, bill boards, stickers and even games played in rural homes. accounts and Reporting 4.10 An IDA financial analyst visited the project in June 1982 and reported that DOA has maintained identifiable project accounts. during this visit further requirements in mairtaining the project accounts and in reporting/auditing the expenditures were also explained. There were, therefore, no difficulties faced with regard to accounting. Difficulties were however encountered in the-reporting auditing of project accounts in that they were carried out after long delays. GOTN was in arrears in submitting audit certificates for the statement of expenditure throughout the project period. Some of the certificates presented were incomplete. After several reminders to rectify the situation, IDA was forced to stop disbursement until the submission of the certified statements of expenditure. These were submitted on 16th March 1987 and they enabled IDA to resume disbursement. 4.11 Apart from the financial reporting, GOTN was also expected to submit to IDA two reports i.e. annual monitoring and evaluation summaries and six monthly progress reports. Submission of these to IDA was regular, except for one or two cases of delays, and can be considered satisfactory. Compliance with Covenants 4.12 GOTN has complied with most of the major covenants, although in some instances there were excessive delays such as in submitting audit certificates for the settlement of expenditures. This was complied with only towards the end of project implementation. Due to strong resistance by VLWs, the GOTN has not succeeded in complying with the covenant that required the transfer of VLW from DRD to DOA. Likewise, GOTN could not recruit all the staff agreed to at appraisal as it considers the current number sufficient and just within its capacity to fund annually. V. PROJECT IMPACT -General 5.01 Because of the complementarity of different Agricultural inputs, it is difficult to pin-point separately the contribution of extension to increased crop yields. In addition, an extension project of this type is -97- essentially an institution strengthening process of considerable magnitude and as such requires several years after its implementation before its major impact is felt. Nevertheless, it is possible even at this stage, to discern, from available national data, some positive effects. These data include the number of farmers who are adopting extension messages and the state-wide increase in crop production. Adoption of Extension Messages 5.02 According to the M&E unit of the project, farmers have been very receptive to the messages imparted by the VEWs. Surveys carried out between 83/84 and 84/86 showed that adoption rate for critical messages for paddy. Groundnut and Cotton has been high (Table 12). For instance, in 1985-86, all farmers surveyed (2,936) reported using improved cotton varieties and adopted the recommended optimum groundnut population. High adoption rates are also reported for several messages and no adoption rate was below 74%, with the exception of DAP application in paddy and basal application of fertilizer for cotton, which were 59% and 52% respectively. Farmers have further reported that they have obtained substantial benefits from these messages as expected. State Statistics also show a higher increased use of fertilizer and pesticides (Tables 13 & 14). Impact on Productivity 5.03 The evolution of rolling average yields (i.e. Yields representing averages over 3 years periods) are shown in Tables 15 and 16, which shows that although yields have been fluctuating over the past 10 years, figures for the last two years, which represent yields over much of the implementation period have risen significantly. In terms of physical yields, it may be deduced that paddy, millets, pulses, cotton, groundnut and oilseeds have increased by 293 kg/ha (in terms of rice), 21 kg/ha, 101 kg/ha, 88 kg/ha, 35 kg/ha and 40 kg/ha. These increases have been achieved through increased agricultural practices part of which is attributable to this project. Although the level of the contribution of extension cannot be known precisely only a small proportion attributed to the project would suffice to make it economically viable because of its relatively low costs. Total project cost at current prices amount to Rs. 103/Farm Family and Rs. 62/ha. of total cultivable area. In terms of annual recurrent costs, based on 1987-88 budget figures, costs would be Rs. 32/-per farm family and Rs. 19/- per ha. VI. IDA PERFORMANCE General 6.01 IDA's assistance in the re-organization of the extension service was an important contribution to the agricultural development of the State. It was also timely in that, if took place during a period of time when the limitation of the special crop extension schemes in terms of area coverage and other short-comings were becoming apparent. IDA has been active since project preparation in assisting GOTN and indicating the approaches adopted in earlier extension projects in other States. The IDA Appraisal mission which visited the State for about a week, concluded that the preparation works was satisfactory and recommended an early implementation of the project. The appraisal mission, perhaps considering the project as a repeater of other extension projects, might have overlooked the need for - 98 - detailing certain proposals. In retrospect*it can be said that the appraisal mission should have known from past experiences of the difficulties experienced in the transfer of VLWs to DOA in other States and should not have placed so much reliance on augmenting VEW strength from transfer of VLWs. Thus despite GOTN's compliance with this condition for negotiations, some VLWs still refused to transfer, threatening to take legal action against GOTN. Likewise, the appraisal mission should have satisfied itself on the availability of land for the construction of field staff housing and also on the designs, particularly, since DOA wanted housing within villages. These issues posed major problems during project implementation, and could have been avoided. Sunervision 6.02 IDA fielded a total of 11 supervision mission between October 1981 and February 1987. The composition of these mission were technically satisfactory. All missions had at least one extension specialist and continuity of staff between missions has been generally maintained. The supervision missions have been extremely helpful in assisting the project staff in solving their problems at the field level, particularly in the early stages of project implementation. The missions were also active in pointing out problems which required management attention by indicating the best ways of solving them. Issues concerning the delayed recruitment of staff, particularly, the VEWs, and those concerning the poor progress in the civil works component were consistently referred to GOTN. VII. CONCLUSIONS 7.01 The project has been successful in achieving its broad objectives. The agricultural extension service has been re-organized along the intended lines of training and visit system which is now well understood by all extension and research staff. Through this system, the project has given the necessary technical skills to the staff who can now, on their own, give technical advice to farmers with full confidence. The project also succeeded making the flow of technical information rigular by establishing a solid link between extension and research and ensuring continuous dialogue. This linkage has resulted in a joint effort between extension and research in understanding farmers problems and accordingly in programming their work towards solving these problems. In addition, the extension service has succeeded in establishing strong information service units in each district which is capable of producing publicity and training material not only for the use of the field staff and their contact farmers, but also for dissemination to the general public in the rural areas. Publicity materials and messages to be used by the media are also produced by the project and divulgated in the State. 7.02 * At project completion, the impact of the project should be judged mainly in terms of its success in introducing the training and visit system and whether the system is understood by all the staff and is operating well. Because the project was an institutions building type, it is still too early to warrant a full judgement on its impact on agricultural productivity. Nevertheless, some indications show that farmers are adopting messages imparted by the project and are also benefitting from them. - 99 - 7.03 Although the project has recorded several achievements two of them stand out so outstandingly that they varrant particular highlighting. There are: (a) the establishment of the pest surveillance system with the involvement of farmers and field staff on such a systematic way that any attack beyond a certain threshold can be relayed to DOA and TNAU within a day for action; and (t) the use of the extension service by DOA in kharif 1987 to disseminate rapidly GOTN's decision to undertakp direct seeding of paddy in the delta area instead of waiting for the delayed rains in order to transplant. This seemingly annual practice in the areas has been readily accepted by a large majority of farmers, thereby saving the kharif paddy crop. 7.04 The reasons for the successful introduction of the training and visit extension system as well as its satisfactory operation are numerous. However, the points listed below appear to have contributed markedly to the success of the project: (a) Strong Government support which enabled the project to obtain all the necessary funds on time, even in some instances more than its annual allocation; (b) The active assistance to project management by the State level Co- ordination Committee which was able to solve problems faced by the project by seeking the concurrence of other Government Departments; (c) Strong linkage established between extension and research which developed naturally because the extension staff and the regional research stations staff were part and parcel of the DOA before they were transfered to TNAU in 1981. This feature has been extremely important because staff of both extension and research felt they belonged to each other and establishing strong link with ex-colleagues was not difficult; (d) The possibility created for DOA to develop its own training programmes, and impart them themselves at the State Level Training Institute, Kudumianmalai, made it possible for M0A to give strong- emphasis to communication in its training programme, thereby enabling the institute to turn out very good extension workers. (e) The non-interference from locally elected leaders in the work of the field workers since the Panchayat system has not been operational for the past 10 years; and (f) Staff at all levels have been encouraged to introduce new ideas into their work if these were found effective in promoting more effective extension system. The achievements made and the momentum gained by the project will require continued commitment and support by the Government and the DOA. Staff motivation in imparting useful extension messages should be maintained. Greater imagination will be necessary in refining existing - 100 - messages and in developing new ones. This will enhance the motivation of field extension workers and the interest of farmers in the project. ORGANISATI.NAL CmRI .F tat DEPARINET L ···.....----.*U .A(C F rl-J-A FlF JMAS0C JDA(CF EJD .P ..) at$> JDA .i . MAE. . tASCAO DtIJ(Adan) BOPIDjF C.tSo c o DEI oan i nS MS.1 kAI DAtø AIDAMSCI ADAI ADAIWM) AIM(BO) ADAMVV) iAOMISTIl AMt IFFI [ADM1511 A*uttSU1l ADIIP 蠟긺！· 103 Table 1 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Actual Proiect Cost by Year and Category (Rs in Million) S1. No Category 1981-82 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 Total 1. Equipment Vehicles Furniture 9.7 6.5 3.4 0.9 9.6 6.8 36.9 2. Civil Works 0.0 1.8 20.5 29.6 6.0 48.1 106.0 3. Training 0.3 2.5 2.4 3.2 6.7 16.8 31.9 4. Incremental Staff 5.1 24.2 35.0 41.2 50.1 54.3 209.9 5. Incremental operating cost 1.6 11.4 9.8 9.9 6.7 7.2 46.6 Total 16.7 46.4 71.1 84.8 79.1 133.2 431.3 - 104 - Table 2 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Comparison of Costs Between Appraisal Estimates and Actuals S1. No Items Appraisal Estimates Actuals Rs in US$ Rs in USS Million Million Million Million 1. Incremental Staff 115.9 14.5 209.9 18.35 2. Civil Works 76.5 9.6 106.0 8.96 3. Equipment/ Vehicles 31.3 3.9 36.9 3.49 4. Training 24.3 3.0 31.9 2.67 5. Incremental operating costs 38.3 4.7 46.6 4.29 6. Physical contingencies 11.7 1.5 - - 7. Price contingencies 66.8 8.4 - - Total Project Cost 364.8 45.6 431.3 37.76 Table 3 - 105 - INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Cumulative Disbursement-Comparison between Appraisal Estimates and Actuals (US$ Million) Year and Estimated Actual as Z Quarter (at SAR) Actual latest estimate 1982 2 0.2 0.0 -- 4 0.4 1.1 275 1983 2 1.9 2.4 126 4 3.9 4.0 103 1984 2 7.5 5.0 67 4 11.1 6.2 56 1985 2 15.4 6.74 44 4 19.2 8.9 46 1986 2 21.9 11.34 52 4 24.6 13.5 55 1987 2 27.0 15.6 58 4 28.0 20.1 72 1988 (Oct. 30) 28.0 26.3 94 Closing date: L/30/87 Table 4 F&ge*1 of 2 INDIA* TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Staff Particulars of TAV Extension System S Officer Pay scale Appraisal No. Designation grade Re/month target Staff Position as on March March March March March larch 82 83 84 85 B6 87 I. Extension 1. VEW (AA) C grade 705-1230 4,777 1,730 2,934 3,913 4,000 3,995 4,000 2. Agri. Officers/ 8 grade 1045-1776/ 645 292 544 613 640 640 6838 Dy. A.0s. (for pro- motees) 3. Sub-division-SMS 8 grade 1160-1960 297 158 291 291 296 294 295 4. Dy. Agri. Officer B grade 1180-1950 57 29 54 57 57 62 L& 64 /a (Tech.) (for gra- duates) 5. Asst. D.A. B grade 1340-2435 99 551 79 83 96 99 99 £ 8. Dist. S.M.S. A grade 1800-2900 57 29 57 56 66 62 L 82 L 7. Joint Director of C Agriculture A grade 2150-3090 14 7 14 14 13 17 18 / 8. Headquarters-SMS (JDA) A grade 2150-3090 3 8 3 a 3 3 3 9. Dy. Agri. Officer 1045-1775/ (HQ) A grade 1180-1950 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 10. Asst. Director of Agriculture (HQ) A grade 1340-2436 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11. Addi. Director of Agriculture (Exto) A grade 2750-3650 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 12. Executive Engineer (Water Management) (HQ) A grade 1800-2900 -- -- -- -- -- 1 1 /b II. Monitoring & Evaluation 1. Addi. DA A grade 2750-3850 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2. Agri. Statiscian A grade 1800-2900 - - - - - - 1 3. AgrI. Economist A grade 1800-2900 1 1 1 1 1 1 4. Rural Sociologist A grade 1800-2900 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5. DDA (MAE) A grade 1800-2900 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8. Tech. Asst B grade 1046-1775/ 1160-1960 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 7. Field Supervisor B grade -do- 14 9 12 14 14 15 13 8. Field Investigators C grade 705-1230 S8 17 47 66 568 58 S Total 79 32 87 78 77 81 77 Table 4 F&ge*2 of 2 S Officer Pay scale Appraisal No. Designation grade Rs/month target Staff Position as on March March March March March March 82 83 64 85 86 87 III. Training Contre 1. JDA A grade 2150-3090 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2. DDA A grade 1800-2900 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3. Asst. DA B grade 1340-2436 a a 3 3 2 3 3 4. AO/DYAO 8 grade 1045-1775/ 3160-1950 8 a a a 3 3 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 /a Due to creation of four new offices of Joint Directors of Agriculture on the eve of bifurcation/trifurcation of Ramnad, Madural and Tirunlveli districts, the number of staff in position has increased over and above appraisal targets. b Transferred from Thanjavur District to Headquarters. 0 TbI* 5 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Number of Persons Trained Appraisal Cumulative Cumulative Type of Training Estimates 1981-82 1982-83 1983-84 1984-86 1986-86 1986-87 Actuals 5 P~~ PP A IFPX P Pre-season training (a) Village Ext. workers 42,714 4,528 1,934 9,654 7,240 9,654 6,881 9,664 7,930 9,564 7,996 -- 7,689 39,747 93.1 (b) Others (P;. Agri. Officer, SMS, SDAO) 9,362 1,024 462 2,082 1,728 2,082 1,968 2,062 2,077 2,082 2,074 -- 2,061 10,348 110.1 Orientation Training (Dy,A.O., S/Div. SMS., SDAO) 841 512 492 529 197 -- 79 -- 70 -- 203 -- 36 1,077 128.0 Refresher Training VEWs /a 4,800 600 -- 1,000 -- 1,000 369 1,160 879 1,160 469 -- 311 1,808 37.7 Special Short Courses (a) Village extension > workers } (b) Dy.Agrt. Officers ) Agri. Officers ) 16,680 680 -- 1,250 60 1,260 661 1,260 684 1,260 1,382 -- 1,789 4,476 80.2 (c) SMS ) 1,460 1,773 88 320 442 320 860 320 182 320 -- -- 256 1,928 132.2 Scholarships (Deputation) (a) Post Graduate Course b6500 100 -- 100 00 100 83 100 110 100 96 -- 46 284 66.8 (b) B.Sc. (A Course A 250 50 -- s0 -- 50 -- 50 49 60 48 -- 26 122 48.8 Zonal Workshops 260 20 38 60 89 60 172 60 188 60 198 -- 223 888 342 overseas Training /d 18 2 -- 4 -- 4 -- 4 -- 4 11 -- 9 20 111.0 No deputation for Post Graduate Courses during years 1-2. c No deputation for B.Sc. (Ag) Courses for Village Extension Workers during the years 1. ., 3. TV functionaries were deputed for overseas training only during years 6 and 8. Table 8 regeo Iof 2 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Extension and Research Linkage Form Activities and TYPO Level Membership Place and Duration Responsbilities 1. St centific Workers Apex Body Senior staff from Depart- At Tamil Nadu Reviews and discussed Field Conference ment of Agriculture Agricultural University and Research Pro!ames of Do.,artment of Horti- once a year for 2 days. the year assists in culture, Department of formulation of crop oil(seeds Agricultural production aides for 'field Engineering, Seed Cer- workers. tification, Agri. market- ing Senior Research SciZn- tiAstd. 2. Regional Research Zonal District Extension Staff, Zonal Research Centre Determines Research Advisory Council Zonal Research Staff bi-annually. priorities for coming Farmers representatives, season both at research stations and on-form trials. 3. Monthly Zonal District Master training team from Monthly for 2 days non- Most important linkage. Workshops camil Nadu Agricultural location specific. Discussd all aspects of University-District and and problem in production. sub-district Agricultural input supply and seasonal Officers and S.M.S. of conditions, Demonstrates Directorate of Agriculture technology. Develops and other Departments specific messages for input firms. Evolves location specific recommendati one for fortnightly training activities. 4. Preseason workshops District District Agricultural Si-annually. Finalized major programe Officers A SMS, Head and carries out Scientists from TTmil Nadu demonstrations on Agricultural University. technologies. Essentially a training workshop. Table 6 Page*2 of 2 Activities and Type Level Membership Place and Duration Responsibilities 6. District Technical District Senior staff and SMS of ei-annually at JDA's Reviews work by TLV for Committees Directorates of office usefulness now in farmers and legislators on Pgriculture, Core research doubt because of past season's activities TAV staff farmers Regional Research and programme for next representatives Advisory Council. season. legislators. 6. Joint field visits District Research Scientists and At least twice season. sciontifies constraints and SMS. Non- location specific. recommends appropriate solutions. Field visits undertaken during season. Now no more on OFIre fighting' body. 7. Diagnostic Team District Scientists of different More location specific. Back up to research ex- specialization TAV SMS. Repeated visits during tension linkage, Examines season. production constraints of field level and makes recommndation in field action of research and problems. Five times pro- I duction packages to suit specific conditions. a. Training of SMS District Training in latest tech- Tamil Nadu Agricultural one week training of about nology according to needs University not 20 SMS at a time. Several of Directorate of Agricul- scheduled. courses in a year. tu re. 9. Special Seminars and District Tamil Nadu Agriculture field days University scheduled. - 111 - Table 7 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Lists of Publications of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit A. Monitoring Surveys B. Monitoring-Cum Evaluation Survey 1. 1981-82 1. 1982-83 2. Kharif 82-83 2. 83-84 3. Rabi 82-83 3. Khariff 84-85 4. Kharif 83-84 4. Rabi 84-85 5. Rabi 83-84 5. Kharif 85-86 6. Kharif 84-85 6. Rabi 85-86 7. Rabi 84-85 8. Kharif 85-86 9. Rabi 85-86 - 112 - Table 8 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Special Studies 1. Selection of contact farmers in 1982. 2. Quality of fortnightly traiiiing seasons 82-83. 3. Selection and Role of contact farmers 1983. 4. Role of Agricultural Officer (T&V). 5. Working of T&V'system in Kodaikanal taluk in Madurai district 83-84. 6. Use of high yielding variety paddy seeds 83-84. 7. Critical analysis of the irrigated area developed in Tamil Nadu 83 -84. 8. Selection and role of contact farmers - 1984. 9. Effectiveness of VEWS training progranmme. 10. Diffusion of Recommendation. 11. Rice Minikit 83-84. 12. Application of Gypsum to Groundnut crop 83-84. 13. Adoption of STL/MSTL recommendations 1984. 14. Multiplication and distribution of Blue Green Algae. 15. Saline/Alkaline Soil reclamation in Chingleput district 85-86. 16. Role of Assistant Agricultural Officer (T&V) 1985. 17. Agro Forestry Scheme 83-85. 18. Dry land development project 85-86. 19. Implementation of 5 MT of Paddy per ha. 85-86. 20. Impact of Extension on the target group beneficiaries. 21. 3P Project 85-86. 22. Trend in fertilizer consumption 85-86. 23. Special component plan. 24. Study on the production incentive scheme in Thanjavur District 86 -87. 25. Use of Zinc sulphate 86-87. 26. Seed Multiplication and seed distribution schemes 86-87. - 113 - Table 9 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Details of State Level Coordination Committee Meeting held under T&V Scheme Date of meeting Conducted Intervals 1. First Meeting 09-08-82 10 months 2. 1Ind Meeting 01-06-83 9 months 3. I1Ird Meeting 24-03-84 7 months 4. IVth Meeting 16-10-84 8 months 5. Vth Meeting 07-06-85 8 months 6. VIth Meeting 11-02-86 6 months 7. VIIth Meeting 11-08-86 7 months 8. VIIIth Meeting 06-03-87 7 months 9. IXth Meeting 28-10-87 7 months Table 10 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Civil Works Project Target March 82 March 83 March 84 March 85 March 86 March 87 March 88 .A P A AP A P AP""T P A Quarters VTTllag Extension Workers 1,450 145 -- 290 -- 485 -- 680 70 -- 628 -- 470 -- 374 Agricultural Officer oo 30 -- 60 -- 90 -- 120 10 -- 88 -- 97 -- 105 Training Centre Office A (Kudumianmalai) Hostel building -- -- 3 1 -- ** Horticulture Office Building Quarters for Horticulture Department 1 -- Information-cum-Training Centre so - -- 90 P = Project Target A = Actually completed Table 11 .115- INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1187-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Number of Vehicles Purchased Item Tne 1981-82 1982-83 1983-84 1984-865 1986-86 1986-87 1967-88 Total Department*I Heaquarters Sedan 1 1 ---- -- - - - - - 1 1 District Sedan 4 - - - - - - 9 13 4 WD 18 18 12 12 - * - - - - 9 - 2 30 41 Ven 7 7 8- - - - - 1 - - 14 15 Sob-division 4 WD 61 42 34 43 - - - 7 - 85 92 Trailer - - - - - 42 - - 42 Training Centre Sedan 1 1 - -- - - 1 1 Van 6 6 - - - - - 6 6 MAE Unit Sedan 2 1 - - - - -- - - - - - - - 2 1 4- - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Staff owned Village Extension Workore Cycle 1,500 - 1,000 1,543 - 296 - 17 - 20 - 176 - - 2,500 205 Motor 402 - 428 276- 15 - 79 6 82 - 70 - - 830 69 - 116 - Table 12 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Civil Works Year Particularv 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1. No. of respondents 2.690 2,732 2.936 Nos. Nos. Nos. 2. Awareness of VEW visit 89 95 94 3. Visit made by VEW 89 88 88 Adoption of Recommendations Paddy 1. DAP Application (a 44 59 2. Basal application of Fertilizers 78 82 84 3. Optimum plant population 77 79 84 4. Top dressing of Nitrogen 83 86 84 Groundnut 1. Basal application of fertilizer 20 60 74 2. Optimun plant population 64 70 100 Cotton 1. Use of improved variety 96 89 100 2. Basal application of fertilizer 50 54 52 3. Optimum Plant Population 76 90 92 4. Top dressing of Nitrogen 73 95 88 /a Not evaluated. Note: The entire state has been covered under Monitoring and Evaluation survey for Training and Visit Project from the Year 1083-84. - 117 - Table 13 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Fertilizer Use Total Year N P K NPK (Lakh tonnes) 1976-77 1.96 0.45 0.57 2.94 1977-78 2.87 0.78 0.97 4.62 1978-79 2.89 0.88 1.07 4.84 1979-80 3.35 0.97 1.06 5.38 1980-81 2.86 0.84 1.09 4.79 1981-82 3.07 0.91 1.07 5.05 1982-83 2.69 1.01 1.01 4.71 1983-84 3.37 1.25 1.24 5.86 1984-85 3.94 1.38 1.58 6.90 1985-86 3.79 1.45 1.44 6.68 1986-87 3.84 1.43 1.46 6.74 - 118 - Table 14 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Pesticides Use Year Dust Liquid (MT) (Lit) 1976-77 0.19 12.50 1977-78 0.23 14.90 1978-79 0.37 10.31 1979-80 0.40 10.91 1980-81 0.40 10.46 1981-82 0.41 11.15 1982-83 0.34 15.99 1983-84 0.45 23.56 1984-85 0.42 29.66 1985-86 0.29 18.60 1986-87 0.26 19.50 MT : Lalk metric tons Lit : Lakh litres Table 15 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Evaluation of Rolling Average Yields of Selected Crops in Kg/Ha 1977- 1978- 1979- 1960- 1961- 1962- 1983- 1984- 1985- 1986- 1977-78 1982-83 5 increase 1964-95 S increase 9 increase Crop 78 79 80 81 82 B3 84 85 86 87 to to pr decrease to or decrease 1985-86 to 1981-82 1988-87 (13 evsr 12) 196-87 (16 over 12) 1988-87 averag (10.11) 1 2 3 4 6 6 7 a 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 to 17 Paddy (in terms of rice) 1,976 1,971 2,021 1,956 2,040 1,990 2,008 1,965 2,141 2,430 1,993 2,107 * 6.72 2,179 + 9.33 *14.0 Millet 934 970 972 934 644 778 781 817 927 978 931 85 - 8.06 907 - 2.6 * 2.3 Pulses 311 339 336 333 333 83 387 384 414 460 331 394 '19.03 416 +26.88 '80.6 Cotton 245 288 265 238 213 203 224 287 327 342 248 277 *12.80 319 *29.67 *35.8 Groundnut 1,007 1,074 1,160 1,040 1,080 1,019 1,084 1,004 1,111 1,114 1,078 1,062 - 1.48 1,078 * 0.19 * 3.2 Oi lseds 960 931 1,011 922 980 886 927 891 978 1,016 956 939 - 1.69 961 * 0.63 * 4.2 Sugarcane 10,227 10,836 10,764 10,987 10,371 10,222 9,902 9,875 9,974 10,2568 10.637 10,008 - 6.93 9,968 - 6.29 - 4.9 - 120 - Table 10 INDIA TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PUOJECT (CREDIT 1137-IN) PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT Ares and Production of Selected Cropr (in '000 ha end '000 metric tonnes) 1977-70 1978-79 1979-80 1980-81 1981-82 K AretPF- Ares Pro- Ae Pr- Xré- ~Prô- Area Pro- duc- duc- duc- duc- duc- tion tion tion tion tion 1 2 a 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 Rico (Millet) 2,782 6,706 2,766 6,669 2,906 6,800 2,299 4,279 2,b06 s,81 Millet 1,938 1,849 1,784 1,820 1,740 1,646 1,444 1,196 1,596 1,597 Pulses 682 198 616 219 606 196 644 176 668 188 Cotton 324 G68 347 688 280 388 220 260 216 261 Olisoede 1,202 1,283 1,232 1,183 1,124 974 734 734 1,408 1,609 Sugarcane 167 1,661 154 1,861 149 1,641 183 1,928 207 2,111 Total 6,995 11,222 68,9 11r206 6,864 10,692 5624 8.673 6,490 11,267 1982-83 1983-84 1984-86 1986-86 1986-87 Ae Pro nr- Ares P;- Ar- Ar P r- Ae Pr- duc- duc- duc- duc- duc- tion tion tion tion tion 1 il 12 13 14 16 16 17 18 19 20 Rico (illet) 1,974 3,642 2,420 4,633 2,509 6,366 2,264 5,370 1,918 6,333 Millet 1,461 1,092 1,666 1,406 1,500 1,207 1,611 1,626 1,774 1,666 Pulses 494 189 603 222 618 249 682 275 983 467 Cotton 186 221 203 299 263 686 264 486 188 343 0ilseeds 1,246 1,040 1,206 1,068 1,241 1,364 1,227 1,662 1,193 1,137 Sugarcane 177 1,699 167 1,503 169 1,614 191 2,068 211 2,199 Total 631 7,883 6,244 9,120 6,290 10,464 q,029 11,376 6,0e7 11,046 Ånnex I - -3'17)/ô7/t-Vr. erf0 es iiee emews of E¢oaioznk Affaus Comments from the Government of india Decr ".'. S-'r Tile 0petr*L.inn SValu4tio D%Qt-s. l h ,l Badø> have SØ-t to ua,l.t tr.eir etter dted 2114, Axucwt, 1989, Pro3ect Completion Re;orts in rearect Exer.o Prodets and had iesired taiat *om=ents shou4 be seat to the& by 1"th oU OzOIter, S9. We ftnnd tnat aý Complø.t:ion R.otfor teKeral& As.- oulture Extension. reet was ao:cirCalated a r b you with you Letter dated 18thSeytenter, 1967. TL ombents on .t~iC R ort ,were sent tc you tkhe .Director or .*teri.on : I.,hs letter iN. axtr, 1)/ 9$790/87 4*ted 21'i1,87 and 405/PA1/87/AD ated I elose copie o to£ ee etters,togeter wlth a capy at tha commenta sent 1 us by tinn.try of Agri ture. Kindly pt on tse co, enta to the Headquater. in Wn already donf. W.th regan¶i@ Y ours sincerely , Thýe World .nk r by - 122 - Comåen<te ot the Minlety ot Aåýricutr .on Draugt YCR of Keria o .ri"gtura13xtshBion ProJe et The Project provi-led or atröngth ing/ re'rganivation of agrl. ext&tion service in the state by way of providing (1) incrementa *ta?, (11) training (Mi) civil vörks,g (1v). cgUlpment#* vehile, (v)monitoring-evaution and (vi) research support. The achievements agndnist the 'taget hns ben åatisfaotor.y in the abovö Compenents ad revealed in table 1 to 8 of the report, ,' o resarde the tecnologioc Impaot of the project, i: wa revealed %at during theeProjcot period the technooy t:CanOer hak betn eyetematisted. The awarenonci of the farm4r Bnd i,doption ot the production recemcendaticn 1 ike, ie& of H-4 yieli631 v'aeetIe, judicioue applieation of fertilizers plant protection MeatOUrGö hn-M ýlcnstetnty tnrr-sqed, The produanti.vty of rice, spicoi 4.nd tuber cropo hve alronen inreAad. The deman/offtaike of inputu a.i pressure on the riesaörh for »riate technoi r-sten have alSo sbow. eignificeant poemne Ij Theo0 < ear y t 6n n (pr 1a) that the re-organiaed aricLutltural exteneten eyotem ha aohieved •'. The revieve? undertaxen through Itörna. con'utnoy/yiter-dcplinary toarås flopLted1 by the Directorate of Bxtonion, OT aupport the observatione made at the point 2, 3 ".d 4 eb:lve, The gapa Idontifted rigth. .oe tlprf% beer en. 4r.CIly 3 brldeed in tha atea 1ikri tl,ir.inn, information Onmmimca'tion by flating T11 rectal r n proj80t requires -o be sasaticed And further strenthened vitholut <ilutlng thnerlprit -f thne eysjte4fé S - 123 - -' .. . . . c os letter No.!äctn(l1)93790/87 d 4 TÝ8- g tromogel>iOreotor of ixtenhion to Mr. Mächä M äl.r, Ciet, Agriculture. nit, World Bank Rte de t k In. 1n la, '55--jolt i tet.f Ne el 3. Su.- KAP--Cr. 1028-IF-Project ComapleUl0 Xtr' PCR)-ftea. Ret- World enk letter dted 18-9-19 AckäowledG8 receipt os the l n orort of the KAEP sent along with the lotter, rUtad iithanks, I a direated by the Vice.-Ctnanellor to conii 1ate Clie,f1. w nö remnarks on the abc;ve report. ...e 1) Reinforcement of reaserch on farmlngsyste (a,, at Page 15). . Thera 1s an indVr.tio at para 7.1 on pag'a .15 of the åeport that more empkhrsi.: . given re h-on far!ung With the' 1cép ion of.the Universlty,.the research was made 'problem oriented. Now wLth the wrkn& of the NARP and In co1.,,-)k-ation lith ti T&V syste W.*.haVå. dentified di£terer i An& oyatomsz In dIffer:ent agrooliatj., zones tand the eitonal.AaSocitte Directord haveen±directed to orien, :' e .eiarch in thee linesö. 2) (1) Crop- vased %aearch and ..xtengio Messages (Pera 7.2 (v) on page 15 o-t kpolrt. .40* our recomendations. ate moatly, cr -wäöe. Thl la mainly 0ecause we followed the A1 India pattern of workshopa. It ia truethat thire 4 "reater.GCopQ or ,lmprovöment 4- :.0 tis to mOdåfy the fecomenidationg'to,homestaeads Inutead . ; o . :forta will be made to achieve tVo r thig a ... .nod e -o8a 1nooinvolvlng er inoiÿal.Agir off i.ra a-d F.. - urce Peroonel cf the workshop,, LA) Exten4 .... 448ägfö to et,conii fCtora (Para 7.2 (v) Ecnms r.' cmeindation& ae'not av4iub*e now, The XO, la ägricut. 'r,1:arsity h9 taken a.poL1oy UeiCion. that. wsenevr new racci ttou as e dade, ,the eOOt-beneit .iC0 öhould inval å llyl h proidea. t wUl1take some time - frtache- ..i n.ut .4h,3 lik aed'o. p rinc.IC. ;.ara ta ej3at ý.16)* .: he .go-.as i cctptai,löa ';i IKerala r• ::X.Ara! Uiversit: a happy to see th.at t4e keport ir generu e·.. 2 V.lfente:t the, part played by t1e Urivexti-y. (Paras .,9 and 4,1C 0n p ee60 and 11). ,xteionlly, .,esio. - 124 - 1. , i from the Sec retary to Covernaient to Mr. Mt,:r,' World Bank, 21 Jorbazh, New Velh4 110003 Ad SbrI. 3.L#OGhoral,"Directur (Piald Exten3on), Directorate of bxtension'"Mslntry ' AJKIculture fet o Ariulu & -1opsion, West block 8, KI Purai, New DelT, äu:- Cownents on' Proect ComplatIon r Ref - 'eram No -6/87 T&V,dated 2547 ''' the irector (FIel4 Extension) Dlrectörat,o.£i Extenlsion M11itry of, Agriculture DPArtment of Agriculturc & Co operation, N~ew41 . I am directed .o nv te your åttinto tA the telegraze cited and. ca gorwar herewitht heöoments -on the project completion reprt l:Kcralu" ritttral.- Uxtension Project. Your t i t iy, For Sjoö G , (7 r1 Vedle driaw:uralti rckaio <rst Ge 1 V11 C¢ :le.. .,--. , <ttl. v 1 .t.,. ~ , . .* 7.2. i. Contact £uames have noat alwy prVed a e . et~ffcelnt arid etfecý1±ve #f diaseminating noratioxrrom V llage' åxtens lon Workei lbullo this may account of ppr select. 'o Ctact frmers t al a retlectier of the -to., et rural: øociety .dth : *:-merrt is true, At po.trted.out n ....etion rport ·orly about 306,ofr the fr f£ul time tariers. go It 'a quite nat 4tlzt f.rmørs chesen- Vera no+.ul '. ,. a somhave only srgl plotsé.»Acco .a to. ··L.tfr fi- .~ for, theo s Ulcon of ontact r -,b · / - ahroup should proportionately r. et ...a : arw aiZ4 (zuiali# medium and- jarge) £-inA a.tezn aU rt njn2g· a ttuaton. Ther*fore tarmers sot.. b' *ro%ps hbve tlo b,& aQlacted as .Contract c'.-e. . - n Q$ Ingt*eotive and noneo- ·4ve ce'.. ~ rrer wa r a regula feature during er.co of *the Projeot, As the garørga who teò a conee"-a=qr have enly vrery-sarhodn je) neek alt' w<e oito *Arn tl rIve1'hood. 0o V oso orkervstehe.£s cf . . ..- ·- may n be avallablø there, to receive the e as in eturn oonvøy to' hi$ .ol,ow farmers. 'n vie&w of X!a abtv* fact, in 'ewor anised on 1-9-'69ii7 tte Village .taioi Workers have naty,uo to form groups of farmer 5 wt h :e will have %o viit-only. roups instead of, contacta so as to seoure rapid Qnw der over promete gt izi. 4,r sQ h 'effdrt8 =-I'M tri81 locatin are heavily btL~d towardO4contract In order to overcome tei a Lt uti the eorga det up p£ tha culture pit ±s nvisaI,gtd Iat all tenonnd de velopmenf efforts'v1ill be c*noentr6ted on the rovp of fta"X9s ar ta?get group havln& wd0r COverag,e inttied of lndiv.dua! contXaCt .olhe Adcp ,tion o.te2Ysseltl varlation to *ccount f or tha ispial4 cond ins of. Kk-rala, haø meent that vill*a extensi0n wtrkers h,e vlsltlng Isrgely tre* crop contact . ,, on the §ame. frequeney as the other tarmers; howver, ther. i# 1itt.ø to cCoey: to auth farmora on a fortri-;ýhtly vleit basis;' -126- adC vists sthed t'e hav e ben: .'. 4inly .n the qv. thCr4 i. c . ...... - ! .att,ir, rapetittve, sice the bility of re ~ .Qme 4.with new · reomandtta o, e4 a L.,:... -s Ubiul .mtted. 'Thi8 tivltably inlecste..:epinto v2hllagie.Bxtension .orkers by cont.ct fareri as W. t. ti n . oéale en,d conftdence byerion wrkra emelves. 414 :tecomm~endt on tfa ii t $'u I tabl é mof 1.datLin, 'to tackle tn UCnyOIeC factrt u. l tha diLrte t ,tntt.ts d r -. . Aniersit r ,ser. 't Kral Agr-rber niov &r gio nt o-z e,opierserh. nemr i I:ter. icat,iun, t~ wic da not wk int.o acjom¼r.,d-telyem these- s t .O h pcnto ecnMein .oradte Idaae 4acr . a se1 Mi,e *ropb* Annex II Da0. N0*6/2/89-FB-VII ----- - 127 - mw wwtr o<veniment cf India la O .9p 1 .wy q;n8'Nu fli itNo. Î I Pleane reför to the letter datid the 218t Auguet,19U9 fro= Mr.Donaldson, Chief, Agriculture, Intraatruöture and Ruman Rosourcen Divilon, Operatione 3valuation Dott, of the World Bank wanhingtzn regardInG comwerte on Mabarashtra AgrIcu'tural Extension Projecta- Project r,nLPl tlnr Recpc"tstreii"I) I am eto.cuihng he comeft of Miatry of Agrl,.ture on the Drät PCR Ct tk. abijve urntloned prject for Gr.aird trandg.ialon to ka igton. The commenlts of GoVt. of .haraahtra wl: be gent te YOL as 8cn as theae are kl v by iw u-b-' tv.e Yor.L ainrey ( SIlTHIRi KUKARl 1 Mr.Mi -.-be.xter, 2-- Jr Bach, New Delh1.~1003 came__ - 128 - Q omme-nte on POR hi rashtne cuLtural Extension ro ject (0r. t I-i -ev.4 t rx. l:tri of A,rickeUture vide ka0N..(4/ - 7;o 9/: .r-nle . C 9vasIB that the projecte bjective of ±mproving the extension srvices 1.n the h tate Ong t0he &V approach 4au been a0hieved. Me extetton so eices vers iLmproved through prov*iione for CivU works, 'quipmentøvehleseie, Incremental s18tta, operating cost and' train£ng cost. Tie process of teehnology transer has been streamlined and Lmproved. The proect ha suocessufly put in place an organisational stroutre ouitable for * ective trenfer ot far= technology and eetebliabed ciose relationship betveen reeeer<h r"d lteni' 2. The project provided. tor a credit of 18.9 Mi:LIon SDRØ million whic were fully .-lizéd . The efforte ot thé state in tina^cial planni, ezpenditure and reir-btreqvtert wiz -, er the shut 3. Agalnt the incrementel staff target tbe achievement bas beet fully satI2factory in respect of &30e & SDAø. Some shortfalls were Xound in agriculture asiLk ta Rnd -9t4S l*pyMTnent but wAS not p6unjd as a La4nr 4. .The. ]roienu o.f tatf traini nremaln.d satfatory Vith reference to induction trainng, pre-seagonal traininng, special $hort ooursee aid monthly district workehops. The pxogresø of clvZl work raema.r.ed at e level around 60% wheress of cqlil t ad e tý, le Mrntwse.tfe rY. 5. SPecific paaeeslk,fr4sknowleåStk of VIW,= farmers perceptton of VT£ vibt quelity, aceptNnce e improved varieties, ;ert.lIizerse- re*ommonded ratio, pesticides and upward trends ±Li areg under HTV vere foun& 6. !e isoues brought ovt by the $CR for tuture perormance .nclude; continu&toi of &v apprach 0lo9e monitorin of Zilla 1aritahd d ertension relationahip, izproving V3Ws quali cation, retention of e*periened staft In øztension by ereating prømotion channels, Enerating recomiendations on eco-unit basis etc, are all lmportant £or the Gustenienoe ot the ,?&V methodology implemented by the tlrurig thýe ojetp ed 7. A indicated In the rR, e a ir arement that all major covenaxts vere complied with by the State Govt, of M<aharaeshtrsa D0 0,IOT6,/89-3-7.1>4 flm IT ' tr <:uLr',,,,,,, of #fifflig Bud h . - 129 - N!jij%r> lj Delputy Beoro t ry ear' Mr. naxter, KU91Y refer to the lotter datéa tho 22.89 from Mr, Donlsadon Chicf Agrio#lture. Intrastrare and numan RsoUroåt DIVI Aon,- 0ratlonS Uvauat.on Dept. o£ the ,1o WasehiLraton regar I omments on äm Nadu ·pos& rl 3rA$iot Projecta .; Projeot Co 0p1 on Reprts(CN1137.N) 2; I am Gnolo.ng the omments of the WMintry of Agriuieture on the Dkaft POR at the C8a men ofned pro jeot for onward tra~0mssion to WaOhit01 The comment of Goverment of Tamil Naft vill be sant to you ^,hoon as these are ro eived by ina from thelc; With regartle, Your(Iincerely, (etud,ir Kgunr), I<r.i±ohael Baxter, Chief Agrioultura Unit Residänt Mision in World Bank al-jor Bagkr, New Dq'lhi 1 V le n Caulci I rá cap ed -130- 'the ko.aento u '; t·:J~ct Coi-nJt.r J4.Mort of 200rs1 Nadu r-cuItural ELesion krujeot (Cr.t137-IN) 'Åfrom MJn10ty o AgriouLture (p.0.later. o.S(t)/Ol-TWV voL.inI 4./10/%9) Iev ·draf t iR-htaa ben-xminyed- by ,t-nd-*n4 our 1. Taiall Nadu Acrioultural Mxtens ,on Projeet executod botween 1981 and 1967 Wtn nolotiated et a total cont of Cs.35. mlon (Ut)0 91~ x 4 5.6 i) with p IDA orodåt of rs.224.o milion (U $ 28.d ni). Creit utili.-atior in th proeoot van 99.7%. In terms of upeO v<'luo, tot.. exj enditure waB I1I% of, the appralnal vetimate of ..3& 4.8 million ervich ca be considzoJ .e Ifore thun ee tr¿ 2, The ro-orga,tnied Airloultural xteneion servicO han cenort*ly be-:!n succesaful in achieving ite broad cbjeotivee alon6 the litab of T&V systei. The bank has rightly oboerved that the flow of teohnieal information to the farmärs xu roirlar in the atete an' the link with reoeareh waa finriefy established. The extension nerviex has alco nucednd In estnb"iohin6 strong information nervice unito in each dintriet which is opable of prciucing pubLicity nnd trvlirnin material. for the uPe of fi åtal? and 1,9t-mn. 3. Batabl.'hin*t of poete survellance syltem with the inv.ivemon t of frrn and ffield, taft was ene of the eutstanting aohlinvemente in the ntate for Vhich th oreilt goe- to the extont:Jon service. FurthMr, the majority of farinero readU4 necejtedt diret 3ecdng of Paddy in - delta arean inotead of waiting for d*Iayed raire, Ir, order to traesplant, thereby winving the charf-paddyiriop. 4. Under the pr,ijoet, the nLaff pooitlon except ior some initial proble10 In reepect tt re-deployment and tranorer of VI;s t'rom zuraI developmknt department reuswned satisactor-y In l1l other oadref, V11W vaca-ees h<x!enr cc>ntintned c.ll pro Joet crnpjl,_. 5. The pýerfornmanc.o under annual traning pro-ranine for di.ffexent catoecries or atate trgaiaed by 11A9o. h;oe been atitneL-ory, However, te're-freeher t :ainins and iaCiil. rhort colrues ot VEWO vere not underttakle.n durltn, tho .tii,st 2 y-aru at State LeVel T-a:rin lnm xitubee at ktuducaiamalai aue to 1"r.. traning stac 1 6. It hkan boon r-ihtly polnted oy-ut t1hat Cne component of c!vil wors did net i akt off until 1t)4 The conoLtruct.ion vorli LOpesded up from 1905-66 entrdn and the conabri<tlln r-roi ramm s nlo t comtpleted, - 131 - ' *. -. re ** .r <>* : .r p e t IVx eS-t ther. ut4.t M- oi .s-uan taiiis for guhJive '£ m w-.b Fmt lxbyriee, the performiane hab een sat±.tacory ea reqisieA s th'e projaot. V.inder Mtonitorieg And flva%uattion Unit, InitInlly thers vÅa ndequate htxmber of v@koencies under tield staff, partlcularly ltatore which had ttected data 0olleetions compilaton anýd predøctIon of réportr, The pofittr.. hoiwøver, improved -i 1:16-87 wlhe the unit could acquire its full streongth of£ CI;Itr. Nwihtnngth-e dtafttng 7%roblem, thle unit brough t out the retsÅi!,ud number of A&m ropo rto and A ir"e n-.te yi-- qj r 9. The rr.vieve undertaken thr,O-ugh the61, Iteýr- Disciåplinary TG~e and Interial Coneultancy fload t, tie Directorate of 8xtenieitn by and lazy su all the obuerv#Aions mrde 4 n the forgoing pzruz. The gap* Identified by the DOS zetiorir r the :roject 1.'plementati hav* biei Cotdrat. * d before the project completjicn. Ti s8trnh ..ta trallnIng prc>gramm*, th8 Sta%ø G0"Tt, "a cub-pyrojeota which are under noider'i The main reason for éucewaful i . røt i TMf project in Tam:il Nadu i the et-: --v -- eupport an~d adequate udgetor' prriss- -a match. a t app.rass-al target. There h&x ?hQr; Ceat 2,w to project management by th, 3tate Leve.:. 2tarahta,e Committee. Thq"ir WA0 i at-.,0 inø#d to custýain t-1c. exieting inrtruct.r* devcioped ?>y 4e i -,<¾i.h the s'.,te Govt.* 193 prerire th T w»v Agricu.tural Development rrofeet with the an <>f World M.-k. - o133 J,. .63/89-F-VII lukw. Govensu India l fimee .Minestry iance ~ Sudhir Kumar -øl limtw Depa~ent of Economic Affairs Deputy Segretary. € tweNew Dlhi..*.1.890.*19. Dear,,M,axer, In; jontinluato f- mY D*O.letter of even number datedhthe:st November,1989 £orwardlng commento o£ Ministry ,ot Agr.clulture• on the Completlon Report at the TamL1 Naidu%agriaultural Ixtension Projct .(Credlt 1137-IN), I an enolosing commenta o£ the Tamil Nadu Government on the..Dzrat PCR for onward transmisslqn to Waahington. altth regards, Your sJgarely, ( SUDHI ýXUlMAR*) Mr.ohas Baxter,. Chlef oulture Unitq Resdsnt.¥1841on in India* World'' 4) 21-Jor! agi -134- bPro.1ot: ,' ~få: a d aricultural Extam1in ró t O2'Gt 'agromnørt for '' Ry22.9 es 8&Md n m 79191 1 .. o'rod±t aleod on-Jun. -30thi987 '-" orIgLnVly enviage. he nlc: diabursomen t tookp to~o oJanury 22- 1968oh ltime 0.3% oft h tot al t eradit .emoun,t.*n oooiLed (SDR.63,374...2) tiw~ 'Over-vie was, ~pard by the ta gNftif of the Wo Bci.d in 'ihia h' it le attld that h.oUaot.yø .iucceaful in &stablh"Ing-th3 nsiLo structurcl for improved *'tamat en serviO8. Furtb,Intittiona,Adminitratv3 and Policy:Ro'fórma cro waded in tb3 .:nmtl Ned u Sztansion serv:co for mor. ofcotvo in-koping tha oaging neds of to .faormra. b over- view outlIna numbar of kay adåustuønt cC ..ongter* extone on - DevelDofmet. 2.;Roaulåronteot vith the formrl? ,o.n.urod by tb fortu±ghtl.y-shedu'l of visit by thø 'xtlnsi.m"prsonnel Rdguliar training 4 Igi 470n te ti Villag xnngoni(orkers in th trnaining seotion at -monthLyiätorvals ruid fId binkd of th8;"robl! ms md soui'agrbnlie in th- moting itslf 2/hraver furtihar riwseodroh is raodd it is nirit takan to th3 notieo of, te. reaonroh -g pors or _,21 at tha timo! .of-' o'; ..workes hops. Th- Zubjoot Matter S»coojalts, ara b3ng traiø'd In. tho Zonol Workshop nt, mont intan.wher4in regialipe'rch oxperts are:t.ese tking' in order to anlightontthat.traineis .on t4e locationjispoo±fic toohnol.ogies and to. ±ermm'eoW,nge .3. RNE ing tha orguntanational ,statiw,or f>ollowing rfmcrke oo £urnLshod. . terrYg/cai.tJon ne on org3 t. to-d øy - 4..!'02 ll lt t ÍWokor * 4777 -422 l'n dstricts 'xtverc bit*ect,a os £followG. Mai _____n( 1 . Ranmd0 "2 .»aum pon. 3. Ermarojer. 2V.4V;, Ch00xiabornU ar. 2.* Qu±d .B.Millòth. - 135 - Phouln the diatriota are btfumoåtd i di atbtara.öi,f-staf • '41a :not .,reraded . Pw Ap, - -m om .10 A S KSt.. . nIb' "< Cr assator* indor. GVffl g .fl 4 2 . 1 - .- - (E4 rad7 d -o. 4l 4l . -2. - 1 - '41 - :R. AM2 245' 4; *1 --1 1 '-11 - cyadig .' 4 2.4 4 4 . - 1 1 - :; N. Nrkal pattoi'~n efat f * uchkfnd'1of -anamelIos .will. ha aat Might. m.64tla -finanoi oitiocn is 'imuroveod in;the nl futuX.e . Thi VIll1CM Pitunsion Work'htranvo gninä -esfLdono in thl 1r abilityö to stt frannrs tOUGG sf thb rO4'train. Ragarding oo-ordirntion,!Inter-dopartmntal 0o-o14i=tin7ha's to go a long Way and stops ro bdjngtaåa n to Lmwovc upon thi±::an. 6. ' B: statd thet Wooruitmfnt of agr<iîturial genduåtoc wa ditficult In tho:nitivl Btng0 of thO XrOJOGt, Siffc thO Agrioultral colg34» Wr turningC out a limited ,numbal of z okturoal j'o h Or. It 12 not Go ot S.ina* the ¶onalied · m:ord absorbing lot' ot Egeiauural"G(rduntom mit lucrati,0 gnlry. at that t1., thora u a.e diffclty. N.w the Bnks' aWe aloatypOruited iough änra dern2.! a /Olmoat turnted, tha Agricultural Woduato 4c fa.un-mnDoymnt grabl#a from 1987 Thqå.tcotualu oltöd rardingthe Xnter-daportmiatal~ataff traeta, 1v11 work& . tira .trm and. nM-844d. ThG Agri ul puragna l.hoa to bl axposed to gjonni%vuuzg Mancoamnt copootg'. It in *cauO4roqod to upgradö in t iu1 riningnttuteair Euainai lato ,0 Manoagent trainin~g Inåétituto i· thi World Bndc Ad4.ojoät. - Dring Trotåing an Visit projoct period - thö· Agriotltural Da tetal personnlm wore aont for highär studiua. It should be a countinuous progens, wDuring 1988-89 perlod, the e'utation of offlonls tor hghor studiaos had bo n stoppd and should bi 1vokod, in order to hnve' euffiaient.tr'âInod Sujbjet Mattor 8peciai±0t rundily. /coutd/ - 136 - oDn t4aq±In*i3ø..,tiseø y titur..· bfn such i.7dh n,<o§.bd ýt.dolayO4 a en-,6s414t y operating Cqøt ),w. a2 ode rer : po h 7~0ioil &oomrheiRfma£å.itnion3 i Sc:Ll Ë and Wis'tor N ·0 yonfr4tiâ saos Uswigrodital educ ti Ó s or .dor ,tu .. dis wø o-orvimcl tto, :onninooc. »romming ,and ØefaOitiono:f Wat;so cservicoa .werer t9 bo roénsver.gton'ths nooda of .TIA .r.r.; ;m Mbri'nt thave b cr 1.icwlo *oI a cover%7~1'land ibaaod 'nctvt@shtwuo bOatni accepted.Énd - it s -in of tbe sistar dapertmwuta. Towarde thi 1>ur-pfli,tha - frmg w ill ba txø etGd a a. total »rodaoro at gr0 ulturaéla*m- ImnI huSb ndry a~nd F.ishery:Igod.ctiona through-mclx±m±ing heujseeofr§: all resourcos, * ~. ~b).. Treitm.ng~w ll 'also: be suit*b y mod&1if d't a St nta l nining laatitute; Kudumianaltn to bo.'om bensive enough to- include othar. ind bsed ntivitio. St~&ta v triing Institto, K%dumiammilnl wauld nl8o be upgraed0 t no luedø anncge3nt training far mIddlo nd haghr 2rwle officora. *a) Wmen invoyd ±à Agricultura <cru.being tra3irz>d pariodioilly in tha Pnrmors Trnining contros ýumdor Dan±da Sch:mcs It will bo urth V trengthlwd ei oxtended. to othr arona. profo'nat moreh: o.of ladias ero undergoing AgrLi3ultura1 k3ducotion Iborly 5O)and in tho yunra %oomo, toy i ls o contributo n lathiS :aspoot. d) Esonnrh-Exteiona linkage le alTondy astabliosd on tboIntroduotion of T&V aystom to a gGator xOrtGt. . Howvr, additional d£:iillnas villi nlao b$ added t o oever th» broind bneed cxtons'ton, ,a. Zonal A ultual Rsesruitund Baxtens lon Couil will.:bo satwanthaned tteith ti regrosentativos tota all ti dapctm'l,vts cozn<tød w Lth th4 farmin& commniWLty, is) plm+n~1 1a 1 wili be formedi e attIh Ageouitur l ilóduot±on Commnaaonr's ottioo. Wh Monitoring oad Evolu ction cmlwt...thao.'Dirootar'ote 'willud artake ang opriato .a paial. stauie ond-th J xndjngs .;lbe mcde availcbi3 to the extansln atllf:. Thl:e methoi of. one~alySi w±ilbo modørnised cf installation of ComPuter ' Trijxaiat Distriat Lvl and anub ALiaional 3 v3l, micro lavoli .ill ba . prmoted, .Puwtbr; World Bat supI>rt le <ko±in ýs<nlgøht through TMI1AD 0,oota-ropo-ad, i order-· -t* £provo the Part*=rMn0 or the ortne on 8erv±o. -137- ' Thl./inaot±inD .iiataint of atha I.b;..'haan,t onl3y ~acptod troad'objootivoa but hosaUt indiantad 4 fc vroac ·harein th* Agrio tw1 Zapcattmowt han mado 'a dif1ito m d 'loroaptibla ±ipact (Pdr a 7.03). ,Por anindubtry ~ao'ltmnon oäud ar ocep39 2ae -gri uit ur, o'båvå rdo'thsa mach.*f lm»not-,aåt :bo O aohteroment, onormouis In And, furtur- ..do .&ité,. thå . tt t%ï*'thöy hnvu declared thnt t a1±1fuU to vOlolut oniU'ntely,to -dzntributiön of oxtenrion te Inaroacd crop yilds, i oomo <f tho'Com»1smont crity of differcat outurn1;inapts, thayJtnyc·T*irtuall;y oncå<>luded if PorW 5.03.: that -. thsee--tnpreeobS brvn -bma:'ohcavud tkrougu Ilcronced agicult =re1 protloog prt ow:yhich lå ottribut0143 te this rojct' Inr ed .joductivity~' whch is tha..ano m>surble index of.ano@cesao impmleetation.ot.'.projact. ' slel~ thu bana * itivoly idaxtifiod with th Exteaon "work t1oush not menauirjd exootly,, Mi ostablishbm nt of a more offiii'tetGasion system la undorwey by recDonding to tha onxng demazds *of 'ngriculturo anad f oxar, in order to ottain.moxmumI ylold, ållovinta qz-v.rty, donrotion o. mom- employmnt Incrocsad ft'rmers lIncom nd in ruo o a>y/ SECTION OFFICER.