WAC 2010
LIVELIHOOD TECHNOBANK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF
BACKWARD DISTRICTS IN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
Authors: Bharat K. Kakade1, Preeti Karmarkar1, Sushama M. Patil1, Prasad K. Kulkarni1, Nitin B. Patil1
1
BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Email ID: bkkakade@baif.org.in, preetikarmarkar@baif.org.in, sushmapatil@baif.org.in, pkkulkarnibaif@gmail.com,
nbpatil_nsk@rediffmail.com
1.INTRODUCTION
National Agricultural Innovation .Project (NAIP) is a major initiative of Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR),
New Delhi which emerged with the mission of establishing a system and action-based research consortium for
improvement in livelihood in 150 backward districts of country. Under which BAIF Development Research Foundation,
Pune has been working as a Consortium Leader to implement the Sustainable Rural Livelihood Security Project (SRLS) in
five backward districts of Maharashtra viz., Yeotmal, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Nandurbar and Ahmednagar. The project
coverage is 76 villages divided in 10 clusters from five districts of Maharashtra. The overall objective of the project is to
develop replicable and holistic approach for promoting sustainable livelihood for tribal and remote areas of Maharashtra
through integration and blending of tested technologies and strategies of family focused and area based programmes.
Project implementation period is five years i.e. from 2007-2012. Project activities and expected outputs are as below
(Table 1)
Table 1. Project Activities and Expected Outputs
Project Activities
Improved cultivation practices (INM, IPM,
seeds)
Water resource development
Tasar
Wadi / Orchard
Expected Outputs
Increase in agricultural yield on the farm of participant
families
Help for protective irrigation as well as increase in
cropping intensity
Additional employment generation through
agriculture, value addition & allied activities
Improved health of cattle and
Goats
Livestock development
Improved breeding efficiency of cows and buffaloes
Improved milk production
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2. SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
Project design is based on a solid foundation of people’s participation and developing strong institutions of people for
ensuring the sustainability. Project sustainability here means continuity as well as escalation of development process
initiated through project interventions even after exit of the implementing organization. Initially, during the project period
BAIF is playing the role of facilitator and later entire responsibility will be handed over to the People’s institutions. Most
significantly, efforts to improve self-esteem, technical capacities, and socio-economic status of community inculcated
during the project will ensure sustainability of development.
3. SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
3.1. PLANNING WITH PARTICIPATION OF FARMERS
The project has been implemented using a family focused and area based intervention approach. After studying the
baseline information of the participating farmers, basic and proven technology based possible interventions, comprising
of soil and water conservation, water resource development, water management techniques and improved agriculture
inputs were discussed with farmers. A basket of innovative interventions, comprising of new technologies were
explained to the farmers and individual family based planning was done in participatory manner. The farmers who
volunteered for this process were offered the interventions. Thus, planning of every intervention has been done with the
participation of farmers. This participatory process has been instrumental in developing ownership of the participants.
3.2. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
People’s participation and their ownership of development initiatives are keys to sustainability. The People’s institutions
operate as an intermediate structure to reach out to masses and carries out various functions simultaneously at the
community level. With the presence of strong people’s institutions at the village level, it is easy to communicate and
transfer modern technologies for improving agricultural production and profitability.
3.2.1. KNOWLEDGE BANK
Exposure visits and trainings on improved agriculture practices, water resource development, horticulture plantations,
wadi development, women empowerment, livestock camps etc. have been conducted successfully which will act as a
enduring knowledge bank. So far 224 trainings have been conducted for more than five thousand participants. Also
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linkage with KVKs, PRIs, line departments, Agricultural Universities has been developed with POs for long term
association with the community.
3.2.2. INSTITUTION BUILDING
BAIF has been working with a three tier model of people’s institutions. (Fig. 1)
Constitutes of representatives from village
committees in a cluster; formal body: should
work towards continuation of project
Constitutes of representatives from primary groups;
Coordination of interventions in village; link between
primary group and cluster committee
Common intervention groups; members help
each other to implement project activities
Fig 1. Three Tier Model of People’s Institution
It has been thought of formalizing one central management committee for all 10 clusters instead of formalizing 10
cluster committees. There will be representatives of cluster committees and these committees would work as branches
of central committee. The central committee would closely work with cluster committees to enhance their capacities for
post project management of the programme as well in successful running of enterprises established through project
contribution. (Fig. 2) From sustainability point of view, small scale enterprises have been planned at clusters. Scoping
exercises with cluster committee members were done and accordingly necessary equipments are installed through
project support such as decentralized feed mix units, Urea-DAP briquetting machines, Bulk Milk coolers, poly houses
etc. Technical capacity building of people to utilize these assets as enterprises is being done. Along with technical
trainings, inputs for overall management, establishing linkages with government agencies are being given to the
committee members. Village committees have been linked to NABARD’s programme of Farmers’ club. Along with
coordination of project activities in their village, they can work for overall awareness enhancement of villagers on the
issues of development.
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Fig.2 Institutional Setup
3.3. TAPERING OF SUPPORT TO PARTICIPANTS
Project support for inputs has been provided to participants to carry out the recommended activities in their field for
improving farm production. The support strategy has been decided as, during the first year of project 75 % support has
been given to farmers, onwards 50% and 25% for second and third years respectively and later they have to continue
the activities on their own. This will lead to continuation of the improved practices and inputs beyond project period.
3.4. SUSTAINABILITY FUND (MONEY BANK)
Creation of sustainability fund is important for continued development even after exit of the organization. It has been
decided to create a fund through contribution of participating farmers for post project management of the initiatives of
sustainable livelihood. Contribution amounts to 10% cost of each intervention wherever possible. This leads to feeling of
ownership of the participant. This fund will be used for sustaining and carry-over of project activities after completion of
the project. So far the total contribution at project level is Rs. 10,00,000/-.
3.5. SYNERGY DEVELOPMENT
Linkage of village committees with NABARD through Farmers’ Club will prove as a persistent activity because of
significant benefits offered through it. It increases the credit flow and creates diversification of lending in addition to
socioeconomic development of village. Farmer’s club helps to organize joint activities like value addition, processing,
and collective farm produce and products marketing, etc. for the benefit of members. Hence, new business avenues
can be generated by establishing farmer’s club in the village.
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3.6. ESTABLISHMENT OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CENTERS
Technology Transfer Centers have been established at cluster level through project support. Eventually, these centers
will be managed by cluster level committees. The programme initiated will be managed in future through these centers.
All project activities are now linked to the center. Accordingly capacity building of the members has been undertaken.
Community centers will serve three major objectives as demonstration of all relevant activities, training center for
farmers and extension centre to reach out more and more farmers through effective extension programme. Activities
under Technology Transfer Centre can be classified in three categories
3.6.1. TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS
 SEED PRODUCTION
Seed production programme has been undertaken at village level so as to make assured availability of quality seed at
local level. Initially, seed production activity has been undertaken in Ralegaon cluster of Yeotmal district for Soybean in
kharif and for Wheat and Gram in rabi season. Most preferred variety of Soybean-JH 335, wheat-HD 2189 and GramVijay has been cultivated. After harvesting, grading has been done and higher grade seed had reimbursed 20% extra
price for the beneficiary.
The activity has been carried out with recommended package of practices on participant’s field and on 10 acre of area
in every season and supposed to opt for near about 50 acre area in next year.
 SEED BANK
Seed bank concept came forward to conserve and store the seed for further utilization. It has been decided as the
improved seed when given to participant for demonstration on his own field, the same quantity of seed should be stored
and used in next year by other participant. Thus activity has been initiated in Khnadbara cluster of Nandurbar district.
 ORGANIC FARMING DEMONSTRATIONS
To facilitate farmers for adoption of organic farming for better crop production, demonstrations on organic manure like
vermicompost, vermiwash and organic pesticides like dashparni extract, neem extract, neem oil, etc. can be taken up at
Technology Transfer Centre.
 POLY HOUSE AS A SEEDLING BANK
It is planned that need of saplings will be met through the community centres. Community centre will act as a nursery
bank for different vegetable, floriculture, medicinal and fodder crops. Shed nets have been established at Community
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Centers of Mandane, Deothan, Ghatanji, Pombhurna and Aheri. They have started producing nurseries. Saplings of
different varieties of vegetables, flowers, fodder can be supplied as per season and demand. This activity will be
undertaken by women, which will also enhance women’s participation in the project activities. This will also enable the
cluster farmers to see live demonstrations.
 LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
To improve livestock production, introduction of improved cattle breeds is necessary. In this context, artificial
insemination activity has been initiated and carried out at Technology Transfer Centre with the help of efficient AI
workers. Revenue generation for the center is through levying service charges for AI services offered by the center. This
figure of revenue thus generated is variable and is directly proportional to no. of AI performed at the center and will of
course be decided by the rate of service charges. Increase in centre wise AI services can be done through improving
and maintaining the efficiency of the AI services through regular supervision and monitoring of the center activities. To
run the centre smoothly it is necessary to undergo at least 100 AIs in a month. Eventually the activity will lend a hand to
promote improved cattle population in the village for increased milk production.
 GOAT BANK
Goat rearing proved to be economical venture in rural area. Hence, bucks of improved breed have been provided to
participants for production of improved goat population in cluster. In order to continue the activity, a goat bank concept
has been promoted in which a beneficiary after producing new goat reared for 4 months and hand it over to the next
new participant for further rearing. In such way, new participants are getting involved in the process and the activity will
be continued in chain manner towards sustainability.
 FODDER DEMONSTRATIONS
To meet the fodder demand and overcome fodder scarcity fodder demonstrations of improved fodder varieties are being
carried out at Samsherpur, Ralegaon and Deothan clusters. Season wise different fodder crops have been
demonstrated as below (Table 2)
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Table 2. Fodder species
No.
Season
1
Perennial
2
Kharif
3
Rabi
4
Summer
Fodder Crop
Lucern (Medicago sativa)
Napier
Cowpea (Vigna sinensis)
Maize (Zea mays)
Oat (Avena sativa)
Beseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)
Bajra
(Pennisetum
typhoides)
Cowpea (Vigna sinensis)
3.6.2. INPUT SERVICES

FEED MIX UNIT
Establishment of feed mix units will help to provide proper feed to the livestock population as well as an income source.
Formulation of feed mix will be given to farmers and accordingly they will be able to prepare a feed mix and make
available at cluster level to improve health of livestock population. The unit will be managed by cluster committee.

UREA-DAP BRIQUETTE UNIT
Application of Urea-DAP briquette in paddy cultivation has been introduced and adopted by farmers in paddy growing
clusters viz., Samsherpur, Pombhurna, Indaram and Etapalli. Thus, to make available the briquettes at cluster level and
to reduce cost of production the Urea-DAP briquette machines have been installed in Samsherpur, Pombhurna and
Indaram clusters. To produce the briquettes, urea and DAP need to be added in the proportion of 40:60 respectively.
The management and operation of the machine will be carrying out by cluster committee.
3.6.3. VALUE ADDITION
 LINSEED PROCESSING UNIT
Linseed processing unit has been established at Sangamner in Ahmednagar district. The capacity of the unit is 1 ton
linseed per day. So far 1507 Kg oil has been sold at the rate of Rs. 225/- per Kg. Also poultry feed of 6000 Kg has been
distributed at the rate of Rs. 45/-. Revenue generated from sale of linseed oil and poultry feed is Rs. 3,39,075/- and Rs.
2,70,000/- respectively.
 BULK MILK COOLER
Bulk milk coolers (Direct Expansion Closed Type 2000 LPD) have been established at Keli and Hiwargaon, Tal Akole,
District Ahmednagar, with an aim of making available milk collection facilities for its programme participants in the
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Shamsherpur and Devthan clusters. Initially, the operationalisation of bulk milk cooler will be done by regional cooperative society, viz. Amrutsagar Sahakari Dudh Vyavsaik and Prakriya Sangh Maryadit, Akole, Dist- Ahmednagar
(M.S)and after capacity building of people it will be entrust to people’s institution.
 FOREST BASED INTERVENTIONS
Tasar culture, sericulture and lac cultivation proved to be good approaches to involve marginal farmers and landless
particularly women, as it can be a source of assured income year around. As on, 104 families are engaged with tasar
culture with average yield of 4000 cocoons per family. So far 4 lakh cocoons have been harvested which incurred Rs. 3
lakh. Lac cultivation has been undertaken on 243 trees successfully. However, it found important to standardize the
technologies and initiate value addition to silk rearing. Hence, silk reeling and market linkage has been established.
3.7. INNOVATIVE INTERVENTIONS
3.7.1. INTEGRATED FISH FARMING
The innovative activity encompasses many sub activities like water harvesting, fish farming, irrigation, crop cultivation,
sericulture, etc. entrenched within it. The pond mainly constructed for fish farming will harvest the rain water and store it
for fish cultivation. Water stored in the pond can be used for mulberry cultivation and other crop within the coverage of
pond. Silk worms can be reared through mulberry cultivation and droppings and other waste of silk worms will be
utilized as a fish feed. Also after silk rearing, for value addition silk reeling will be initiated. (Fig. 3 )
Value Addition
Irrigation
Fish
Pond/Fish
Farming
Fish for
sale
Mulberry Cultivation
Fish Feed
Silk worm
droppings
Fig. 3. Integrated Fish Farming
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Sericulture
Unit
Silk Reeling
WAC 2010
3.7.2. NETWORK OF BODIES
Network of bodi (local name for an irrigation pond) is in progress in Jivti cluster. Small pond provides access to water
for the farmer to develop orchard as well as it will improve the water level of entire aquifer. This will prove effective in
improving the overall agricultural productivity.
4. CONCLUSION
Improved and innovative technologies have been introduced in the project area and adopted by the farmers which
become manifested with encouraging results. The technologies have been disseminated through different trainings
and exposure visits for empowerment of individuals and people’s organization. The empowered people’s organizations
and cadre of field guides and their strong linkage with the resource organizations (KVKs, Agricultural Universities,
Government departments, private sector companies for marketing the products) will ensure the continuity as well as
the intensification of project activities. Thus the People’s Organizations (POs) have been formed and empowered to
take forward the development process initiated during project.
Technology Transfer Centers (TTCs) at cluster level are visualizing the successful technologies and different
enterprises within the project area which further will act as institute for knowledge bank and a media for organizing
value chain. After exit of the organization smooth running of the project activities is required and this can be possible
through development of TTCs. Also value chain concept has been established as a post harvest processing and
marketing of the agricultural products. This will ensure longer-term association of community with the market. It is
planned that the organizational linkage for all clusters will be carried out through central committee for better
management in future.
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