Effect of Soil Test Based Fertilizer application and management of LLS in Groundnut during 2012-13

In order to make rainfed groundnut profitable in the entire village, KVK has organized focused group training programmes during this kharif 2012-13 to emphasize the importance of cost reduction technologies (STBF, mechanized sowing) and timely management of LLS. Majority of the farmers adopted the technologies and could save the Rs. 4830/ha of groundnut crop so the farmers of the village saved an amount of Rs.3,47,760/- by adopting cost reduction technologies in 72 ha of area during the current season.

Impact of ICM practices in rainfed groundnut through focused group training programme  during kharif 2012 in chakrayapet

INNOVATIVE EXTENSION METHODS

Transfer of technology was carried out with extensive use of mass media like news paper, radio coverage which are readily accessed by the farmer. Conducting various live exhibitions and display of film shows have impressed farmers as per the saying, seeing is believing. Conducting Technology week and Kisan melas and exposure visits had paved way in developing coordination and good interaction with scientists and farmers. The following methodologies were followed for effective transfer of technology.

1.       Focuseed Group Training Programmes

2.       Kisan mobile advisory services

3.       Farmer as Master trainer concept

4.       Flag method of extension

5.       Exposure visits

6.       Felicitation of progressive farmers or farm women

1.       Focussed Group Training Programmes

Since last two years KVK has started conducting focused group training programmes wherein a group of farmers with age group of above 50 years and within 50 years were selected and training in specific crops at different crop stages was conducted and activities to be performed during that specific crop stage was focused. Some of the focused group of farmers have adopted the focused points and obtained higher returns in groundnut.  Schedule for organizing training programmes at different stages of the crop is designed for major crops like groundnut, paddy and sweet orange.

FGT Schedule for Groundnut crop

Ø  Impact of FGTP : Implemented on 2 clusters resulted in saving of Rs.5000/- ha

Ø  80% of the farmers of 2 cluster adopted the technologies focused

2. Flag Method of Extension

             Flag method of Extension-A simple, novel and a virtual interface method in transfer of technology for the benefit of the farmers. The flag method facilities the farmer to get associated with the extension functionary of the area and make him/her feel that someone is really concerned about his/her crops even in their absence in the field at the time of the diagnostic visits.

            Whenever the flag is seen in the farmers field, the farmers reads the message written on the flag and will initiate action on the message. If the farmer requires any clarification farmer calls the scientists/extension functionaries and clarify their doubts. This way the flag method not only provides immediate solution to the diagnosed field problem even in the absence of the farmer, but also brings awareness and buildup rapport with the Extension Scientists and eventually strengthening the Scientist-farmer linkage.

Year and discipline wise flag displayed in the farmers fields

3.  Developing Farmer Master Trainers   

               Capacity building of farmers is one of the mandatory function of KVKs of ANGRAU. Training is a learning process that involves the acquisition of knowledge, sharpening of skills and changes of attitudes and behaviours to enhance the performance of the farmer. Hither to the extension units are trying to build the capacity of farmers/farm women/stake holders by providing 1-2 days general trainings on any identified need based topic. In order to enrich the knowledge, skill and attitude of the farmers in a focused way, on a selected crop or Enterprise an initiative called Farmers Masters Trainings were introduced in ANGRAU during 2011. The same method is followed in KVK where trainings were provided to farmers and farmwomen on various topics as detailed below.

                 Earlier KVK has developed various technological successes with farmers, farm women and rural youth under different crops or technologies. Keeping in view of these successes, KVK has laid more emphasis on development of master trainers in various fields with following objectives:

Objectives

·         To promote interested farmers, rural youth and farm women towards as master trainers

·         To disseminate recent technologies at a faster rate with effective communication

·         To increase extension out reach of KVK programmes

Specialization Details of the Master Trainers Developed