Scaling-up of science-led development - Sir Dorabji Tata Trust initiative.

Abstract

Soil health mapping in Sic Dombjl fata Trust-supported initiative across 16 districts of Madbya Pradesh and Rajasthan. India showed widespread deficiencies or sulfur. boron. zinc and phosphorus. Soil test-based balanced nutrient management recorded yield benefit of 10-40%. while the integrated nutrient approach recorded still higher yield up to 20-50% along with 2S-5<.r% saving In chemical fertilizers through promotion of on-farm vermIcompostlng. Muimum yield advantage (90-200'l1.) was realized with Improved varieties and nutrient management. other advantages Included food/fodder nutrition. rairm'llter use efficiency. more food per kg or nitrogen or phosphorus. and residual benefits of micro/secondary nutrients and vennicompost. Promoting land-©CAB International 2018-for Girish Chander G. Chancier et al. In this context. Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTI') supported fCRISAT to undertake farmer participatory action research for improving rural live-Iihoods and minimizing land degradation in dryland areas of assured rainfall ecoregion of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The specific objectives were as follows. (I) To enhance productivity and reduce land degradation in target districts. (U) To use these si tes as centres of learning for scaling-out the benefits. (iD) Capacity building of lead farmers, development workers and consortium partners in the target region. The initiative of the Tata-fCRISAT-fCAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) project during 2000 to 2013 demonstrated the power of scienceled development model for improving agricultural productivity and income of the rural poor in India (see Chapter 2 in this volume). The initiative of the Tata-ICRlSAT-lCAR project during 2000-2007 showed the proof of concept and piloted the power of science-led development model for improving agricultural productivity and income of the rural poor in three districts. namely Bundi in Rajasthan. and Guna and Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. During the second phase. in addition to scaling-up in three districts. the programme was extended to nine districts in Madhya Pradesh and seven districts in Rajasthan