Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia
in Bangladesh
Annual Report
2011
November 2011
Expansion of the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in
Bangladesh
Annual Progress Report
October 2010 – September 2011
Submitted to
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Submitted by
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), WorldFish Center (WF) and
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
House No-9, Road No.-2/2, Chairmanbari, Banani
Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
November 2011
2
PROJECT BRIEF
IRRI Ref. No.:
DRPC 2010-66
Project Title:
Expansion of the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bangladesh
Project Start Date:
01 October 2010
Project End Date:
30 September 2015
Reporting Period:
01 October 2010 – 30 September 2011
Project Budget: USD 24.3 million
Implementing Partners:
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), WorldFish Center (WF) and
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Project Area:
The project intervention area includes 31 districts in Bangladesh, which
comprised of central southwest (6 districts in greater Jessore), southwest (3
districts in greater Khulna), south-central (6 districts in greater Barisal), central
(8 districts) and northwest (8 districts) hubs.
Targeted Households:
Total 60,000 households (mostly marginal and poor) are targeted to be directly
benefited from the project with net annual income increase of USD 350 per
household after five years. Further, 300,000 households are targeted to be
indirectly benefited through capacity building and dissemination related
activities and one million households would be benefited indirectly through
linkages, synergies and innovative partnership.
Objectives:
The overall objectives of the project is to increase household income, food
security, and livelihoods in impoverished and agriculturally dependent regions
of Bangladesh
Key Achievements:
Major Key results achieved in the reporting period are as follows:
Donor Agency:
Contact Person
United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, DC
: William J. Collis, Chief of Party, CSISA-Bangladesh
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 6
1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 8
1.1
Background ............................................................................................................. 8
1.2
Project Objectives ................................................................................................... 9
1.3
Project Area ............................................................................................................ 9
1.4
Implementation Strategies .................................................................................... 11
2. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND RESULTS ........................................................................ 12
2.1
Agriculture (cereal crops, legumes, vegetables) ...................................................... 12
2.2
Aquaculture (fish and shrimp) ............................................................................... 16
2.3
Partnership Development and Capacity Building of Human Resources .................... 19
2.4
Socioeconomic Studies and Farming Systems Assessment ...................................... 24
2.5
CSISA-BD Success Stories ....................................................................................... 31
2.6
Lessons Learned in Year 1 ...................................................................................... 36
3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................... 38
3.1
Administrative Arrangements ................................................................................ 38
3.2
Organizational Arrangements ................................................................................ 39
3.3
Monitoring and Quality Assurance ......................................................................... 41
3.4
Gender Equity ....................................................................................................... 43
3.5
Environmental Issues ............................................................................................ 44
3.6
Partnerships and Communications......................................................................... 45
3.7
Annual Work Plan for Second Year......................................................................... 46
Annex A. Hub Fact Sheets ......................................................................................... 51
Annex B. Additional Examples of Adaptive Research Trials and Demonstrations ....... 58
Annex C. Lists of Trainings, Workshops, and Meetings .............................................. 71
Annex D. Additional Examples of Capacity Building .................................................. 77
Annex E. Additional CSISA-BD Success Stories........................................................... 79
Annex F. List of LoAs, MoUs, and/or Service Contracts .............................................. 84
Annex G. Summary of CSISA-BD Year 2 Work Plan .................................................... 89
4
ACRONYMS
AEZ
AWD
BARC
BFRI
BRRI
CA
CE
CKB
CSISA
DAE
DoF
DANIDA
DSR
EIA
HCP
IEE
IPM
IRRI
GDP
GoB
LCC
MDG
NAP
NARES
NEMAP
NGO
PCR
PRSP
SPS
SSNM
UDP
USAID
USG
WSSV
Agro Ecological Zone
Alternate Wetting and Drying
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute
Conservation Agriculture
Categorical Exclusion
Cereal Knowledge Bank
Expansion of the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia in Bangladesh
Department of Agricultural Extension
Department of Fisheries
Danish International Development Assistance
Direct Seeded Rice
Environmental Impact Assessment
Hub Communication Platform
Initial Environmental Examination
Integrated Pest Management
International Rice Research Institute
Gross Domestic Product
Government of Bangladesh
Leaf Color Chart
Millennium Development Goals
National Agriculture Policy
National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems
National Environmental Management Action Plan
Non Government Organization
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
Sanitary and Phytosanitary
Site Specific Nutrient Management
Urea Deep Placement
United States Agency for International Development
Urea Super Granules
White Spot Syndrome Virus
5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia in Bangladesh (‘CSISA-BD’) is a newly established
agricultural development project, implemented in Bangladesh through collaboration of three
CGIAR centers: IRRI (International Rice Research Institute), CIMMYT (International Maize and
Wheat Improvement Center), and the WorldFish Center. The integrated set of programs and
activities initiated under CSISA-BD builds on, and diversifies, the earlier CSISA project in order to
contribute to the achievement of the food security objectives of USAID’s Feed the Future
investments in Bangladesh. The project’s structure is highly innovative, bringing the three
Centers together in an integrated and closely collaborative manner for the first time, and
seeking to implement activities through consultation and partnership with a wide variety of
government, private sector, and civil society institutions and stakeholders. It the desire of the
three Centers that this approach will result in rapid and durable improvements in agricultural
productivity in Bangladesh—particularly for impoverished communities where cereal crops and
fish dominate, and there is strong scope to improve yields and livelihoods.
CSISA-BD was initiated in Bangladesh in October 2010, and began implementing field level
activities in June 2011. The key element of the CSISA-BD approach is the concept of the ‘hub’: a
geographic location which serves as a focal point for innovation in a target region. CSISA-BD
hubs serve a command area with similar biophysical characteristics, similar production systems,
and similar constraints and potential intervention points. Each hub brings together a set of
partners including farmer groups, private-sector companies, input dealers, service providers,
agro-processing facilities, equipment manufacturers, public-sector extension and development
agencies, universities, water management associations, and NGOs. The hubs provide a basis for
the identification and participatory testing of regional opportunities for increasing income and
food security, as well as innovative mechanisms for formal and informal knowledge sharing.
At present the domain of CSISA-BD consists of six hubs in Bangladesh covering a total of 28
districts; in the first year of the project, work was conducted in 17 districts of 5 hubs. Four hubs
(Jessore, Khulna, Barisal, and Faridpur) are located in the USAID Feed the Future “Zone of
Influence” in Southwest Bangladesh. The Faridpur Hub is the most recently established, opening
for business in October 2011. The two hubs in the North of the country, Mymensingh and
Rangpur, were originally established under the initial CSISA program (then known as the Gazipur
and Dinajpur hubs, respectively).
CSISA-BD’s overarching goal is to raise the agricultural income of 60,000 households by at least
US $350 by the year 2015. In order to meet this ambitious goal, CSISA-BD has implemented
1,035 demonstrations of highly productive, low-risk, profitable technologies and provided
associated trainings to 6,800 farmers during the year (26% over-target on farmers trained). A
total of 240 adaptive research trials (97% of target) were established during this period for the
development, adaptation, and validation of promising new technologies, improved varieties, and
‘better bet’ crop management practices. Most of these demonstrations and trials are still
underway with the bulk of the farmer field days to be held just before the coming Aman harvest.
Based on current plans, over 45,000 farmers will attend farmer field days in the coming year.
The project operates through partnership and capacity building arrangements with many key
stakeholders. To date, it has established formal partnerships with 17 NGOs and projects, signed
contracts with 12 private sector entities for provision of a variety of services, and signed official
agreements with 7 Government agencies, including Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council
(BARI), the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), and the Bangladesh Rice Research
Institute (BRRI). Additional LOAs are pending with MoFL, DoF and BFRI. As part of its capacity
building role, CSISA-BD has held 37 workshops and training events, provided training to 159
6
persons (including 35 women) that are either CSISA-BD staff members or personnel of the
project’s partners. A further 434 individuals (150 women) who are staff members of CSISA-BD,
or its partner organizations, have attended conferences or workshops to provide opportunities
for professional development.
Selected highlights and success stories from CSISA-BD’s initial year of operation include the
following:

Carp-shing aquaculture technology introduced in Mymensingh hub generated close to
$2,000 from a single 0.15 hectare (ha) pond.

Growing the short-duration rice variety BINA Dhan 7 allowed a mustard or onion crop
after rice during the Rabi season, which helped intensify the cropping systems and
increase productivity and income of farmers in the Jessore Hub.

Summer tomato cultivation is generating gross margins approximately nine times
greater than those possible from traditional winter tomato, and profits of nearly $1,500
from just 0.2 ha of land.

Adaptive trials of tilapia cage culture for landless women producing 370 kg of fish with
net returns of $150 from a single 9m3 cage in a single three month cycle, and with the
potential to operate at three cycles per year, generating over $400 for landless women
with no previous major income sources from a single cage.

Submergence-tolerant BRRI Dhan 52 saved farmer’s crops from prolonged submergence
in Barisal, while BINA Dhan 8 helped alleviate salinity stresses in Barguna district.
These interventions represent a small sample of the work that CSISA-BD has conducted during
its initial year, and provide a clear example of how the project is making a positive impact on the
food security status and income potential of the resource-poor farming communities in the
fragile environments on southern Bangladesh.
The present progress report describes in greater detail the various intervention strategies and
activities implemented during Year 1 of CSISA-BD, as well as the major results achieved during
this period. Also included at the end of this document is a summary of the activities planned for
the second year of the project.
7
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
In response to a request from the USAID mission in Bangladesh, three international agricultural
research centers under the umbrella of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research have initiated an integrated set of programs and activities that have the potential to
significantly contribute to the food security objectives of USAID’s Feed the Future investments in
Bangladesh. The CGIAR centers united for this purpose are IRRI (International Rice Research
Institute), CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center), and the WorldFish
Center. Specifically, USAID requested the centers to work collaboratively, and in conjunction
with national partners, in order to achieve rapid and durable improvements in agricultural
productivity in Bangladesh, especially for impoverished communities, in locations where cereal
crops and fish dominate and there is strong scope to improve both yields and livelihood
opportunities.
To accomplish this goal, the centers have broadened, strengthened, and diversified an existing
project called the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) by expanding its working area
from two original hubs in northern Bangladesh to a further four in southwest Bangladesh (six
total), and by initiating activities to promote aquaculture and horticulture in addition to cereal
cultivation. This ‘new’ project, which is referred to as ‘CSISA-BD’, aims to increase the rate with
which improved varieties and crop management technologies are validated, adapted, and
deployed. CSISA-BD also endeavors to place appropriate technologies within the context of
markets, environmental and production constraints (and associated risk), and other barriers to
production that, without complementary strategies, can hinder advances in agricultural
productivity and the improvement of livelihoods. To ensure that farmers have better access to
timely and accurate information, capacity building among frontline extension agents and service
providers is also a prime objective of CSISA. Adaptive research complements these strategies by
refining technologies such that they are suitable for local biophysical and socioeconomic
circumstances, and by identifying and evaluating emerging technologies to improve the scope
for future positive impacts.
The challenges to agricultural development and food security in the coastal districts of southern
Bangladesh are substantial. However, an estimated 1 million hectare (ha) of area remains fallow
during the dry (winter) season due to salinity problems and the limited availability of freshwater
for irrigation. It is necessary to bring these fallow areas under productive use such that the
farmers of this generally impoverished region can benefit; doing so will contribute to the overall
food security of the country, as well. The widespread adoption of integrated management
practices, targeted location-specific varieties, and suitable cropping systems that include cereals,
vegetables, fish, poultry, and livestock—coupled with improved seed supply systems—is the
broad strategy for CSISA-BD to bridge yield gaps, expand cultivated areas, and meet
Bangladesh’s growing demand for food in the process.
The project began in early October 2010 by recruiting staff, procuring equipment and logistic
materials, and establishing offices in the different hubs. The 6 hubs of the CSISA-BD project are
Barisal, Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Mymensingh, and Rangpur. Faridpur is the latest hub to be
added, and will commence operations beginning in November 2011. As such, the present
progress report covers the three southern hubs (Barisal, Khulna, Jessore) and the 2 northern
hubs (Mymensingh, Rangpur); it describes the intervention strategies and activities planned for
the first year, as well as the main results achieved during this period (i.e., October 2010 through
September 2011).
8
1.2
Project Objectives
The overall objectives of the project are to increase household income, food security, and
livelihoods in impoverished and agriculturally dependent regions of Bangladesh. A total of
60,000 households (mostly marginal and poor) are targeted to be recipients, either directly or
indirectly, of project interventions that result in their household income increasing by US $350
per year by the end of the project. Furthermore, another 300,000 households are targeted to
benefit from project activities indirectly through capacity building and dissemination of
information. The specific objectives of CSISA-BD are as follows:
Widespread delivery, participatory fine-tuning, and adoption of improved varieties,
production technologies, and natural resource management for cereal and fish systems in
order to improve productivity, income, and resilience to risk;
i)
ii) Adaptive research trials to test, validate, and refine newly developed agronomic practices
for cereals and aquaculture practices for fish;
iii) Capacity building for researchers, extension workers, and service providers from public,
private, and NGO sectors to enable the rapid dissemination and adoption of improved
technologies and management approaches;
iv) Socioeconomic and farming systems analysis for technology targeting, and the deployment
and improvement of market linkages and livelihood systems for inclusive agricultural
growth and sustainable poverty reduction; and
v) The development of innovative information delivery mechanisms, including robust decision
support tools that integrate producer information, market prices, weather, and risk in
formats that are simple to use and accessible by all agricultural stakeholders.
1.3
Project Area
The project intervention area includes 28 districts, the majority of which belong to southern
Bangladesh (i.e., south of the Padma River). As shown in Table 1-1 below, CSISA-BD covered
more than 60% (17 districts) of its total targeted districts in the first year of the project. For the
new Faridpur Hub, project activities will commence in the second year.
Table 1-1. CSISA-BD Hubs, with Information on their Constituent Districts and Area Covered.
Total Targeted Districts
Area Covered in First Year
Hub Name
No.
District Name
No.
District Name
Jessore
6
Jessore, Magura, Jhenaidah,
Chuadanga, Meherpur, Narail
3
Jessore, Jhenaida, Narail
Khulna
3
Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat
3
Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat
Barisal
6
4
Barisal, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barguna
Faridpur
5
Mymensingh
3
Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Tangail
3
Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Tangail
Rangpur
5
Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram,
Lalmonirhat, Rangpur
4
Dinajpur, Kurigram Rangpur,
Nilphamari
Total
Barisal, Patuakhali, Barguna, Jhalokathi,
Pirojpur, Bhola
Faridpur, Gopalganj, Rajbari,
Madaripur, Shariatpur
28
--
17
9
N/A
Figure 1-1 shows the geographical locations of the project hubs; the two hubs in the north,
Rangpur and Mymensingh, were initially established under the original 4-country CSISA project
(the parent of CSISA-BD) as, respectively, the Dinajpur and Gazipur Hubs. During the first year of
the CSISA-BD expansion (2010-11), these two existing hubs were strengthened and had
additional activities implemented, and three new hubs were added in the south (Khulna, Jessore,
and Barisal). As mentioned previously, a fourth hub (Faridpur) is being established for the
second year; all preparatory activities to operationalize this hub are nearly complete. The basic
information and characteristics of the CSISA-BD hubs are described in Annex A.
Figure 1-1. Map of Bangladesh showing CSISA-BD Hub Domains and Working Areas.
10
1.4
Implementation Strategies
CSISA-BD hub personnel conduct planned activities in the selected upazilas of districts where the
project has decided to focus its efforts; the selection of working areas is based on rigorous
consultations with the prospective partners and stakeholders in each of the hub domains.
CSISA-BD staff consult with local key informants, such as government extension agents and
NGOs, in order to locate prospective areas for project initiatives. Focus group discussions with
farmers ensure that villages targeted as potential working locations are vetted and that the
interventions to be undertaken are demand driven. Additional studies (e.g., value chain
assessments) also contribute to an understanding of local working areas and help inform the
planning process. Every effort is made to include small farmers and women throughout all
project related activities, ranging from problem diagnosis, technology prioritization, and
interventions through adaptive trials and dissemination/delivery mechanisms, as well as formal
and informal training and capacity building. CSISA-BD maximizes its efforts to reach rural women
through all possible means by working with women farmers, women extension workers, women
researchers, and women policymakers during the inception phase and the reporting period.
Villages and farming households in the selected upazilas in a given hub were also chosen based
on the presence of key partners (GOs, NGOs, and private sector) for the ability to leverage CSISABD efforts, for the potential to involve small farmers and women in the proposed activities, and
in order to maximize the potential for rapid uptake and impact. Project intervention strategies
and activities include:

Conducting community-based demonstrations on proven profitable technologies that are
readily available.

Increasing crop intensification through crop diversification, by using fallow periods
between two rice crops to grow high yielding maize, pulses, vegetables, oilseed crops, etc.

Introducing high yielding varieties (HYV) of rice to increase rice yield.

Introducing drought and flood prone technologies varieties of maize and wheat.

Conducting adaptive, participatory, and/or validation trials of new technologies and new
seed varieties.

Introducing cost effective management practices and farm machineries.

Focusing on nutritional activities like vegetable cultivation of unutilized spaces at the
homestead level.

Promoting women-led interventions like post-harvest technologies, seed business
development, etc.

Enhancing the knowledge, skills, and awareness of farmers and the staff of CSISA-BD
partners.

Conducting farmer exchange visits for learning and sharing of information, knowledge, and
techniques on successes with best practices between CSISA farmers of different locations.
11
2. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND RESULTS
This chapter provides information on work performed during Year 1 of the CSISA-BD project,
with several examples included. Descriptions of some of the initial impacts observed are
presented, as well. The first section contains data on the agricultural (i.e., crop-based)
demonstrations, adaptive trials, and trainings that were conducted by IRRI and/or CIMMYT. The
following section recounts similar information for aquaculture-related activities conducted by
WorldFish. The third section presents data on both capacity- and partnership-building efforts
during Year 1, while section four contains summaries of studies conducted during the year that
inform both the on-going planning and implementation of the project. The final two sections
illustrate the impacts of the project in terms of several success stories related by farmers, as well
as some key lessons learned.
2.1
Agriculture (cereal crops, legumes, vegetables)
Table 2-1 contains information aggregated into four activity categories in order to quantify
project work completed during the initial year of CSISA-BD. The categories include adaptive
research, demonstrations (both community- and household-based), and training provided to
farmers. A total of 240 replications of adaptive research trials were implemented in Year 1,
which was slightly less than projected. The difference was due to loss of some plots as a result
of seasonal flooding.
Table 2-1. General project activities for the period October 2010 through September 2011.
General Activity
Unit
2011
Target
2011
Actual
Adaptive Research/On-farm Trials
Farm
248
240
97%
Community-based Demonstrations
Demo
977
858
88%
Farmer Field Day / Exchange Visit
Event
--
Farmer
3,000
Training of Farmers
17
2,693
% of Target
Achieved
Women
Trained
-90%
538
Demonstrations are one of the principal vehicles through which farmers are reached in terms of
promoting new varieties, new ideas/techniques, and the success of such interventions. The
project established 858 community-based agricultural demonstrations during the first year,
which is 88% of what the target called for. The bulk of these demonstrations were designed to
promote elite seeds or short duration, submergence tolerant, and saline tolerant rice varieties.
One hundred (12%) of the 858 demonstrations were established to promote the value of elite
wheat varieties in conjunction with ‘better bet’ agronomic practices.
The key way in which CSISA-BD intends to make an impact on agricultural productivity is to teach
farmers new skills and techniques, as well as how to apply this information with new varieties so
that yields and income will increase. During the first year of the project, a total of 2,693 farmers
were trained with regard to elite varieties of rice and wheat, tomato cultivation techniques, and
post-harvest technologies. Of the farmers trained, 538 of them were women.
Note that the new hubs in the south were not yet established for the Rabi season of the
project’s first year, which limited the number of activities that were possible. As such, the
majority of the trials, demonstrations and trainings for rice, maize, and wheat were conducted in
the Mymensingh and Rangpur Hubs. The full range of project activities is just now underway.
12
2.1.1
Examples of Adaptive Research Trials in the Barisal, Jessore, and Khulna Hubs
Although CSISA-BD does not focus extensively on adaptive research, it is an important
component of the project. The main emphasis of CSISA-BD adaptive research is in terms of
participatory varietal validation/selection in order to screen appropriate cereal crop varieties for
specifically targeted locations. Another important dimension of CSISA-BD adaptive research is
with respect to site-specific nutrient management, which aims to become a standard for the
optimal application of fertilizers so as to help reduce production costs and mitigate
environmental impacts resulting from the overuse of inorganic fertilizer. The following
paragraphs provide some examples of the adaptive research being conducted as part of the
project. Additional examples are presented in Annex B.
High-yielding short duration rice
Sixteen farmers have been involved in trials established in Jhenaidah and Jessore districts; each
trial consists of 5 subplots, with each subplot area being 100 m2. A total of 5 varieties are being
tested: BRRI Dhan33, BRRI Dhan39, BINA Dhan7, BU Dhan1, and one local variety called
Kajallata/Sonamukhi.
Eight participatory varietal selection (PVS) trials were established in two villages of Babuganj
upazila in Barisal district; the varieties tested are BRRI Dhan33, BRRI Dhan39, BINA Dhan7, and
BU1. In the vegetative stage, farmers ranked BU1 as the best variety followed by BINA7, BRRI
Dhan39, and BRRI Dhan33. Farmers are expecting about 3.5 t/h from BU1, whereas the yield of
local varieties such as Lalmota, Sadamota, Dudhkalam, Rajashail will not be more than 2.5 t/ha.
There is an opportunity to increase cropping intensity, productivity, and incomes in Dumuria
upazila (Khulna Hub) by adopting a good short duration rice variety in Aman season. Adaptive
trials have been conducted with BRRI Dhan33, BRRI Dhan39, BRRI Dhan49, BINA Dhan7, and BU
Dhan1. These varieties differ in grain yield, straw yield, and grain quality; based on visual
observations, farmers are interested in BU Dhan1 as it produces more tillers within a short
period of time as compared to other varieties.
Salt-tolerant rice
Farmers in the Khulna region need salinity tolerant rice varieties that are both photo-sensitive
and photo-insensitive. The former is needed for early harvest, which might create opportunities
for timely planting of non-rice crops; the latter may help farmers adapt to delays in the onset of
rainfall. Validation trials are being conducted in fields belonging to 10 farmers in Batiaghata and
Dacope upazilas. Six varieties are being tested (BRRI Dhan40, BRRI Dhan41, BRRI Dhan53, BINA
Dhan8, BRRI Dhan54, and BR23). From visual observations, farmers prefer BRRI Dhan54 as it is a
photosensitive variety that can be planted late. However, when considering quick tillering
ability, they prefer BRRI dhan53.
Four varieties (BRRI Dhan41, BRRI Dhan53, BINA Dhan8, and Kajalshail) have been evaluated in
ten farmers’ fields in Barguna district. All three varieties are new there. Farmers are quite
impressed with the vegetative growth of BRRI Dhan53, BINA8 and BRRI Dhan41 in comparison to
Kajalshail. They are expecting approximately 4 t/ha from BRRI Dhan53 as compared to 2.5 t/ha
yield from Kajalshail. There have not been any pest attacks, good vegetative growth has been
observed, and there is uniform plant height among all three varieties. Field days and farmers’
evaluation of these varieties will be conducted during the maturity stage, and varieties will
subsequently be ranked and prioritized based on various criteria.
13
Site-specific Nutrient Management Trials
Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) provides science-based principles for determining
optimum N, P, and K fertilizer rates. With SSNM, N rates are determined based on estimated
crop response and a targeted agronomic efficiency of fertilizer N (increase in grain yield per kg
applied N). P and K rates are determined through a nutrient balance approach, which considers
estimated PK inputs from irrigation water and organic materials, carryover of PK in crop residues
from the previous crop, removal of PK in harvested grain, and estimated response of the crop to
P fertilizer and K fertilizer.
Nutrient omission plot trials represent research designed to facilitate the development of the
“Nutrient Manager” (NM) decision software tool through which the need of a specific field for N,
P, K, S and Zn can be estimated from the reply of a farmer to about 10-15 questions about the
management and characteristics of the field. SSNM trials are being conducted in 47 fields in 6
villages of Jessore and Jhenaidah districts. Each SSNM trial plot consists of 4 subplots, with each
subplot area of 50 m2, planted to BINA Dhan7. The four treatments are: full NPK (as per BRRI
recommendation), -N, -P, and -K. Thirty SSNM trials were established in Barisal and Patuakhali
districts, of which 27 trials have been maintained (3 were damaged due to water logging). Four
treatments (-N,-P,-K, and full NPK) were used to conduct the trials where the unit plot size was a
minimum of 50 m2 to a maximum of 100 m2. NM-based nutrient management is also being
validated in Khulna district, where farmers reported that NM-based fertilizer management is
better as it leads them to use less fertilizer while still obtaining similar crop growth.
2.1.2
Examples of Demonstrations Conducted in Mymensingh and Rangpur Hubs
Demonstration of reduced tillage by 2WTOS (PTOS)
Reduced tillage technology for timely wheat seeding by a single pass of two wheel tractor
operated seeder (2WTOS) was demonstrated on 139 ha of wheat in 912 farmers’ fields in
Rangpur Hub. The 2WTOS showed a reduced seed requirement (120kg/ha) in comparison to
farmers’ practice (150 kg/ha), and reduced crop establishment costs (US$ 31) as compared to
US$ 82 in the farmers’ current practice (i.e., four tillage passes). Moreover, 2WTOS plots gave
an average yield of 3.13 t/ha that was comparable to farmers’ practice if not better.
Demonstration of 2WTOS in wheat-jute-rice systems involved 87 jute farmers (12 ha) in the
Tangail and Kishorganj districts (Mymensingh Hub), and 25 wheat farmers (3.5 ha) in Tangail.
The use of 2WTOS reduced the cost of crop establishment and seed for both wheat and jute
crops. As such, farmers have become interested in its use.
Water saving by AWD in Boro rice
Water saving technology through the use of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) management
was delivered to 5,362 farmers’ fields covering 48 ha of Boro rice (Rangpur Hub). On average,
the AWD technology reduced 4 irrigation applicationss, saved irrigation cost by US$ 15/ha, and
increased yield by 0.36 kg/ha (5.8% higher yield than with flood irrigation). According to the
farmers, AWD plots had less insect infestation and disease than the continuous flooded plots.
Relay maize in potato
Mixed cropping of maize and potato is a unique practice of conservation agriculture that is being
promoted. Demonstrations of relay maize in potato involved 52 farmers (5 ha) in Kishorganj
district of the Mymensingh Hub. Maize was relayed with potato during 19-25 January 2011.
Plots showed a potato yield of 12.5 t/ha without relay maize and 12.3 t/ha with relay maize. The
relay crop of maize yielded 5.28 t/ha grain, which was extra income for the farmers.
14
Delivery of T.Aman–mustard–Boro cropping systems
The introduction of a mustard crop between Aman and Boro rice increased farmer interest in
Narsingdi, Gazipur, and Tangail (Mymensingh Hub). Mustard varieties BARI Sharisa 14 and 15 fit
well between the Aman and Boro crops. A total of 212 farmers from five upazilas grew mustard
after harvesting Aman rice on 30 ha of land in a low-lying landscape. The farmers obtained
between 0.95 t and 1.18 t of mustard per hectare, which increased income by about US$ 219/ha.
2.1.3
Examples of Farmer Training
The following are some descriptive examples of farmer training that CSISA-BD engaged in during
the project’s first year of implementation. Note that Annex C contains a detailed list of trainings,
workshops, and meetings.
Farmers Training on Rice Production and Quality Seed Production
IRRI conducted training on rice production, quality seed production, and the processing and
storage of improved varieties of rice. The training on Aman rice cultivation in 19 villages of
Khulna and Satkhira districts included varietal characteristics of short duration, salt tolerant rice,
judicial use of fertilizer and pesticides, quality rice seed production, and the importance of
adaptive trials. Farmers were encouraged to share their experiences on rice production, seed
production and storage and find out the gap between their practice and IRRI recommendations
for rice production. Both IRRI staff and DAE personnel used flip charts, real learning
aids/samples like disease- and insect-infested rice plat, good and quality seed examples, etc.
A number of trained farmers raised their rice seedling by preparing ideal seed beds. Chinmoy
Roy, one of the trained farmers, reported that the seedlings raised in this type of seedbed were
strong, healthy, and uniform—which lessened the seed sowing rate by at least by 33%. One
women farmer named Provati Roy said: “farmers of our village are under privileged about
agricultural technology, and CSISA gives us an opportunity to be exposed to these and opened
our eyes.” Lutfar Rahman Golder said: “after training we are using recommended fertilizers,
appropriate doses of pesticides, and we adopted ideal seed bed preparation and row planting
hoping that we will get a better yield this year than in previous years.”
Farmer training on controlling of insects using sex pheromone IPM techniques
Vegetable growers in three villages of Babuganj District (Barisal Hub) have a difficult time with
regard to controlling fruit flies. They use several insecticide sprays to control these pests, which
significantly increases their cost of production and is an environmental and health hazard.
CIMMYT organized a training event, entitled “Controlling of Insect Pests by Sex Pheromone IPM
Techniques”, for 25 vegetable growers in order to improve their knowledge of pest control
tactics. Following the training, 15 of the participating farmers successfully employed pheromone
traps and poison bait to control fruit flies in their fields. Feedback was positive in that they
subsequently experienced a much lower incidence of fruit fly infestation than in the previous
season.
Training on improved wheat production in southern Bangladesh
Prior to 2006, wheat was not grown in the coastal south of Bangladesh. This was mainly due to a
deep-rooted perception that this area is not suitable for wheat cultivation because of high
salinity and high temperatures. A collaborative effort (2006–2010) between CIMMYT, ACIAR
(Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research), and BARI successfully demonstrated
that wheat can be grown in the coastal south of Bangladesh with farmers easily obtaining at
least 2.5 t/ha. In 2010-2011, 100 demonstrations of small seed plots were established with
assistance from CIMMYT. Farmers in various locations of Barisal Hub were trained with regard
15
to improved wheat varieties, the latest production technologies, and household-based wheat
seed production and storage systems.
2.2
Aquaculture (fish and shrimp)
Table 2-2 contains information aggregated into three activity categories in order to quantify
project work completed by WorldFish during the initial year of the CSISA-BD project. The
categories include adaptive research, demonstrations, and training provided to farmers. Thirtythree replications of adaptive aquaculture research trials were implemented in Year 1.
Demonstrations are the principal means by which aquaculture technologies are promoted under
CSISA-BD. A total of 177 community-based demonstrations were established during the first
year of the project. Each demonstration comprised one farmer that was selected to
demonstrate a given technology and a group (averaging 16 farmers) who received training and
were provided with opportunities to observe the methods applied, and results achieved, by the
demonstration farmer—thereby enabling them to replicate similar results for themselves. The
majority of demonstrations revolved around a variety of forms of integrated aquacultureagriculture in ghers (converted rice fields), or in ponds. Emphasis was placed on raising yields
and income while simultaneously reducing exposure to climatic-, biological-, and market-based
risks. The demonstration also focused on the cultivation of nutritious vegetables on pond or
gher dykes for home both consumption and commercial sales. This approach allowed for the
training of over 4,000 households on demonstrated technologies.
Table 2-2. General project activities for the period October 2010 through September 2011.
Unit
2011
Target
2011
Actual
Sitea
33
33
100%
Demonstrations
Demo
178
177
99%
Farmer Field Day / Exchange Visit
Event
--
27
--
Farmer
2,375
General Activity
Adaptive Research/On-site Trials
Training of Farmers
a
4,116
% of Target
Achieved
173%
Female
823
denotes the trial in either a cage or a pond
In addition to demonstrations, CSISA-BD worked to develop and refine innovative new
production technologies for scaling-up during later phases of the project. Thirty three adaptive
research trials were conducted for this purpose, focusing mainly on commercial cage culture of
tilapia for poor women and the culture of small, indigenous nutrient-dense fish species in ponds.
More information on the adaptive research trials and demonstrations implemented during 2011
for aquaculture is provided in the following two sub-sections.
2.2.1
Adaptive Research Trials in Aquaculture
Commercial cage aquaculture in cages by women
Cage culture is considered suitable for landless households as cages can be placed in public
water bodies, and is also an appropriate technology for women. Southern Bangladesh is thought
to have special potential of the expansion of cage culture because of its abundant water
resources. Very small-scale cage culture has been promoted by projects in the past, but to date
higher value commercial cage culture has not been attempted in CSISA working areas. Adaptice
cage culture trials took place in Khulna, Barisal and Dinajpur. Trials using three replicates of
16
three stocking densities of 200, 300 and 400/m3 were established in each hub (nine trials per
hub for a total of 27 trials). Due to local differences in geography, cages in Khulna Hub were
located n a canal, while cages in Dinajpur Hub were placed in a beel. In Barisal, cages were
originally placed in a river. It subsequently became necessary to move them to a canal due to
high turbidity in the river, which resulted in high levels of mortality. The cages were
subsequently moved to a nearby pond following sudden drop in the canal water level.
Participants in the trials in Dinajpur were all landless, vulnerable or widowed women, whilst in
Khulna all participants were small landholders living next to canal. All participants in the trial in
Barisal were female.
Interestingly, the highest recorded production (i.e. biomass) was obtained at the high stocking
density of 400/m3. Little variation was found in the harvested weight of individual fish,
irrespective of stocking density, indicating that growth rates were similar at all three stocking
densities. Mortality varied from site to site due to environmental conditions but was not
correlated with stocking density, and overall production was highest in Khulna, lowest in Barisal.
Initial economic analysis also revealed positive returns. These trials thus yield promising results,
particularly in Khulna Hub, which will used as a basis for further refinement through additional
trials in 2012, designed to investigate other factors and enable scaling-up of the technology later
in the project cycle.
Homestead pond aquaculture with nutrient dense small indigenous fish species (SIS) and
horticulture
Adaptive trials with women farmers producing nutrient dense SIS and horticulture were
established in Jessore (3 trials), and Dinajpur (2 trials). Homestead ponds were stocked the usual
combination of native and exotic carps, as well as with broodfish of mola (an extremely rich
source of vitamin A), and darkina (particularly good source of zinc) which has been harvested
from nearby natural water bodies. As mola and darkina are known to be particularly difficult to
transport, part of the research revolved around finding appropriate methods for their
movement from one location to another. All of the households also started horticulture of
nutritious vegetables such as yard long bean and water spinach on the available space of pond
dykes and in their homestead gardens. The households are now consuming these vegetables but
fish has yet to harvested. As the farmers faced problems with harvesting SIS for home
consumption the project provided them with lift nets, but as it still proved hard to catch SIS
alternatives need to be identified. The trials were successful in overcoming difficulties relating to
the collection and transportation of SIS. Final results of the trial will be available in DecemberJanuary 2012 on full harvest.
2.2.2
Demonstration and Training on Varieties and Technologies in Fisheries
Demonstration of household pond-based aquaculture-horticulture systems
Homestead ponds are very throughout Bangladesh, with approximately 20% of rural households
owning one. Demonstrations of improved homestead pond aquaculture (using optimal
management techniques such as regular feeding, fertilization, pond preparation and correct
stocking) and high value horticulture on pond dykes and in home gardens were organised in
Dinajpur, Khulna, Barisal and Jessore Hubs, with the aim of boosting pond productivity,
household incomes and nutritional status. This worked well. For example, the intervention
approximately doubled baseline fish production from 6.4 to 12.5kg/decimal in Jessore.
In Dinajpur, trainings were organised for 99 clients, of whom 87 were women. 245 women from
poor and marginal households received training on household based pond aquaculture and
horticulture systems, along with nutrition education in Jessore. Eleven demonstrations of this
improved technology were established in Barisal hub, and 400 households received training.
17
Twelve demonstrations of carp polyculture combined with culture of high value shing catfish
were also established in Mymensingh. Shing culture has been positively received in the
communities where demonstrations have taken place as farmers have returned substantial
profits. As per the project implementation guidelines, farmers in all these interventions are
utilizing their pond dykes and homestead fallow land for the cultivation of horticultural crops
such as bottle gourd, ash gourd, cucumber, sponge gourd, and country bean. This allows
households to meet their daily vegetable requirements and earn additional income.
Demonstration of improved freshwater prawn/carp polyculture and short duration tilapia
culture in ghers with horticulture on dykes
Although prawn farming is well established in Southwest Bangladesh, a lack of knowledge and
skills limits productivity to 1.75 kg/ decimal (430kg/ha), This can be increased twofold with the
introduction of improved management techniques. Demonstration of improved freshwater
prawn/carp polyculture technology therefore focuses on improved management. This includes
liming and fertilizing, nursing post larvae (PL) to ensure healthier juveniles, stocking large large
(15-20g) fish fingerlings and ensuring optimum stocking densities and feed management. Use of
dykes for horticulture for home consumption and commercial purposes is also promoted. The
project has established 3 participatory demonstrations in farmer’s ghers in Khulna hub and used
these to directly train 275 farmers. In Barisal, a total of five demonstrations have been
established, and 50 farmers have received training. Eight demonstrations were established in
Jessore Hub, and 195 farmers, of which whom 25 were women were trained. Average standing
biomass reached 3.18 kg/decimal in 93 days for prawn-carp polyculture, as compared to a
baseline production of 1.7 kg/decimal In Jessore.
Four demonstrations on reduced risk, short duration improved tilapia culture in ghers were
established under Jessore Hub, and two under Khulna hub, in order to intensify the cropping
system for increasing production. A total of 99 and 75 and farmers were trained on tilapia
culture in each hub respectively through these demonstrations. In Jessore, prior to the
intervention farmers used grow one crop of fish in Kharif (summer) and one crop of boro rice in
rabi (winter) season, with fish production of just 7kgs/decimal. Following the intervention of the
project, farmers harvested 21.5kgs/decimal of fish in an average 100 days, and restocked for 2 nd
cycle which will be harvested before plantation of boro rice in November.
Demonstration of improved shrimp farming using PCR tested PLs
This demonstration was implemented in Khulna, with the project establishing four participatory
demonstrations in farmer’s ghers (one at Batiaghat, two at Shyamnagar and another in
Chitalmari upazila) and providing training to 300 farmers. The technology focused on improved
gher management. This include developing on-farm nurseries for shrimp post larvae (PL) tested
as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) free by Polymeraze Chain Reaction (PCR) testing,
maintaining proper stocking densities and supplying supplementary feed. This results in
stronger, healthier juveniles, higher rates of growth and lower rates of infection with WSSV, and
reduced risk and greater profits for adopting farmers. Field days were organized to the show
methods and result of demonstrations to neighbor farmers, elites, government officials and
other aquaculture practitioners. The results of the demos are encouraging. All the four
demonstration farmers were given training with their groups. Then the prepared the nurseries
firs. Two farmers used earthen nursery and other two went with net nurseries. After 15-21 days
rearing in the nurseries, healthier juveniles were released into their ghers. Farmers took care of
their shrimp through regular feeding and other necessary measurement of ghers.
18
Demonstration of improved rice-fish farming with dyke cropping
The project has established nine improved rice-fish demonstrations in Dinajpur, and one in
Khulna. In Khulna, some farmers cultivate T.Aman rice following shrimp culture. Addition of
tilapia (raised concurrently with Aman rice) has enabled farmers to gain an additional high value
crop. The fish are raised until the Aman rice has been harvested, following which preparations
are made in late December for shrimp cultivation. In Dinajpur, tilapia and carps are stocked in
rice fields concurrently with rice. Stocking may take place during Boro or Aman season,
depending on the water holding capacity of the plot. The demonstrations are also used to
promote vegetable cropping on rice field dykes; 218 individuals were trained on improved ricefish culture in Dinajpur.
Demonstration of improved carp nursery management for large size quality fingerling
production
The poor availability of large size quality fingerlings is factor impeding the development of
aquaculture in Barisal Hub. Many nurseries in the hub lack sound knowledge on carp nursery
management. Two demos have been established in order to address this problem. These
promote pre-stocking pond preparation, the use of seed from reputable hatcheries, stocking at
appropriate densities, good water quality management and feed use, and the production of
large and overwintered fingerlings which are in high demand among farmers.
2.3
Partnership Development and Capacity Building of Human Resources
To ensure that farmers have better access to timely and accurate information, capacity building
among front-line extension agents and service providers is a prime objective of CSISA-BD. Thus,
at the foundation of the project is an understanding of the need to look beyond past approaches
in order to achieve sustainable impacts at scale. Both USAID and the CSISA-BD core partners
(IRRI, CIMMYT, WorldFish) recognize that only through partnerships and key coalitions can the
project operate at the scales needed to achieve its targeted impacts.
As such, the project is being implemented through a wide range of mutually beneficial
partnerships and is attempting to closely align its activities, implemented through the regional
hubs, with major national initiatives. In addition to strong collaboration with BARI, BRRI, DAE,
and other governmental agencies, key partners are also being engaged both from the private
sector and from among the many local, nation, and international NGOs working in Bangladesh.
Table 2-3 below indicates the number of partnerships developed between CSISA-BD and
government agencies, private sector firms, and NGOs, CBOs, etc. Seven agreements were signed
with GoB agencies, while another 17 agreements were signed with NGOs and other partner
organizations (e.g., universities). Altogether, CSISA-BD established 12 contracts with private
sector entities, as well.
Since the CSISA-BD implementation strategy relies on the aforementioned partnerships, it is vital
that the capacity of CSISA partner institutions and their staff is enhanced. Therefore, the project
is engaged in conducting “Training of Trainers” (ToT) courses for frontline extension workers of
the project’s main partners on machinery use, quality cereal and fish seed production, and
improved management for cereal and fish production technologies (among other thematic
areas). In addition, on-going training for CSISA-BD staff is also a top priority for ensuring that the
project objectives are achieved. Collectively, 159 individuals were trained during the project’s
first year; 434 individuals attended conferences or workshops that provided opportunities for
CSISA-BD staff, and the personnel of the project’s partners, to enhance their knowledge and
skills. Specific details on the above are provided in Annex C, and Annex D contains examples of
CSISA-BD capacity building efforts (in addition to those presented later in this section).
19
Table 2-3. Partnership development and capacity building during the first year of CSISA-BD.
Category / Item
2011
Unit
Remarks
Partnerships Established
7
LoAa
e.g., BARC, DAE, BRRI
Partnerships with NGOs, other Projects, etc.
17
No.
To assist w/ project implementation
Contracts with Private Sector for Various Services
12
Firm
Value chain studies; video produced
37
No.
Sponsored and/or led by CSISA-BD
Training for Project Staff and Partner’s Staff
159
People
35 women trained
Staffc Attendance at Conferences/Workshops
434
People
150 women attendees
Official Agreements Signed with GoB Agencies
Capacity Building Activities
Trainingb / Workshop Events
a
denotes “Letter of Agreement” (memorandum of agreement [MoA] also included)
includes training events conducted for farmers
c
includes both CSISA-BD personnel and partner’s staff
b
2.3.1
Examples of Partnerships Developed
MoAs with Jagorani Chakra Foundation
The Jagorani Chakra Foundation (JCF) is an award-winning micro-finance NGO that operates
throughout Bangladesh. CSISA-BD has established two formal partnerships with JCF in the form
of individual MoAs signed between JCF and both WorldFish and CIMMYT. Under the former,
WorldFish works with JCF to enhance the capacity and capabilities of the latter’s farmer-clients
through the provision of demonstrations and trainings related to the production of fish and
shrimp. Through this key partnership, the CSISA project is able to reach a large number of
farmers with a key alternative livelihood strategy that can help to increase incomes and wellbeing. Likewise, CIMMYT collaborates with JCF to improve the income potential of farmers
through a MoA designed to facilitate and support both maize contract farming and the
production of summer tomatoes in the Jessore Hub.
MoA with iDE
A social enterprise, iDE is an international NGO operating in 11 countries to create income
opportunities for the rural poor. iDE integrates rural poor households into market systems and
develops new methods and technologies that help smallholders raise their income in the field of
agricultural development and extension. As iDE-Bangladesh has extensive experience in creating
a positive impact on agriculture in Bangladesh by focusing on different agricultural technologies
that represent appropriate and sustainable solutions to the problems faced by farmers, CIMMYT
has contracted with iDE to conduct an agricultural mechanization value chain analysis. The ongoing study will provide an in-depth overview of the history, current status, and potential scope
for enhancing farm mechanization through commercialisation in Bangladesh.
Key aspects that iDE is exploring include: the availability, manufacture, and maintenance of
various types of agricultural machinery in Bangladesh; the promotion of, trade in, and credit
services that influence machinery sales; and other ancillary (but key) issues such as local service
providers and public/private partnerships. Addressing these topics will enable the identification
of key entry points for CSISA-BD and its strategic partners to implement interventions that can
lead to the accelerated commercialization of inputs and services for agricultural mechanization
20
in Bangladesh. As such, the series of tangible recommendations that iDE will delineate shall
collectively comprise a strategic roadmap for the project to help accelerate scale-appropriate
mechanization through market development approaches.
MoA with R.K. Siddique
Professor Rezaul Karim Siddique has extensive experience in the production/dissemination of
videos; in particular, he developed and has anchored the influential agricultural-based television
program Mati O Manush from the mid-1980s to the present. Mati O Manush has had a positive
impact on agriculture in Bangladesh by highlighting different agricultural technologies and
through the illustration of farmers’ needs-based problems and possible solutions. Since CSISABD strongly emphasizes disseminating various training materials/tools and information on
project interventions as a means to reach large numbers of farmers, CIMMYT contracted with
Professor Siddique to produce a video featuring summer tomato production.
The demonstration of summer tomato production is considered an extremely important topic
for the project given the substantial potential it has as a high-value crop to dramatically increase
the incomes of farmer that pursue this alternative livelihood opportunity. With expertise
provided by Professor Siddique, the video developed shall serve as a training/extension guide for
the introduction to, and rapid expansion of, this particular cropping pattern and the production
technologies involved. It will be shared with other farmers, project partners, and donors to
demonstrate that summer tomato cultivation in Bangladesh is a real success story.
2.3.2
Examples of Capacity Building
Training Workshop on Script Writing for Community Radio
Radios (both individual- and community-owned) are quite popular and effective in disseminating
agriculture technologies in rural areas of Bangladesh. CSISA-BD staff and its partners, however,
need to be aware of the importance of community radio in disseminating the project’s key
technologies; as such, they require training on various radio formats and script writing skills. A
three day training workshop on script writing skills for community radio was organized by CSISABD in collaboration with the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogra, from 28 February to 2
March 2011 at RDA Bogra. A total of 35 participants attended the workshop from: CSISA-BD
hubs; Agriculture Information Services (AIS); Bangladesh Agriculture University; extension, and
civil society personnel from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The workshop was aided by group work, and the participants developed programs on various
conservation agriculture practices and supporting technologies. These programs were also field
tested with farmers. Each hub developed their action plans for taking the learning forward, with
some hubs considering allocation of resources towards implementing some of the plans while
other hubs were going to rely on partnerships to take the plans forward. The key outcome of
the workshop was a commitment from AIS to support the broadcasting of CSISA-BD messages on
existing channels and agriculture-based programs. RDA is also a potential partner as they are in
the process of setting up a community radio station. Civil society organizations like Rupantar in
Bangladesh could also be a potential partner for supporting communication activities.
Workshop on mobile phone applications for disseminating nutrient management technologies
IRRI organized a workshop on the mobile phone application of “Nutrient Manager” for rice at
the BRAC Center in Dhaka on 22 March 2011. Nutrient Manager is an interactive decision
support tool that provides precise recommendations for fertilizer applications. Roland Buresh,
the IRRI Scientist responsible for developing Nutrient Manager, gave a presentation on this tool
and its options for being used as a mobile phone application. The workshop included a focused
21
discussion examining various mobile phone options, and identifying the most appropriate for
Nutrient Manager in Bangladesh. About 30 participants from the government, as well as nongovernment and private sector entities attended the workshop. BRAC agreed to work on
developing a pilot for the technology in an upazilla.
In the Philippines, a web-based version of Nutrient Manager for Rice has already been converted
into mobile phone applications for use by extension and farmers. Web applications of such tools
for rice and maize are nearing completion for Bangladesh, but require some additional validation
and testing in terms of the underlying nutrient data. Nevertheless, these tools consist of about
15 easy-to-answer questions about a farmer's cropping conditions. Once the questions are
answered the farmer receives a guideline for fertilizer management that is customized for the
field-specific conditions of the farmer. Several options for mobile phone platforms are available,
but they vary in suitability depending on the type of mobile phone of the end user and the mode
of interaction between the farmers and technicians.
Training on Rice Production and Related Topics for IRRI Staff
IRRI provided training on all aspects of rice production (rice production, and quality seed
production, processing, storage, and marketing of improved varieties) for the ADOs of IRRI
during May 2011. A total of 15 ADOs participated in the training. Resource persons leading
these training sessions were from IRRI and from BRRI. Proceedings of the training were
produced, based on the lectures delivered with recommendations.
Project Staff Training on Maize Value Chain Analysis
In mid-June 2011, CSISA-BD conducted a 2-day training seminar on the concepts and tools
employed in value chain analysis. The training was organized by CIMMYT and led by Innovision
Consulting Private Limited, a firm based in Dhaka that has extensive experience with value chain
studies. The topics covered consisted of an introduction to value chain analysis (e.g., concepts
and theoretical understanding) followed by group exercises designed to impart an applied
learning experience through the use of an example commodity. The former focused on aspects
such as: the importance of the value chain assessment as an analytical tool; understanding the
value chain approach and the key concepts in value chain analysis; the value chain analysis
framework for focusing on structural and dynamic factors; market-based solutions in the value
chain; constraints and missing links in the value chain; and sources of data and information for
value chain analysis. Using maize as a tangible example, group exercises allowed participants to:
identify different actors involved in the value chain for maize; identify the constraints and
related information (e.g., issues/causes, who is affected, and what are impacts) within the maize
value chain; and design interventions to overcome these constraints.
Attendance at the training course included 21 CSISA personnel from the Barisal, Jessore, and
Khulna CSISA hubs, plus 6 CSISA staff members from Dhaka. Participants obtained an overall
understanding of the value chain analysis concept, and learned the practical aspects of designing
a value chain study in terms of the tools and techniques that are routinely employed. The
knowledge gained from the training was useful in implementing a subsequent value chain study
for maize in southern Bangladesh that commenced immediately after the seminar ended. It also
contributed to institutional knowledge that CSISA staff members can draw upon during planned
future value chain studies (e.g., for rice and/or fish).
Training on Conservation Agriculture and Farm Machinery
Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a new farming system management paradigm that CIMMYT is
promoting in Bangladesh. CA is the way of the future in terms of addressing emerging natural
resources management challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural production that
22
benefits both farmers and the environment. CA is considered to be an important component of
the CSISA-BD strategy that addresses food security, poverty alleviation,
conservation/rehabilitation of soil resources, and overall environmental sustainability.
A total of 6 scientists, 3 each from BARI and CIMMYT, attended the 2nd Regional Training Course
on “Conservation Agriculture: Nurturing Sustainable Production Systems in South Asia”
organized by CSISA–India at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, India (June 28 to July 11,
2011). This training course was field-oriented in which participants were given the opportunity
to practice and learn key principles of CA (minimum soil disturbance, residue management, and
profitable and sustainable crop rotations) in a hands-on environment. The knowledge and skills
gained from this course will be well utilized in CSISA-BD hubs as CA techniques and management
decisions are tested and demonstrated over the next few years.
Staff Trained on Brood Stock Management in India
Four government staff (two from Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, two from the
Department of Fisheries), and two WorldFish staff attended an international training course on
brood stock management and the cryopreservation of carp gametes, held, 25 September to 9
October 2011 at the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Orissa,
India. The objectives of this training course were as follows: to develop cryomilt banking
facilities at selected centers in Bangladesh; to improve/ develop and maintain brood stocks of
carps hatcheries, and; to minimize inbreeding and improve seed quality in carps. The major
learning outcomes for participants in the training course were: acquisition of knowledge on
procedures for the cryopreservation of carp milt; ability to assess the quality of carp milt;
knowledge of principles of selective breeding multiple induced breeding in carps; methods of
tagging and marking in carps, and; principles of brood stock management for carp hatcheries.
ToT for Partner NGO Staff on Aquaculture Extension
A total of 6 staff members from NGOs partnered with CSISA-BD received ToT instruction on
aquaculture extension at the Jessore Hub. Two CSISA-BD hub managers led this training course.
Through this course partner NGO (PNGO) personnel have increased their knowledge and skills
with regard to delivering program designed and supported interventions in the field. The
content of the course focused on the fundamentals of aquaculture, various fish diseases, how to
organize/facilitate farmer meetings and training sessions, and communication skills. Moreover,
during field visits by hub managers and ADOs PNGO staff were mentored in terms of effective
delivery of services, as well as given instructions/direction with respect to records keeping and
financial reporting. Hub staff also made institutional liaison and individual contact with various
stakeholders (e.g., DoF, DAE) and practitioners of aquaculture (private farms, hatcheries, depots,
etc.) in order to strengthen coordination and networking amongst key actors in the aquaculture
value chain.
Training for CARE-MYAP Staff on Cereals, Fish and Vegetables Production
A 5-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Cereal Crops, Fish, and Vegetable Production Technology
was organized by CSISA-BD for the staff of the SHOUHARDO II project being implemented by
CARE Bangladesh. Drawing on the most relevant and recent sources of information, personnel
from CSISA (IRRI, CIMMYT, WF) and BARI led the training event through group discussions and
video-based instruction sessions. Twenty one people from SHOUHARDO II participated in the
training course.
The topics covered for rice technology included: rice ecosystems, different HYV varieties, the life
cycle of rice, water management, fertilizer management, weed management, diseases and pest
management, and post-harvest technologies. Aquaculture topics discussed included: proper
23
pond preparation, identification of fingerlings, harvesting and restocking, stocking management,
and, marketing of the product. Main themes covered for non-rice cereal crops and vegetables
included: maize and wheat production technologies, varieties and production technologies of
mungbean for a rice-wheat-mungbean cropping pattern, varieties and production technologies
of major winter vegetable, insect and pest management of major winter vegetables, major
potato varieties and their production technologies, and conservation agriculture principles.
2.4
Socioeconomic Studies and Farming Systems Assessment
2.4.1
Participatory Rural Appraisal of CSISA-BD Hubs in Southern Bangladesh
The CSISA-BD expansion project included an inception phase from October 2010 to March 2011.
As part of this phase, a multi-disciplinary group of scientists from IRRI, CIMMYT, and World Fish
conducted a a week-long field study of the three new hubs (Barisal, Khulna, and Jessore) from 11
to 18 February 2011.
The primary objectives of the mission were to:
1) Identify and prioritize opportunities (technologies, dissemination methods) for
improving the productivity of agriculture and aquaculture in order to reduce rural
poverty in southern Bangladesh, and
2) Achieve a shared vision and ownership of the priorities, and facilitate synergies and
complementarities across disciplines and organizations.
The activities of the group included focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers at 6 villages
(one male and one female group at each village) in Barisal and Patuakhali districts of Barisal hub,
in Bagerhat and Khulna districts of Khulna hub, and in Jhenaidah district of Jessore hub.
Additional activities included presentations from, and discussions with, researchers/officers at
Universities (Patuakhali, Khulna), BRRI (Barisal, Satkhira, Khustia), BARI (Barisal, Satkhira,
Jessore), DAE (Jhenaida), BFRI (Paikgachha, Jessore), NGOs (Save the Children in Barisal, and
Sushilan in Khulna), a private fish hatchery owner (Jessore), and the Polder 30 IPSWAM project
officer and BRAC officers (Khulna).
Key Findings
Despite the relatively flat landscape, the study teams observed a large amount of diversity in the
geographical environments and in the biophysical and land-use challenges to crop, livestock, and
aquaculture production within and across the three hubs. The diversity in land use was greatest
in the Khulna and Jessore Hubs, where land use ranges from solely brackish water aquaculture in
the south to high intensity cropping (3-4 crops per year, with a range of Rabi crops including
wheat, maize and legumes and Boro rice) in the north—and various combinations of rice,
aquaculture, Rabi crops and fallows in between. In almost all locations the land was classified by
the farmers as lowland, medium land and highland, reflecting the depth of flooding during the
rainy season. In Jhenaidah district, where adverse flooding does not occur and cropping
intensity is high, the farmers classified their land as lighter and heavier textured soil type. In
Barisal hub, the diversity of cropping was low.
Most of the agricultural lands of southern Bangladesh are protected by polders, whose levees
greatly reduce flooding from the delta tidal rivers. However, the condition of the levees, sluice
gates and other infrastructure is variable. IPSWAM (Integrated Planning for Sustainable Water
Management) is a recently completed project to repair polder levies and infrastructure, and
implement community Water Management Organisations. It was implemented on 9 polders, 2
of which the team visited. The most recent cyclones Aila on 25 May 2009 (and Sidr in 2007), had
24
seriously affected some of the poldered regions in Barisal and southern Khulna. In particular,
some polder levees, including levees on some IPSWAM polders, had been damaged by cyclones
and had not yet been repaired, which resulted in uncontrolled flooding. Tidal freshwater
flooding also occurs in some non-poldered areas in northern Barisal during the rainy (Kharif)
season
All locations visited shared the same problem: a shortage of fresh water during the Rabi season.
In many parts of southern Barisal and Khulna Hubs, fresh water scarcity is combined with
problems of soil salinity for crop production. Fresh water shortage was due to one or more of
the following:

Lack of pumps (inaffordability) for pumping from the polder canals.

Lack of freshwater in the canals, which was associated with silting of canals, damaged or
lack of sluice gates, and sub-optimal management of sluice gates.

Lack of fresh shallow groundwater, and the prohibitively high cost of installing deep
tubewells (fresh water was present at several hundred feet in some locations).

Cost of fuel for pumping.

Cost of lowering the pump from the surface to a few meters below the surface (because
of lowering of the water table during the Rabi season due to pumping).
The shortage of freshwater during the Rabi season in Barisal and southern Khulna (and
combined with soil salinization) means that there are large areas of fallow land, or low input
Rabi crops (the main ones being sesame, lathyrus, and mungbean). However, considerable areas
of irrigated Boro rice exist in some locations (more so in Jessore Hub), so some farmers clearly
have available and affordable freshwater. Another reason for the absence of Rabi crops in
Barisal and southern Khulna at the time of our visit was inadequate drainage resulting in a very
long delay between rice harvest and sowing. Arsenic contamination of the deep groundwater
was also a concern in the Jessore District.
Rice production fell way short of household consumption needs in the locations visited in
Barisal, but in other villages rice production met the needs of most households. Freshwater
aquaculture, mostly in homestead ponds, was very important in most places in Barisal and
southern Khulna. In Barisal, only some of the households produced surplus fish which they could
sell. Here, ducks and chickens were the main sources of household income, followed by labor,
and then fish. Household vegetable gardens were an important component of the nutrition
security at all villages where the scientists visited.
Only a few households in the villages in Barisal had cattle, and none had goats, whereas traveling
through southern Khulna the group saw many cattle and goats, and at the 2 villages on polders
30 and 31, most households had 2-3 cattle and some had goats. Most households in Jhenaidah
had several heads of cattle and chickens, and many had goats.
Management Constraints to Crop, Aquaculture, and Cattle Production
The following management constraints to agricultural production were identified:

Use of low yielding traditional rice varieties.

Lack of seed of improved rice varieties (high yielding, submergence- and salt-tolerant).

Lack of inputs (e.g., fertilizers for rice and Rabi crops, water for Rabi crops, feed for
cattle).
25

Poor quality inputs (e.g., fish and cattle feed, adulterated fertilizers and chemicals).

Lack of finance to purchase inputs.

Lack of knowledge (e.g., proper feeding of fish, improved varieties and management).

Pests and diseases in rice and fish.

Limited access to and/or high cost of mechanization.

Lack of high value and productive Rabi crops.
Opportunities for Training / Capacity Building

Training and capacity building of the people (government, private sector, NGOs) who
have the ability to disseminate the new germplasm and technologies to farmers.

Fish seed quality improvement (by working with Hatchery Associations).

Providing Patuakhali and Khulna universities with simple hydroponic systems and
training for screening germplasm for stress tolerance.

Zinc kit for simple rapid testing of fertilizer for adulteration (for DAE, BRRI, BARI,
fertilizer dealers, NGOs).

Small-scale commercialization of compounded feed based on local resources, including
newly introduced feed crops such as maize.

Implementation of updated Whole Family Training packages.
Opportunities for Scaling-out Improved Crop and Aquaculture Technologies
Several NGOs in the region include, as part of their activities, outscaling of various aspects of
agricultural and aquaculture technologies designed to increase household food security,
nutrition, and incomes. They have the means to disseminate inputs (e.g., quality production,
and dissemination of, seeds of improved varieties) and management practices to tens of
thousands of households in the three hubs visited. These NGOs include Save the Children
(Barisal), Sushilan (Khulna), BRAC (all hubs), and ACDI/VOCA (Khulna).
2.4.2
Village-level Survey of the Three Southern Hubs
The main objective of this FGD-based survey was to collect village-level information on
demographic, socio-economic and bio-physical conditions while identifying the key features of
agricultural practices including land use, cropping patterns, use of agricultural inputs and farm
machineries, agro/aquaculture systems, and livestock rearing. A total of 20 villages were
selected from the BIDS and BRRI study areas in Jessore, Khulna, and Barisal Hubs of the CSISABD project. Data were collected through Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) techniques using a semistructured questionnaire during January to February 2011. The village-level survey was
conducted by Socio consult Ltd., a local consulting firm specializing in socioeconomic surveys.
Focus group discussions revealed that 40% of the households in the surveyed area are landless,
50% are either marginal or small farmers (having land sizes ranging from 0.5 to 2.49 acres/farm),
and the remaining 10% are landed farmers owing 2.5 acres or more. In terms of income
sources, respondents indicated that 40% of the households are engaged in agriculture, 22% are
engaged in wage labor (22%), and 17% work in the fisheries sector. Only 2% of households are
engaged in livestock and poultry rearing. A greater number of families are engaged in
agriculture (about 60%) in Jessore as compared to Barisal and Khulna (42% and 18%,
respectively). About 25% of the households are engaged in fish culture or in fishing the open
26
water bodies of the villages of Khulna Hub. Vegetables-fallow-vegetables, rice-fallow-rice, and
lentil-fallow-rice are the major cropping patterns in Khulna, Jessore and Barisal Hubs
(respectively). Farmers use both HYV and hybrid seeds for rice cultivation in all of the hubs,
while many farmers in Barisal Hub cultivate local varieties of rice. The farmers in Jessore Hub
also use modern varieties of wheat and maize seed.
The yield of crops varies across the hubs and by season, as well. The average yield of Boro rice
(57.7 mounds per acre) was comparatively higher than that of Aus and Aman rice (37 and 44
mounds/acre, respectively). The yield per acre of hybrid rice was 74 mounds per acre in Boro
season. Hence there is ample scope of increasing crop yield in all hubs simply by having farmers
adopt hybrid varieties. The yield of wheat per acre was 23.3 mounds, which was higher in
Jessore (24.5 mounds) in comparison to the yield reported in Khulna (18 mounds/acre). While
some maize is grown in the Barisal Hub (see Section 2.4.1), maize in southern Bangladesh is
mainly cultivated in the greater Jessore region; the yield per acre there was reported to be 88.0
mounds.
Respondents report that about 23% of the households (across all three hubs) have ponds. All of
the ponds are privately owned, and the majority of the farmers said that they follow traditional
fish farming systems. However, a growing number of farmers practice improved extensive
methods of farming – particularly for the cultivation of golda and bagda. The average
production of fish in pond aquaculture in the three hubs was recorded as 649 kg/acre, which is
quite lower that the national average of 1,210 kg/acre. The major problems relayed by the
focus group respondents in the surveyed villages include: salinity in both the water and the soil;
floods and other natural disasters; limited access to inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers,
irrigation; weed and pest management; and access to information, credit, and markets.
Recommendations based on the results of the study indicate that many of the bio-physical and
production related problems could be overcome by technological innovation, improved input
supply, adaptive trails, awareness raising, capacity building, knowledge dissemination and
collective actions by farmers, scientists, extension officials, private sector actors, and other local
actors such as NGOs and the local media.
2.4.3
Maize Value Chain Study
On behalf of CSISA-BD, CIMMYT commissioned a value chain assessment and analysis of the
maize sector in the Barisal and Jessore Hubs. The study was led by Innovision Consulting Private
Limited, a firm based in Dhaka that has much experience with value chain studies in Bangladesh.
The objectives of this study were to assess the existing production and marketing system, its
relative strengths/weaknesses in the selected regions, and identify constraints and
opportunities for both the production and market expansion process along with
recommendations for action. A total of 168 respondents were interviewed in the Barisal and
Jessore regions using a semi-structured questionnaire as a guide for obtaining relevant
information.
Results indicate that all the maize varieties utilized are hybrids grown mostly in the Rabi season.
There is a very good prospect for maize in Bangladesh since the animal feed industry is growing
very fast and the demand-supply gap for maize is quite large: 37% of the maize used by the feed
industry in 2010 was imported. Trends suggests that the production of maize is reviving from
the sharp decline in 2008-09, which was due to reduced demand for poultry feed following the
outbreak of Avian Influenza in the poultry industry. Chuadanga district (Jessore Hub) is the
major production center in the hub, accounting for 80% of the total land under maize cultivation
there in 2009-10. Estimates indicate that approximately 80% of the maize produced from the
27
Jessore Hub region is supplied to feed mills outside of the region: approximately 15% is supplied
to local feed mills, while the rest (5%) is crushed and sold to local poultry and fish farms.
Product reaches the end market through several layers of intermediaries which includes farias,
paikers, beparies and the sourcing agents of the feed mills. Due to lack of drying options and
shelling machines, maize is not appropriately pre-processed—which results in some wastage.
Unlike the Jessore Hub region, the maize sector in the Barisal Hub region is in a very early stage
of development due to two main factors. First, the production areas are small and dispersed
since a high prevalence of lowlands restricts the amount of land suitable for maize; combined
with comparatively low yields of 3 to 5 t/ha (due, in part, to environmental constraints and lack
of farmer knowledge in terms of best practices for maize), this has led to relatively insignificant
volumes produced. Timing issues also contribute to low yield and low production volume
because Aman rice is often not harvested until late December, which makes it extremely
difficult in certain areas to produce maize due to its late planting. The second main factor
inhibiting the development of the maize sector in the greater Barisal region is that both the
forward and backward linkages in the value chain are extremely weak there (in some locations
non-existent), which has resulted in unsustainable production efforts. For example, some
farmers with previous experience cultivating maize are hesitant to grow it again since they were
unable to sell their produce in the past. The lack of a developed marketing channel for locally
produced maize is one of the key constraints; the irony is that there are local enterprises that
demand maize, but they import it from Jessore, Dinajpur, etc.
As such, CIMMYT has formed partnerships with various local actors in order to address some of
the constraints observed within the maize value chain in the study areas. In particular, the
project is working with several NGOs to foster the development and sustainability of a local
contract farming system in the Jessore and Barisal regions. This is particularly important for
Barisal Hub where market linkages between local demand and local supply do not currently
exist. For Year 2 of CSISA-BD, maize contract farmer (MCF) groups shall be formed to aggregate
and deliver maize to feed mills that have agreed to purchase maize from these groups receiving
assistance from CSISA. These groups will also serve as an efficient platform for CIMMYT to
provide internationally recognized scientific and extension expertise in order to ensure that
high-quality, high-yielding maize is grown by farmers in the greater Barisal and Jessore regions
of southern Bangladesh. By linking MCF groups with local feed mills that demand large
quantities of maize, the CSISA project and its partner NGOs will together provide a significant
number of farmers with an important livelihood strategy that will increase incomes and the
well-being of thousands of farm households.
2.4.4
Focus Group Survey in Mymensingh Hub
A FGD-based survey was also conducted in eight villages of Mymensingh and Tangail districts
during 11-13 September 2011. The objectives were to identify the agro-economic conditions of
the area and to discover the possibilities for intensifying cropping systems with the addition of
maize and/or wheat, using conservation agriculture (CA), to increase the incomes and livelihood
opportunities of the local farmers. Six villages were surveyed in Mymensingh and an additional
2 villages were surveyed in Tangail district. Discussions were conducted with a total of 135 key
informant farmers, of which 116 (84%) were male and 19 (16%) were female. Each group
discussion consisted of between 10-15 farmers. Ten scientists and extension agents from
CIMMYT, BARI, and DAE participated in the discussions with the farmers, which utilized a semistructured questionnaire.
In Tangail and Mymensingh districts, a sizable area is categorized as medium lowland that is very
suitable for Boro rice, but the locations for the FGD were selected based on where there is good
28
potential for cultivating CIMMYT-mandated crops. The land type of those villages is mostly
medium highlands (57%), followed by highland (23%). Most of these villages are in Char areas of
the rivers Brahmaputra and Jamuna, where land is generally underutilized and crops are grown
once or twice per year. Some farmers are also growing Boro rice with 30 or more irrigation
applications, which is not a profitable endeavor. These farmers showed interest in growing
maize and wheat as part of a vegetable, pulse and/or jute system. However, most of them
stated that they have no knowledge on maize and wheat cultivation methods. Their main
requests were for training and good quality seed. Many of them also asked for demonstrations
of a maize shelling machine.
Other farmers in Tangail and Mymensingh actually do grow maize, but with much lower fertilizer
applied than is the standard recommendation. Most of these farmers reported that they do not
have much of a problem with marketing since there exist a significant number of poultry and
fish feed mills in the area. The mills are purchasing maize through various middlemen, as well as
from northern Bangladesh due to a lack of sufficient quantity produced locally. CIMMYT,
Mymensingh will develop a program to create informal marketing groups with participating
farmers; such groups will collect maize grains from farmers and sell directly to feed mill. This
will help them obtain a better price for their output.
Most of the farmers participating in the FGD have no ponds and are not cultivating fish.
However, Mymensingh is much further ahead in terms of fish cultivation than many other areas.
Most of the farmers in the area surveyed are characterized as small in size (34%), followed by
marginal (32%), and medium-sized (15%). Farmers in the large size category were fewest (5%),
while the landless comprised 14% of those queried. All villages have service providers for
tillage, in most cases by two wheel tractors although some four wheel tractors (rotavator) do
provide service. Some villages also have service providers for threshing, as well. There are labor
shortages in peak periods, especially for Boro harvesting (April-May), jute cutting (July), and
Aman harvesting (November). During these periods, the daily price of labor reaches 400
Taka/person. The farmers reported that they have no problem with regard to marketing rice; it
is sold in the local markets.
As in many other locations in Bangladesh, the farmers interviewed have problems with quality
seed. For local varieties, they themselves preserve their own seeds; for hybrid seeds they
depend upon BADC, dealers, and other organizations. Female farmers are engaged in postharvest operations, germination testing, and seed preservation for nearly 100% of the farm
households subject to the FGD, but a very low percentage (10-20%) are actually engaged in any
of the field operations. The farmers also opined that many females (around 50%) have decision
making power about agricultural activities within the farm household.
2.4.5
Rice Post-harvest Value Chain Analysis
IRRI conducted fieldwork and data collection for the rapid assessment of the post-harvest value
chain in the Barisal, Jessore, and Khulna Hubs. It consisted of 11 FGD (with participation of 200
farmers) and 30 additional discussion meetings (around 100 participants) with all types of actors
within the rice value chain, including farmers, seed processors, millers, government and NGO
representatives, seed and other input retailers, and rice traders. Also included were extension
workers to help identify technology needs, as well as intervention priorities and strategies for
post-harvest technologies and management development in Bangladesh.
No mechanical grain driers are used at the household level in Bangladesh. The study found
some mechanical dryers at BADC (Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation); these,
however, are basically sack driers that require huge amounts of electricity and are labor
29
consuming. Hence, they are very costly and were established previously by different donorfunded projects. For large-scale farmers and seed processors, CSISA-BD needs to establish some
easy and cheap mechanical driers such as flatbed batch driers. BRRI has developed a model of a
1 ton capacity flatbed dryer—but it has not yet been used in practical field-level setting.
To identify initial partners (public, private, NGO) for piloting and evaluating mechanical driers,
CSISA-BD has identified potential partners in different hubs, among which the NGO Shushilan is
one of the pioneers in this area. They have agreed to set up a flatbed drier on 50% cost-sharing
basis in the Khulna Hub. In addition, two large-scale farmers in Jessore and Barisal hubs have
been identified for the piloting of flatbed driers on a similar cost-sharing basis. IRRI is planning
to pilot flatbed driers in those areas where IRRI super bags were distributed among farmers, and
where there exists the possibility of forming groups of farmers under one umbrella so that in the
future they can use any type of machinery or technologies by sharing with each other. In such a
manner, a sustainable business model for rice post-harvesting can be developed in each upazila
of all 3 hubs so that many farmers will be benefit from increases in their incomes. The project is
also planning to introduce collapsible dryers in all of the southern hubs, as well.
The study visited 12 rice mills of different capacity in different hubs with an objective to assess
the performance of small-scale rice mills generally, and identify their bottlenecks specifically.
Auto rice mills were exclusively found to be a “buy paddy, and sell rice” model, with no contact
with farmers during the course of business. Some medium-scale rice mills were observed to
follow the same model, but sometimes they provide milling services to rice traders and to
farmers, as well. All of the smaller mills (both in villages and urban areas) are only providing
services to their customers; in other words, they neither dry nor store paddy. One objective of
the study was to identify the problems faced by medium-scale millers, especially with respect to
storage and drying. Although all of the medium size rice mills observed have their own drying
floor (for sun drying), some of them reported an interest in obtaining a flatbed drier.
With regard to moisture meters: most of the stakeholders interviewed prefer a digital moisture
meter to count the moisture content from 9% to 26%, as they think that it is necessary for their
work. Combine harvesters were found to be an excellent and essential piece of equipment for
mechanical harvesting, and most of the farmers (and other actors) are interested to have this
service if it can be provided by a third party. In response to this finding, a draft concept note on
the need for combine harvesters in Bangladesh is being prepared. With greater awareness and
better postharvest management, reduction of losses—even with traditional or existing
technologies—is possible, while improved technologies and “best practices” offer new
opportunities to improve food security and incomes of farm households and other value chain
actors through the prevention of losses and through value addition.
2.4.6
Gender Assessment Study
This study supports CSISA-BD’s strategy and plan for achieving gender equity. It focused mainly
on agricultural activities in the study villages, which included mainly cereal crop (rice, wheat, and
maize), fish, vegetable, and poultry production. The study employed qualitative methods; data
were collected through 16 key informant interviews, 16 FGDs, 35 in-depth interviews and
Participatory Learning and Analysis (PLA) exercises such as use of seasonal calendars, mobility
maps, spider diagrams that explore decision making, etc. Data were collected during February
and March 2011 from eight villages in the following districts: Thakurgaon, Satkhira, Bagerhat,
Jessore, Noakhali, and Barisal.
The study findings reveal that women are involved mainly in home-based agricultural activities
such as small-scale vegetable production, poultry and livestock rearing, and the production of
30
perishable but nutrition-dense foods. In the case of landless households, and small and marginal
farm households, women are relatively more engaged in agriculture—even in field-based
activities. Nevertheless, they have limited access to information and little decision making
power. Men are the main decision makers in almost all phases of the production cycle of major
agricultural crops and fish. They select the agricultural plot, pond or gher; they decide whether
to lease in land, and the type of leasing, as well. Men also decide on which crop or fish to grow,
and which technologies to use. Technological enhancement of post-harvest operations reduces
the involvement of women in agriculture, replacing their work by men, particularly in nonmarginal farm households. The involvement of women is greatest in post-harvest activities
compared to pre-harvest activities. For example, it is common across all the villages visited for
women from farm households to thresh, husk, winnow, parboil, and dry paddy. Women from
farm households in Thakurgaon were involved in the highest number of activities during this
period. Women from Noakhali and Bagerhat are least involved in post-production activities, and
only conduct tasks such as threshing, husking, winnowing, parboiling, and storage.
Women are usually not involved in the marketing of agricultural products, as this activity is
carried out mainly by men in all the study villages. Women from farm households may go to the
market, but usually to buy clothes and other consumer items and not for agricultural purposes.
The mobility of women depends on socio-cultural norms in a given community. The study
revealed that religion is linked to women’s mobility. Women from a Hindu village in Satkhira are
much more mobile than from all the other villages, except for villages in Thakurgaon. Regardless
of religion, women from Thakurgaon enjoy greater mobility. With regard to asset accessibility,
women usually own land only on paper—they do not have control over it.
2.5
CSISA-BD Success Stories
This section is comprised of encouraging success stories based on CSISA-BD interventions. These
accounts help to demonstrate that progress is being made in the lives of farmers touched by the
project, and give hope that continued efforts by CSISA-BD and its partner organizations will
make a substantial difference to many more in the near future. Additional success stories are
provided in Annex E.
Sohorab Sikder Dreams with BRRI Dhan52
Mr. Md. Sohorab Sikder, 45 years old,
lives in Charkauwa village of Barisal Shohorab’s son standing in their
seed production field
district. Charkauwa is charland—lowlying areas where tidal flooding occurs
frequently. Most of the farmland in
Charkauwa is cultivated using the local
rice (Aman) varieties such as Sada
mota and lal mota, but the poor yields
observed there are mainly due to
flooding. Farmers in Charkauwa had
heard of submergence tolerant, high
yielding rice varieties promoted by IRRI
that are able to survive under water
for both short duration freshwater flooding, as well as for tidal surges.
From the DAE office in Barisal Sadar, Sohorab discovered that seeds of submergence tolerant
Aman rice varieties would be demonstrated by the CSISA-BD project in some controlled on-farm
experiments. With the help of the Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO), he contacted IRRI
personnel in the Barisal Hub office to explain his interest in participating in experiments testing
31
submergence tolerant BRRI Dhan 52 rice seeds. He was instructed to transplant them next to
the most high-yielding local variety; but before transplanting, seedbeds have to be prepared.
Several days before the time came to move seedlings into the field, a combination of heavy
rainfall and tidal flooding destroyed the Sada mota seedbed, while the BRRI Dhan 52 seedbed
was undisturbed. Sohorab then transplanted them into his field and applied a balanced dose of
fertilizer based on the recommendations of CSISA-BD staff. Now awaiting the harvest hopefully,
Sohorab said “I am very happy to cultivate this variety—I know there will be good rice seed
production!”
Cage Aquaculture: an Excellent Alternative Livelihood for Landless Women
There are areas within the Khulna Hub that have great
potential for the use of cage culture to produce both
food fish and fingerlings, in order to augment
household incomes while creating alternative
livelihood options. However, it is very important to
develop context-specific cage technologies when
promoting an intervention intended to fit within
different resource systems. Thus, CSISA-BD personnel
established adaptive trials in a canal at Batiaghata
Upazila with the participation of 9 women from resource poor households. There are 9 cages in
total, and each cage measures 3m x 2m x 1.5 m (9 m3) and is constructed from materials which
are available in local markets. Cages will be used for both for food fish production during the
wet season, and for fingerling production during the dry season.
Before stocking, the women were provided training
on cage maintenance. Cages are stocked with male
(monosex) tilapia at 3 different stocking densities
(200, 300, and 400 fingerling/m3) and all required
fishery management is undertaken by the
households. Five cages were stocked on 1 August
2011, and another 4 cages stocked were stocked on
19 August. As the fish become marketing size, they
are sold immediately and the cages are then
restocked again for a second crop cycle. At present,
the gross value of fish raised during the initial
production cycle by two participants (Mrs. Gurudashi and Mrs. Bijoli Mistri) is Taka 27,200 and
29,510, respectively. The total cost of production was Taka 18,000. Thus, the net profit that
they earned is Taka 9,200 (US$ 120) and 11,510 (US$ 150), respectively. Since 3 crops can be
harvested in a single year, this alternative livelihood option could conceivably provide them with
an average annual income of Taka 31,000 (US$ 410). The restocking for second production cycle
has already taken place, and the next round of harvesting will take place in December 2011.
Cage operators Bijoli Mistri, Anaroti, and Ratna are very happy with this new activity that they
have be provided as a result of WorldFish conducting a few adaptive trials. They report that
neighboring villagers observed this activity with interest, and one local farmer has already
expressed interest in establishing a cage culture independently. This woman-friendly income
generating activity appears to hold excellent potential for wider introduction through CSISA-BD,
which will foster the livelihood development of poor landless households.
32
Fruits of Profit: Summer Tomato Cultivation
Few Bangladeshi farmers cultivate horticultural crops during the summer rainy season. The
resulting scarcity of vegetables in the market drives up their prices. Seizing on the opportunity
to increase farmers’ profits using innovative agronomy and well-timed market linkages, CSISABD, under the leadership of CIMMYT personnel in the Jessore Hub, is promoting the production
of summer tomatoes in the greater Jessore region. Plans are in place to expand to the Khulna
Hub in 2012, as well.
Summer tomato cultivation was initially begun in Jessore by a small group of innovative farmers,
but with the help of CIMMYT staff, an additional 18 farmers in Jessore Sadar and Monirampur
Upazilas received in-depth training and support from the project. This group began intensive
cultivation of summer tomatoes in late May 2011.
Grown on raised beds to avoid water logging, protected from heavy rain by polyethylene roofing
supported by bamboo stakes, the tomatoes
start fruiting two months after planting, and
will continue to bear fruit through February
2012. Each tomato plant yields 3 distinct
flushes of fruit during this period. All of the
farmers use the prized tomato hybrid BARI
#4, which was developed by the Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), a key
governmental collaborator in the activities
undertaken by CSISA-BD. By continually
harvesting and these selling summer tomato,
farmers are able to take advantage of high
market prices, thereby reaping considerable
profits that reduce household poverty.
Measured yields, gross return and average gross return per decimal (40.49 m2, or 1% of an acre) for 16 farmers
participating in summer tomato (ST) production demonstrations led by CIMMYT in Jessore District. Measured
values are from the first tomato fruit flush only (August–September 2011); another two flushes are expected
before February 2012. For comparison, average gross return for three flushes of winter tomato (WT) is provided.
This new, bonus crop has generated employment and bountiful income in the lean period of
agriculture, when farmers concern themselves otherwise only with rice. Hundreds more are
expected to begin ST cultivation, the result of high profile trainings conducted during 2011, and
numerous demonstrations strategically located in highly populated areas and along roadsides.
33
Both CSISA-BD and our National partners at BARI expect that farmers will continue harvesting
the fruits of profits by planting tomatoes again in the 2012 summer season.
Ismail Hossain has Hope for a Good Harvest
Ismail Husain lives in Chandipur village; he is 58 years old and cultivates 194 decimals of land.
Last year he practiced a rice-lentil cropping system on 15 decimals land. He grew BRRI Dhan 39
on 15 decimals, which yielded 240 kg. However, he only obtained 120 kg of lentil due to late
sowing—which resulted from the late harvesting of Aman rice.
All of this has changed now because in this Aman
season IRRI introduced BINA Dhan7 in that village, and
Ismail expects to obtain a yield of 320 kg from the
same 15 decimals. In fact, he noticed that BINA Dhan7
has 25 tillers/hill whereas BRRI Dhan 39 has only 20
tillers/hill, and the number of effective tillers is higher
in BINA Dhan 7 (20 in number) than in BRRI Dhan 39
(only 14). So now he is considering growing BINA dhan
7 in his entire rice field during the next Aman season
because it has fine grain quality and produces higher
yield.
After harvesting rice he will transplant onion by the first week of November because he can
harvest BINA Dhan 7 at least 15 days earlier as compared to BRRI Dhan 39. Due to timely
sowing, he is expecting at produce at least 800 kg of onion. He decided to cultivate onion for
two reasons: early harvesting of Aman rice allows him to sow onion in time, which was not
possible in the previous year due to the rice variety he used; and onion is much more profitable
than lentil—in the previous year he received only 4,300 Taka from lentil, but now he hope to
obtain at least 16,000 Taka from onion from the same 15 decimal of land.
High profits and reduced insecticides: the Story of Abdul Malek Kha
Md. Abdul Malek Kha lives in Bokshir, the char village of
Babugonj Upazilla, Barisal district. He is 37 years old, has 3
children, and cultivates just over half a hectare—of which
about 15% is used to grow ridge gourd, a profitable crop.
Despite being a hard working farmer, Mr. Malek Kha earned
only US$ 30 dollars from his ridge gourd production last year
even though he had relatively good yields and market access is
not a problem. Analyzing the inputs used on his farm, CSISA-BD
staff found that over a third of his production costs were due to
the use of very expensive and unsafe insecticide applications to
control fruit flies, which damaged 35% to 40% of the ridge
gourds that he produced.
In order to production reduce costs and safeguard farmers’ health from the application of toxic
insecticides, CIMMYT arranged a training event for farmers to learn about Integrated Pest
Management (IPM). Farmers of the area were most impressed by the idea of using sex
pheromones to disrupt fruit fly mating patterns. Deployed in simple plastic containers, insect
sex pheromones attract fruit flies that are passively trapped, which achieves area-wide control
of the damiaging pests when many farmers use the traps on their farms. After training, farmers
34
agreed to implement this IPM strategy—with
tremendous success, as it turns out. Mr. Malek
said:
“Ridge gourd is a high value crop and production
cost is high, but I got less return because a large
number of fruits were lost because of fruit fly
damage. I had sprayed ‘Malathion’ 15 times to
control the fruit flies at a cost of BDT 1,400. The
total production cost was BDT 2,100; against this
cost I produced only 150 kg (BDT 3,750) of fruits.
After using the pheromone traps following the
training, only 5% of the fruits were infested in my
field this year, and I produced 228 kg ridge gourd
(BDT 6,840). I obtained more profit, and pheromone traps with poison bait are the best
technique to control fruit flies. Many farmers in the surrounding communities came to see my
field and they are very much curious about my successful crop production, and the other 14
farmers who are using pheromone traps with poison bait are also benefiting just like me.”
Manik’s Comeback in Fish Culture through Carp-Shing Polyculture
Md. Abdul Gafur (Manik), of Gouripur Upazila in Mymensingh district, started fish culture in his
three homestead ponds in 2007—the year of his retirement. In 2007 and 2008, he lost money
on carp polyculture in his ponds; in 2009 and 2010, he only managed to breakeven on carp
polyculture and pangas monoculture. While this made him frustrated, he was lucky enough to
by chance meet a WorldFish staff member in a tea stall of Ramgopalpur Bazar while this person
was briefing other people who had gathered there on the activities of the CSISA-BD project. In
this way he came to know about the activities of the project, and expressed interest in becoming
a member of a beneficiary group receiving technical support only (i.e., no financial support
provided). Thus he became a member of a group receiving training on fish culture, and was
subsequently selected to be a demonstration farmer.
He received technical advice from WorldFish staff before receiving formal group training through
CSISA-BD on carp-shing polyculture. After receiving technical assistance on 15 June 2011, he
stocked 5,000 shing fingerlings in his 47 decimal pond at a stocking density of 128 fish/decimal
(28 carp and 100 shing). He maintained
regular mobile communication with
WorldFish personnel and benefitted from
regular field visits from them, as well. He
followed all the instructions on improved
pond management and always communicated with project staff immediately if he
experienced any difficulties. Manik began
harvesting shing after 67 days, and carp
after 104 days. Presently he has sold 114
kg of shing for Taka 57,000; he received
another Taka 17,230 from the sale of his
carp. Although his current profit is only
around US$ 100 (total investment cost was
Taka 67,621), he expects to harvest a further Taka 100,000 (US$ 1,335) worth of shing, and Taka
50,000 (US$ 678) worth of carp by the end of 2011.
35
The results achieved by Manik have created a positive effect in the locality, with many people
visiting the pond and discussing his initiatives in different places. Many people seek suggestions
from him regarding sources of shing fingerlings, culture techniques, and other management
practices that have led to his success. The technology learned from his involvement in the
project has given him confidence to develop his fish culture further, and he is now busy all the
time with fish-related activities and pond management. Speaking of his experience he said,
“Being a glorious beneficiary of WorldFish, I’ve got a tremendous result that I never imagined
possible because the last couple of years I did not get any benefit from the pond.”
2.6
Lessons Learned in Year 1
The following are some important observations made during the implementation of project
activities in Year 1:

Farmers show interest in short duration rice varieties, as it gives them a chance to plant
another crop; Aman rice cultivation with a short duration variety is easily possible after jute
and Aus rice harvest.

To increase the income of farm households, high value and quick-return cash crops need to
be promoted in rice based cropping systems.

Summer tomato is an excellent option for increasing farmer income and improving
livelihood status as it is one of the most profitable crops.

As a high value crop, farmers are very interested in growing summer tomatoes—especially in
Jessore.

To protect summer tomato from heavy rainfall, the tomato plants should be planted on
raised beds system instead of flat beds.

Great opportunity for Gher/Pond dike utilization through vegetable cultivation; integrated
rice-fish culture might be further intensified with vegetable cultivation on the wider levees
of some of the Ghers.

Vegetable cultivation in dikes, especially in free water Ghers, is an important means of
increasing income where the whole family provides labor.

Excellent growth has been observed for mono sex Tilapia in the Gher system; mono sex
tilapia culture can be a lucrative venture for Gher farmers.

Fisheries training to be provided in January-February so that farmers could prepare their
Ghers in time.

Stocking bigger size fingerling, and selection of fast growing species, may be two very good
coping strategies for draught affected areas.

Some farmers stocked Pangas for more production as well as oxygen supply.

Almost all areas of Jessore hub are suitable for Conservation Agriculture (CA). There is a
great scope for integration of three centers due to the presence of farmers’ cooperative,
potential local NGOs and lot of innovative farmers.

CA-based resource conserving technologies (RCT) are gaining popularity and momentum in
terms of interest for adoption. Our cooperating farmers’ and stakeholders’ attitudes are
being changed away from conventional practices to CA-based RCT. Thus, CSISA’s work in
this area should be continued in the hub domains for greater adoption and sustainability.
36

2WTOS (reduced tillage, seed, and labor) is identified as a very effective machine for DSR
Boro-mustard cropping systems instead of the broadcast method. It is imperative for a good
quality 2WTOS machine for DSR Boro-Mustard.

Exposure visit plays significant role to motivate farmer and introduce new technology.

Wheat production can be expanded vertically and horizontally, especially in selected areas
of the Barisal Hub.

Farmers in Khulna Hub are interested in salinity tolerant wheat and maize varieties, in
conjunction with modern technologies, and salinity tolerant rice varieties like BR23.

BINA Dhan7 is more resistant to water stagnation in Aman season than other rice varieties.

Stem borer infestation is high in Aman season compared to other seasons.

BU Dhan1 seems to have more lodging tendency at an early stage of growth, but has more
tillering and more vigorous growth overall.

Crop diversification/intensification: rice-rice is the major pattern in the Mymensingh Hub.
By replacing the long duration T.Aman variety with a short duration variety, and in between
the rice fitting a short duration HY mustard varieties, farmers are growing three crops per
year instead of only two. They are even thinking about four-crop pattern by using the short
duration Boro variety (BRRI Dhan 28) and then planting jute afterwards. CSISA personnel are
closely monitoring these patterns. If they are successful, it will be replicated in other areas.
In rice-rice cropping patterns where mustard is not possible, short duration BRRI Dhan 28 is
being introduced and after the successful harvest of Boro rice, jute will follow with 2WTOS
machine (only one pass implies reduced tillage).

In the flash flood area, T.Aman (lately sown local var) is a chance crop (sometimes
damaged). BRRI 51 and 52 is found to be resilient against flash flood. Through partnership it
could be disseminated to wider areas.

Farmers/community leaders do not have much interest in frequently helping to identify
farmers for group formation, meetings and training arrangement, etc. because it is time
consuming for them; it also appears to cause conflicts within the community and with
community leaders, as well.
37
3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
3.1
Administrative Arrangements
3.1.1
Project Personnel
During the reporting period, CSISA-BD project management recruited a total of 83 new staff
members, of which 58 individuals (70%) are deployed in the field (hubs) and 25 individuals (30%)
are stationed in Dhaka. There were delays and difficulties in staff recruitment which in turn
delayed the start of field activities: WorldFish was fully staffed before the end of March, while
IRRI/CIMMYT staffing was completed by late April. Given this, various cropping cycle-related
activities did not begin until June.
The project has recruited 12 women (15%) of which more than half are working in the hub
offices. Table 3-1 shows the breakdown of IRRI, CIMMYT, and WorldFish staff by location and
gender. All three centers have held interviews for new Faridpur Hub staff; the three hub
managers have been hired, and in some cases junior staff, as well. Most of the Faridpur
personnel will be joining in November 2011.
Table 3-1. Summary breakdown of recruited staff in the three Centers.
CSISA-B
IRRI
Location
Males
Females
Total
Percent
Dhaka
10
3
13
15.7
Hub
18
4
22
26.5
28
7
35
42.2
Dhaka
6
1
7
8.4
Hub
15
3
18
21.7
CIMMYT Sub-total
21
4
25
30.1
Dhaka
4
1
5
6.0
Hub
18
0
18
21.7
22
1
23
27.7
Dhaka
20
5
25
30.0
Hub
51
7
58
70.0
71
12
83
100
IRRI Sub-total
CIMMYT
WF
WF Sub-total
Sub-total
Totals
3.1.2
Establishing Hub Offices
In the reporting period, the project has established three new hub offices in Jessore, Khulna, and
Barisal. All staff members were deployed in these three hub offices during the period MarchApril 2011. Office space for the new hub Faridpur has been identified and rental agreements
signed in October. The project has been operating activities in Rangpur and Mymensingh
through the original CSISA project’s hub offices in Dinajpur and Gazipur, respectively. CSISA-BD
has rented a house in Mymensingh, and most of the staff members were to be relocated there
by the end of September 2011. The project is also actively seeking office space in Rangpur town
for the Rangpur Hub office.
38
3.1.3
Procuring Equipment, Vehicles and Logistics
All required equipment and furniture has been provided to the hub offices as required. A total
of 48 motorcycles were purchased for field staff working in different hub offices but they only
became available in September. All hub staff members were provided a laptop/netbook with
internet connection. The internal institutional process for procuring vehicles (8 pick-ups for 5
CSISA-BD hubs to be used by all hub staff of the three Centers, and one microbus for IRRI Dhaka
office) was initiated several months ago with purchase made in September. Locally available
vehicles have been delivered, while we await delivery of internationally procured vehicles. The
microbus has been supplied by the vendor; the remaining vehicles will be made available soon.
3.2
Organizational Arrangements
As mentioned previously, the CSISA expansion project in Bangladesh is being implemented as a
collaborative partnership between IRRI, CIMMYT, and the WorldFish Center in conjunction with
government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, and local communities. IRRI, CIMMYT, and
World Fish are mandated to generate international public goods to reduce poverty and hunger,
improve health and nutrition, and ensure environmental sustainability. These institutions are
also expected to conduct research in partnership with national and regional institutions and
strengthen the capacity of NARES. The global mandates of these institutions allow them to
easily transfer knowledge between countries and regions for the general benefit of national
governments, producers, and consumers. The three centers participating in the present project
have a long-standing presence in Bangladesh and, in their own mandated areas, have made
significant contributions through research, technology development and dissemination, and by
strengthening the capacity of NARES. The involvement of each center in this project is based on
that foundation and experience from which the national partners are expected to benefit
significantly by implementing the project.
In consultation and collaboration with CIMMYT and WorldFish, the IRRI-Bangladesh office is
responsible for the overall coordination of CSISA-BD. National partners of the project include
DAE, DOF, BFRI, BRRI, BARI, NGOs (e.g., BRAC, Sushilan, RDRS, etc.), input supply companies
(e.g., BADC, Lal Teer, Mega Feed, etc.), and International Development Enterprises (iDE), an
international NGO. Each of these partners brings both strengths and skills to the project. BRRI,
BARI, and BFRI are research organizations that generate technologies for extension, while DAE,
DOF, and the NGOs are engaged in the extension of the technologies generated by the research
organizations. In this project, the research organizations will be partners for adaptive research
trials and for technical aspects of training material development, while the extension workers
from GOs and NGOs will assist in the dissemination of the technologies. iDE has expertise in
Bangladeshi agricultural value chains, and is globally known for its micro-irrigation technologies.
The government of Bangladesh, USAID, and the three CGIAR centers recognize that business as
usual will not achieve significant reductions in persistent rural poverty. At the center of CSISABD, and as part of the overall CGIAR change process, is an understanding of the need to look
beyond traditional approaches and achieve impacts at scale. IRRI, CIMMYT, and WorldFish all
recognize that this can be achieved only through partnerships and coalitions that operate at the
scales needed to achieve such impacts. Thus, the project is implemented through a wide range
of innovative partnerships and its activities are aligned closely with major national initiatives
such as the Shouhardo II project being implemented by CARE Bangladesh, for example.
39
3.2.1
CSISA Advisory Committee
While identifying project implementation strategies, project activities are designed to have
synergy with GoB priorities and activities. This factor persuaded the project management to
recommend forming a CSISA-BD advisory committee with representatives of the relevant NARES
institutions in Bangladesh, in addition to the CGIAR centers. The CSISA-BD Advisory Committee
(AC) was formed on 25 July 2011, and is chaired by the Executive Chairman of BARC with the
COP of CSISA-BD acting as the secretary. The members are the Director Generals of DAE, DoF,
BARI, BRRI, BFRI, BINA, the IRRI representative in Bangladesh, the CIMMYT project coordinator,
and the IRRI project coordinator.
The AC is designed to play a consultative role for CSISA-BD and is tasked with organizing a formal
meeting twice a year. The first meeting of AC was held on 9 September 2011. The specific roles
and responsibilities of the CSISA-BDAC include:

Provide guidance/suggestions on how to improve the CSISA-BD implementation strategies.

Ensure that CSISA-BD is appraised of GoB policies and initiatives, so that opportunities for
collaboration and alignment of activities are not missed.

Ensure that the GoB is informed about CSISA-BD activities and outcomes, which may result
in possible policy implications or conflicts.

Provide guidance and assistance to GoB line agencies in order to ensure smooth and strong
coordination with the project.

Align project research and outreach activities with GoB priorities.

Build capacity of the NARES through formal and/or informal training.
3.2.2
Bangladesh Management Team
The Bangladesh Management Team (BMT) and the Chief of Party (COP) supervise day-to-day
administrative activities in Bangladesh with support and oversight from Delivery and Research
Leadership for Bangladesh (Bangladesh-DRL). The DRL is composed of IRRI, CIMMYT, and
WorldFish scientists or senior professionals that have country-wide responsibilities for defining
and executing a strategy for achieving the CSISA-BD project goals in Bangladesh. At the hub
level, a multidisciplinary implementation team consists of three senior program staff (e.g., two
cropping systems specialists and one aquaculture specialist). The project management intends
to issue a hub-level operational manual for smooth functioning of the field activities.
The BMT is the ultimate decision-making entity for CSISA-BD in Bangladesh, which includes three
representatives from the three core partners plus the IRRI representative for Bangladesh, and
the CSISA-BDCOP. Additional strategic and technical guidance are provided to the project by the
aforementioned Advisory Committee.
3.2.3
Hub Management Team
The hub operational model in CSISA-BD has evolved as the staffing structure and number of
implementing partners has changed and diversified. In the new model, the three senior staff at
each hub composes a leadership committee to ensure strong coordination of program activities
(where it is sensible to integrate activities by center), and to provide a joint decision-making
mechanism for handling administrative matters such as the sharing of common resources. The
committee should strive for consensus. For regular matters where a consensus does not emerge
for issues that require coordination (e.g., timing of jointly-sponsored trainings), decisions will be
40
taken by majority vote. For some significant matters that cannot be resolved by vote at the hublevel, the Deputy Country Coordinator (DCC) will intervene and make a decision in consultation
with the BMT (Bangladesh Management Team).
One of the three senior staff is designated as the “Hub Administrative Coordinator” (HAC). The
role of the hub administrative coordinator is not intended to be supervisory with respect to their
other two senior colleagues. The responsibilities of the HAC include the following:

Act as the prime ‘point of contact’ with project leadership.

Provide day-to-day oversight of office administrative staff and operations.

Convene regular meeting of the hub leadership committee and send the minutes of the
meeting to the DCC.

Ensure the timely and correct implementation of the decisions taken by the hub leadership
committee.

Raise issues to the DCC for communication to the BMT as needed.
The leadership committee for each hub began functioning in June 2011 through a message
circulated among the hubs to ensure that all team members are well-versed in the new standard
operating procedures (SOPs), as well as the new organizational structure. An administrative
coordinator for each hub was already designated in June 2011, and it is likely that this role will
be re-assigned annually on a rotational basis.
3.3
Monitoring and Quality Assurance
3.3.1
Results Framework
The CSISA-BD results framework has been developed based on the USAID FtF results framework
as an example. It has four levels. These levels are: 1) the CSISA-BD overall goal and the general
objectives of the project, 2) USAID mission-level IRs, 3) CSISA-BD specific objectives, and 4) the
CSISA-BD activities to be undertaken. The overall goal of the project is to increase income, food
security, and livelihood alternatives in impoverished and agriculturally dependent regions of
Bangladesh. The project aims to reach 60,000 households, either directly or indirectly, with
various project interventions such that these beneficiaries see an increase in their net annual
income of US$ 350/household by the end of the project. Another 300,000 households are also
expected to be indirect beneficiaries across the six hubs, as well. The project’s goal will be
realized through the achievement of five interim results of USAID FtF. These are related to onfarm productivity increase, the improvement of the nutritional status of the rural poor, the
enhancement of agricultural innovation capacity, increased investment in market systems and
the agricultural value chain, and through the enhancement of the capacity of project staff and
the personnel of CSISA-BD implementing partners. The five objectives of CSISA-BD are
considered as Sub-IR of USAID IRs. All of the Sub-IRs are therefore linked with the related IRs in
the results framework. In order to achieve the Sub-IRs, a set of important activities has been
identified for each of the Sub-IRs.
3.3.2
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
A performance monitoring and evaluation plan (PMEP) is a very useful component of a project to
assess the progress of project implementation and achievement of expected results. The PMEP
of the CSISA-BD project has been developed in a participatory way following USAID guidelines.
The important components of the PMEP include: the goal, objectives, interim results, project
activities, operational indicators, baseline values, annual targets and achievement, expected
41
outcome, project impact, frequency of data collection, and the tools and methods of data
collection.
CSISA-BD has already completed a village level preliminary survey in three hubs—Jessore,
Khulna, and Barisal—through rapid rural appraisals (RRAs) using a semi-structured
questionnaire. The survey covered 20 villages from the BIDS and BRRI longitudinal study areas in
Southern districts. The main objective of the survey was to collect village level information on
demographic, socio-economic and bio-physical conditions as well as capture the key features of
agricultural practices including land use, cropping pattern, use of agricultural technologies and
farm machineries, practices of agro-aquaculture and livestock rearing. The draft report of the
survey has already been completed. The village level baseline survey findings are described in
section 2.4.
The project is planning to conduct a detailed household level baseline study in the beginning of
second year for all the hubs to measure the baseline values of impact, outcome and output level
indicators of the project. These baseline values will be used to assess the achievement of
expected results at different levels of the project. In this regard, a draft questionnaire and
sampling design have been prepared. This study will be carried out by an external expert team
with the close supervision and guidance of CSISA M&E Specialists and Economists. An end of
project evaluation will be conducted within the last quarter of the project implementation in
2015 considering the methods, indicators and variables used in the baseline study in
consultation with USAID Mission. In addition, monitoring results of the project, mid-term or
annual evaluation will also be conducted based on sample.
Goal
Evaluation
Objectives
Tools and methods to be used:
- Baseline Studies (Beginning of the
project)
- Impact Studies (End of the Project)
- Special Studies- Value Chain,
production and income etc…
Sub-Intermediate Result
(Sub IRs)
Monitoring
Intermediate Result (IRs)
-
Tools and methods to be used:
Basic Household Information
(Beginning of production year)
- Demonstration Record Book
(Round the Year)
- Sample Households Survey (End of
production year)
Proposed interventions/
Activities
Figure 3-1. General Representation of the CSISA-BD Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
Process.
42
3.3.3
Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Progress Assessment
The success of a project depends on effective monitoring systems. Therefore, to ensure the
effective implementation of project activities—as well as to achieve the desired results of the
project—a monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reporting system has been introduced. In
this regard, a standard format for each of the reporting systems has been developed in
consultation with the concerned persons at IRRI, CIMMYT and WorldFish Center. The quarterly
progress report mostly focuses on quantitative progress; on the other hand, half yearly and
annual progress reports focus on both quantitative and qualitative information. After receiving
the quarterly progress reports from different hubs, they are compiled to obtain the overall
progress of the project and provide feedback to the concerned persons for corrective measures.
3.3.4
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
For proper planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation, adequate knowledge on
area-specific physical and socio-economic conditions are essential. In this regard computerbased Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a very useful tool to handle both spatial and
attribute data for better overall visualization and understanding of project dynamics, which lead
to better decision-making. GIS is a very useful tool for the CSISA-BD, because of the size and
scope of the project. GIS services help the project with:

Spatial analysis and mapping, including domain characterizations to help the project team to
accelerate the adoption of production technologies that will increase the sustainability and
profitability of agricultural systems in Bangladesh.

Procuring spatial data from government and other sources that are relevant to the thematic
areas of project. This information is very much important for taking policy decision relating
to procurement, marketing, etc.

Collaboration among team members to compile a geo-database of relevant information such
as soils, climate, agricultural production, salinity profiles, hydrological information, land use
/ land cover, socioeconomic data, and infrastructure, etc.

Spatial analysis, resource management, and spatial management systems for sustainable
land use mapping and farm planning.
3.4
Gender Equity
Considering the practical situation of women in the project’s working area, CSISA-BD is certainly
aware of the role that gender issues can play in order to strengthen the involvement of women
in agricultural technology promotion and development. This has led to a greater focus on
gender in several initiatives that are prime drivers of agricultural growth for the improvement of
livelihood opportunities and food security status. In the first year of the project, gender-related
thematic areas are summarized as:

Gender-based needs assessment analysis (discussed in Section 2.4); conducted in the
context of CSISA-BD’s geographical framework and activities. Results are being used as a
guideline to design and assess gender differentiated activities, to enhance the productivity
of cereal crops and aquaculture.

Enhancing the capacities of women and men farmers through the targeted development of
knowledge and skills training, as well as through the dissemination of agricultural-related
technologies.

Building the capacities of the project’s female staff members, and using innovative strategies
to empower women at the grassroots level with technical knowledge and skills.
43

Developing a monitoring and evaluation framework for gender and equity issues.
Gender and equity indicators have been developed for the CSISA-BD monitoring and evaluation
(M&E) framework. Effectively integrating gender and equity indicators into this framework
ensures a more efficient and equitable delivery of goods and services to project beneficiaries,
specifically women and other disadvantaged socio-economic groups. Five gender and equity
indicators are identified for CSISA-BD M&E.
CSISA-BD has targeted the involvement of both men and women farmers according to the three
main categories of the project’s activities: 1) involving farmers in adaptive research trials, 2) the
dissemination and delivery of improved technologies to farmers, and 3) training and capacity
building of farmers. For example, the project is providing support to women for increasing their
income level—especially the landless, and female headed households—through post-harvest
related training (especially for seed production, processing, and preservation), and through cage
aquaculture systems. Women groups are supported by the project with an aim not only to
improve their socioeconomic status, but also to raise their awareness for establishing their rights
and importance in their society.
3.5
Environmental Issues
Key focal areas of CSISA-BD activities include the development, improvement and popularization
of crop management practices that achieve the twin goals of increased income generation and
improved environmental quality. As such, a main plank of the project’s approach to ensuring
environmentally-friendly farming is Conservation Agriculture (CA). CA encompasses three
management objectives: eliminating, or significantly reducing, soil tillage in order to minimize
soil disturbance; retaining crop residues on the soil surface; and encouraging economically viable
crop rotations. These practices build soil quality, prevent erosion, and can substantially increase
the use-efficiency of rainwater and irrigation to produce higher yields.
Tillage also liberates carbon normally stored in the soil. By consequence, most conventional
agricultural systems generate greenhouse gasses (GHGs) like carbon dioxide that may accelerate
the pace of climate change. CA is a carbon-neutral approach to farming that also reduces GHG
emissions through drastically reduced tillage operations. This approach also saves farmers fuel,
which reduces the cost of production, as well. Retention of straw on the soil surface reduces
unproductive soil evaporation, and improves water supply to the crop. This boosts the efficiency
of increasingly scarce rain, surface and groundwater resources in Bangladesh, especially during
the winter Rabi season.
CSISA-BD is popularizing CA through broad-scale demonstrations, adaptive research trials, and
training to develop a network of entrepreneurial agricultural service providers using CA
equipment. Such equipment allows farmers to minimally plough soil that is covered with straw
residues, while placing seed and fertilizer at the same time. In addition to reduced carbon
dioxide emissions, this provides secondary environmental benefits by increasing the efficiency of
fertilizer use and limiting nitrogen pollution. CA is widely adaptable, and is being used for
wheat, rice, legume, and maize crops in all hubs.
Not all fertilizer applied to farmers’ fields is used by the plant. When the crop does not recover
all of the fertilizer applied, off-farm losses contribute to the contamination of water resources
through excess nutrient loading. These unproductive losses reduce farmers’ profits by washing
fertilizer investments down the drain. CSISA-BD is turning an identified problem into an
opportunity for improved yields and cost-savings by developing and fine-tuning Site-Specific
Nutrient Management (SSNM) tools for rice and maize. SSNM is key technology for future on44
farm efficiency improvements, because it provides location-specific fertilizer recommendations
based on attainable yields for a given farm environment, soil type, and farmers’ previous
nutrient management history. By matching potential yields with actual fertilizer requirements,
farmers no longer waste money or cause pollution by “blindly” applying excess fertilizer to the
crop. SSNM verification trials were conducted for rice during the 2011 Aman season. In
collaboration with more than 100 farmers distributed throughout Bangladesh, experiments are
also slated for 2012 in order to fine-tune SSNM recommendations for maize. Finally, adaptive
trials are being conducted in both Mymensingh and Barisal districts to couple SSNM
recommendations with CA-based crop management.
Without strong import restrictions or environmental policies, Bangladeshi farmers can easily
access a wide-array of pesticides, many of which can be harmful to the environment and human
health when improperly used. In response to this problem, CSISA-BD is striving to comply with
USAID policy by initiating an inventory of the agrochemicals applied in each hub. Where bestbet alternatives to the most toxic chemicals are available, the project is providing advice on how
to switch to safer products. But more importantly, farmers are also being trained to regularly
observe their crop and note the numbers of insect pests and predators present. Normal plant
protection recommendations are for calendar-based spraying. However, by practicing regular
observation, farmers can make more informed decisions on when and what pesticides may be
necessary to apply, thereby saving money while reducing impacts on the environment.
This approach is the essence of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an important part of CSISABD activities. Just as using SSNM to determine fertilizer requirements can limit fertilizer-derived
pollution, IPM can safeguard the environment by providing farmers with an array of alternatives
to pesticides. For example, pests regularly damage 35–45% of the ridge gourds produced by
farmers in Barisal District. Working in close collaboration with farmers and the DAE, drastic
reductions in pesticide use were achieved by baiting insects with sex pheromones and luring
them into traps. Each ounce of pesticide saved equals decreased costs and increased money in
the pockets of farmers. In Jessore, summer tomato production is being made even more
profitable through adaptive research efforts to develop IPM. However, where pest numbers are
so great that pesticide use is unavoidable, CSISA-BD is increasing community awareness of farmsafe application methods including the use of protective clothing, targeted, timely and effective
spraying techniques.
3.6
Partnerships and Communications
CSISA-BD has undertaken synergy building through partnership development as a key strategy to
implement many of the project activities in relation to adaptive research/on-farm trials, wider
delivery of technologies and improved inputs, and capacity building of the various actors and
stakeholders. The project is being implemented through a wide range of partnerships with
government agencies, NGOs and private sectors.
In the reporting period, the project expended much effort to establish links and partnerships
with government agencies such as BARC, BRRI, BARI, DAE, DOF, BFRI etc., as well as other USAIDfunded FtF projects in Bangladesh, NGOs, and private organizations by visiting them and having
meetings with the key persons at the respective organizations. As such, the project has signed
many Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Letter of Agreement (LoA) documents with
the aforementioned governmental partners, with various local- and national-level NGOs, and
with private sector organizations. A list of LoAs and MoUs signed with different organizations is
provided in Annex F.
45
3.7
Annual Work Plan for Second Year
This section of the report provides a general overview of the various activities planned for Year 2
of the CSISA-BD project (i.e., October 2011–September 2012). All planned activities are
structured according to 4 thematic areas that are generally patterned after USAID “IRs” specific
to the Feed the Future initiative, and which are referred to as “Outcomes” for the purpose of
this document. Outcome 1 is “On-farm Productivity Increased”; Outcome 2 is “Improved
Household Nutritional Status”; Outcome 3 is “Increased Livelihood Opportunities in the
Agricultural Value Chain”; and Outcome 4 is “Enhanced Capacity of CSISA Partner Institutions
and CSISA Staff to Provide Better Service”. Note that Annex G contains a summary table with
Year 2 targets in terms of broad activity categories such as farmer training, adaptive trials,
demonstrations, etc.
3.8.1
CIMMYT Year 2 Activities
Listed below are the principal categories for Outcome 1 (On-farm productivity Increased), within
which CIMMYT will execute the majority of its second year activities:
1. Verification and promotion of modern/hybrid maize, wheat, and pulse varieties.
2. Appropriate farm machinery field-tested and promoted.
3. Conservation agriculture-based crop management practices tested and promoted.
4. Improved site-specific nutrient management practices for maize.
5. Increased production of high-valued commercial horticulture.
Participatory trials will be conducted in order to select hybrid maize varieties from existing
options and/or test adaption to specific production environments (e.g., water-logging tolerant
and stress tolerant maize varieties). Farmer will be engaged in the trials as the actual cultivators;
subsequent varietal selection(s) will be based on their actual empirical observation of the trials.
Adaptive or participatory trials on zero till (ZT), strip till, and/or bed planting will be conducted
within various maize- and wheat-based cropping systems with respect to different
environmentally-adapted varieties, or research hypotheses that examine such aspects as
variable levels of residue retention, for example. Approximately 100 participatory trials will be
conducted as related to the evaluation of maize and wheat varieties, and at least another 100
trials will be designed as nutrient omission plots to calibrate the “Nutrient Manager” decision
tool for maize fertilization recommendations. In addition, at least 50 trials will be conducted in
terms of testing key Conservation Agriculture (CA) principles (minimum tillage, residue
retention, alternative cropping patterns, etc.) that are employed to conserve soil and reduce
production costs.
Demonstrations conducted by CIMMYT will be designed to showcase improved maize and wheat
varieties, and various maize- and wheat-based cropping systems that feature pulses (especially
mungbean), vegetables, and/or other crops (e.g., jute). Stress-tolerant wheat varieties shall
include BARI Gom 25 (saline-tolerant) and both BARI Gom 26 and ‘Francolin’ (heat-tolerant).
Maize-based demonstrations will be undertaken using various varieties, including BARI Hybrid
Bhutta 5 and 7, Pacific 11, Pacific 984, NK40, and 900M. Demonstrations shall also be conducted
that will illustrate improved production practices for including soybean and cowpea, or various
pulses (lentil, blackgram, mungbean) within a T.Aman-based cropping pattern. Finally, CA-based
demonstrations will illustrate the benefits of bed planting, zero till, strip till, 2WTs, residue
retention, etc. In total, CIMMYT will conduct over 2,500 demonstrations in the project’s second
year.
46
Farmer training is essential for the adoption of new technologies and management practices
designed to increase agricultural productivity. In addition to the training of farmers and farm
households (i.e., Whole Family Training) on best practices for improving the production of maize,
wheat, pulses, and other crops as part of maize- and/or wheat-based cropping systems, training
will also provided on wheat seed production and preservation, summer tomato cultivation, the
use and application of pheromone-based IPM, and CA-based management practices and
technology. It is estimated that well over 8,000 households will receive training from CIMMYT
on at least one of the aspects listed above. Aside from being included as training participants
through Whole Family Training, women will specifically be targeted for post-harvest technology
training since they are primarily engaged in seed processing and storage systems.
Farmer field days and farmer exchange visits are critically important vehicles for spreading the
message to potential users of enhanced production technologies. Utilizing the demonstrations
described previously as a platform, the farmer field days are typically designed to reach the local
community and somewhat beyond (neighboring villages, upazillas, etc.), while the exchange
visits bring farmers from distant locations to observe the successful employment of new
varieties, new technologies, and/or alternative management practices. More than 150 farmer
field days will be conducted by CIMMYT in the 2011-2012 cropping year, reaching and estimated
16,500 farmers, with another 700 farmers scheduled to participate in exchange visits.
For Outcome 2 (Improved Household Nutritional status), farmer training and community-based
demonstrations will be conducted to address the problem of arsenic contamination by
mitigating its impact through alternative management techniques such as aerobic vs. anaerobic
rice cultivation. This will involve approximately 20 households in the Jessore Hub. Outcome 3
(Increased Livelihood Opportunities in the Agricultural Value Chain) activities for CIMMYT consist
of increasing the volume of commercial sales of maize grown by small farmers, and of increasing
the number of local service providers that own/operate agricultural machinery. The former will
be accomplished through the establishment of maize contract farmer groups that will receive
training and advice regarding the best agronomic practices for growing maize; these groups will
also receive oversight and assistance with regard to the aggregation and delivery of their
product to local feed mills that CIMMYT has facilitated linkages with through informal purchase
agreements. New local service providers will be developed through a training and certification
program that will also facilitate access to micro-finance, so that agricultural machinery (2WTs,
bed planters, harvesters, etc.) can be purchased by new entrepreneurs in order to meet the
demand for custom field preparation services in Bangladesh.
3.8.2
IRRI Year 2 Activities
The second year activities that IRRI plans to implement under Outcome 1 (On-farm productivity
Increased) are grouped according to the following broad categories:
1. Community-level demonstrations of proven variety and crop management technologies.
2. Adaptive research trials on promising, but not yet fully proven, technologies.
3. Testing and promotion of post-harvest technologies.
4. Understanding the effect of promoted technologies on intra household level, including
women.
5. Understanding salinity dynamics and raising of rice seedlings in higher landscape to cope
with flood damages.
6. Farmers’ training and capacity building to adopt improved technologies.
47
Community-level demonstrations include improved short-duration and high yielding and stress
tolerant (salinity or submergence) rice varieties; quality seed production; water, nutrient, and
crop management technologies; agricultural machinery use; seed production and storage; and
rice-fish culture. Adaptive trials shall be location specific and primarily involves improved
nutrient management, best bet agronomic practices, and new rice varieties and new cropping
systems. Capacity building of farmers in terms of technology adoption will be achieved through
farmer training, field days, and exposure visits of farmers to the outstanding crop fields.
Demonstrations on salt-tolerant, submergence-tolerant, and new high-yielding, short- and
medium-duration rice varieties and quality seed production, will be conducted in approximately
520 fields. Demonstrations of improved rice production technologies will involve quality seed
use, proper time of transplanting, right seedling age, balanced fertilizer application, and proper
water management techniques such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD). Testable effects of
the above elements of crop production will be demonstrated singly or in combination
(interaction effects) in the fields of 319 farmers. Growing short duration rice varieties in Aman
season creates a wider window to fit a non-rice crop between Aman rice and Boro rice. The nonrice crop may be either vegetables or mustard. As such, 3 crops per year (instead of 2) will be
demonstrated in the fields of approximately 115 farmers with or without CA technologies
(including agricultural machinery such as 2WT-based seeders or bed planters), threshers, and
flatbed or collapsible driers being utilized. Rice seed production and storage will be
demonstrated in 300 households. Satkhira and Khulna districts have numerous ‘ghers’ (crop
fields surrounded by levee of about 1 meter high). Since rice used to be grown in most of the
fields before they were modified into ghers, demonstrations of rice-fish culture are planned for
66 ghers.
Adaptive trials will be conducted to compare new rice varieties with farmers’ locally-adapted
varieties, and to identify suitable production and post production technology packages.
Developing site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) practices and evaluating the “Nutrient
Manager” software for fertilizer recommendations with respect to rice, as well as evaluating Zn
nutritients in order to enrich Zn nutrient levels in rice grain, also involves some adaptive trials in
the fields of farmers. Adaptive research trials on newly improved varieties, CA, and improved
nutrient and crop management will be conducted in approximately 175, 30, and 360 farmers’
fields, respectively. Studies on intra-household studies and gender will be conducted on about
745 households.
Farmer training, farmer field days, and farmer exposure visits are all important drivers for new
rice production technologies to be adopted. Framer trainings include improved rice grain
production techniques and rice seed production, post-harvest technology, and rice seed storage.
Women in particular will be targeted for participation in the post-harvest technology training
because they are primarily engaged in seed processing and storage systems.
For Outcome 2 (Increased Household Nutritional Status), only one adaptive trial on Zn fertilizer
in rice is proposed; it will encompass 24 fields in four southern hubs. Outcome 3 (Increased
Livelihood Opportunities in the Agricultural Value Chain) activities will concentrate on
socioeconomic and value chain studies, including baseline survey, periodic price survey, and
impact studies. Outcome 4 (Enhanced Capacity of CSISA partner institutions and CSISA staff to
Deliver Better Services) will focus on different types of training and capacity building activities
for CSISA staff and partners as well as communication of proven technologies through different
print and electronic media. Training for the staff of CSISA partners will engage approximately
500 persons. Proven technologies, as well as technologies developed and/or validated by CSISAB, will be communicated through the distribution of at least 50,000 communication materials
such as leaflets and brochures, newsletters, videos, dramas, etc.
48
3.8.3
WorldFish Year 2 Activities
An average of fifty demonstrations will be established in each hub. Each demonstration will be
used to directly train at least 20 farmers, for a total of more than 1000 farmers per hub.
Demonstrations and adaptive trials will be hub-specific. The second year activities that
WorldFish plans to implement under Outcome 1 (On-farm productivity Increased) are grouped
according to the following broad categories:
1. Increased productivity of integrated gher and rice/fish systems
2. Increased production of homestead pond aquaculture through improved pond
management and horticulture on dykes
3. Increased production of fish by poor women through cage culture
4. Intensive culture of pangasius and tilapia in ponds
In Khulna Hub, 400 farmers will be trained on stocking only PCR-tested (disease free) shrimp
post-larvae (PL), and in nursing PL prior to stocking in gher systems. 400 farmers in Khulna will
also receive demonstration-based training to boost the productivity of integrated
rice/carp/tilapia/prawn cultivation in ghers, with vegetable cultivation on dykes. Similar
numbers of farmers will receive training on improved management of integrated gher systems in
Jessore Hub. One hundred and fifty farm households in Rangpur Hub will be trained on improved
rice-fish culture techniques with dyke horticulture. Family Training on household based pond
aquaculture (including pond-dyke horticulture) will take place in all hubs, but will be tailored to
local conditions. Thus, for instance, demonstrations utilizing homestead ponds in Mymensingh
Hub will include a variety of technologies, including short duration improved monosex tilapia,
short duration improved carp polyculture, improved carp-shing polyculture and improved
commercial carp-tilapia culture.
Adaptive trials will be implemented in order to refine cage culture technologies suitable for
adoption by landless women and to introduce high intensity pangasius and tilapia culture to
southern districts. In addition, each hub will hold approximately 120 farmer field days for
method and results demonstrations, and five exchange visits to other areas to familiarize
farmers with innovative techniques. Each hub will also hold refresher trainings for 500-600 of
the cohort of farmers trained in 2011, and 1-2 linkage workshops to support networking among
value chain actors offering high quality inputs and services and service users.
The main activity pursued by WorldFish under Outcome 2 is to increase the production of micronutrient dense small indigenous fish (e.g. mola) vegetables, fruits for household income and
nutrition. Vines of the highly nutritious orange-fleshed sweet potato will be distributed to 100
households in Khulna, and to similar number households in other hubs in order to promote
improved household nutrition. Adaptive research in all hubs will continue to improve techniques
for the management of small indigenous nutrient dense fish species in household ponds and
some households will receive training on small nutrient dense fish and carp polyculture.
Improving production and supply of quality fish seed in hatcheries and nurseries will comprise
main activity implemented by WorldFish in contribution to Outcome 3. Work on improving the
quality of fish seed will take place in partnership with 25 nurseries in Khulna Hub, and eight
hatcheries and 40 nurseries In Barisal Hub. Business plans will also be developed for selected
hatchery owners in Mymensingh.
49
ANNEXES
Annex A: Hub Fact Sheets
Annex B: Additional Examples of Adaptive Trials and Demonstrations
Annex C: Lists of Trainings, Workshops, and Meetings
Annex D: Additional Examples of Capacity Building
Annex E: Additional CSISA-BD Success Stories
Annex F: List of LoAs, MoUs, and Service Contracts
Annex G: Summary of CSISA-BD Year 2 Work Plan
50
Annex A. Hub Fact Sheets
A.1 Jessore Hub
General Information
Districts in the hub area:
Total number of upazilas:
Total land area of the hub:
Estimated hub population:
Project working districts:
Jessore, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Narail and Magura
25
6,551 square kilometers
6.38 million
Jessore, Jhenaidah, and Narail
Land Type, Soil, and Climate
The Jessore Hub belongs mainly to the western part of the Ganges River Floodplain, and much of
the topography here is characterized predominantly by highland and medium highland. The
texture of the soil is very fine (loamy/clay) and includes mainly calcareous dark grey floodplain
soils and calcareous brown floodplain soils. This region occupies most of Bangladesh’s ‘dry zone’
where the annual rainfall is lowest and most variable, and where summer temperatures are
generally the highest. The maximum annual mean temperature of the region ranges between
370C and 410C. Mean annual rainfall ranges from 1,467 to 1,537 mm. While some highland soils
in the hub region are moderately well drained, a significant area is poorly drained during heavy
monsoon rainfall. Ponded rainwater and/or a raised water table during periods of heavy rainfall
and flood-level fluctuate both within the rainy season and from year to year according to rainfall
intensity. The groundwater level is highest (about 2 m below grade) in September and then
gradually decreases to lower levels in March.
Agriculture
The distribution of farm families in the Jessore Hub indicates that, on average, more than 80% of
the farms here are included in either the small farm, marginal farm, or landless categories. Only
2-3% of farmers are considered to be owners of large farms. Nevertheless, land utilization is
very intensive in this region. The amount of land area that is double- and triple-cropped is
higher than the amount of single-cropped area. Moreover, there are some areas where more
than three crops are raised, resulting in cropping intensity values between 232% and 244%
(depending upon the district). Rice cropping patterns dominate the agricultural production
systems, except for single-cropped utilization of farmland which is characterized by the
production of either banana, sugarcane, or betel leaf. Some examples of common cropping
patterns found in Jessore Hub include:
Double-cropped area:
Boro-Fallow-T.Aman, Maize-Fallow-T.aman,
Boro-Fish/Prawn/Shrimp
Triple-cropped area:
Boro-T.Aus-T.Aman , Boro-Aus-Vegetables, Boro-Jute-Vegetables,
Onion-Jute-T.Aman, Mustard-Boro-T. Aman, Mustard-Aus-T. Aman,
Wheat-T.Aus-T.Aman, Wheat-Mungbean-T. Aman , Maize-AusVegetables, Vegetables-Jute-T. Aman, Potato-Mungbean-T. Aman,
Vegetables-Vegetables-Vegetables,
Vegetables-Jute-Vegetables,
Maize-Jute-Pulse/vegetables
Aquaculture
The districts of the Jessore Hub collectively represent a very important and promising area for
freshwater aquaculture due to its favorable resources and climatic conditions, availability of
51
hatchery-produced fry, low-lying agricultural land, pond, warm climate, fertile soil, and cheap
and abundant labor. This is one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the country for
aquaculture, and includes traditional homestead pond culture, prawn and fish culture in ghers,
community based aquaculture in beels, and some intensive commercial aquaculture.
Considerable quantities of carp produced here are distributed to other regions throughout the
country. DOF (2010) indicates that about 7% of all pond production (56,440 mt/year) in
Bangladesh comes from this hub, although we strongly suspect that this figure is under reported.
Nearly 4,000 mt/year of prawn is also produced here.
Jessore is one of the most important centers for the trade in fish seed in Bangladesh, with 78
private hatcheries and hundreds of nurseries providing substantial livelihood opportunities for
the local population. Hatcheries in Jessore currently produce 102 mt/year of fish spawn (about
50% of national production). The surplus seed produced in Jessore is distributed to almost all
parts of Bangladesh; thus, this region significantly contributes to the overall development of
aquaculture in the country. The followings are the significant characteristics for aquacultural
activities in the hub areas:
• Mainly pond based aquaculture of fin fish and freshwater prawn; but also in GHERS
system (freshwater aquaculture + Boro rice production).
• Extensive production systems (low input / low output).
• One of the major fish seed producing areas, with significant amounts of fish seed
exported to other parts of Bangladesh and India.
• Some of the districts in the Jessore Hub are not self sufficient in fish production.
A.2 Khulna Hub
General Information
Districts in the Hub Area:
Total number of Upazilas:
Total Land area of the hub:
Estimated Hub population:
Project working districts:
Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat
26
1,032,571 ha (cultivable 481,146 ha)
5,693,294
Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat
Land Type, Soil, and Climate
Khulna Hub is part of the Ganges river delta or Greater Bengal Delta and contains the largest
mangrove forest in the world: the Sundarbans and several islands in the Bay of Bengal. The
region is characterized by a close network of interconnected tidal rivers and creeks which
creates the tidal water logging in the wet season causing the drainage to be particularly poor.
The risk of river bank erosion is high in the south and the area is exposed to cyclones and its
accompanying storm surges. Ground water is saline in the near surface aquifers throughout
most of this region with sweet water occurring in aquifers at around 300 meters. Land and soil
type is mainly characterized by medium high land and medium low land. The maximum annual
mean temperature of the region is 35.50C and the minimum is 12.50C. Mean annual rainfall is
1710 mm.
Khulna region is remarkably characterized by gher (land surrounded by bund mainly for shrimp
and prawn cultivation) systems. Gher was introduced more than two decades ago and has been
a source of earning foreign currency but it has decreased the crop production by creating higher
salinity in the soil, resulting in a more vulnerable ecosystem.
52
Agriculture
The most dominant cropping patterns in the region are Fallow-Fallow-T. Aman (62, 23 and 28%
in Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira district, respectively) and Boro-Fallow-T. Aman (9, 21 and 55%
in Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira district, respectively). About 27 % of the T. Aman area in the
region is under local T. Aman with low yields. In Boro season, most of the area remains fallow
due to lack of fresh irrigation water and high soil salinity. However there are some salt tolerant
Boro varieties released in Bangladesh which have the opportunity to expand . Moreover, the
yield gap of rice that exists in the region can be minimized by adopting appropriate production
technologies. Furthermore, there are some salt tolerant non rice crops which require less
amount of water and have the ability to adopt with appropriate agronomic options. Some
examples of common cropping patterns found in Khulna Hub include: Double-cropped area:,
Boro-Fallow-T. Aman, Boro-Fallow-Prawn, , Fallow-Prawn-T. Aman, Pulse-Fallow-T. Aman; Triplecropped area: Boro-Shrimp-Shrimp,Boro-Prawn-Prawn.
Aquaculture
Khulna region with its favorable agro-climatic conditions and resources is widely recognized as
the most suitable area for giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and black tiger
shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Shrimp farming is the main activity of the villagers and has taken up
a major place in aquaculture, and thus aquatic resources prove to be the main source of
livelihoods for the rural people. With shrimp farming area of more than 0.2 million hectors,
ponds with an area of 9732 ha, and approximately 22,253 ha of canals & rivers, this region has
great potential for fisheries development. Out of the total shrimp production, 80 % (124,692 t)
comes from the Khulna region and its development has been significantly tangible because of its
export potential. Shrimp (both brackish and fresh water) farming systems have noteworthy
impacts on agricultural and household income. This sector has created employment
opportunities for female and male workers in southwest Bangladesh.
Shrimp production in this region is largely extensive with low capital inputs and low yield per
hectare. Cultivation systems are being practiced as concurrent or alternate with rice production.
There is scope to increase the production level to almost double than the present 350 kg/h
(brackish water shrimp) and 450 kg/h (freshwater shrimp) respectively by improving some
components of the management practices in gher farming. WorldFish Center through the CSISABD project has emphasized necessary efforts for disseminating improved technologies in the
southwest region.
A.3 Barisal Hub
General Information
Districts in the Hub Area:
Total number of Upazilas:
Total Land area of the hub:
Estimated Hub population:
Project working districts:
6
40
133,315 km2 (826,994 ha is cultivable)
13,608,166
4
Land Type, Soil, and Climate
Barisal lies in the Ganges (Padma) River delta on an offshoot of the Arial Khan River
(Kirtonkhola), and is criss-crossed by many rivers. Cyclone and tidal surges are very common in
this region, which slow economic growth and increase the vulnerability and poverty of the
population. In addition, the surrounding large rivers cause much soil erosion that leads to the
emergence of land in the middle of the river (i.e., chars). Traditional livestock, poultry and pond
53
fish production exists but commercialization of these products is very slow to develop. An
estimated 70% of crop land is susceptible to tidal submergence, of which 10% is saline affected.
Agriculture
Barisal was once known as the "Crop house of Bengal" for its rich rice production. The major
crops grown are Aman rice, mungbean, grasspea, lentil, soybean, ground nut, chilli, watermelon,
sweet gourd, okra, bean, watermelon, hog palm, guava, capture fish, etc. Cropping intensity is
190% due to salinity, sandy soil, scarcity of irrigation water, and drought. The major cropping
patterns of this region are T.Aman-Fallow-Fallow, T.Aman-Pulse-Fallow and T.Aman-Boro-Fallow.
Kharif II and the winter season are suitable for crop production, but it is difficult to grow in Kharif
I. Cropped areas are cereals (71.6%), pulses (15.3%), spices and fruits (3.8%), oilseed crops
(4.7%), vegetables (1.8%), tuber crops (1.4%), and others (1.3%). Paddy, fish, fruits, pulses,
soybean and ground nut is exported from this region, and vegetables are imported from other
parts of the country.
Most of the poor are involved in crop production during winter but during other periods they are
involved in either fishing activities or in selling their labor. Non-agricultural activities and
employment opportunities are more limited than anywhere else in Bangladesh; as such, the bulk
of economic activity of this region is concentrated in agriculture, fisheries, wage labor, and
foreign remittances.
Aquaculture
Fisheries are very important in the Barisal region due to its large open water bodies and inland
culture fisheries. The number of fish ponds in this hub is the highest in Bangladesh. However,
the average fish production in each district of the Barisal Hub is very low as compared to other
parts of Bangladesh. Gher system farming with prawn and fish is also found in Baisal, Patuakhali,
Barguna, and Pirojpur districts. The total number of ponds and ghers in the hub is approximately
438,805, where 96% is under fish culture and the remaining 4% is under a gher farming system
with prawn-fish culture. The present number of quality hatcheries and nurseries are not enough
to meet the local demand. Only 52 hatcheries are present in all six districts of the hub to meet
the demand. The average production from pond aquaculture is 5-6 kg/decimal, so increasing
the production of pond aquaculture through dissemination of improved technologies is needed.
There are many opportunities to extend the gher-based farming system model in selected areas
of Barisal, Patuakhali, and Barguna districts.
A.4 Rangpur Hub
General Information
Districts in the Hub Area:
Total number of Upazilas:
Total Land area of the hub:
Estimated Hub population:
Project working districts:
8
58
16,320 km2
15,665,000
Dinajpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Rangpur
Land Type, Soil, and Climate
The Rangpur hub, formerly the Dinajpur Hub, is located in northwestern Bangladesh. It is the
coolest part of the country, with a prolonged winter season and thus has the greatest amount of
wheat growing areas in Bangladesh. However, it is also one of the most drought and flood prone
areas of the country. Soils are sandy to sandy loam, and an average 54.9% of land area is
54
categorized as medium high land (MHL), followed by 39.2% of high land (HL); only 1.2% of the
area is classified as low land (LL). The annual rain fall ranges from 1,862 to 2,931 mm per year
(average 2,609 mm) and the temperature ranges from 10.5-37.8°C.
Agriculture
The distribution of farm families in the Rangpur hub shows that 76.6% are small to marginal,
20.2% are medium holdings and only 3.1% are large farmers. The irrigation and cropping
intensity is 52.4% and 211% respectively. In Kharif, rice occupies 81% of cultivable land where as
in Rabi (winter) it accounts for 79%. Rice, wheat, maize, jute, potato, tobacco, sugarcane and
vegetables are the main crops produced. The dominant cropping patterns are: T.Aman-wheatjute, T.Aman-potato-maize, T.Aman-wheat-mungbean, T.Aman-mustard-Boro, and T.Amantobacco-fallow.
The major breakthrough for rice from this hub is the introduction of short duration rice varieties
(SDV) like BRRI Dhan 33 and BINA 7 in the Aman (monsoon) season. These two rice varieties
helped not only to increase the cropping intensity by allowing early rice harvesting, but also very
successfully mitigated seasonal hunger and even provided feed for cattle in Rangpur and
Nilphamari districts. The dry, direct seeded rice (dry DSR) and puddled transplanted rice (TPR)
cultivation techniques, in conjunction with these two rice varieties, has been a revolution in rice
production during the lean period for food between late October to mid November. Another
success is the introduction of two submergence tolerant varieties of rice which are BRRI Dhan 51
(Swarna Sub1) and BRRI Dhan 52 (BR11 Sub1), which can tolerate flash flood submergence for
up to two weeks.
The duration and coolness of the winter season has made this hub the highest wheat growing
area of the country. The Ug99-resistant BARI Gom26 wheat variety was introduced by CSISA
along with reduced till 2WTOS in most of the wheat growing areas like Baliadangi in Takurgaon,
Nilphamari sadar, Johldhaka and Sayedpur in Nilphamari and Rangpur sadar in Rangpur district.
They produced approximately 18 metric tons of seed at the farm level, and stored it for growing
in Rabi 2012; this productive activity was managed through a participatory farmer’s group
approach and federation.
Maize is the crop having the most upward trend, with respect to production potential, in this
region. Presently, because of its market price, wheat is being replaced by maize. The entire
maize crop is under hybrid maize production. In Dinajpur district, Birol upazila has the highest
acreage under maize. In Rangpur region, Kurigram, Thakurgaon, and Lalmonirhat districts have
the highest area and potential for increased maize production.
Aquaculture
Rangpur Hub is one of the most important regions for aquaculture development because of the
potential it has in terms of its diversified aquaculture resources: ponds, rivers, canals, beels,
floodplains, etc. Despite these rich resources, there is a large gap between fish production and
demand. The total demand of fish for the Rangpur Division in 2010 was 225,000 tons, but
production was only 105,000 tons. Due to the low production, fish prices are higher and per
capita fish consumption rate is lower than in other parts of Bangladesh. Fish are imported from
other districts to partially mitigate the demand.
Most of the ponds are under traditional carp culture, mainly for household consumption; very
few farmers practice improved and modern technologies. There is very large potential for ricefish culture since there is an abundance of lowland rice fields, and some farmers have even
started this activity on their own—but only using traditional, low-tech methods and materials.
55
There are 94 fish hatcheries (both government and private) in the division, producing 149.7 tons
of fry per year. Most of these hatcheries produce carp fry but there are a few that produce
tilapia and pangus, koi, etc., as well. Fingerlings are available but the quality and size are
substandard. Only a very few hatcheries produce new and improved varieties.
A.5 Mymensingh Hub
General Information
Districts in the Hub Area:
Total number of Upazilas:
Total Land area of the hub:
Estimated hub population:
Project working districts:
8
66
17,934, 081 acres
29,052,901 (Nos.)
Gazipur, Narayanganj, Narshingdi, Tangail, Kishorganj,
Manikganj, Jamalpur, and Mymensingh
Land Type, Soil, and Climate
The Mymensingh Hub has newly opened under the Cereal System Initiative for South Asia
expansion in Bangladesh (CSISA-BD). The characteristics of this hub have already been prepared
and published in a report posted in CSISA portal on 08 May 2011. Recently the Mymensingh Hub
started activities in Mymensingh and Tangail districts. So, these two districts were again
characterized in 2011 through FGD, informal discussion and using secondary source data to
select working areas, farmers, partners, and the types of intervention for selecting CSISA-BD
activities.
Mymensingh district is located under the Old Brahmaputra Flood Plain (Agroecological Zone or
AEZ- 9) and Madhupur Tract (AEZ- 28), and Tangail district is located under Young
Brahmyaputra-Jamuna Flood Plain (AEZ- 8), AEZ- 9 and AEZ- 28. The highest percent of land in
Mymensingh district is medium (41.2%) followed by high (37.2%), medium-low (15.7%), low
(4.9%) and very low lands (0.95%). Most of the high land is located in Madhupur tract of
Fulbaria, Baluka and part of Muktagacha upazillas.

Agriculture (IRRI and CIMMYT)
Mainly seasonal fruits, vegetables, spices, etc., are the major crops in this area. Medium-high
land will be the most suitable for CIMMYT interventions, but a remarkable portion of that is
under Boro-T Aus-T-Aman cropping pattern where introduction of other crops will not be so
easy. Medium-low and low lands could be used for introduction of submergence tolerant rice
varieties and mustard between double rice crops. Minimum tillage by PTOS for Jute cultivation is
another possibility. Wheat and maize can be introduced in char areas where most of the lands
are underutilized and rice cultivation is not economic due to frequent irrigation requirement.
Most of the lands of Tangail district are flooded except for the Madhupur tract. Those lands are
very suitable for rice-mustard and pulses. Good quantity wheat is grown in char areas of river
Jamuna. There is also a good scope to work on wheat. Little maize is also grown in char areas.
There is a good prospect to work with jute patterns in Tangail. Most of the farmers in both
districts are marginal followed by landless, small, medium and large. This is also a challenge for
conservation agriculture (CA), because CA is mostly adopted by large mechanized farmers.
However, there might be considerable scope for expansion with small machinery and with the
development of service providers. Both districts are very suitable for rice growing because there
is no acute shortage of water except Madhupur tract where mainly high value annual fruits and
vegetable are grown. That is why both the districts have surplus rice production.
56
The highest percent (53.26% in Mymensingh and 24.75% in Tangail) of cropped area is under
Boro-Fallow-T Aman pattern, indicating that there is ample scope to exploit fallows and add
mustard in between the two rice crops, especially where short-duration T Aman rice varieties
are used. Boro rice cultivation could potentially also be replaced by two crops (wheat-jute) to
reduce irrigation requirement in rice, because the government is also encouraging water
conservation. Conservation agricultural techniques can also be promoted to make a more wise
use of water. The second highest coverage (8.99%) is under Boro- T. Aus- T. Aman pattern in
Mymensingh. This pattern will be difficult to change due to lack of sufficient space and mind set
of the rice loving farmers. The second highest coverage is under Boro- B Aman- Fallow (13.20%)
in Tangail, especially in low-lying, flood prone areas. Farmers mainly grow long duration
photosensitive local rice varieties. Submergence tolerant rice cultivars can be tested in this area.
The 3rd and 4th highest coverage is under Vegetable-T Aus- T Aman (3.43%) and Boro-Vegetable-T
Aman (3.27%) patterns in Mymensingh. There are some areas under jute and wheat patterns
where CA practices can be introduced to decrease production costs and increase farmers’
income. Areas under wheat-based patterns are decreasing day by day due to reduction of wheat
areas. Such patterns covered 6382 ha five years ago, but now are about only 1200 ha. Adoption
of CA technology may regain the areas due to the short turnaround time and increase of income.
In Tangail district there is a wider diversity of crops, and improved prospects to work with
CIMMYT mandated crops using CA-based practices. However, ideal sites are mainly located in
the char areas of Jamuna far from Mymensingh. Because of this, it may be worth developing a
satellite Hub in Tangail to increase the efficiency of project personnel.

Aquaculture (WorldFish)
Mymensingh is well ahead in aquaculture due to its favourable resources and climatic
conditions, good soil quality, availability of hatchery-produced fry or fingerlings, availability of
inputs, fisheries research institutes and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). Last year
WorldFish implemented the project activities in Mymensingh and Tangail district. But this year
we decided to concentrate our activities only in Mymensingh district considering its huge scope.
Though Mymensingh district is more advanced in fish culture but most of the commercial farms
have been established at the road sides. Subsequently marginal and poor farmers of rural areas
have no or less access to modern technologies and varieties and most of them never even
received any training on fish culture and horticulture.
In addition, knowledge about the access to resources on fish culture, access to inputs, (quality
fish seed and feed) by the poor/marginal farmers and the output markets are not well
established for wider promotion to increase fish production and benefits to the people in the
hub. About 120 hatcheries (Carps, Tilapia, shing, Koi, Pungas) are present in Mymensingh
district. But the quality of seed cannot reach at the level of expectation. As a result farmers’ are
not getting more/desired production. Though most of the farmers of different areas of
Mymensingh district widely practice pungas mono culture but sadly major proportion of pungas
seed cultured in Mymensingh district are supplied from the northern districts like Bogra and
Naogaon. So, there is a great scope to increase the production of fish seeds for ensuring good
quality. Therefore, technical support for hatchery and nursery operators on technologies for
improving quality seed/fingerlings is essential for better production. Most of the marginal and
small farmers are practicing carp polyculture, but there is scope to increase production and their
income from the same area by introducing other species like shing, monosex tilapia with carps.
57
Annex B. Additional Examples of Adaptive Research Trials
and Demonstrations
This annex contains additional examples of project activities undertaken in Year 1 of CSISA-BD.
The first section presents information on demonstrations, and detailed descriptions and data for
adaptive trials, which were conducted by IRRI and CIMMYT for agricultural crops, cropping
systems, and related machinery. The second section provides detailed examples of the
demonstrations and adaptive trials that were conducted by WorldFish for aquaculture.
B.1
Agriculture
B.1.1
Demonstration of Varieties / Technologies in Jessore, Khulna, and Barisal Hubs
Dissemination of seeds of modern short duration Aman rice varieties
Dissemination of modern short duration Aman rice varieties include 321 farmers from 4 villages
under Jhenidah Sadar Upazila, one village of Kaligonj Upazila in Jhenidah District, and 6 villages
in Jessore district. Each farmer received 5 kg of rice seed to conduct demonstrations against
their variety; the following rice varieties were distributed: BRRI Dhan33, BRRI Dhan39, BINA
Dhan7, and BU Dhan1. Adoption of short duration rice varieties aims to increase household
farm productivity and income through the accommodation an extra crop such as short duration
mustard, vegetables, etc. after their rice crop. All farmers have established their field plots as
per training instruction and harvesting will be done in November 2011.
In Fultola and Dumuria upazilas under Khulna district, and in Sadar upazila under Satkhira
district, 51 farmers’ fields took place in the demonstration and dissemination of modern short
duration rice varieties, which included BRRI Dhan33, BRRI Dhan39, BRRI Dhan49, BINA Dhan7,
and BU Dhan1. In most cases transplanting was conducted late due to excessive rain water in
the main field, which might affect the productivity of the various varieties.
Demonstrations of quality seeds of high-yielding short-duration rice varieties (i.e., BINA Dhan7
and BU1) were conducted in 35 fields in Barisal and in 20 fields of Patuakhali districts, on about
5.0 ha of land. The participating farmers consider both varieties to be performing well, although
BU1 is performing better due to its uniform vegetative growth, greater pest resistance, and a
higher number of tillers per hill than BINA7.
Seed production of short duration Aman rice varieties
Seed production of short duration Aman rice varieties was targeted at 12 tons of quality seed of
the varieties BRRI Dhan49, BU1, BINA Dhan7, and BRRI Dhan39; dissemination is expected next
year through farmer to farmer contact. Twenty-nine farmers from two villages of Jhenidah
Sadar Upazila and Monirampur Upazila under Jhenidah and Jessore Districts, respectively, grew
seed crops on 2.47 ha. Farmers received training on seed production and practiced the
recommended seed crop management in their field. The long-term objective of this activity is to
ensure the availability of quality rice seed at the community level, and to build and strengthen a
sustainable/stronger seed network among the different stakeholders in this system.
Breeder as well as foundation seed of high-yielding short-duration, submergence-tolerance and
salt-tolerance rice varieties were provided to 5 households in Gournadi, Babuganj and Barisal
Sadar of Barisal district and 1 household in Amtoli of Barguna district for seed production. Due
to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, seedlings in 4 fields were destroyed in seedbeds after sowing.
One seed production plot in Char Kauwa, Barisal Sadar was transplanted with BRRI Dhan52 and
another plot in Karaibari, Amtoli was transplanted with BINA Dhan 8. In both locations, the two
58
varieties are performing well with no remarkable pest infestation, uniform vegetative growth,
and high number of tillers per hill as compared with local varieties used by farmers.
Demonstration and dissemination of salt-tolerant rice varieties
The salt tolerant varieties (BRRI Dhan41, BRRI Dhan53, BINA Dhan8) were demonstrated in 88
farmers’ fields in Fultala, Batiaghata and Dacope upazilas under Khulna district. Farmers are
showing interest on BRRI Dhan54, as its vegetative characteristics are similar to the widely
adopted BR23—but with a higher yield.
Demonstrations of salinity tolerant rice varieties (BRRI Dhan41, BRRI Dhan53, and BINA Dhan8)
include 15 ha of land in 166 farmers’ fields in the Barisal Hub. BRRI Dhan41 was demonstrated
in 6 farmers’ fields (1.2 ha) in Barisal district; 26 farmers in Barguna grew BRRI Dhan53. For
BINA8, 47 farmers in Barguna and 37 in Bhola grew this variety. In Barguna, BRRI Dhan 53
showed the best vegetative growth while BINA8 in Barguna and BRRI Dhan41 in Barisal attracted
farmer interest at the vegetative stage of the crop.
Demonstrations and dissemination of submergence-tolerance rice varieties
Demonstrations and dissemination of submergence-tolerant rice varieties BRRI Dhan51, BRRI
Dhan52, and IR64-Sub1 comprised 19.5 ha of land in the fields of 166 farmers (67 in Bhola, 44 in
Patuakhali, and 57 in Barisal districts). The crop attained reproductive stage, and both farmers
and DAE staff believe that the performance of BRRI Dhan52 is best, followed by BRRI Dhan51,
and then IR64-Sub1. The latter variety, however, is the earliest to mature.
Cultivation of summer tomato as a high value crop
Summer tomato cultivation was initially begun by a small group of innovative farmers, but
CSISA-BD is emphasizing its adoption by small farmers since it is a high-value crop with potential
to substantially increase farm income. As such, with the help of CIMMYT, production
demonstrations were conducted in 18 fields belonging to local farmers. These denonstrations
served as training platforms with which over 150 farmers in Jessore Sadar and Monirampur
Upazilas received in-depth training and support from the CSISA-BD project. This group then
began intensive cultivation of summer tomatoes in late May 2011.
Demonstration and dissemination of IRRI hermetic super bags
The IRRI Super bag is manufactured with a double layer of plastic sheets. In this bag, a low
moisture content can be maintained easily for a certain period of time (approximately 12-18
months). Insects and pests attacks can also be controlled by using these bags. These hermetic
Super bags have been demonstrated in 39 households in 2 upazilas of Khulna and Bagerhat
districts. Farmers have been observing its advantages; one farmer named Isha Khan in Moshiali
village of Fultola upazila expressed a positive feedback, saying “if we keep the seed only 12
months, we can save a lot of money. Most often we can’t find a good quality seed in proper
time for timely cultivation.”
Controlling fruit fly in cucurbits by using sex pheromone and poison bait with proper sanitation
Bokshir char, and Chandpashsa and Chandipur villages in Babuganj Upazilla are the most
important areas for vegetable production in Barisal District. Much of the demand for vegetables
there is fulfilled by the farmers of Babuganj, and they also supply vegetables to markets in the
city of Barisal, as well. Curcurbits are the most important vegetable crop grown in this area, and
many of the farmers produce such types as snake gourd, ridge gourd, ash gourd, bottle gourd,
and cucumber. Fruit flies are one of the most harmful pests that can cause 35-40% fruit
damage; as such, farmers are using large amounts of pesticides to control fruit flies. Thus, their
production costs are high with a corresponding decrease in profit.
59
CIMMYT set up a demonstration that includes 15 farmers in a group. The demonstrations
provide field-based examples of insect trapping, which is a valuable tool in pest management.
Pheromones provide a very positive attraction to entice pests into traps and, because of the
extreme sensitivity of insects to these lures, enable infestations to be detected at very low
levels—often when visual or other forms of inspection are unsuccessful.
B.1.2
Demonstration of Varieties / Technologies in Mymensingh and Rangpur Hubs
Integrated crop resources management
Integrated crop resources management (ICRM) was demonstrated on 880 farms (117 ha) in
Tangail, Gazipur, Kishoregonj, and Narshinghdi districts of Mymensingh Hub in collaboration
with DAE. Two popular Boro rice varieties (BRRI Dhan28 and BRRI Dhan29) that were tested
showed a higher yield in ICRM plots, in comparison to the farmers’ practice plots.
Direct seeded Boro rice with mustard
A total of 200 farmers in Manikganj (Mymensingh Hub) grew mustard and Boro rice, seeded
through 2WTOS, as a mixed crop. Farmers sowed a mixture of 6 kg mustard (BARI Sharisa14 or
BARI Sharisa15) and 35 kg Boro rice (BRRI Dhan29) during November 7-10, 2010. Mustard was
harvested first by mid-February; immediately after harvest the field received irrigation to the
remaining Boro rice. Some fields required gap filling with same plot’s seedling where necessary.
Finally, Boro rice was harvested at the end of May to first week of June (BRRI Dhan 29).
Dry direct-seeded rice (DDSR) by 2WTOS (PTOS) in rice-wheat/maize and tobacco-fallow or
rice-tobacco systems
In Rangpur Hub, CSISA-BD implemented the CA-based dry, direct-seeded rice (DDSR) by using
2WTOS in fields of 289 farmers, covering 34.44 ha of land during Aman (monsoon) season 2011.
The short duration varieties such as BRRI Dhan33 and BINA Dhan7 were seeded by the 2WTOS in
120 and 169 fields, respectively. Wheat will be sown by the same 2WTOS and bed planter, and
in some cases, winter maize will be established after the rice harvest.
Adoption of DDSR by 2WTOS into existing single (tobacco) or double-cropping (rice-tobacco)
systems allows farmers to grow wheat and mungbean crops and thus increases cropping
intensity. The result is an increased in income, reduced establishment costs, avoidance of
terminal drought, ensured cattle feed, and an ensured food supply and employment security.
Adaptation of Laser Land leveler followed by winter maize
Demonstration of a Laser Land Leveler in the Rangpur Hub (for the first time) attracted more
than 100 farmers. The collaborative farmer grew maize on his 0.40 ha land and compared the
results with the same crop grown on another 0.28 ha land without laser leveling. The laser
leveled land reduced irrigation cost by Tk. 2,223/ha, and increased maize yield by 0.64 t/ha.
Seed production of submergence tolerant varieties
A rice seed production scheme involving 331 farmers is being demonstrated for the 2011 Aman
season in Dinajpur. The demonstrations in the fields of these farmers includes submergence
tolerant varieties such as BRRI Dhan51 (in 198 fields), BRRI Dhan52 (in 130 fields), and Samba
Mashuri Sub1 (in 3 fields).
60
B.1.3
Adaptive Research Trials in Rangpur Hub
CA-based crop establishment methods in wheat
Adaptive research trials on CA-based crop establishment method for wheat in Rangpur Hub
involved 3 treatments: (1) reduced tillage by 2WTOS (RT), (2) wheat sown on bed by 2WTOBP
(BP), and (3) zero tillage by 4-wheel mini-tractor operated zero till multi crop planter (ZT) in two
replications. Fertilizer such as urea, TSP, MoP, gypsum, and boron were applied at 218, 180, 98,
93, and 6.5 kg/ha respectively. Two-thirds of the urea, along with full doses of all fertilizers,
were applied as basal applications and the remaining third of urea was applied at 26 DAS after
first irrigation. Irrigations were applied at 25 and 55 DAS. Post-emergence herbicide “Affinity”
(Carfentrazone) was applied at 1.5 g/ha at 26 DAS. The seed rate for wheat was 118 kg/ha for
2WTOS (PTOS) and 4WMTO-ZTMCP, and 89 kg/ha for bed planting.
Results demonstrated that initial populations per unit area were lower in ZT than in RT and bedsown wheat, due to bird damage through open furrows. ZT produced lower number of panicles,
but the panicle length was longer than in other treatments and gave the highest yield (4.92
t/ha), which was followed by RT (4.31 t/ha) and bed-sown wheat (4.26 t/ha) as shown in Table B1. Net income was also greatest for the ZT wheat, but the net income for bed-sown wheat was
higher than RT due to the use of a lower seed rate and lesser requirements for irrigation water.
Table B-1. Effect of different crop establishment methods on wheat (cv. BARI Gom26) in farmer
fields, Rangpur (Rabi 2010-11).
Initial
population
(no/m2)
Spike
(no/m2)
Spike
length
(cm)
Yield
(t/ha)
Total
Income
(BDT/ha)
Production
Cost
(BDT/ha)
Net
Income
(BDT/ha)
ZT by 4WMTO
ZTMCP
150
249
11.2
4.92
91,460
42,144
49,316
RT wheat by
2WTOS
163
296
9.06
4.31
80854
44,445
36,409
Bed sown wheat
by 2WTOBP
160
284
9.24
4.26
79,847
41,925
37,922
Methods
1 US$ = BDT 73.00
Bed sown wheat over flat sown wheat
An adaptive research trial (ART) involving flat-sown (by 4WMTO ZTMCP) wheat and bed planting
(by 2WTOBP) was conducted in the fields of two farmers at Laxmichap village under Nilphamari
district using the Ug99-resistant variety BARI Gom26. Agronomic management followed the
best recommended protocols for wheat production. The seed rate of bed-planted wheat was
20% lower than with 4WT ZTMCP (mini-AMAR). Seeds were sown on 16 November 2010 and
harvested on 2 April 2011; it was observed that initial populations per unit area were found
satisfactory. A higher yield was obtained in the flat beds sown using 4WT ZTMCP, as compared
to the bed-sown wheat by 2WTOBP in both farmers’ fields (Table B-2). However, the production
cost was higher in 4WT ZTMCP.
61
Table B-2. Effect of crop establishment methods on wheat (cv. BARI Gom26) in farmer fields,
Nilphamari (Rabi 2010-11).
Farmer
Name
Saroda
Mahon
Narayan
Chandra
Initial
Populatio
n (no/m2)
Spike
(no/m2)
Yield
(t/ha)
Total
Income
(BDT/ha)
Production
Cost
(BDT/ha)
Net
Income
(BDT/ha)
Bed-sown
wheat: 2WTOS
44
192
2.67
53320
52,123
1197
Flat-sown wheat:
4WT ZTMCP
68
183
3.58
71660
59,959
11,701
Bed-sown
wheat: 2WTOS
52
210
3.54
70740
52,123
18,617
Flat-sown wheat:
4WT ZTMCP
58
228
3.56
71120
59,959
11,161
Methods
Study on CA-based crop establishment methods of wheat and weed control options
An ART was conducted on crop establishment methods / weed control options at the BJRINashipur experimental plot. The goal was to investigate suitable crop establishment methods
for better yield, and identify effective weed control options for wheat during wheat the Rabi
2010-11 season. The Ug99-resistant variety BARI Gom26 was sown in 4 crop establishment
methods such as: wheat sown by 2WTOS, wheat sown on bed by 2WTOBP, wheat sown by
4WTO-ZTMCP (11 Tines), and wheat sown by 4WTO-ZTMCP (6 Tines, mini-AMAR). Four weed
control options were: chemical weed control by Carfentrazone (Affinity), and 2,4-D Amine
(Fielder); hand weeding (HW); and no weeding (NW). The design was strip-split plot with the
crop establishment method in strip, and weed control option in sub plot with three replications.
It was observed that all the methods, except for wheat sown by ZTMCP (6 Tines), produced
statistically similar yields. Nevertheless, bed-sown wheat gave the highest yield due to high
plant populations per unit area, which produced more panicles (see Table B-3).
Table B-3. Effect of establishment methods on wheat (BARI Gom26) at BJRI-Nashipur, Dinajpur
during Rabi 2010-11.
Population
(no/linear
meter)
Population
(no/m2)
Spike
(no/linear
meter)
Spike
(no/m2)
Grain
Yield
(t/ha)
Straw
Yield
(t/ha)
Wheat sown by 2WTOS
18
89
41
203
4.74
4.92
Wheat sown on bed by
2WTOBP
18
91
55
274
5.10
4.59
Wheat sown by 4WTOZTMCP (11 Tines)
15
77
43
214
5.01
4.53
wheat sown by 4WMTOZTMCP (6 Tines)
15
73
36
178
4.01
3.83
LSD0.05
1.5
7.7
4.2
21
0.39
0.62
Crop Establishment
method
In terms of weed control, the Carfentrazone (Affinity) applications were most effective with no
weeds observed up to maturity stage, resulting in the highest yield. The other chemical (2, 4-D
amine) did not work well on weeds, and showed a lower yield. A similar yield was observed for
62
hand weeding (Table B-4). However, the application of post-emergence herbicide controlled
weeds effectively and economically, which resulted in higher yields. It reduced the weeding cost
by 73.7%, as compared to hand weeding.
Table B-4. Effect of weed control options on wheat (BARI Gom26) at BJRI-Nashipur, Dinajpur
during Rabi 2010-11.
Population
(no/linear
meter)
Population
(no/m2)
Spike
(no/linear
meter)
Spike
(no/m2)
Grain
Yield
(t/ha)
Straw
Yield
(t/ha)
Carfentrazone (Affinity)
17
83
46
228
5.07
4.37
2,4-D Amine (Fielder)
16
79
39
197
4.39
4.25
Hand Weeding
17
86
46
229
4.97
4.66
No Weeding
16
82
43
217
4.45
4.59
5% LSD
1.5
7.7
4.2
21.3
0.39
0.62
Weed Control method
Effect of residue management on wheat yield
An ART was conducted at BJRI, Nashipur, Dinajpur experimental farm on residue management.
The seeds of Ug99 resistant variety named BARI Gom26 sown by 4WMTO-ZTMCP (6 Tines) and
2WTOS in residue and non-residue condition.
The results demonstrated higher yield obtained from rice straw residue keeping plots than nonresidue plots in both methods. Wheat sown by 2WTOS in residue plot showed the highest yield
(Table B-5).
Table B-5. Effect of different crop establishment methods and residue management on wheat
(BARI Gom26) at BJRI-Nashipur, Dinajpur during Rabi 2010-11.
Method
Wheat sown by
2WTOS
Wheat sown by
ZTMCP (6 Tines)
5%LSD
Residue
Mgt.
Population
(no/linear
meter)
Population
(no/m2)
Spike
(no/linear
meter)
Spike
(no/m2)
Grain
Yield
(t/ha)
Straw
Yield
(t/ha)
(+) Residue
14
71
40
199
3.94
2.83
(-) Residue
15
75
37
184
3.48
1.84
(+) Residue
15
74
36
179
3.75
2.15
(-) Residue
13
66
32
162
3.20
1.99
0.6
3.0
7.9
39.8
0.67
0.848
Effect of Unpuddled TPR over Puddled TPR in Boro rice
Demonstrations on unpuddled transplanted rice (UnPTPR) involved 18 farmer plots (1.34 ha).
Generally, farmers plough their land twice either by power tiller or bullock before keeping it
fallow for a few days. Then they apply water into the field and puddle the land again twice,
followed by laddering, before transplanting rice seedling. As a result, the ploughing cost is high
and there is an increase in soil compactness due to puddling. This “farmer’s practice” scenario
was compared with Unpuddled TPR (UnP TPR) using 2-3 ploughings in dry soil conditions, and
then water application, followed by transplanting seedlings without any puddling. As iluustrated
63
below in Figures B-1a and B-1b, the results demonstrated that UnPTPR produced a higher
number of tillers and greater yield compared to puddled transplanted rice (PTPR).
Figure B-1a. Tillering ability at 15, 30, and 45 DAT in
Unpuddled and Puddled Transplanted rice, Saidpur,
Nilphamari (Rangpur Hub) during Boro 2010-11.
B.1.4
Figure B-1b. Grain yield in unpuddled and
puddled transplanted rice, Saidpur, Nilphamari
(Rangjpur Hub) during Boro 2010-11
Adaptive Research Trials in Mymensingh Hub
Evaluation of mustard and rice varieties for mixed cropping of Mustard+Boro rice under
surface seeding condition using mechanical seeder
Mixed cropping of mustard and Boro by surface seeding with minimum tillage is a technology
innovated by farmers that became an example of conservation agriculture in Narayanganj
district. This cropping system attracted the attention of CSISA-BD, and offered an opportunity to
improve it by selecting better choices of varieties (for both crops) and introducing planting with
2WTOS.
Three Boro rice varieties were tested in combination with two mustard varieties in a split-plot
design with 6 dispersed replications. Two mustard varieties (BARI Sharisha 14 and BARI Sharisha
15) broadcasted (6 kg/ha) in the main plots were used as sub-plots for 2WTOS-sown (35 kg/ha)
Boro rice varieties (BRRI Dhan 29, BRRI Dhan 45, and BINA Dhan 5). Both of the crops were
seeded on the same day in mid-November 2010. Mustard received, per ha, 150 kg urea, 80 kg
TSP, 35 kg MOP, 70 kg gypsum, and 7.5 kg boric acid and zinc sulphate, respectively. After the
harvest of the mustard crop, Boro rice received 75, 53, and 38 kg urea, TSP, and MOP per ha,
respectively, at the first irrigation and 75 kg urea per ha during panicle initiation. Immediately
after harvest of mustard in mid-February, the remaining Boro rice received its first irrigation and
replacement of some missing plants in the line. The Boro rice matured at the end of May.
Required data were collected with the participation of the farmers and extension personnel. As
shown in Table B-6, the results indicate that the interaction effect of mustard varieties and rice
varieties significantly affected yields. For example, BINA Dhan5 and BRRI Dhan29 produced a
higher yield than BRRI Dhan45 grown with both BARI Sharisha14 and 15. The yield of BARI
Sharisha14 was lower than BARI Sharisha15, albeit statistically insignificant. Although BINA
Dhan5 and BRRI Dhan29 show a similar yield in the BARI Sharisha14 plot, the former gave a
significantly higher yield than the latter when grown with BARI Sharisha 15. Rice varieties had an
insignificant effect on the grain yield of mustard varieties but, for a given variety of rice, BARI
Sharisha 15 showed a higher yield than the BARI Sharisha 14 variety.
64
Table B-6. Interaction effect of mustard and rice varieties on the yield of mustard and Boro rice
for direct-seeded Boro-mustard mixed cropping systems during the year 2010-11.
Main plot
Grain yield (t/ha)
Sub plot
Rice
Mustard
BRRI Dhan 45
6.31
2.42
BINA 5
7.53
2.24
BRRI Dhan 29
7.16
2.20
Mean
7.00
2.29
BRRI Dhan 45
6.18
2.54
BINA 5
7.56
2.42
BRRI Dhan 29
7.03
2.51
Mean
6.92
2.49
LSD
0.49
0.28
CV (%)
5.31
8.64
BARI Mustard 14
BARI Mustard 15
Performance of different tillage systems for wheat cultivation
The experiment involves four tillage systems: (1) a single pass by a power tiller (SPST), (2) Bed
Planting (BP), (3) Strip tillage (ST), and (4) farmer’s practice (FP) in RCBD with 3 replications using
BARI Gom 26 (Ug99-resistant) as a test crop. Treatments SPST, BP, and ST required 90-100 kg
seed per ha compared to 120 kg/ha in FP. All plots received urea, TSP, and MP at the rate of
220, 180, and 50 kg/ha, respectively. A flat rate of 120 kg/ha gypsum, and 7 kg/ha each for
boron and zinc sulphate, were also applied. The crop was harvested on 25 March 2011.
As shown in Table B-7, the SPST plots gave the highest yield of 5.8 t/ha, followed by ST, and BP;
FP gave the lowest yield, as expected. Plant parameters were found significant among the
treatments: the highest yield supported by the number of tiller/m2 and seeds/spike. Seed
germination was very low in bed planting plots, which affected the initial plant stand in all the
replications and resulted in a low yield of wheat.
Table B-7. Effect of different tillage methods on the yield and yield attributes of wheat at
Elenga, Tangail (Mymensingh Hub) during Rabi season, 2010-11.
Plant height
(cm)
Effective
tiller/m2
No. of seeds/
spike
1000-grain
Wt. (g)
Grain yield
(t/ha)
Straw yield
(t/ha)
SPST
111.7
325
54.4
43.3
5.8
8.8
STIP
111.5
315
53.7
43.7
4.5
8.2
BED
111.3
273
53.5
41.7
4.2
7.9
FP
110.8
217
52.8
44.0
3.6
6.5
LSD
1.47
10.3
1.75
2.21
0.51
1.22
CV (%)
0.66
1.22
1.64
2.56
3.65
5.13
Treatment
Adaptation of different new maize hybrids by Bed Planter and PTOS
Farmers are using traditional or old hybrid varieties in this area, which results in lower yields
and/or increases the likelihood of disease and pest infestation. The introduction of new hybrid
varieties with higher yield potentials would most likely result in increased farmer income. Based
65
on the performance of various varieties tested, farmers can select a suitable one for cultivation
in the future.
Trials were conducted on the adaptation of different new hybrids in the fields of farmers in
Pakundia, Kishorganj during the Rabi season of 2010-2011. They were laid out in RCBD with 3
dispersed replications. The varieties tested in bed planter trials were 984, NK 40, and BARI
Hybrid Maize 5; in the 2WTOS the varieties used were Uttoron, 900 M Gold, and NK 40. The unit
plot size was 500 m2, and the seed rate was set at 20 kg/ha. Seed was sown on 30-31 December
2010 via in-line sowing with a 2WTOS machine, and by bed planting on 5 January 2011.
Recommended fertilizer doses and standard crop production practices were followed. The
maize crop was harvested during the second week of May for both sites.
The results shown in Tables B-8 and B-9 indicate the highest yield was obtained from NK 40, for
both the method and location variables, followed by 900 M Gold and 984. The farmers opined
that the bed planter is more time consuming and hazardous than 2WTOS, and also there is no
yield advantage to be gained from using the bed planter instead of the 2WTOS. Thus, they
preferred the 2WTOS because of it is easier to operate, it is less costly, and the seeds can be
sown in line.
Table B-8. Performance of different maize varieties sown by bed planter in on-farm trials at
Sukhia, Kishorganj during the Rabi season of 2010-11.
Variety
Plant
height
(cm)
BHM 5
195.6
1.3
17.90
578.5
274.7
7.00
20.11
984
192.4
1.3
18.83
608.1
260.3
7.05
20.44
NK 40
204.4
1.4
18.80
617.1
319.3
7.95
21.33
LSD
17.72
0.14
1.31
20.42
16.26
0.24
1.86
CV (%)
3.96
5.04
3.12
1.50
2.52
1.42
3.99
No. of
cob/plant
Cob length
(cm)
No. of
grain/cob
1000-grain
weight (g)
Yield
t/ha
No. of plant
in 5 linear m
Table B-9. Performance of different maize varieties sown by 2WTOS in on-farm trials at Bahadia,
Kishorgonj during the Rabi season of 2010-11.
Treatment
(Maize
Variety)
Plant
height
(cm)
No. of
cob/plant
Cob
length
(cm)
No. of
grain/cob
1000grain
weight (g)
Grain
Yield
t/ha
No. of
plant in 5
meter
Uttoron-2
176.8
1.0
17.5
487.2
357.3
7.20
17.8
900 M
177.0
1.1
16.0
492.3
247.7
7.35
18.6
NK 40
195.3
1.4
18.4
611.9
319.7
8.10
17.9
LSD
7.37
0.14
2.01
36.14
14.62
0.73
0.25
CV (%)
1.78
5.83
5.12
3.00
2.09
4.28
0.61
Water saving technique for Boro rice cultivation using AWD pani pipe and sand box technique
The trial aimed to evaluate the performance of an AWD pipe and sand box in the cultivation of
Boro rice, as well as to popularize these simple technologies. The trial was conducted in four
66
locations, with the treatments being the sand box, AWD, and a control. The Boro rice crop was
transplanted on 22-27 November 2010, and harvested 1-11 May 2011. Recommended fertilizer
doses and standard crop management practices were followed.
Results indicate that rice yields varied across locations. Table B-10 shows that the highest yield
was obtained from AWD in all locations, followed by the sand box. The cumulative effect of the
yield contributing parameters significantly supported a higher yield. The frequency of irrigations
was lower in AWD across all of the locations, as compared to the other two treatments. The
AWD and sand box treatment showed a comparable yield obtained with control.
Table B-10. Effect of irrigation methods on rice yield and number of irrigation applications in the
fields of four farmer, Boro season 2010-2011.
No. of irrigations
Grain yield (t/ha)
Location
AWD
Sandbox
Control
AWD
Sandbox
Control
Bapta
22.1
27.7
24.7
7.11
7.11
7.03
Boromirajpur
14.5
17.5
19.5
5.96
5.49
5.60
Jhatibaria
22.7
27.7
26.3
7.46
7.03
7.03
Pachua
14.5
15.2
19.0
8.56
7.94
7.33
Performance of Hybrid rice variety Tez 23 at farmers’ fields
Hybrid rice variety Tez was compared with the popular HYV BRRI dhan29 in 10 farmers’ fields at
Dhanbari, Tangail during the Boro season 2011 in partnership with Bayer Crop Science. Besides
the cluster there are some BRRI dhan 29 plots was monitored as check plots. The Bayer Crop
Science (BCS) provided seeds while CSISA provided the hands-on training for rice production to
the farmers. Recommended fertilizers doses and standard crop management practices were
followed. The CSISA and BCS jointly monitored the field. Finally a field day was organized during
the crop cut time. The results indicated that hybrid rice produced the highest yield 8 t/ha
compared to BRRI dhan 29 (7.37 t/ha). Farmers opined that they are happy to receive 0.63 t/ha
more yield than BRRI dhan 29, but the hybrid rice seed cost is very high.
B.2
Aquaculture
B.2.1
Demonstration and Training on Varieties / Technologies in Fisheries
Household pond-based aquaculture-horticulture system (including short duration carp and
nutrient dense SIS polyculture)
Four demonstrations of homestead pond aquaculture with high value horticulture on pond
dykes and in home gardens were organised in Dinajpur Hub, with the aim of boosting pond
productivity, household incomes and nutritional status. Additional trainings were organised for
99 clients, of which 87 were women. Also in Dinajpur, a further eight demonstrations have been
established to promote the production of small indigenous fish (SIS) in homestead pond
polyculture with carps. SIS are increasingly rare in the wild, but are very high in essential micronutrients and thus have the potential to make very important contributions to nutrition security.
A total of 272 farmers received training on SIS culture through these demonstrations. Although
these technologies have not been demonstrated in Jessore, 245 women from poor and marginal
households there have received training on household-based pond aquaculture and horticulture
systems and the production of SIS, along with nutrition education.
67
Demonstration of improved shrimp farming using PCR tested PLs
This demonstration was implemented in Khulna, with the project establishing four participatory
demonstrations in farmer’s ghers (one at Batiaghat, two at Shyamnagar and another in
Chitalmari upazila); training was provided to 300 farmers. The technology focused on improved
gher management. This include developing on-farm nurseries for shrimp post-larvae (PL) tested
as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) free by Polymeraze Chain Reaction (PCR) testing,
maintaining proper stocking densities, and supplying supplementary feed. This results in
stronger, healthier juveniles, higher rates of growth and lower rates of infection with WSSV, and
reduced risk and greater profits for adopting farmers. Field days were organized to show
methods and the result of demonstrations to neighboring farmers, elites, government officials,
and other aquaculture practitioners. The results of the demonstrations are encouraging. All
four demonstration farmers were given training with their groups; they then prepared the
nurseries firs. Two farmers used an earthen nursery and the other two used net nurseries. After
15-21 days of rearing in the nurseries, healthier juveniles were released into their ghers.
Improved freshwater prawn/carp polyculture and short duration tilapia culture in ghers with
horticulture on dykes
Although prawn farming is well established in Southwest Bangladesh, a lack of knowledge and
skills limits productivity to 1.75 kg/decimal (430kg/ha). This limit can be increased twofold with
the introduction of improved management techniques. Demonstrations of improved freshwater
prawn/carp polyculture technology should therefore focus on improved management. This
includes liming and fertilizing, nursing post-larvae (PL) to ensure healthier juveniles, stocking
large (15-20g) fish fingerlings, and ensuring optimum stocking densities and feed management.
Use of dykes for horticulture for home consumption and commercial purposes is also promoted.
The project established 3 participatory demonstrations in farmer’s ghers in Khulna hub (two in
Chitalmari Upazila and one Kalaroa Upazila), and used these to directly train 275 farmers. In
Barisal, a total of five demonstrations have been established, and 50 farmers have received
training on this technological package. Eight demonstrations were established in Jessore Hub,
both in Jessore and Narail districts with 195 farmers, of whom 25 were women that received
training. The average standing biomass reached 3.18 kg/decimal in 93 days for prawn-carp
polyculture, as compared to a baseline production of 1.7 kg/decimal observed in Jessore.
Tilapia culture has recently become popular with farmers in the southwest and there is scope to
increase the intensity of fish production to 2-3 cycles per year, which would dramatically
increase yields. Four demonstrations on reduced risk, short-duration, improved tilapia culture in
ghers with dyke horticulture were established in the Jessore Hub in order to increase the
intensity of the cropping system. An additional 2 demonstrations were set up in the Khulna Hub;
99 and 75 farmers were trained on tilapia culture, respectively, in each hub through these
demonstration platforms. In Jessore, prior to the intervention, farmers used to grow one crop of
fish in Kharif (summer) and one crop of Boro rice in Rabi (winter) season, with fish production of
only 7 kg /decimal. Following the intervention, farmers harvested 21.5 kg/decimal of fish in an
average of only 100 days, and restocked for a second cycle to be harvested before plantation of
Boro rice in November.
Demonstration of improved short duration tilapia, carp polyculture, carp/shing polyculture
and carp/freshwater prawn polyculture in ponds with horticulture on dykes
Carp-prawn culture in ponds with dyke horticulture is being promoted in Khulna, Barisal, and
Jessore. The technology focuses on stocking large size fingerlings to reduce the culture period,
and ensuring that proper management practices are followed (e.g., regular feeding, appropriate
stocking densities maintained, fertilization and liming). In some cases only carp is stocked, while
prawns may also be stocked as an additional high value crop, as well. The short duration of the
68
culture period is achieved through stocking of large size fingerlings of fast growing species
capable of quickly reaching marketable size (e.g. Sharputi, common carp, silver carp). This is
important as floods and cyclones frequently cause much damage, which makes it important to
reduce culture times as much as possible. The associated production of vegetables on dykes
yields additional benefits to farm households by making use of limited open space. This
intervention approximately doubled baseline fish production from 6.4 to 12.5kg/decimal in
Jessore.
Three demonstration ponds were established through a farmer-participatory cost sharing
approach in Khulna, and a total of 100 farmers were trained. This model is also the major
intervention in Barisal, as most households involved in aquaculture there practice traditional
carp polyculture in ponds. Therefore, 11 demonstrations of this improved technology were
established in the Barisal Hub, and a total of 400 households received training as a result. Seven
demonstrations were established in Jessore and Jhenaidah districts (Jessore Hub), with 197
clients receiving training. Another 12 demonstrations on improved carp polyculture in ponds
were also established in the Tangail district of Mymensingh Hub.
Two demonstrations on improved tilapia culture in ponds (with horticulture on dykes) have been
established in Jessore Hub, and another one in Barisal Hub. The productivity of ponds in Barisal
Hub is very low on average, and improved tilapia culture offers a means of intensifying
production through the introduction of a fast growing, low risk species. To achieve this, proper
pond preparation, optimal stocking densities, and feeding with manufactured complete feeds
are necessary procedures that must be followed; doing so will achieve yields that are much
better than those obtained from traditional carp polyculture. For instance, farmers in Jessore
obtained annual yields of 6 kg/decimal from traditional carp polyculture as compared to 21.5
kg/decimal of tilapia in a single cycle of 100 days, followed by restocking for a second cycle
(expected to yield 20kg/decimal in November 2011).
Twelve demonstrations of carp polyculture combined with the culture of high value shing catfish
were also established in Mymensingh. In general, shing culture has been positively received in
the communities where demonstrations were placed, as farmers obtained substantial profits. As
per the project implementation guidelines, farmers in all these interventions are utilizing their
pond dykes and homestead fallow lands for the cultivation of horticultural crops such as bottle
gourd, ash gourd, cucumber, sponge gourd, and country bean. This allows households to meet
their daily vegetable requirements and earn additional income.
Demonstration of improved rice-fish farming with dyke cropping
CSISA-BD established nine improved rice-fish demonstrations in Dinajpur, and one in Khulna. In
Khulna, some farmers cultivate T.Aman rice following shrimp culture. The addition of tilapia,
raised concurrently with Aman rice, has enabled farmers to gain an additional high value crop.
The fish are raised until the Aman rice is harvested, following which preparations are made (in
late December) for shrimp cultivation. In Dinajpur, tilapia and carp are stocked in rice fields
concurrently with the rice. Stocking may take place during either the Boro or Aman season,
depending on the water holding capacity of the plot. Demonstrations are also used to promote
vegetable cropping on rice field dykes. A total of 218 individuals have been trained on improved
rice-fish culture in Dinajpur.
Improved carp nursery management for large size quality fingerling production
Many nurseries in the Barisal Hub lack sound knowledge on carp nursery management; this
results in a lack of large-sized, quality fingerlings that are available as inputs to fish producers.
This issue is a key factor impeding the development of aquaculture in the Barisal region. As
such, two demonstrations were established there in the hub to address this problem by
69
promoting: pre-stocking pond preparation, the use of seed from reputable hatcheries, stocking
at appropriate densities, good water quality management and feed use, and the production of
large and overwintered fingerlings which are in high demand among farmers.
B.2.2
Adaptive Research Trials in Fisheries
Commercial cage aquaculture in cages by women (Khulna)
Khulna region is enriched with aquatic resources. A total of 70 rivers and approximately 1,000
canals exist in this region, with a total area of over 22,000 hectares. This water resource can be
used for aquaculture, creating alternative livelihoods options for poor families. Cage-fish culture
is a suitable production option for both fingerlings and food fish in these canals. In order to
promote cages that fit within different resource systems, it is important to develop context
specific technologies (in terms of cages) to augment household incomes and nutrition for poor
families.
As such, the project established trials with 9 cages in the canal at Batiaghata Upazila to conduct
a study. Nine women from poor households living along side of the canal are participating. The
size of each cage is 3m x 2m x 1.5 m; materials used for constructing them are available in the
local market. Before stocking, the women were oriented with regard to how to take care of the
cages. Cages are stocked with male (monosex) tilapia at 3 different stocking densities (200, 300,
and 400 fingerling/m3) and all required fishery management is undertaken by the households.
Cages will be used for both for foodfish production during the wet season, and for fingerling
production during the dry season. In order to collect accurate data/information, one MSc.
student from Khulna University has been enlisted to participate in this research study.
Five cages were stocked on 1 August 2011, and another 4 cages stocked were stocked on 19
August. Results observed after 68 days compare the lowest (117 kg) and the highest (369 kg)
weight of fish per cage (as measured on 7 October 2011) against the initial stocking weights,
which were 8.8 kg/cage (lowest) and 17.6 kg/cage (highest). For the cages stocked on 19 August
(observed 49 days), production ranged from 135 kg/cage to 185 kg/cage against the initial
stocking weights of 10 kg and 15 kg.
Commercial cage aquaculture in cages by women (Barisal)
Participatory adaptive research trials are established to adapt specific technology considering
the local environmental and socio-economic condition, and to refine the technology ready for
demonstration and dissemination. An adaptive research trial on cage fish (mono-sex tilapia)
culture was established at Bakai village, Khanjapur union, Gournadi upazila of Barisal district.
Three treatments and three replications are designed to validate the research result. As a result,
9 cages were prepared to conduct this research. The stocking density of mono-sex tilapia (2”2.5”) used was 100 fish/m3 (in 3 cages), and 200 fish/m3 in another 3 cages. Likewise, a 300
fish/m3 stocking density was maintained in the remaining 3 cages. The average initial weight of
the tilapia was 8g. After 15 days from the stocking date, the average weight was observed to be
approximately 20g. Nine women members of Bakai are involved in operating the cage culture
activities as part of the trials.
70
Annex C. Lists of Trainings, Workshops, and Meetings
Table C-1. Training / Capacity Building of the Farmers
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Name or Title of the Training
Course
Training on Aman rice
production
Training on crop management
of BRRI -51 and 52, LCC based
nitrogen management and
crop protection of Aman rice
Training on Rice Seed
production processing and
preservation for the Kajoli
School Mothers
Training on improved shrimp
farming by stocking PCR
tested PL in gher
Training on improved farming
of fresh water prawn and
carps in gher and horticulture
on dyke
Types or
Categories of
Participants
Duration of
the Course
(Day / Week)
Course
Organized by
Project Farmers
1 day
Project Farmers,
Partner Staff,
Govt. Staff
Participants (No.)
Key Results / Knowledge and Skill
Developed
Male
Female
Total
IRRI
1,091
122
1,213
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on Aman rice production
1 day
CSISA-BD,
DAE,
BOHUBRIHY
35
--
35
Increased knowledge of project farmers,
partner staff and Govt. staff on this
management technique
Other Farmers
1 day
CSISA-BD and
RIB
--
50
50
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on seed production and preservation
technique
Project Farmers
2 days
WorldFish
275
25
300
Project Farmers
2 days
WorldFish
490
55
545
6.
Training on improved farming
of tilapia in gher and
horticulture on dyke
Project Farmers
2 days
WorldFish
169
5
174
7.
Training on improved rice-fish
farming with dyke cropping
Project Farmers
2 days
WorldFish
216
2
218
8.
Training on Improved farming
of tilapia in pond and
horticulture on dyke
Project Farmers
2 days
WorldFish
50
--
50
71
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on shrimp farming and area will increase
under the improve technology
Increased knowledge of project farmers
improved farming of fresh water prawn
and carps technique in gher and area will
increase under the improve technology
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on improved farming of tilapia in gher and
area will increase under the improve
technology
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on rice-fish farming and area will increase
under the improve technology
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on improved farming of tilapia in pond
No.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Name or Title of the Training
Course
Training on improved carp
polyculture in pond and
horticulture on dyke
Types or
Categories of
Participants
Project Farmers
Training on improved carpshing polyculture in Pond and
Project Farmers
horticulture on dyke
Training on improved short
duration carp-fresh water
Project Farmers
prawn polyculture in pond and
horticulture in dyke
Training on household based
pond aquaculture (polyculture
of nutrient rich small fish with Project Farmers
carp and/or tilapia) and high
value horticulture system
Training on improved carp
nursery management for
Project Farmers
large, quality fingerling
production
Training on improved wheat
Project Farmers
varieties
Training on controlling of
insect pest by sex pheromone
Project Farmers
IPM techniques
Training on quick growing
Farmers
vegetable production
Training on Summer Tomato
Farmers
Production Technology
Duration of
the Course
(Day / Week)
Course
Organized by
Participants (No.)
Male
Female
Total
Key Results / Knowledge and Skill
Developed
2 days
WorldFish
863
106
969
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on improved carp poly culture in pond and
area will increase under the improve
technology
2 days
WorldFish
100
50
150
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on carp-shing polyculture in ponds
100
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on carp-fresh water prawn poly culture in
pond and area will increase under the
improve technology
2 days
WorldFish
22
78
2 days
WorldFish
53
441
494
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on household based pond aquaculture
and nutrition education and area will
increase under the improve technology
2 days
WorldFish
93
--
93
Increased knowledge of project farmers
on carp nursery management in pond and
increased production of large fingerling
1 day
CIMMYT
200
--
200
Increased knowledge on modern varieties
of wheat that will increase productivity
1 day
CIMMYT
25
--
25
Reduced pest attack through adoption of
sex pheromone IPM techniques
1 day
CIMMYT
22
8
30
1 day
CIMMYT
16
2
18
3,720
944
4,664
Total
72
Increased yield of vegetable through
adoption of training knowledge
Increased farmers income through
summer tomato cultivation
Table C-2. Training / Capacity Building of Project Staff, and Staff of Partners / Stakeholders
No.
1.
2.
Name or Title of the
Training Course
Adaptive Research and
Technology Delivery in
Rice Production
Training of Trainers on
Cereal Crops, Fish and
Vegetable Production
Technology
Types or
Categories of
Participants
Duration of
the Course
(Day / Week)
Course
Organized by
CSISA-BD Staff
7-9 June 2011
CARE,
(SHOUHARDO II)
staff
24-28 July
2011
Key Results / Knowledge and Skill
Developed
Male
Female
Total
IRRI
15
3
18
Context specific rice production related
technology identified
SHOUHARDO
II & IRRI
20
1
21
Capacity built among project staff on this
technologies
IRRI
11
7
18
IRRI
6
11
17
3.
Partnership Training
CSISA-BD Staff &
Partners
4.
Gender Analysis and its
Application in Agricultural
Research and Dissemination
CSISA-BD staff
5.
Project Management
CSISA-BD staff
5 days
WorldFish
3
--
3
Staff are aware about project management
CSISA-BD Staff
3 days
Innovision
and CIMMYT
22
5
27
Training knowledge has been applied to
conduct maize value chain study
Extension Staff
6 days
WorldFish
18
4
22
Staff awarded on aquaculture-agriculture
system and extension process
CSISA-BD Staff
6 days
WorldFish
16
1
17
Staff capacity build on aquacultureagriculture system and extension process
CSISA-BD Staff
and partners
4 days (radio)
15 days (video)
IRRI-HQ and
RDA
5
2
7
Partners are well awarded on community
radio and digital video production process
CSISA-BD Staff
and partners
15 days
CIMMYT
2
1
3
Increased knowledge and skill on CA that
will be applied in CSISA-BD Project
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Training on maize value
chain analysis
ToT on aquaculture and
agriculture system and
extension methods
ToT on aquaculture and
agriculture system and
extension methods
Training on community
radio and digital video
production
Training on Conservation
Agriculture in India
13-15 Sept.
2011
26-28
September
2011
Participants (No.)
73
Capacity build among staff on partnership
development
Capacity build among staff on gender
analysis and role of gender in agricultureaquaculture
No.
11.
Name or Title of the
Training Course
Types or
Categories of
Participants
International training on
brood stock management
and cryopreservation on
carp gametes
CSISA-BD Staff,
DoF, BFRI
Duration of
the Course
(Day / Week)
15 Days
Course
Organized by
CIFA,
WorldFish
Total
Participants (No.)
Male
Female
Key Results / Knowledge and Skill
Developed
Total
6
--
6
124
35
159
Project staff, DoF and BFRI representative
gained experience on brood stocking
management and cryopreservation
technique
Table C-3. Workshops, Conferences, and Meetings
No.
Name or Title of the Event
(Workshop / Conference /
Meeting)
Participant
Type /
Category
Name of the
Participants’
Organization
Duration
of the
Event
(Day /
Week)
Participants (No.)
Event
Organized
by
Male
Female
Total
Key Results / Outputs of the
Event
1.
Meeting with DD of BADC, for
rice seed collection, Metro,
Khulna
BADC
Personnel
CIMMYT, BADC
6 June
2011
IRRI
3
1
4
Increased awareness of BADC
Personnel about CSISA-BD Project
2.
Meeting with Khulna North
Feed Mills (KNFM) LTD, Khulna
KNFM
personnel
CSISA-BD,
KNFM,
Innovision
15 June
2011
CIMMYT,
Innovision
9
2
11
Increased partnership linkage
3.
Participate in CA-based training
in India
CSISA-BD
and other
stakeholders
Bangladesh,
India and Nepal
28 Jun- 11
Jul 2011
CIMMYTIndia
11
4
15
Increased knowledge and skill on
CA based crop management
4.
Attended a Workshop on
Presentation of Maize Value
Chain Assessment by
Innovision
CSISA-BD
and other
stakeholders
DAE, BARI, CPBangladesh,
JCF-Jessore,
CSISA-BD
24 July
2011
CIMMYT,
Dhaka
33
4
37
Disseminated the study findings
among the relevant stakeholders
and validated the same
5.
Meeting with DAE
DAE, Project
Staff
DAE, Kalapara,
Patuakhali
03 August
2011
CIMMYT
5
2
7
Increased awareness of DAE
personnel on CSISA-BD project
74
No.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Name or Title of the Event
(Workshop / Conference /
Meeting)
Participant
Type /
Category
Name of the
Participants’
Organization
Meeting with Lal Teer Pvt. Ltd.,
Barisal for linkage development
Meeting with Patuakhali
Science and Technology
University (PSTU) personnel for
Linkage development
Meeting with Scientist of
RARS, Rahmatpur, Barisal for
linkage development
Lal Teer,
Project staff
Lal Teer Pvt. Ltd
PSTU
Personnel,
Project Staff
PSTU Personnel
RARS
Scientist,
Project staff
Meeting with UAO, AEO and
SAAO of different upazila of
Khulna for CSISA highlight and
site selection
Meeting with the staff of one
local NGO, LOCOS, for
highlighting CSISA-BD and to
know their activities
Meeting with farmers in
southern hubs
Duration
of the
Event
(Day /
Week)
16 August
2011
Participants (No.)
Event
Organized
by
Key Results / Outputs of the
Event
Male
Female
Total
CIMMYT
4
1
5
Increased partnership linkage
20 August
2011
CIMMYT
6
2
8
Increased partnership linkage
RARS
23 August
2011
CIMMYT
5
2
7
Increased partnership linkage
UAO, AEO,
SAAO
IRRI, CIMMYT,
DAE
June 2011
IRRI
37
12
49
Build up linkage and get opinion
from DoF officials
NGO
representati
ves
IRRI, CIMMYT
2 June
2011
IRRI
8
3
11
Sharing experience and activities
with local NGOs
July, 2011
IRRI
101
14
115
Site selection for seed raising
Feb,
March,
April 2011
WorldFish
155
7
162
Build linkages and obtain opinions
from feed millers, dealers etc.
WorldFish
21
--
21
Build linkages and obtain opinions
from DoF officials
JCF
16
1
17
Build up partnership with local
NGO
Farmers
IRRI, CIMMYT,
DAE
Renaissance,
BRAC,
ACDI/VOCA,
Sushilon,
12.
Meeting with NGOs, feed
miller, dealers, hatcheries etc
Feed millers,
dealer,
hatcheries
13.
Meeting with DoF official
DoF
DoF, WorldFish
14.
Partnership building meeting
with JCF at JCF HQ, Jessore
JCF, CSISABD staff
CIMMYT, IRRI,
WF and JCF
Feb,
March,
April 2011
14 July
2011
75
No.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Name or Title of the Event
(Workshop / Conference /
Meeting)
Partnership building meeting
with Rural Reconstruction
Foundation (RRF) at RRF HQ,
Arabpur, Jessore
Partnership building meeting
with Banchte Shekha (BS) at BS
HQ, Arabpur, Jessore
Participated in Fish Week 2011
Attend in good practice and
codes of conduct workshop in
Aquaculture
Participated in Good
Aquaculture Practiceworkshop and Fish Fair 2011
Attended on a Workshop to
overcome the challenges of
wheat production in Southern
region
Exchange Visit to Improved
Monosex Tilapia Culture in
Gher
Duration
of the
Event
(Day /
Week)
Participants (No.)
Participant
Type /
Category
Name of the
Participants’
Organization
Event
Organized
by
RRF, CSISABD staff
CIMMYT, IRRI,
WF and RRF
14 July
2011
RRF
BS, CSISABD staff
CSISA-BD and
BS
14 July
2011
BS
Farmer,
Staff
DoF-Khulna,
Barisal,
WorldFish
20- 26 July
2011
Farmers and
CSISA-BD
staff
WorldFish
Farmers,
staff
Key Results / Outputs of the
Event
Male
Female
Total
18
2
20
Build up partnership with local
NGO
11
2
13
Build up partnership with local
NGO
DoFKhulna,
Barisal
110
80
190
Share with wider audience about
CSISA-BD activities
21 July
2011
BSFF-DOF
20
45
65
Share with wider audience about
CSISA-BD activities and learn from
them
WorldFish,
Shrimp
Foundation
21 July
2011
Shrimp
Foundation
40
12
52
Share with wider audience about
CSISA-BD activities
Farmers,
Staff
BARI, DAE,
RARS, OFRD,
NGO, CIMMYT
26 July
2011
WRC,
Nashipur,
Dinajpur
70
5
75
Share experience among farmers
and staff
Farmers,
Ext. Staff,
ADOs
Farmers,
WorldFish
3 August
2011
WorldFish
14
9
23
Share experience and know the
practice of other region farmers
697
210
907
Total
76
Annex D. Additional Examples of Capacity Building
Training on gender issues and gender analysis for CSISA-BD staff
The objectives of CSISA-BD will be difficult to achieve if women are excluded from project
activities. One of the reasons for this exclusion is the lack of awareness among male and female
researchers on how gender analysis can be used in addressing gender needs, and how adaptive
research can lead to increased efficiency and positive impacts on men and women. Moreover,
in Bangladesh, the participation of women in agriculture is influenced by culture and other
conditioning factors which must be considered in technology design and dissemination. Thus,
there is a need to strengthen the capacity of all researchers in the CSISA-BD project with regard
to addressing gender issues in their respective activities.
IRRI organized a 3-day training on gender issues and gender analysis for CSISA-BD hub staff in
Dhaka and Gazipur in September 2011. A total of 17 people participated, of which 11 were
women. This course increased awareness among scientists and researchers that gender issues
are not peripheral to agriculture, but rather are fundamental to increasing productivity,
incomes, nutrition, sustainability, and, ultimately, the contribution of agriculture to poverty
reduction. The main objective of the training/workshop was to institutionalize participatory
research and gender analysis in the CSISA-BD project; specific objectives included: (1) building
the capacity of researchers to address gender issues in their respective research activities and
milestones, (2) generating a viable set of ‘best practices’ for mainstreaming gender sensitive
participatory approaches within CSISA-BD, (3) developing and implementing simple M&E gender
equitable indicators, and (4) discussing gender-sensitive practices in the workplace. The course
was facilitated by IRRI scientists Dr. Thelma Paris and Dr. Kamala Gurung.
Support for CSISA-BD and BARI research scientists to attend conferences in Australia
Two senior staff members from the Rangpur and Mymensingh Hubs received funding support to
participate in, and present their papers at, the 5th World Congress of Conservation Agriculture
conference in Brisbane, Australia from 26 to 29 September 2011. In addition, partial support
was also provided by CSISA-BD for two BARI research scientists enabling them to attend the 23rd
Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society Conference in Queensland, Australia (25-30 September 2011)
and preset their papers. Both the CSISA-BD personnel and the BARI scientists gained
substantially from the opportunity to learn about recent innovations in conservation agriculture
and weed science/management, respectively, and they also benefitted by interacting with other
scientists from all over the world.
Training of Trainers for Project Staff on Fish farming and Extension Approach
Staff from WorldFish provided technical training for 22 extension staff of a variety of NGO and
private sector partners from 9-14 July 2011 at the offices of the local NGO “Banchte Shekha” in
Jessore. Personnel trained included six field workers from Banchte Shekha and Jagaroni Chakra
Foundation, another important NGO working in southern Bangladesh, both of which are key
CSISA-BD partners. The remaining participants in the ToT session represented a variety of
private sector institutions, including the Narail District Fish Farmers Association, as well as
several hatcheries and feed manufacturers.
Training Workshop on Digital Video Making
Videos are effective communication tools for extension. They can also be a very effective tool
for farmer-to-farmer extension if a farmer is observed speaking about his/her experience on
certain technologies. They are also effective tools for training, especially for farmer training
77
because farmers can see various examples depicted dynamically. However, the development of
good quality videos requires special skills and techniques. Therefore, a 2 week intensive training
course was organized by IRRI and RDA, Bogra from 1 to 14 July (at RDRS, Rangpur). The
participants included 3 persons from CSISA-BD, and 1 from the NGO Sushilan (a project partner).
The hands on training involved script writing, interviewing and transcribing interviews, filming /
shooting scenes, editing, reproducing and outputting to DVDs, etc. These videos can then be
used for training farmers as well as for dissemination of improved technologies.
78
Annex E. Additional CSISA-BD Success Stories
Teach a Family to Fish…
Md. Ali Asraf and his wife Nazmun Nahar manage
two small ponds, each less than 5% of a hectare in
size. From these ponds, they earned net 6,300 BDT
by producing 126 kg of fish. They are a hard
working family, but lacked awareness on how to
improve their catch or diversity their income. Upon
hearing about CSISA-BD activities in Barisal District,
they attended 2 days of training on reducing risk
through the use of short-duration, improved carp
polyculture with horticulture crops on their dykes.
During the training, participants learned about
improved management process like: pond preparation, stocking density, species combination,
liming, fertilizing, feeding, dyke cropping, etc. During the training, Mr. Asraf was offered the
opportunity to participate in a demonstration on the above technology in his 12 decimal pond,
from which the project expected to train other farmers that live nearby.
After preparing the pond, on 20 June he stocked 488 carp fingerling with pangus and sharputi;
the weight was: carp (25 g/fish), pangus (65 g/fish), and sharputi (10 g/fish). After 3 months,
sampling found carp to average 200 g/fish (per day growth 2 gm), with pangus averaging 480
g/fish (per day growth 4.6 gm), and sharputi averaging 200 g/fish (per day growth 2 gm). At the
end of the cycle (July-March), he expects to produce a total of 250 kg with market value
approximating 25,000 BDT (against expenses of 13,000 BDT), which will be around 4 times
higher than previous production. Besides fish, on the pond dyke he cultivated high value
vegetables and has already harvested two crops, valued at 2,000 BDT.
Mr. Asraf said: “Before the training, I used to
release small size fingerling in my pond with poor
preparation and didn’t follow any type of improve
management practice.
After receiving the
training from WorldFish, whenever I provide feed
in the pond, many farmers surrounding of my
communities came to see fish movement and
they show their curiosity and want to know about
the culture practices and by this time around 50
of them are already applying these practices in
their own ponds”.
Now he is expecting his family can consume more fish and vegetable from his own production
and all the vegetables are pesticide free. He is too much happy and confident to continue with
present farming for getting more production from next year.
Improved Technology for Higher Yield and Lower Production Costs
Sree Amulla Chandra Singh, a farmer of Bana Goan village in Baliadangi upazila of Thakurgaon
district (Rangpur Hub) is very happy with the results he obtained from using modern technology.
Combining BARI Gom26, an improved wheat variety that is resistant to the Ug99 black stem rust
disease, with 2 wheeled, tractor-operated seeding (2WTOS) allowed Mr. Singh to obtain a yield
of 2.49 t/ha. The normal traditional practice (broadcast seeding with local variety) only yielded
79
2.19 t/ha. In addition to a yield increase of nearly 20%, he achieved significant cost savings, as
well. Since the broadcast method of planting is associated with 4-5 passes of the plough before
seeding, the plowing cost is normally Taka 4,550 per ha. Seed sown by a single pass under
2WTOS limited his sowing cost to Taka 2,250 per ha, allowing him to save Taka 2,300 per ha. He
later stated, “I usually only get two crops such as rice and wheat from the field, but for the first
time—with the help of CSISA project—I have sown jute in line with the same 2WTOS machine as
an additional crop, and got Taka 14,128 from the jute.” His present 3rd crop (rice) remains in the
field and will be harvested by mid-November. Mr. Singh learned new technologies from CSISABD training, through multimedia presentation, and similar training and technologies are needed
for every farmer to achieve higher yields and reduced unit production costs.
Wheat sown by 2WTOS
Line-sown jute by 2WTOS
Kalidash’s Production Surges through Improved Monosex Tilapia Culture
Kalidash Bairagi, a farmer from Barandi Village, Avoynagar Upazilla, Jessore has been culturing
monosex tilapia since 2008 in a leased 0.16 ha gher. He grows tilapia during Kharif season and
Boro rice during Rabi season. Prior to this he cultured both freshwater prawns and tilapia, but
dedicated himself to increasing tilapia production following difficulties with prawn caused the by
the export ban to the EU. When he began to culture tilapia he only achieved a yield of 1.75
t/ha/year; but after CSISA-BD interventions he has achieved 5 t/ha/cycle, despite 20 days of
continuous rainfall during August 2011. He was only able to harvest 75% of stocked fish during
his 1st cycle due to the high water depth in the gher, but
he anticipates an additional yield of 0.6 t/ha for his
second cycle. His total expenditure during the 1st 120
day cycle was Taka 31,000, versus sales of Taka 71,248
– yielding a net profit of Taka 40,248 (US$ 535). He
restocked for a 2nd cycle in September, which he will
harvest before Boro planting in late November 2011.
He expects a yield of at least 3 t/ha before the Boro
sowing. Fifty eight farmers participated in a field day
demonstration at Kalidas’s farm, hoping also to
intensify their cropping systems to two crops fish plus
one crop Boro rice.
Shaheen dreams with short duration rice variety
Shaheen, 40 years old, is a CSISA-BD farmer who lives in Raghurampur village of Arabpur union
under Jessore Sadar upazilla of Jessore district. His father had no economic solvency to provide
him with a good education. He lives with his wife, one son, and one daughter. Most of the time
he faces a monetary crisis, and to meet his family demands he has been working as a day
80
laborer in a factory besides having an agricultural occupation. His per annum income is 196,000
BDT, among which 50,000 BDT comes from agricultural produce (the rest from selling his labor).
But he still faces money problems; he has a loan of 20,000 BDT where he has to make a payment
of 500 BDT per week.
He cultivates rice in 88 decimal of land.
Previously he used to follow Aus-Boro and
Aman (long duration)-Boro cropping patterns
only in a year. The last week of September saw
him harvest Aus rice; in this Aman season he
has cultivated short duration rice variety BINA
Dhan7, provided by CSISA-BD (with training),
which will be harvested by mid-November. He
never practiced the cultivation of any extra crop
after Aus, as he had no choice for another crop
in between Aus and Boro; moreover, he always
used a long duration rice variety in Aman and
there was not enough time in between Aman and Boro for cultivating any short duration crop
like mustard. But then he came to know from consultation and training of the project that there
is short duration mustard like BARI Sarisha14 (75-80 days duration) and it can be easily grown in
between Aus and Boro. Before using BINA Dhan7, he used Guti Swarno (Indian variety: duration
140-145 days) and obtained a yield of 5.38 t/ha, whereas he can get 5 t/ha from BINA Dhan7
(duration 110-115 days). He can also harvest one more crop like mustard before Boro due to
having 30-35 more days for cultivating BINA dhan7, which is not possible if he cultivates Guti
Swarno. Now he is happy to think that he will get extra crop in between Aus and Boro, as well
as Aman and Boro. He expects to cultivate mustard like BARI Sarisha14 on 50 decimal of land
and obtain 10 mounds of mustard from this area, with expected market price of 18,000 to
20,000 BDT—against expenditures of only 2,500-3,000 BDT.
Moksed Morol: a Link between Traditional and Improved Shrimp Farming
Moksed Morol is a farmer from Chalitaghata village in
Satkhira. He has practiced traditional shrimp farming for
15 years. With support from CSISA-BD, he began to
implement improved management practices with
knowledge gained from the project; he later obtained his
best ever harvest. Moksed has a one acre gher. In the
past his crop has often been damaged by White Spot
Syndrome Virus, and he had never obtained good yield
from shrimp farming. This year he started his first crop in
February 2011, but a virus outbreak affected his product.
Through the CSISA-BD project, Moksed received two days skills training on improved methods of
shrimp culture in June 2011. Following this training, the project also provided him with support
for establishing demonstration on shrimp farming.
First, he prepared and earthen nursery in a corner of his gher and stocked 7,500 Polymeraze
Chain Reaction (PCR) tested post larvae (PL). PCR testing the PL shrimp prior to stocking
guarantees that they are disease free. He also prepared his growout gher as advised during
training. He released PL shrimp into the growout gher after 15 days of nursing, and he managed
the system by regular feeding and liming to protect his crop from subsequent virus attacks.
81
To date he has sold 90 kg shrimp for Taka 54,220 against production costs of Taka 27,500. This
earned him a net profit is Taka 26,700 (US $350). He also expects to harvest a further 25 kg of
shrimp that remain in the gher; it has an estimated value of Taka 14,000 ($180). Moksed has
never experienced yields of this magnitude before, and could easily produce two cycles each
year. His family members are very happy to get this level of production. He plans to start
production early in 2012 to obtain two cycles using the experience he gained this year. He also
promoted the importance of nursery development and improved management practices to his
fellow farmers.
During field day organized at the gher side the local Upazila Fishery Officer said that CSISA-BD
initiatives had helped shrimp farmers, and advised farmers to develop nurseries and stock PCR
tested PLs for shrimp farming. This year CSISA-BD has established a further 4 demonstrations on
shrimp culture, which have been used as a “learning center” for neighboring farmers for wider
scale up the technologies promoted.
Nurzahan’s Dream Led Her into the Field
Nurzahan lives in Abdulpur village of Jessore Sadar upazilla. She is 45 years old and is a
housewife with no education. Her husband is a farmer. There are social customs and religious
barriers on the movement of women in this area, like most of Bangladesh. Like all housewives,
she cares all about the activities of her home and remains indoors most of the time. Before
participating in agriculture, she was previously involved in production of vegetables at the
homestead level only. Her movement was limited, and she never received any type of training
from any organization on agriculture. But she
had a dream to work outside like her husband.
Fortunately for her, CSISA-BD staff went to her
village and her household was selected for
training. Her husband was convinced by the
project’s staff to send her for training on rice
production. She received training on Aman rice
production, and received 5 kg of BINA Dhan7
elite rice seed. After received training and
quality rice seed, she was encouraged and
inspired to work with her husband in the field
directly. Now she is happy to get out of the
house and work in the rice field. In this way, her ambition provided important benefits to the
farm household via the dissemination of knowledge and improved seed that her and her
husband could use to improve their production possibilities.
Shofiqur Rahman: a Breakthrough in Rice-Fish Culture with Dyke Cropping
Md. Shofikur Rahman of Kaunia Upazila, Rangpur, an energetic young man of 23, has a family
rice plot of 275 decimal. In the past he occasionally released fish in his rice plot and harvested
around 1 kg of fish per decimal. During a motivational meeting with CSISA-BD field staff, Mr.
Rahman showed a keen interest in using his plot for concurrent rice-fish culture. He attended a
two day training course on improved rice-fish culture and dyke cropping organized by the
WorldFish Center. Following what he learned, Mr. Rahman stocked six fish species - namely; rui,
catla, mrigal and common carp sized around 6 inches, and barb and bata of about 2 inches in
length, at a density of 20 per decimal.
82
After 65 days he was able to harvest 1,196 kg of fish
(4.34 kg/decimal), which he sold for Taka 140,000. His
production costs were Taka 53,285, leaving a net profit
of Taka 86,715 (US$ 1,130).
CSISA-BD project
supported the fingerlings sufficient for 100 decimals,
and the farmer bore the remainder of the costs of
production himself. Mr. Rahman restocked his plot
after harvesting, and the fish biomass in the plot
presently stands at around 691 kg, which will be
harvested during the Rabi season. T.Aman rice will
also be harvested by December 2011.
After observing Mr. Rahman’s success, many nearby farmers are taking suggestions from him,
and a further 45 farmers have visited to see his success and become motivated to follow the
technology next year during farmer field days.
83
Annex F. List of LoAs, MoUs, and/or Service Contracts
No.
Title of LoA / MoU / Services Contracts
Authorized
Person and
Organization
Objectives
Start Date
End Date
(Effective)
Amount
(US$)
1.
Letter of Agreement (LoA) between IRRI,
on behalf of for CSISA-BD, and ICDDR,B
Executive Director
ICDDR,B
For implementing research activities pursuant to a
gender assessment for the CSISA-BD project
5/1/2011
30/6/2011
$ 81,490
2.
LoA between IRRI, on behalf of CSISA-BD,
and Socioconsult, Ltd.
Managing
Director,
Socioconsult, Ltd.
To implement village surveys for CSISA-BD
25/1/2011
20/3/2011
$ 9,952
3.
LoA between IRRI and BARI-Bangladesh for
collaboration on CSISA-BD activities
Director General,
BARI
Undertaking CSISA-BD trials on dry seeded rice, and
intensification of cropping systems, at BARI
1/4/2011
31/8/2013
$ 31,171
4.
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)
between WF and Mr. Humayun Kabir,
Training Consultant under CSISA-BD
Mr. Humayun
Kabir
To build capacity of project staff on improved
technologies
6/4/2011
15/5/2011
$ 416
5.
MoA between WF and Motshya Chetana
Hatchery, Rajarhat, Kurigram
Motshya Chetana
Hatchery
1/5/2011
30/9/2011
$ 807
6.
MoA between WF and Dolphin Agro
Complex, Mahigang, Rangpur
Dolphin Agro
Complex
1/5/2011
30/9/2011
$ 968
7.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between CIMMYT and Innovision
Consulting Private Ltd.
CEO, Innovision
Implement a training workshop on value chain
analysis; conduct fieldwork with CSISA-BD staff for a
maize value chain study; report on results
10/5/2011
Oct. 2011
$ 15,642
8.
LoA between IRRI, on behalf of CSISA-BD,
and CARE-Bangladesh
Country Director,
CARE
Collaborate on jointly developed activities between
CSISA-BD and SHOUHARDO II program of CARE.
23/5/2011
May 2014
N/A
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming technologies among
wider farmer groups through training and
demonstration and others extension approach
84
9.
MoA between WF and Mr. Humayun Kabir,
Training Consultant
Mr. Humayun
Kabir
To develop training module for ToT on different
aquaculture technologies
23/5/2011
22/6/2011
10.
LoA between IRRI and BINA to collaborate
on implementing CSISA-BD activities
Director General,
BINA
Identify salinity tolerant landrace activities, establish
rapid mass screening technique, purification and
characterization of local coastal rice varieties.
1/6/2011
21/12/2011
11.
MoA between WF and Chanchal Fish
Hatchery, Barisal
Chanchal Fish
Hatchery
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming technologies among
wider farmer groups through training and
demonstration and others extension approach
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 416
12.
MoA between WF and Barisal Aquaculture
Development Society, Barisal
Barisal
Aquaculture
Development
Society
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improve aquaculture farming technologies among
wider farmer groups through training and
demonstration and others extension approach
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 416
13.
MoA between WF and Sarker Enterprise,
Mymensingh
Sarker Enterprise
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improve aquaculture farming technologies among
wider farmer groups through training and
demonstration and others extension approach
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 416
14.
MoA between WF and Private fish
nurseries, Tangail
Md. Nasir Mollah
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improve aquaculture farming technologies among
wider farmer groups through training and
demonstration and others extension approach
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 277
TR Poultry & Fish
Feeds, Tangail
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improve aquaculture farming technologies among
wider farmer groups through training and
demonstration and others extension approach
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 139
TMSS- Bogra
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improve aquaculture farming technologies among
wider farmer groups through training and
demonstration and others extension approach
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 485
15.
16.
MoA between WF and TR Poultry & Fish
Feeds, Tangail
MoA between WF and TMSS- Bogra (for
Khulna Hub)
85
$ 2,267
$ 5,250
17.
MoA between WF and M/S. Mailmara Fish
under CSISA-BD for Khulna Hub
M/S. Mailmara
Fish, Khulna
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming among farmer
groups through training, demonstration, extension
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 139
18.
MoA between WF and Ghona Bhomukhi
Samaboi Samity under CSISA-BD for Khulna
Hub
Ghona Bhomukhi
Samaboi Samity,
Khulna
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming among farmer
groups through training, demonstration, extension
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 139
19.
MoA between WF and Quality Scientific
Hatchery and Fisheries (Khulna Hub)
Quality Scientific
Hatchery and
Fisheries, Satkhira
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming among farmer
groups through training, demonstration, extension
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 139
20.
MoA between WF and Renaissance Samaj
Seba Sangstha (Khulna Hub)
Renaissance
Samaj Seba
Sangstha
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming among farmer
groups through training, demonstration, extension
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 917
21.
MoA between WF and Jagorani Chakra
Foundation (JCF) for Jessore Hub
Jagorani Chakra
Foundation (JCF)
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming among farmer
groups through training, demonstration, extension
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 2176
22.
MoA between WF and Banchthe Shekha
for Jessore Hub
Banchthe Shekha
(BS)
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming among farmer
groups through training, demonstration, extension
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 960
23.
MoA between WF and Narail District Fish
Farmers under CSISA-BD for Jessore Hub
Narail District Fish
Farmers
Collaborate to implement CSISA-BD activities on
improved aquaculture farming among farmer
groups through training, demonstration, extension
1/6/2011
30/9/2011
$ 960
24.
MoA between WF and Bangarusamy Ravi
Kumam, Shrimp farming consultant
Bangarusamy Ravi
Kumam
Identify the scope of work for better yield and
reduction of disease in shrimp farming for
increasing impact of WorldFish interventions
28/7/2011
31/8/2011
$ 6,709
86
25.
LoA between IRRI and the Department of
Agricultural Extension (DAE) to collaborate
on implementing CSISA-BD activities
Director General,
DAE
Training/capacity building, extension services,
information dissemination and demonstration of
agricultural technologies in the three hub domains
of South and Southwest Bangladesh.
26.
LoA between IRRI, on behalf of CSISA-BD,
and BARC for developing human resources
Executive
Chairman, BARC
For implementing the capacity development of
NARES through scholarships and training
27.
LoA between IRRI and BRRI for
implementing activities under CSISA-BD
Director General,
BRRI
28.
MoA between CIMMYT and R.K. Siddique
29.
30.
1/8/2011
31/7/2012
$ 20,000
--
Sept. 2015
$ 60,000
Training/capacity building, adaptive research trials,
developing sustainable seed network via SEEDNET
for farmers in hub domains of CSISA-BD
1/8/2011
31/7/2012
$ 20,000
R.K. Siddique,
Anchor of Mati O
Manush
Produce and direct a video on summer tomato
production that can serve as both a training guide
and as promotional material for CSISA-BD
11/8/2011
Dec. 2011
$ 4,642
MoU between IRRI and AIS
Director, AIS
Enable the reach of relevant agricultural
information to the farming community under CSISABD
16/8/2011
--
N/A
MoA between CIMMYT, on behalf of CSISABD, and iDE
Country Director,
iDE
Conduct a comprehensive value chain analysis of
the agricultural machinery sector; report on results
25/8/2011
Dec. 2011
$ 25,000
Dr. Shamsul Alam
Improve the quality of fish seed produced in private
and public hatcheries in CSISA-BD hubs by adopting
improved brood stock and hatchery management
protocols and linking hatcheries to nurseries and
trading networks
1/9/2011
31/12/2011
$ 3,700
AVRDC
Contract with AVRDC (The World Vegetable Center)
for their assistance with reviewing/developing an
implementation plan for the HH nutrition and HH
horticulture component of CSISA-BD
4/9/2011
15/9/2011
$ 7,375
31.
MoA between WF and Dr. Shamsul Alam,
BAU
32.
MoA between WF, on behalf of CSISA-BD,
and AVRDC
87
33.
MoA between CIMMYT and the Jagorani
Chakra Foundation (JCF)
Director of Micro
Finance, JCF
Collaborate to form CSISA-BD maize farmer groups
as platforms for training on best practices and for
enhancing post-harvest/marketing opportunities
15/9/2011
30/9/2012
$ 9,321
15/9/2011
Open
$ 2,500
34.
MoA between WF and Dr. M.A. Wahab
Dr. M.A. Wahab
To collect, store and send fish samples to Flinders
University for nutrient analyses of fish species
collected as part of CSISA-BD activities
35.
MoA between WF and Flinders University,
Australia
Flinders
University,
Australia
To analyze the nutrient content of fish species
collected under CSISA-BD activities
15/9/2011
Open
$ 7,500
36.
MoA between IRRI and Shushilan
Director,
Shushilan
Collaborate on CSISA-BD activities, including
training, farmer field days, demonstrations, etc.
1/10/2011*
31/12/2012
$ 27,000
* Note: the LoA was drafted and signed during Year 1 of CSISA-BD (signed on 14/9/2011).
88
Annex G. Summary of CSISA-BD Year 2 Work Plan
No.
Activities
2012
Target
Unit
CIMMYT
1.
On-farm Adaptive Research and Participatory Verification Trials
260
Farms
2.
Demonstrations of Technologies / Best Management Practices
2,637
Demos
3.
Direct Training of Farmers / Farm Households
8,096
Farmers
4.
Farmer Field Days (FFDs) to Promote CSISA-BD Activities / Successes
166
FFDs
5.
Participants in Farmer Field Days
16,500
Farmers
6.
Exchange Visits to Promote Successes / Share Knowledge, Skills and
Information between Farmers
710
Farmers
IRRI
1.
On-farm Adaptive Research and Participatory Verification Trials
733
Farms
2.
Demonstrations of Technologies / Best Management Practices
1,946
Demos
3.
Direct Training of Farmers / Farm Households
5,700
Farmers
4.
Farmer Field Days and Exposure Visits to Promote Successes / Share
Knowledge, Skills and Information
15,300
Farmers
Pond
21
Sites
Cages
36
Sites
Hatcheries
60
Nos.
163
Demos
WorldFish
1.
On-Site Participatory Adaptive Research Trials
2.
Farmers Participatory Demonstrations
3.
Training of Farmers
4,000
Farmers
4.
Farmer Field Days (FFDs) to share and promote process and result
demonstrations
591
FFDs
5.
Farmers reached through results demonstration, in addition to
trained farmers (30 farmers per result FFD)
17,730
Farmers
6.
Exchange Visits to Promote Successes / Share Knowledge, Skills and
Information between Farmers (15-20 farmers per visit)
450
Farmers
7.
Linkage building workshop with hatcheries/nurseries/FTs/feed dealer
3
Nos.
8.
Refresher training for year 1 project farmers
2,947
Farmers