Institutional arrangements promoting diversified agricultural for higher income

Transfer of improved agriculture technologies to the farmers’ fields is the cornerstone for transformation of the farming sector. The sound transfer policy makes it imperative to assess and test the technologies repeatedly at the local farmers’ field. It calls for a systematic and planned programme of development, creating an enabling environment for all the stakeholders to participate as well as the change agencies to converge and collaborate in the process of change. IARI, New Delhi, a premiere institution in developing crop technologies, is implementing National Extension Programme in partnership with University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka) for promotion of improved crop technologies in the jurisdiction area of University for higher crop productivity and income to the farmers in the region. As per a study estimate, only 30% of the scientific knowledge reaches the actual field. The present study has been carried out to assess the efficacy of IARI crop technologies in promoting higher productivity and income from the farm sector. IARI, New Delhi has been assessing and promoting some of the developed crop technologies in wheat, spinach (palak), pea and carrot in the jurisdiction area of UAS Dharwad. Improved varieties of some of wheat HD 2932 has been tested at the farmers’ fields at multiple locations, Agriculture Extension Education Center Dharwad and KVKs (Bagalkat, Vijaypur, Mudhol) under UAS Dharwad regularly for 3 rabi seasons during 2014-2015 to 2016-17. During the same period, spinach (All Green) was demonstrated at the farmers’ fields in different locations, AEEC Dharwad and KVKs (Bagalkot, Hanumanammatti, Mattikoppa and Dharwad). Likewise, pea (Pusa Pragati) and carrot (Pusa Rudhira) were demonstrated at select locations during 2013-14 to 2015-16. Farmers were purposively selected for laying out demonstrations and it was regularly monitored by the experts from UAS Dharwad and IARI, New Delhi. Review workshops were organized regularly before each season to discuss the crop performance and plan subsequent activities. As many as 7 demonstrations conducted on wheat HD 2932 during 3 seasons, resulted in average yield of 24.4 to 33.5 q/ ha in 2015-16 and 2014-15, respectively with Corresponding increase in crop yield of -0.52 to 19.6% in 2015-16 and 2014-15. The average net income accrued from the crop was to the tune of Rs 37858.00 and Rs. 68800.00 per ha in 2016-17 and 2014-15, respectively. Spinach (All Green) was demonstrated at 9 locations during 201415 to 2016-17. The crop performed very well, exceeding the local check in productivity from 13.34 to 19.40%. The highest yield realized was 110.95 q/ha in 2014-15 with the maximum net profitability of Rs. 70,464 per ha. The b/c ratio was also the highest (2.57) in this year. Pea (Pusa Pragati) was demonstrated at 6 locations during 2 rabi seasons 2014-15 and 2015-16. The crop performed well, producing highest yield of 47.60 q/ha in 2015-16 with an increase in yield of 19.99% over local variety and the highest net income of Rs. 46733.00 per ha in 201415. Carrot (Pusa Rudhira) was demonstrated at 2 locations during rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15. The crop performed well with an average yield of 184.8 q/ha and net income of Rs. 94430.00 per ha. It may be concluded that through Institutional convergence of IARI, New Delhi and UAS Dharwad, potential crop technologies in wheat, spinach, pea and carrot was successfully assessed and promoted among the farming community in the region, resulting in higher productivity and profitability for the farming community.