A Report on Rural Agricultural Work Experience

AEX: 401 (0+6)

Group Members

Name I.D. No.1 Abhishek Menon BSA036012 B.Muruganantham BSA036313 N.Nageswaran BSA036334 Prit Ranjan Jha BSA036375 M.Sambath Kumar BSA03644

Location: Iluppakkorai, Papanasam (Thanjavur) Period: 9.6.2006-8.8.2006

Course Teacher: Dr.I.Mohamed Iqbal

Group Facilitator: Dr.T.Senguttuvan

Coordinator (2003 Batch): Dr.N.R.Padmanabhan

Department Of Social Sciences And LanguagesAnbil Dhamalingam

Agricultural College & Research InstituteTamilNadu Agricultural University

Tiruchirappalli-620009.2006

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Contents

1) Introduction2) Acknowledgement3) Survey And Study of the Village4) Work Experience with Farmers5) Work Experience with State Department of

Agriculture6) Work Experience with NGO7) Other Commendable activities

I. Visit to Agricultural input shopII. Visit to Sugar factory

III. Visit to Farmers marketIV. Visit to Research station

1. TNAU Soil, Water Management Research Institute, Kattuthottam.

2. Tamil Nadu Rice Research institute, Aduthurai.V. Visit to Jaggery preparation unit

VI. Preparation of Herbarium and collection and preservation of notorious pest

8) Conclusion9) Photographs10) Paper Clippings11) Pamphlets, Booklet &CD

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Introduction

The most important area in which the development needs to be continuously accelerated is agriculture, which is the backbone of country’s economy. In order to bring about changes in the knowledge, skill and attitude of the people engaged in farming, a sustained effort is necessary and thus could be achieved only through purposeful education.Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) Programme is a key component in the B.Sc.(Ag.) degree programme. The students are given rigorous orientation and familiarization on various issues and problems they can expect in the farmers field. This programme runs for 60 working days (9-6-2006 to 8-8-2006) in the semester(VIIth) where in all the teachers in different disciplines are involved for improving the learning capacity of the students in a typical village situation.Overall Schedule: On, 9-6-2006 we had Registration and Orientation. 10-06-2006: Orientation 11-06-2006 to 6-8-2006: RAWE stay. 7-8-2006: Arranging RAWE exhibition at the college. 8-8-2006: RAWE Workshop interaction and Evaluation.

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Acknowledgement

We express our gratitude to our honorable vice chancellor, Dr.C.Ramaswamy for taking interest in this RAWE programme and supporting with a stipend of Rs 750/month.We are grateful to our Dean, Dr.S.Jebaraj who endeavored to make this course successful. We feel proud to have Dr.I.Mohamed Iqbal as our course teacher, who organized this course, motivated us and ensured our benefit out of it. It is our privilege to receive guidance from our senior extension professor, Dr.G.Ranganathan. We thank our group facilitator, Dr.T.Senguttuvan, professor Entomology who also acted as an instructor and evaluator, participated in our field visits, elevated our knowledge and eliminated our problems.We are thankful to Professor and Heads of all the departments who participated in our orientation and experience sharing sessions.We are grateful to our contact farmer Mrs.A.Neelaveni and A.Ashok Chakravarthy who arranged our accommodation and provided us food and acted as our local guardian.We are indebted to all the farmers of Iluppakkorai and other neighboring villages who participated and supported our work experience programme. We are grateful to all the agricultural-extension staffs of Papanasam block who helped in our learning activity and to the VAO of the village who provided us relevant data, and village map. We are grateful to B.Padmanaban, project associate of MSSRF, Thiruvaiyaru who made our collaboration with NGO successful.

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Survey and Study of the Village

(A)General Particulars:1) Name of the Village: Illuppakkorai (Revenue village). Panchayat:

Iluppakkorai.2) Block: Papanasam3) Taluk: Papanasam4) District:Thanjavur5) Physical Environment:

Boundaries: North, North-east and North- west-Ganapathy agraharam East- Ayyampet South-Pasupathy koil, With River Cauvery in North and West.Topography:Plain

(B)Demographic details:1) Males- 8222) Females-8613) Total= 16834) Literate males -7605) Literate females- 7206) Mainly land owned families-697) Mainly land un owned families-2808) Agricultural labourers: 6209) Non-agricultural labourers-7510) Small farmers-4111) Marginal farmers-1512) Scheduled castes/Tribes-1100(including children)13) Religion: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

(C)Climatic Factors:1) Normal annual rainfall-1015.052) North east monsoon-531.33mm3) South west monsoon-309.59mm4) Summer and winter season-111.03mm

(D)Farming Situation:1) Soil-Kalattur and Alangudi series (clayey with sand)2) Irrigation sources

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i)Canal-73 ha 34.5 ars ii)Tube wells-94(55ha)

3) Area under different crops in ha.Paddy-20 ha 63.5ars Pulses-4haGingelly-2ha; Palm tree-0.14ha Sugarcane-25 ha Banana-19.98ha; Jackfruit-0.12ha; Mango-2.05ha; Lemon-0.02ha 0.5ars; Bhendi-5centsRose-5acres; Jasmine-1acre; Crossandra-1acreCoconut-17.84haBetelvine-0.5acres; Pepper-very small scale; Bamboo-1.82ha; Teaks-0.47ha; Illuppai oil-0.59ha; Tamarind-0.03ha

(E)Communication facilities:

a) Telephone: Landline-35; Mobile-20.b) Newspaper: Dinamatandi(Tamil,5 copies),Dinamalar(Tamil,5

copies),Dinakaran(Tamil,7 copies),Hindu(English,1 copy)c) Television set-90d) Radio sets-70e) Cycles-150f) Motor cycles/scooters-25g) Car-3; Tractor-7

(F) Infrastructural Facilities:a) NGO office-1(M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation, Village

Knowledge Centre)b) Railway station- (at Ayyampettai-8 Km)c) Police station-(at Ayyampettai-5 Km)d) Dispensary Health centre-(at Ayyampettai-5 Km)e) Veterinary Hospital-(at Ayyampettai-5 Km & at Ganapathy

agraharam)f) Seed/Fertilizer/Pesticide Store-( at Ganapathy agraharam-4 Km)g) Post &Telegraph Office- 1 small post office.h) Banks-(at Ayyampettai-5 Km)i) Cooperative society-( at Ganapathy agraharam-4 Km)j) Money lenders- nilk) Schools-Primary school up to 8th Standard, (Private school-4 Km)l) Market centers:

Grains, Oilseeds, Fruits, Vegetables, Cattle-at Ayyampettai-5 KmCattle- at Chakrapuram-6 Km

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m) Artificial insemination centre- -(at Ayyampettai-5 Km & at Ganapathy agraharam)

n) Community centre-nilo) Village Industries- Jaggery Preperation unit-5, Coir rope

preparation unit-1, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas preparation unit-1, Food products like banana chips.

p) Youth club-1q) Women club/SHGs-1(Anaithu Magalir Uzhavar Mandram)r) Recreational facilities:

1) Cinema theatre-(at Mahalipuram,4 Km)2) Library-1 govt. local library

(G) Characteristics of the people:1) Habits-To chew betel vine and areca nut, Very few will smoke

cigarette, drinking tea and coffee.2) Beliefs-They believe in God and feels that bad deeds lead to bad

life and good deed leads to good life.3) Religion-Hindu, Muslim and Christian. There is good

understanding and harmony between the people of different religion. Majority of the people believes in Hinduism.

4) Caste- Pillai, other backward castes, backward castes, General category, Schedule caste.

5) Folk ways- most of the people are vegetarians likes to talk for long hours, wakes up early in morning.

6) Mores-wearing sari and Dhoti, putting rice flour design in front of the house, not entering inside of the house with chapel, keeping the god’s picture/idol in locked condition after worshipping.

7) Taboos- not smoking in front of the elders, not eating non vegetarian food items in the house.

8) Attitude-positive attitude. Helping tendency. People are hard working, gives good hospitality to the guests. But some of the people have deserted their old parents for some or other reasons. Jealousy, Envy, Competition along with supporting and encouraging tendency also prevails.

9) Progressiveness- people are very progressive; they are interested in improving their living standards.

10) Scientific orientation- High11) Leadership pattern- person with good behavior, helping

tendency, good communication skill, and humble nature is considered as leader.

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12) Women’s role- women are active, participate in decision making and are considered on par with men. There is a very active woman SHGs in the village. Youths and men are not so much organized.

13) Egoism is also very common in the people.

(H) Cropping pattern of last five years:

S.No. Crop Variety Seasons Remarks1 Paddy

↓ADT43,ADT36(Kuruvai(June July);ADT38,Co43,BPT 5404(Thaladi(Sept.-Oct.))

Kuruvai&Thaladi No Samba rice

Black gram ↓

ADT3,ADT5(Jan15 to Feb 15);T9(all the season)

Jan15 to Feb 15,all the season

Rice fallow or paira crop.

Gingelly ↓

TMV3 Feb 15 to march 30

Paddy2 Sugarcane

↓Co86032 Dec. to Jan, Feb.

to March, April to May

Ratoon

Blackgram/Gingelly ↓

ADT3,ADT5(Jan15 to Feb 15);T9(all the season)/ TMV3

Jan15 to Feb 15,all the season/ Feb 15 to march 30

Sugarcane3 Banana

↓Poovan.Mondan,Pacchinadan,Rasthali July to January

Blackgram/Sunhemp ↓

ADT3,ADT5(Jan15 to Feb 15);T9(all the season)

Jan15 to Feb 15,all the season

Banana

(I) Farm mechanization Trend:a) Wooden plough-1b) Iron plough-3c) Tractors-5d) Seed drills-0e) Chaff cutters-0f) Bullock carts-10g) Sugarcane crushers-5h) Sprayers-10i) Threshers-2

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j) Dusters-0k) Trucks-(Mini truck, tempo model) 5

(J) Agriculture Research station: Two research stations are nearest to the village. They are:

1) Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tanjore.2) TNAU, Soil, Water Management Research Institute,

Kattuthottam, Thanjavur (Tanjore)

(K) Miscellaneous:

1 Awareness on Government assisted schemes- infrastructure facilities executed based on felt needs.

Yes- Rice@Rs2/Kg in PDS, free electricity to the farmers, minibus service.

2 Role of private enterprises in promoting agri-business.

SHG-value added food products, Private sugar factory.

3 Credit facility by Nationalized banks.

Kishan credit card, Jewel loan.

Advantages Helps the farmers to buy/arrange the inputs. Interest rate is low for agriculture and grace period is of long duration.

Bottle necks Small farmers and landless labours are unable to get the loan. Procedure of getting loan is cumbersome.

4 Credit given by Cooperatives KCC, Jewel loan, crop and area specific loans.Advantages Readily available, grace period is of long

duration. Bottlenecks Interest rate is still high for landless and

marginal farmers. Procedure is with more terms and conditions

5 Credit given by private agencies. Not so much active in the village.6 Prototypes produced- Indigenous Cycle wheel being used in preparation of

coconut coir rope.7 Liaison with Industry To some extent with sugar industry 8 Prospect of employment for

agricultural labours and impact of mechanization.

More as there is labour scarcity. Positive impact of mechanization.

9 Potentiality of ground water Moderate-Cauvery delta region.10 Adoption of IPM Optimum, popularized by Govt.&NGOs11 Adoption of INM Extensive12 Orientation to organic farming. Both organic and inorganic combinations.13 Potentials for organic farming. Highly potential. It promotes sustainability.14 Caution about health regards due Highly cautious. Preventive methods for safe

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to pesticide application, handling are adhered to.15 Migration To get employment and to acquire education. It

is perennial. 16 Off farm vocational interests. Discussing with each other17 Persistency of Indigenous

knowledge Partly persistent

!8 Intensity of technology diffusion High

(L)Difficulties experienced by the farmers in obtaining the following Inputs & other assistance:

1) Seeds: Seeds in govt. depot is limited. Private seeds are costly.2) Fertilizers: Many times availability is poor3) Pesticides: costly4) Farm implements and machinery: Costly5) Repairs to machinery & availability of spare parts: Difficult ,as repair

shops are in city

(M) General problems of the village: 1) Soil type: There is no much soil related problems. Some area where

the proportion of clay is more, there is drainage problem which leads to failure of germination of crops like sugarcane.

2) Irrigation and drainage: When there is no enough water in the canal, irrigation is done by bore well. Then the irregular supply of electricity is the problem. When there is enough water in the canal and rainfall, drainage is the problem.

3) Land development and soil conservation measures: Large number of trees and crops are grown on the bank of the river which is useful in soil conservation but illegal mining of sand from the river beds (dry) is the major problem.

4) Incidence of pests and diseases and control measures undertaken. a) Red palm weevil: Root feeding of coconut with monocrotophos

36 WSC, 10 ml in 10 ml water.b) Sigatoka leaf spot disease in banana: Spray of 0.1% carbendazim,

Mundan and pachainadan are somewhat tolerant varieties.c) Rhinoceros beetle: No control measure adopted.d) Sugarcane early shoot borer: Application of carbofuran granules;

granulosis virus application.e) Internode borer in sugarcane: Trichogramma card, detrashing. f) Sugarcane red rot: Sett treatment with carbendazim along with

urea. Co86032 is tolerant variety.

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5) Agricultural labourers: Scarce during field operations (peak seasons). Difficult to get. Also they become very costly during peak season.(Rs100/labour/day)

6) Electricity : Supply is with lots of voltage fluctuations. Not regular supply.

7) Transport : The village is having one way, narrow road. Only mini-buses and small vehicles move across the village. Frequency of mini-buses is not adequate. So transport is problem. When there is more water in river Cauvery transport becomes very difficult. Construction of more bridges across the river will link the village to nearby national roads and will allow the people to easily travel to the villages like Pashupathikoil and Ganapathiagraharam.

(N)Development Programmes in Operation:1) There is drinking water tap at short intervals (time and distance) in

the village.2) There is almost constant supply of electricity to the village.3) There is one MSSRF village knowledge centre with two computers

in the village. Details about crop management, crop protection etc. are loaded in Tamil font in the computers.

4) AO’s and AAO’s visits the field and solve farm related problems. There is separate AO & AAO for agriculture and horticulture.

5) Veterinary extension workers visit the village at regular intervals and help the farmers to solve their animal related problems.

6) At the beginning of cropping season farmers are told about the suitable varieties and their seed availability for the season.

7) There was seed distribution of horticultural crops (vegetables), free of cost, to the farmers.

8) Leaf colour charts were freely distributed to the farmers.9) Lots of pamphlets related to agriculture and horticulture is

frequently distributed to the farmers.

(O) Description of the local Farming Systems:a) Crop Variety:

Rice:I. ADT36-4000 Kg/ha (yield potential)- medium grain-

II. BPT5204-very fine long grain with good taste.III. Co43-5200kg/ha (yield potential)- medium slender grain.IV. ADT38- 6200 Kg/ha (yield potential)- long slender grain

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V. Majority of farmers- Co43, ADT36, ADT38- Good taste, good market value.

VI. Less farmer-BPT5204 – good market value, but susceptible to pest and disease like Bacterial leaf blight.

Black gram(Rice fallow): Majority of farmers- ADT 2 (yield-970 Kg/ha), duration- 70-75 days; ADT 5 (yield-1323 Kg/ha, duration- 60-65 days) Some farmers- ADT 3&4, based on availability of seeds. Green gram (Rice fallow): Majority of farmers- ADT 2 or ADT 3, based on availability of seeds. 2 Months duration, no much input required. Gingelly: Most of the farmers: TMV3 –suitable for all season,80 to 85 days duration.

Sugarcane: Almost all the farmers- Co86032-tolerant to red rot, good yield and sugar recovery.

Banana: Most of the farmers- Mundan, Pachainadan, Some farmer-Poovan, Rasthali, Sevalai (red banana). Mundan & Pachainadan requires less input and gives good yield. Other varieties have high market price but management and input requirement is more. They are more susceptible to pest and disease.

b) Seed materials: Seed is mostly obtained from government depo. Also from

private vendors (mostly horticulture crop seeds). Seeds are planted by broadcasting and by direct sowing. Planting time: Rice- June/July (samba), Sept./Oct.(thaladi);

Pulses-as rice relay crop.; Sugarcane- Early (December-January), Mid (February-March), Late (April-May) season. Banana- January/February. Gingelly- June-July (Adipattam)

Optimum time of planting of rice is Kuruvai- July 15 th, Thaladi- October 10th& 24th , Samba- September 3rd week. Sugarcane-early season.

Seed rate:Sugarcane-4 tons/acre:Rice-20 Kg/acre:Banana-1000 sucker/acre: Pulses-10 Kg/acre

If establishment is poor then, gap filling by purchasing seedlings or preparing extra seedlings (pocket nursery in sugarcane) is done.

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Farmers are not much concerned about seed purity. Seed treatment is done with Trichoderma, Pseudomonas,

Azospirillum, Phosphobackeria, etc.c) Storage:

Grains are stored in local wooden structures (kudru). Mostly rice and pulse grains are stored.

Farmers stores on the basis of his average requirement. Most of the farmers wants and tries to sell their produce

immediately after harvest. There is no much loss in storage. To protect the grains from pest and disease, Neem leaf is kept

along with the grains, rarely aluminium phosphide tablets are used. Seeds are stored at optimum moisture level after treatments.

d) Rainfall: Farmers tries to plant in such a way and such a variety that harvesting does not coincide with the rainy months.

e) Farm forestry:

S. No.

Trees Local name

uses

1 Portia tree

Pooverasu Avenue tree, propagated by cuttings, leaves are fed to cattle and sheep, green leaf manure, timber is used as spokes of carts wheel, axe, tool handles.

2 Bamboo Kambu moongil

Leaves as fodder, young shoots in medicine, split culms in making baskets, giving support to plant, construction of hut.

3 Agathi Agathi Support of betel vine, fodder, used as spinach.4 Neem Vaeppa

maramNeem leaf, neem oil, neem oil cake as medicine and pest disease control agent. Leaves are eaten by goats, green leaf manure.

5 Rain tree (Samanea saman)

Thoongu moonchi maram

Fodder, avenue tree.

6 Teak Thaekku Timber7 Tamarind Pulli Fruit as spice.8 Eucalyptu

sKarpoora thaila maram

Sold to paper industry

9 Casuarina - Wind break,input for paper industry, support

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for betelvine.

f) Veterinary Services: Provides free medicines. Artificial insemination is done at the rate of Rs 20/cow.

g) Agri-based occupation: Besides other occupations, mentioned

earlier one farmer has taken up Piggery (white pig). It is highly profitable.

(P)Leadership: Government level: Village administrative officer (VAO). Panchayat level: Village president selected by general election in the village. (Q) Feed back:1) Villagers accept that our Rural Agricultural Work Experience

programme is useful for both of us.2) Many of them knew about the new technologies like root feeding in

coconut, but were not confident in themselves performing it. Our demonstrations helped them to practically handle the technology.

3) Villagers used to take us for different field-visits with great enthusiasm and used to feel proud in relating their successful management techniques of field problems.

4) The work experience in the village was very useful to us :o We learnt about practical difficulties in propagating a new

technology.o We observed and experienced practical field situation.o We study the crops while farmer cultivate the crops. Our aim is to

gain knowledge and experience, while their aim is to run their livelihood and maintain there social status. This course tries to link the two objectives.

o We studied about village infrastructure, characteristics of the farming community, and problem faced by them. In this course we were able to apply our theoretical knowledge into practical situation.

o This course combines the essence of the research from all the department of agriculture and tries to make us a full fledged practically oriented agricultural graduate.

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o We were able to experience the agriculture extension system at state level and its linkage with the Agricultural University.

5) Farmer’s innovations: o Experiments with Panchagavya to increase its effectiveness.o Trapping Red Palm Weevil with banana and buttermilk.

Work Experience with Farmers

Farmers who made our course successful

1) Name and Address : A. Neelaveni, w/o A.Ashok Chakravarthy, Iluppakorai, Vellavar street, Papanasam-614202: Phone No.-09367753418: Small farmer.Development role: A good entrepreneur produces house hold products and biopesticides. She is aware of all government schemes. Member of NABARD farmers club which received International award from WWSF (world women summit of Geneva) for having taken up innovative works to enhance their living standards.Special skill: To popularize Govt. schemes to disseminate the message of biopesticide production in a small scale. They have learnt to drive tractors for tilling the soil. Five SHGs are attached to the Iluppakorai Uzhavar Mandram. The NABARD has conceived Uzhavar Mandrams as bodies that would act as link between banks and villages. The group could take up development works in the villages, identify borrowers and help the banks in recovery. They are engaged in coir making too and have undergone training in coir making at the Coir Board office at Thanjavur. They have been trained in the manufacture of coir mats and ropes, manually and through machines. The Canara bank’s Ayyampettai branch has given the members loans for buying machines. For purchasing coir machines, each one of them got Rs. 10000 in loan and they have purchased 8 machines. They market the coir in nearby places such as Pasupathikoil and Kumbakonam @ Rs.20/Kg.Another member of All women Uzhavar Mandram, M.Bhanumati, who stays near to the house of A.Neelaveni is also a fellow of NVA, MSSRF. She gave us a copy of very useful CD on groundnut and sweet sorghum production. She had received the CD from ICRISAT, Hyderabad.

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They have also taken trainings in our college.New technology: Cultivating Grand 9 (G9), tissue cultured banana in their field. Use of Bacillus thuringiensis, Azadirachtin, granulosis virus in control of pest and disease. Indigenous methods: Panchagavya preparation with cow dung. Cow urine, milk, curd, ghee and coconut water. We with our contact farmer prepared Dapog nursery of ADT-43 variety of rice and Panchgavya. We used to daily observe the crop growth.

2) Name and Address: S.Chandramoli, 6/87, south street, Ganapathi Agraharam-614202. Phone No: 954362-242739 : Marginal farmer.

Special skill: Charter accountant, can communicate in English. New technology: Provides packed feed(Godrej feed @Rs 500/70 Kg. to his cattle. Indigenous methods : Application of castor oil cake in rice field promotes growth and prevents many pest and disease. Applies his knowledge of astrology in selecting suitable time for each field operation. Intercrop of turmeric in banana.3) Name and Address: G.Srinivasan, GanapathyAgraharam. Phone No:

9443108174: Big farmer Special skill: BSc.Maths. can communicate in English. New technology: Pocket nursery of sugarcane for gap filling. In jaggery preparation ,Decolite chips and superphosphate is added to maintain light golden colour for long time. Application of Atrazine herbicide in sugarcane, 3 DAP of setts. Applying fertilizer on the basis of recommendation of Mobile soil test lab. In clayey soil, more frequent irrigation after planting of sugarcane will lead to failure of the crop. Indigenous methods: By keeping castor oil ,oil cake , and seed coat in a pot near coconut tree will attract Rhinocerous beetle which will fell in the pot and die. Use of Tanjore bow trap to kill the rat. Has a jaggery preparation unit. 4) Name and Address: M.Kumeresan, Illuppakorai. Special skill: Big farmer, can communicate in English. His wife is knowledge worker of MSSRF. Indigenous methods : Spraying of garlic and small onion juice (1Kg. each) after immersing for 24 hrs in water for controlling rice ear head bug. 5) Name and Address: V.Jay Shankar, A-175, Pattukudi, Puthur,

Papanasam-614202. Phone No:9345008873. Special skill: Big farmer, can communicate in English.

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6) Name and Address: G.Gunoshekaran, GanapathiAgraharam. Special skill: Small farmer, enthusiastic farmer. New technology: We practiced demonstration of root feeding of coconut with monocrotophos in his field to control red palm weevil. 7) Name and Address: S.VijayAmaritharay, Illuppakorai. Phone No:

04374-241320. Special skill: Big farmer, can communicate in English. 8) Name and Address: S.pashupathi., Iluppakorai. Special skill: Landless labour, can communicate in Hindi. The agricultural labour tried to build a proper house through Indira Awas Yojna, but somehow he couldn’t get the benefit of this project. He feels that he is discriminated on the basis of his caste (Barber). His children have deserted him. He worked for 20 years as labour in Mumbai. New technology: We advised him to go for goat rearing.9) Name and Address: G.Rita, Illuppakkorai. Special skill: Marginal farmer. Retired professor of economics. Can communicate in English. Social worker. New technology: Mass production of Trichogramma chilonis card. Bio gas plant. Indigenous methods : Organic farming. 10) Name and Address: T.Mohan Ravi , Illuppakkorai. Special skill:Helping tendency. Took us for many field-visits. 11) Name and Address: Balakrishnan, Iluppakkorai Special skill: Can communicate in English.12) Name and Address: Hema, Ganapathiagraharam. New technology: Integrated farming system- Pisciculture(Rohu, Mrigala, Catla, etc.). Trees and crops such as Teak, Rose wood, Eucalyptus, Bamboo, Sesbania grandiflora on the bank of the pond. Cultivation of milky mushroom. 13) Name and Address: Nagarajan Pillai, Illuppakkorai . Special skill: Big farmer New technology: Spray of GA3 in Gingelly to increase production. The farmer was applying fungicides to a unhealthy Banana crop we attended the crop and found that the damage was due to the Banana pseudostem weevil (Odoiporus longicollis), and suggested him to go for stem injection with monocrotophos. 14) Name and Address: Bavaji bhai, Illuppakorai. New technology: Betelvine for ½ acre. Agathi and Moringa as supporting tree.

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15) Name and Address: Jayranjan, Illuppakorai. New technology: Planting of pepper as intercrop in coconut garden. Fish pond for additional income. Field is on the bank of river Cauvery.

16) Name and Address: Kaliamurthy, Punjeri, near Iluppakkorai. New technology: Floriculture-jasmine, chrysanthemum nursery by root cuttings. Indigenous methods : Kakada variety of Jasmine (Jasminum multifloram) is resistant to many pest and disease. Scentless jasmine.17) Name and Address: Jaypal, Punjeri. New technology: Floriculture-Rose, 1 acre; Crossandra, 1 acre. Indigenous methods : Use of groundnutcake 25 Kg/acre as manure. 18) Name and Address: G.Bhaskaran, Punjeri. Phone No.-291401. New technology: Red banana and rose cultivation. Application of Neem oil+Dimethoate(Rogor) to control Rose Thrips and Chaffer beetle. We along with our group facilitator, Dr T.Senguttuvan had visited his field and observed the field related problems and guided the farmer about the right chemicals to be used. Indigenous methods: Broadcasting of goat dung powder in field as manure. 19) Name and Address: A.Sivanandam, Kilapunavasal,

Thiruvaiyaru. Phone No.-04362-261279. New technology: Use of buttermilk and banana to attract and trap Red palm weevil in coconut. We visited his field with the workers of MSSRF, VRC.20) Name and Address: Sethraman Pandian, S/o Late Govindraj

Pillai, Illuppakkorai. Special skill: Homeopathic doctor. We were staying in his house. He helped us a lot and took us to a jaggery preparation unit at Mahalipuram (near Ayyampettai).

New technology: Oil palm- 45 plants. 21) Name and Address: G.Bhaskar, Manalur ( Ganapathi

agraharam) Special skill: Helping tendency, took us for a field visit. New technology: Red banana. 22) Name and Address: R.Madhyalaki, Pashupathi koil. Phone No:

291039 Special skill: Can communicate in Hindi. Small farmer.23) Name and Address: Kalaivani Rajendran, North Kadavarayer

street, Kallar, Pashupathi Kovil,Papanasam. Special skill: knowledge worker of MSSRF, Thruvaiyaru.

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New technology: SRI, Use of Pseudomonas, Trichoderma and Neem cake in paring and prolinage in banana instead of carbendazim and carbofuran. Indigenous methods: panchgavya. 24) Name and Address: M.Tamil selvam, cane assistant, 1/15

Agraharam, Thamdamkorai, Thanjavur-614206. Phone No: 04374-241863

Special skill: Also a farmer. New technology: Use of acetobacter instead of urea in sugarcane.

Name and Address of the VAO of the village: V.Gopal Krishnan, MA,BL. Phone No: 9865763244

Work Experience with State Department of Agriculture.

Field/Extension staff:

1) G.Uma Maheshwaran (AAO)Phone Number-95437-241754

2) V.Sujatha (ADO) Phone Number-954362-278385, 954374-2224183) N.Subramanium (ADA, now transferred) Phone Number-954362-2439184) S.Uday kumar (AO)5) S.Rajkumar (AO, now ADA)6) R.Vijayakumar (AO)7) K.Palaniswamy (AAO, horticulture)8) M.Jothi (JDA)

Organizational structure:Agriculture:

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State level: Director of Agriculture (DA) ↓Each district: Joint Director of Agriculture (JDA) ↓

Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) (1 for each division like Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant protection, etc.) ↓

Taluk/Block: Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA), 1 for each taluk/block.→ 3AO ↓

Agricultural Development Officer (ADO), 1 for each taluk/block (4 agricultural extension centers are functioning under each ADO control)

↓ Village: 1 AO (Agriculture Officer)

↓ 6 AAO (Assistant agricultural officers, 1 in each village, 800 farm families under each AAO) ↓ Depot Managers

Field Visit:

On 13-6-06, we visited to local farmers fields. He introduced us to different progressive farmers. We observed crops like banana, green gram, Co-1(NB) fodder, rice nursery (ADT-36)On 14-6-06, we visited cotton field with our AAO (Uma Maheshwaran) and AO (Uday kumar) for crop yield estimation survey by statistical methods. NSSO (National statistical survey organization) officer Mr.Vijay kumar assisted us. On 15-6-06, we visited field with our AAO, to observe paddy nursery preparation and seed sowing, we detected Red palm weevil attack in nearby coconut field.

Training at Taluk Level.:On 30-6-06, Training on,” Preparation of Earthworm compost from household waste” at ADA office, Papanasam. 38 female farmers and 11 male farmers were the participants besides AO, ADA, AAO, ADO and JDA and 2 very well experienced farmers. Experienced farmers, AO, ADA, AAO, ADO and JDA were trainers. Training method adopted was sharing of experience, demonstration charts, vermicompost samples, etc.Now Training and Visit (T&V) system is not in action.

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On 2-8-06, we met our AO, Uday kumar previously associated with T&V system. One farmer came with a rice sample affected with a problem we identified the problem as rice mite (Oligonychus oryzae :Tetranychidae:Acarina) attack. The affected leaf appeared whitish along the interveinal areas on the dorsal surface. Wettable sulphur @ 1 Kg/acre or Dicofol @500ml/acre spray was recommended to control the problem (The chemical shop had suggested Phosphomidon chemical). Seeds of different rice varieties were shown to the farmers. AO showed us tour diary register, yield level of different crops (Biometric evaluation), record or adaptive research trial record, and disease and pest inspection record.On evening of the same day, a demonstration on seed treatment of rice with Azospirillum and use of LCC in rice for integrated nutrient management was done at Kabisthalam village by AO, Papanasam, Thiru Uday kumar and AAO of that village. The active participant of the demonstration was 12 members of TANWBE (Tamil Nadu women in agricultural extension and agribusiness .We too participated in that demonstration.

Attending Zonal meeting, (4-7-06):1) It was held in JDA office, Kattuthottam.2) It was presided by JDA, M.Jothi.3) AOs and ADAs of different Taluk presented their report on area under

different crops and varieties, yield of different crops , pest , disease, nutritional and physiological disorders of the crops, level of recommended cropping practices adapted by the farmers, seed production yield, problems faced by farmers etc.

4) Seeds of hybrid rice, CoRH-3 were given to many farmers so that they could check its yield and other attributed characteristics.

5) Discussion was done on Kerala root wilt which is caused by Mycoplasma .There is no control method ones the tree gets affected

6) Farmers should be advised to grow long staple cotton varieties.7) Fort night training is given to the farmers. Pest and disease

surveillance is done by the office. 8) Tip drying problem in rice was discussed, for which 2%DAP+1%Kcl

in 1litre of water should be sprayed.9) August 15-20 is best sowing time for samba rice.10) Director of agriculture has given more importance to seed

production.

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11) Leaf colour chart (LCC) is to be distributed free of cost to the farmers. In new LCC number of colour shades has been reduced to 4 from 6. Recommendations are given in Tamil.

12) There is more scope to increase yield of pulses and oilseeds.

Work with AAO, Horticulture On 22-7-06, we participated in, “Aadipattam, Hybrid Vegetable seed distribution” function. It was presided by Tahsildar, Sivakannan. AAO, horticulture, K.Pazhaniswamy was present there. Farmers shared their experience. Vegetable seeds of bhendi, gourds, etc. was freely distributed to the farmers. We too conducted demonstrations like, “kitchen garden”, “coir pith composting”, “vermicomposting” and “panchagavya” preparation. The function held in Iluppakkorai started with Tamil prayer and ended with National anthem. Farmer, G. Bhaskar said that the chemical(Methl Demeton +Neemezol/Neem oil) prescribed by Dr. T.Senguttuvan to control rose pest was very effective.

Visit of commissioner of Agriculture: On, 22-6-06, Mr.ChandanaSanthanam, commisoner of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu, visited the village along with JDA, DDA, ADA, AO, AAO, and other delegates. They watched the demonstration of preparation of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma virdi done by Mrs. Neelaveni and her co-workers (Anaithu Magalir Uzhavar Mandram). We told him about our activities in the village.

Work Experience with NGO

Non Government Organization (NGO): Organizational structure: (ISSRO-MSSRF-Village Resource Centre (VRC))Head office is at Chennai. It works in Collaboration with several NGOs.M. S. Swaminathan Research organization- Village resource centre is supported by:Jamsetji. Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity (NVA)Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme (MUPP), Intel, Friends of MSSRF; Tokyo and Australia, Azim Premji Foundation.

Offices centers are at Thiruvaiyaru, Tanjore, Chempatti in Dindigal, Tangachi in Ramnathpuram, Annavarasan in Pudukottai. New centers are

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to be started in Nagapattinam, Pondicherry , Chidambaran, Nagarkoil, Pokharan in Rajasthan, Adahal in Hyderabad,Yafad (Andhra Pradesh).Each centre may have some sub centres (6 village knowledge centre (VKC) under Thiruvaiyaru- Iluppakorai, Velangudi, Marur, Konerirajapuram, Thirupalanam, Rajendram Ammanpettai)Each VRC has a project director, under him there is a project associate, under whom many workers like sociologist (1), network programmer (1), 1or 2 field assistant (diploma in agriculture), 1 computer knowledge trainer, 1 statistician, etc. are there.VKC is looked after by knowledge workers along with project associate of VRC and field assistants.

Village Knowledge Centre (VKC), Iluppakkorai

There are two computers loaded with agricultural information’s like:o Banana culture, deficiency, disease etc. (Tamil font) o Rice –Azolla-green manure-fish (Tamil font) o Rice pests (Tamil font)o Coconut emerging issues (English version)o Course on ground nut production (English version)

Teaching modules for nursery children were available on the computers.

Village Resource Centre (VRC),Thiruvaiyaru.There are 10 computers in operation. They are connected to Chennai centre, ISRO and ICRISAT by INSAT-3A. We saw different CDs available on agriculture and also copied some of the pictures and information. They shown us a video film of a farmer, Mr.A.Sivanandam who is using waste banana and butter milk paste to attract and catch adult Red palm weevils on coconut.The institute is providing free computer training to the students, and helping farmers to make agriculture profitable, it is organizing health camps, dental camps, SRI training camps, etc.They took us to the fields of different farmers.Project associate, B.Padmanaban, discussed with us about different demonstrations to be presented to the farmers. On 5-8-06, we conducted demonstrations about feasible agricultural technologies through chart papers- Paring and prolinage in banana, mass production Trichoderma and Pseudomonas, Trichogramma chilonis card, intercropping of pepper and

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turmeric in coconut, root feeding in coconut, wind barrier crops like Casuarina equisetifolia, C.junguliana, in banana, etc.

Other Commendable activities:

1) Visit to Agricultural input shop: Name of the shop:Manoharan Agency, Ganapathi agraharam.

S.No.

Inputs Price (Rs.) Unit

1 Carbendazim 144 250 gmCarbendazim(Zen) 92.50 250 gm

2 Endosulfan35EC 75 250 ml 3 Monocrotophos(Godrej) 40 100 ml4 Tricontanol(Godrej) 225 5 Kg5 Chloropyriphos 20EC(Godrej) 35 100 ml6 Carbofuran 3G (Kothari) 65 1 Kg7 Quinolphos25EC(Godrej) 80 250 ml8 Atrazine 50WP(Indofil) 145 500 gm9 Foliar-N-19%,P-19%,K-19%,Mgo+trace (Sujala) 150 1 Kg!0 Sugacane Micronutient Mix.-XII (Microstar) 230 5 Kg11 2,4-D sodium salt 80% 110 500 gm12 Urea-46%N 251.73-

265.4550 Kg

13 Spic gypsum 56 10 Kg14 Delta Azatobacter 500 40 Kg15 Neem Powder 400 50 Kg16 NPK::17:17:17 425 50 Kg17 DAP 467 50.12 Kg18 NPK::16:0:12 202 50 Kg19 Vijay-17:17:17 422 50 Kg20 Potash fertilizer 230 50 Kg21 Super phospate 176(Govt.)

,400(Pvt.)50 Kg

22 Thiophanate methyl 70%WP(Stopcin) 105 100 gm23 Acephate 70%SP 53 100 gm24 Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki(Strain Z-52,

serotype H-3a,3b)(BIOLEP)340 250 gm

25 Micronutrient for Rice 12.80(Govt.),60(Pvt.)

2.5 Kg

26 Granulosis virus-107-109 spray liquid(Arignar Anna sugar mills,Karungulam

40 250 ml

27 Azadirachtin 0.15%W/W 162 250 ml28 Azadirachtin 1%EC-1000ppm(Margo Eco neem 75 100 ml

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plus)29 Paddy seeds 15 1 kg30 Black gram seeds 65 1 kg31 Banana sucker 3 1 sucker32 Gingelly seeds 35 1 kg33 Gingelly oil cake 10 1 kg34 Coconut oil cake 5 1 kg

2) Visit to Sugar factory:

On 18-7-06 we visited Thirumandankudi Sugar Factory: Thiru Arooran Sugar’s Ltd. Pin -612301.This visit was arranged by our group facilitator Dr.T.Senguttuvan. Kumbakonam group was also with us. There in the factory on behalf of Mr.A.Senthil kumar, senior cane manager,we were received by Mr. Rajkumar (deputy cane manager).He told us about the organization structure of the factory.9,30,000 tonnes cane was crushed in year 2005-06. Average recovery was 9.53%. Sugar cane availability is from 15th

Dec. to July. The outline of the working of the factory is: Cane carrier →Cutter→Leveller(adjusting speed)→5 crushing mill→Juice weighing scale → +Sulphur,to maintain clarity of the juice→ +Lime, to maintain pH→Evaporator→Centrifugation→Crystal form of sucrose→White sugar.

By Products: 1) Pressmud (Filter mud): It is composted in compost yard.2) Bagasse: It is fired in Boiler. Steam generated is used to

produce power (Cogeneration-29M Watt). 3 lakhs unit of power is sold per day to Tamil Nadu electricity board.

3) Molasses: Rich in sugar other than sucrose. It is used to produce ethanol etc. 65000 kilo liters of spirit is produced per day, 1 lit. Spirit costs Rs.18-20.

To facilitate sugarcane harvesting and to solve labour many farmers partially burn their sugarcane field. Partially burned sugarcane if brought within 24 hours of burning, to the mill, there is no loss in sugar quantity and quality. But the fermentation process in the cane is accelerated and the quality will deteriorate quickly.

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We observed functioning of different components of the factory. They provided us a very delicious lunch, free of cost and then took us in their vehicle to the compost yard, where spent wash and pressmud is mixed to produce compost. Tractor operated tillering machine is used to mix the compost. Compost is prepared in 35-40 days, it is enriched with Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria and sold @ Rs 1000/ ton. (@ Rs 500/ton to farmers). They produce biogas @ 6000 tons gas /day.

Organizational structure: General Manager ↓Cane department, engineering department, Processing department, Stores department, Administrative department.

Cane department ↓

Cane HOD,Deputy Manager (2) →Divisional heads (BSc.Agri.)→ Cane

Account Department assistants Processing Department (Field Staff, Diploma in Agri.) Administrative department: Directly under GM with private ↓ Security guards. Personal department (HRD)

3) Visit to Farmers market On 1-8-06, we visited farmers market (Uzhavar Sandhi), Tanjore.We had discussion with Mrs.Savithri, AAO marketing; Mr.G.Ramdas,AO and made following observations: Price is 20% more than wholesale rate but is less than retail

shop rate. Farmers from 32 villages are coming to sale their produce. It

operates from 6AM to 1PM. There are 71 stalls. Staffing pattern-Secretary marketing committee.

Administrative officer (AO agriculture).Assistant administrative officer (AAO horticulture and agriculture). 3 securities and 1 sweeper.

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Horticulture department issues a card to the farmer by which bus conductor gives free transport facility.

There is no storage facility. 5 kg weighing machine is provided to the farmers.

They issues local prices to the news papers and give daily report to the JDA and horticulture department.

Seeds and some other inputs are also given to the farmers. Profit to the farmer- 20% above the wholesale price. Rs.4/day is taken from TANWA and other SHGs for selling

their produce. Holidays are only during Election time.

S.No. Commodities Price (Rs.) Unit1 Coconut 3-5 1 nut2 Amaranthus 1 1 bunch3 Curry leaf 8 1 Kg4 Onion (small) 10 1 Kg5 Onion (Big) 7 1 Kg6 Potato 12-13 1 Kg7 Mango 12-15 1 Kg8 Lemon 1 1 fruit

10 1 Kg9 Carrot 10-16 1 Kg10 Cauliflower 18 1 Kg11 Agathi leaf 2 1 bunch12 Chakravarthi Karai 2 1 bunch13 Bhendi 10-12 1 Kg14 Bitter gourd 5 1 Kg15 Ash gourd 6 1 Kg16 Radish 6 1 Kg17 Snake gourd 10 1 Kg18 Banana leaf 1 1 leaf19 Chilies 10 1 Kg20 Chow-chow 10 1 Kg21 Banana fruit 0.6-1 1 fruit22 Banana vegetable 6 1 Kg23 Banana flower 1 1 flower24 Betel vine 12 1 kauli(100 leaf)25 Pumpkin 6 1 Kg26 Brinjal 6 1 Kg27 Moringa 10-12 1 Kg28 Cluster bean (Kothranga) 5 1 Kg29 Ribbed gourd (Pikanga) 7 1 Kg

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30 Tomato 6 1 KgSeeds

1 Pumpkin (TLS-Ashoka) 10 50 gm2 Bitter gourd-MBTH-101(Mahyco) 102 50 gm3 Snake gourd MHSN-1 127 50 gm4 Bhindi No.10(Hybrid)(Mahyco) 125 100 gm5 Ridge gourd(Jaipur long)(Mahyco) 40 50 gm6 Cluster bean (Certified) 150 1 Kg7 Awarai (Goudi) 300 1 Kg8 Brinjal (Ravaiga)(Mahyco) 66 10 gm9 Bottle gourd(Ashoka) 40 50 gm10 Radish 230 1 Kg11 Brinjal Ravaiya Hubrid(Mahyco) 1650 250 gm

4) Visit to Research station On, 4-7-06, we visited TNAU Soil, Water Management Research Institute, Kattuthottam. We interacted with Dr.S.Anbumani, Agronomist. He took us for field visit where we saw Pit method of sugarcane planting. He told us that Pendimethylene @3lit/ha is a suitable herbicide for sugarcane+Pulse intercrop and burning of sugarcane field deteriorates the fertility of the soil.On, 27-7-06, we visited Tamil Nadu Rice Research institute, Aduthurai. Kumbakonam group had also joined us. Dr.R.Thamizhvendan gave us a very homely welcome. We then met Dr.V.Muralidharam. Then Dr.S.Nasir Ahmed, deputy director and head of Agronomy unit told us about the Research station and SRI method and modified SRI method of rice cultivation. Then Dr.N.Raju and Dr.D.Jaykumar, further familiarized us about the Institute. Dr.N.Raju told us about the present pest scenario in rice crop.On, 1-8-06, we re-visited, TNAU, Soil and Water Management Research Institute, kattuthottam. We met Dr.Ravi, Head of the institute. Dr.S.Anbumani, told us following points: Drum seeder, is used for direct sown rice. It is economical.

About Rs.1200 is saved per acre. The crop matures 7 days early.

Sofit (pretilachlor+fenchlorine(safener)) is an effective herbicide in rice. It is applied @500 ml/acre. Charcoal is also an antidote.

Alternate wetting and drying should be done for 15 days. Basal application of DAP@40 Kg/acre.

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Top dressing with 35 Kg of urea on 20, 40, 55, 70 DAS. Muriate of potash on 28th and 55th DAS @27 Kg/acre. Thinning and gap filling on 28th day to get assured population. In line sown crop 20 cm should be between the rows. Rotary weeder is used in corporate emerging weed and to have

stirring effect. In pit method of sugarcane planting, spacing between two pits

are 4 feet to 4.5 feet. 1700 pits should be in 1 acre. 2 budded, 16 setts are placed

per pit of radius 45 cm. Drip irrigation is easy in this method. Fertilizer for sugarcane-NPK:: 275:62.5:120 Kg/acre. High density planting in banana-3 to 4 suckers is planted in

one pit. Relay cropping is suitable in clayey soil. Casuarina juligana has been introduced from Australia. There

is rapid increase in biomass. Rs,2.5 to 3 lakhs can be realized in 3 years. 1700 saplings are to be planted in 1 acre at 4 ft ×4 ft spacing. Weekly irrigation should be given. Saplings are available at the rate of Rs.5/sapling.

5) Visit to Jaggery preparation unit: There are many jaggery preparation units in and around the

village. Jaggery manufactured from mature cane will be of the highest

quality. Cane crops that did not receive adequate irrigation yield poor

quality jaggery, because they contain nitrogen in their juices. Crops that receive excessive nitrogen manuering, those that

have lodged extensively and those that have been affected by pests and diseases, in general, yield jaggery of poor quality.

There is need for application of a chemical clarificant like lime in order to neutralize the juice and facilitate flocculation of colloidal material in the juice and its removal. This will result in realizing better coloured jaggery.

Lime sucrate is another clarificant which facilitates getting better coloured jaggery.(prepared by soaking one unit of lime in 5 units of water and filtering the supernatant lime water through a thick cloth. The filtrate is mixed with cane juice in the proportion of 18:100. this filtered lime cane juice mixture

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is stirred and kept for some time. The supernatant liquid of thus mixture is called lime sucrate and used as a clarificant.

When lime or lime sucrate is applied to the raw juice to the required extent, this will facilitate flocculation of colloids and the scum that rises to the surface of the juice is skimmed off.

If initial juice boiling is done rapidly, it is likely that the scum that flocculates will be dissolved again and impairs the colour of jaggery ultimately. After removal of the first scum, it is desirable that the juice is boiled as quickly as possible and charge brought down. The temperature of the magma when it is about to be brought down will be between 118-124ºC. If the juice is mature the temperature will be 118-119ºC only. As soon as the charge is brought down, it is stirred slowly in the pan itself to facilitate quick cooling.

The jaggery is moulded and made into balls by hand. Many farmers add sodium chloride, sodium hydrosulphite,

super phosphate, Decolite chips, alum etc. to get very light yellow coloured jaggerey.

Jaggery is sold @ Rs.15-20/Kg One labour receives Rs.160/day. Crusher→ Juice→ Pipe→ Tank→ Pipe→ Heated in large pan

for 2 hours→ Throwing the floating scum into nearby tank→ Drying the clarified juice in nearby wooden pan and moulding into jaggery

6) Preparation of Herbarium and collection and preservation of notorious pest:We prepared Herbarium of commonly prevalent diseases like Sigatoka leaf spot, Freckle disease, Bunchy top disease in banana, leaf spot in Pooverasu, Red rot of sugarcane. Phyllody in gingelly, leaf crinkling in green gram, Iron deficiency symptom in sugarcane, notorious weed- Mexican poppy, etc.We collected and preserved insects like Rhinoceros beetle, Pseudostem weevil in banana, Nut weevil of mango, etc.

Conclusion

This course provided us the opportunity for studying the rural situation and gaining direct farm experience. We gained experience

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about the extension activities carried out by the development departments, non-government organizations and private agencies.VAO of the village is one of the effective components for successful extension work. It provides data on demographic features, rainfall, and climatic conditions etc, of the village.ADA, ADO, AOs, AAO are operating at root levels to solve the problems of the farmers, make them aware about new economical technologies, supply quality inputs to the farmers-thus minimizing the gap between target and achievementLabour problem is being faced everywhere. Chief farm machineries will help to some extent.Nowadays many educated people (graduates) are taking up farming-Self employment. This will make the Indian agriculture competitive. Women are supplementing their family income by preparation of ropes from coconut coir, production of Pseudomonas, Trichoderma, Trichogramma, Azospirillum, vermicompost etc. Effective trainings provided by government and non-government organizations are acting as powerful catalysts and are making the women to utilize their strength Farmers are interested in organic farming and application of micronutrients. They are utilizing credit facilities provided by banks at low interest. It is necessary for the growth of our agriculture. Ratoon cropping in sugarcane helps to minimize the cost of production. Computers enhance pedagogy and learning efficiency. Jamsetji Tata NVA and MSSRF have performed excellently in making the computers to reach the poor children and other interested people of the village.Farmers are mostly influenced by the fertilizer and pesticide shop keepers, most of them are not proper degree holders. This course helped us to develop many extension qualities like being flexible, being adaptive, developing skills relevant to the current context, anticipating and coping with changes, etc. We learnt by working with people and came up over our ego. The difference between the regular class room teacher and the farmer teacher is that the farmer is not curriculum oriented, instead he is problem oriented. He is not theoretical oriented but practical oriented. He is not time oriented but subject oriented. The major difference between the classroom teachers and farmer teachers is the

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rich experience of the farmers which the regular classroom teachers lack.

Photographs

Paper Clippings

Pamphlets, Booklet &CD

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