CAIM Start up workshop 15th & 16th July 2010.

Convergence of Agricultural Interventions in Maharashtra

Start Up Workshop

Date 15^th & 16^th July 2010.

Venue: Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Probodhini Training Centre, Amravati

Day1 –

The day started with the registration of the participants consists of IFAD ICO officials, SRTT staff, PSC members, short listed NGO’s, Line Departments, NABARD officials, MAVIM Officials, Bankers, PMU PSU, & DPMT Staff (Around 130 participants).

After registration the session started with National anthem followed by the Inauguration of the workshop by lighting the lamp by the Hon’ble dignitaries and guest.

Hon. Project Director welcomed the IFAC ICO officials & Participants of the workshop by his welcome remarks.

Mr. Mattia Prayer Galletti in his keynote address explained the purpose of the startup workshop, rational of the project i.e.

o To reduce the farmers suicides

o Capacity building of the poorest of the poor and landless farmer.

o Need of addressing the common issues in agriculture with respect to quality, production, food security & profitability in agriculture.

o Further he explained the strategy of IFAD in enabling poor people to overcome the poverty.

He explained the eight principles to be followed by all the stakeholders in the project namely ownership, empowerment, sustainability, flexibility, convergence, partnership, commitment & targeting.

Further he raised major concerns such as identify sustainable livelihood activities, adequate marketing arrangements, linkages & convergence.

He emphasized that every subproject needs ensure the sustainability at the beginning.

After keynote address of Mr. Mattia, Hon’ble Project Director Mr. Nawin Sona gave detail presentation on overview and outline of CAIM programme; concepts, design, implementation arrangement including subprojects, expected output, outcome & impact.

Additional project Director made a details presentation on “Roles & Responsibilities of key Stakeholders & Programme Management”.

Mr. Amitanshu Choudhary of SRTT briefed about SRTT’s operations & its role in CAIM project.

Mr. Santosh Patil explained the roles and responsibilities of Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board as Lead Programme Agency (LPA) for CAIM Programme. Followed by the presentation of Chaitnya (Shortlisted RNGOs of CAIM Programme).

Mrs. Sudha Kothari, Head of the Chaitnya gave detailed presentation on Roles and Responsibilities of RNGO/FNGO and their participation strategies. She further added that SHGs concepts strengthen in Maharashtra with IFAD assisted MRCP Project. Chaitnya’s federation model and Jankars has played very important role in community mobilization.

The floor was opened for questions from the participants and Mr. Mattia and Mr. N. Nawin Sona facilitated the session.

Second half of the first Day started with IFAD officials’ presentation, the first presentation was made by Mr. S. Sriram on Programme loan covenants, loan administration, fund flow, auditing and procurement. He explained an important dates for the programme

Approval of IFAD Executive Board April 2009

Programme Effectiveness 4 December 2009

Programme Completion date 31 December 2017

Programme Closing date 30 June 2018

Basic Documents that project should have with them

Programme Financing Agreement (and amendments)

Agreed Minutes of the Negotiations

Project Appraisal Report (Design document)

Co-financing Agreement

Disbursement Guidelines

IFAD Guidelines on Project Audit

IFAD Procurement Guidelines

Project Implementation Manual

Legally binding document for compliance

Modified/amended with mutual concurrence of Government/IFAD

Appraisal Report is only a road map for implementation; not binding

Compliance to Loan Covenants to be reported during each JRM

JRM recommendations shall be in line with the PLA

Programme need to Track the funds from different sources

IFAD

Govt. of Maharashtra counterpart funds

SRTT Co-financed funds

Parallel financing from the State (convergence of existing Programmes)

Beneficiary contribution

Formal Financial Institutions

He highlighted the overview of procurement process, Contract Management, Audit Reports and Financial Statements and IFAD’s Policy on Anti-corruption and Fraud.

The next session by Mr. Shaheel Rafique, Implementation Support Specialist, IFAD ICO was on the overview of Monitoring and Evaluation, Result Impact Management Survey, Outcome Survey, and Annual Work plan and Budget.

Objectives of Monitoring and Evaluation System:

To support managing for project results by focusing on improvement of project performance by

Tracking progress of project outcome (intermediate impacts) and Impact based on data collected at baseline, mid-term and at the end-of-project;

Quarterly, half-yearly and annual monitoring of achievement of project outputs through the conversion of input to output against AWPB targets; and

Reflecting, learning and taking actions to improve performance to achieve results.

Monitoring and Evaluation Tools in IFAD Project

Logical Framework

Results and Impact Management System

Results Based Annual Work Plan and Budget

Annual Outcome Surveys

Multidimensional Poverty Assessment Tool (MPAT)

He also highlighted on the basis components of any MIS and broad steps for setting up M&E System.

Reporting Requirements

Timing

Half-yearly and Annually for First/Output Level Indicators:(period covered same as AWPB)

Second Level and Impact Indicators at Start of Project, at Mid-Term, at the End-of-Project

Format: Integrated Physical and Financial Reporting Formats developed by IFAD for all projects.

Ms. Ankita Handoo, Knowledge Management Specialists-IFAD ICO, gave a brief presentation on what Knowledge Management means to IFAD and its importance that

New INDIA COSOP – has clear emphasis on KM

Knowledge plays a central role in operationalizing the project strategy to achieve the project objectives.

KM also contributes significantly to Programme Management towards achieving project goals

KM for Advocacy and Policy dialogue

KM leads to providing timely information and knowledge to empower people in meeting their aspirations through the project

Knowledge Management Components

Strengthening learning processes and knowledge-sharing

Equipping IFAD with a more supportive knowledge-sharing and learning infrastructure

Fostering partnerships for broader knowledge-sharing and learning

Promoting a supportive knowledge-sharing and learning culture

Learning Process includes

Generation of new knowledge from external sources

Collection and analysis of data, experience and knowledge from the field

Systematic documentation of processes, success, learnings, impacts and challenges

Knowledge Sharing with various stakeholders in different forums by using different KS tools and methods

Disseminating knowledge - Dissemination of IFAD’s field knowledge with a larger audience.

The first two components i.e. Generation and Collection of data and analysis will be done by M&E and its systematic documentation, knowledge sharing will be done by KME.

How to integrate KM in the project

Formulate KM strategy based on the project log frame/results framework

Formulate KM action plan

KM action plan will translate into the AWPB with specific output/outcome and corresponding monitoring indicators

For the KM part of the AWPB allocate- Human and Financial resources

Adequate capacity building to staff

Development a KM infrastructure

The next session on Gender Mainstreaming was facilitated by Dr. Vincent Darlong, highlighting the IFAD strategy on Gender Mainstreaming.

Gender Mainstreaming: - Gender mainstreaming is an institutional transformation process that integrates efforts to achieve gender equality into the core of development activities. The approach requires specific consideration of the distinctive implications for men and women of resource allocations, policies, procedures, and institutional norms and structures. It is complementary to activities targeted specifically to women, which are also necessary in many situations.

Need of Gender Mainstreaming: - The programmes and projects that IFAD supports demonstrate that –when women’s assets and capabilities increase, women can become powerful agents of change in their communities. Women can indeed play critical roles in overcoming rural poverty and hunger. At IFAD we know that without women we will not achieve the First Millennium Development Goal. That is why gender equality and Women’s empowerment have always been at the core of IFAD’s efforts to reduce rural poverty. And one of the objectives of MDG3 is to “promote gender equality and empower women”.

Gender Budgeting:-Gender budgeting is a process that entails incorporating a gender perspective at various stages- planning, policy, programme formulation, need assessment of target groups, allocation of resources. Impact assessment and so on.

IFAD’s Gender Mainstreaming Principles :-

Expand women’s economic empowerment through access to and control over fundamental assets.

Strengthen women’s decision making role in community affairs and representation in local institutions.

Improve the knowledge and well-being of women’s workloads by facilitating women’s access to basic rural services and infrastructure.

Women’s Equity and Empowerment Framework: - which envisage the process from welfare to Control which leads to Equality and Empowerment.

SWOT analysis of gender mainstreaming and process and advocacy skill in Gender i.e. listening skill, questioning skill, facilitating skill, summarizing skill, reporting skill, communication skill, presentation skill and social skill etc.

Checklist for gender mainstreaming in detail including gender dimensions, gender related issues related to the sectoral area, gender issues in the gender geographical context, baseline sex disaggregated data etc. and the mainstreaming of these in M & E system.

Gender Performance Indicator: - Can be assessed by women’s change in conditions and change in positions. Women in Development approach leads to change in condition whereas Gender in Development approach leads to change in women’s position and which is the ultimate goal of gender mainstreaming.

Dr. Vincent Darlong summarized the discussion and floor opened for question and answers.

The Question answer session was facilitated by Mr. Mattia, Mr. N. Nawin Sona, Dr. Darlong, Mr. Amitanshu Choudhary.

Mr. Mattia Prayer Galleti concluded the day with his concluding remarks and Hon’ble PD, CAIM thanked him his valuable time and guidance and presented a momentum as token of love and appreciation from CAIM Programme.

Day 2

The second day started with a prayer, “Itni shakti hame dena data”

Dr. Vincent Darlong and Mr. Sudam Pawar did the recap of the Day 1 and participants divided into the working groups i.e. M&E, KM, Gender Mainstreaming and Finance Management.

Working Group 1: Gender Mainstreaming

Gender Mainstreaming working group was facilitated by Dr. Sangita Shete, Gender Expert, CAIM-PMU.

In the Gender mainstreaming group there were 17 participants including NGO representatives and DPMT staff. First of all buzz group discussion was conducted to check the knowledge of the participants about the concept and need of the gender mainstreaming. Then the detail orientation is made on following;

Concept of gender, Concept of gender mainstreaming, Need of gender mainstreaming

Gender Budgeting, Gender strategy, Gender action plan

After orientation participants were divided into four groups for group discussion on “CAIM’s strategy on gender mainstreaming”. Then each group made a presentation. Brainstorming exercise is conducted on the group presentations and the final strategy is formulated as below:

In the project 2, 86,800 families will be benefited. It will be strategy to include every woman of these families in the Self Help Groups.

50% participation of women in decision making positions i.e. in VDC. Also the participation of women in JLG and PC will be encouraged.

At local level women facilitator will be encouraged .i.e. sahayogini, master trainer.

Linkage with social security schemes of other departments.(health, education, insurance etc)

Gender Sensitization of-

PMU, PSU, DPMT,NGOs, Line Departments, Gram panchayat, Tantamukt samiti, Men and women of the selected villages

Establishment of Vishakha Samiti at PMU, DPMT and NGO level.

Appointment of gender focal person at PMU, DPMT and NGO level.

Dissemination of gender related information through news bulletin

Policy level Negotiations

Transfer of technology for drudgery reduction

“Kayada Saathi” at village level.

Recruitment of 50% women staff in PSU, PMU, DPMT and NGO.

Working Group 2: Finance Management

The session on Fiduciary and Procurement was facilitated by Mr. S. Sriram, IFAD ICO.

The following points discussed in detail

Finance Management

Better Loan Administration

Computerize Accounts

Charter of Accounts

Records: Assets, Contract Register

AWPB: Physical , Financial Targets

Budget Control (Max 100%)

Reporting Activities

SOE, Beyond SOE

MTR, Changes, Period

MOU with NGO

Fund Withdrawal, Methods

Audit, Role of IFAD, Audit Log

Uniform Formats

Allocation of Expenses, Withdrawal Application

Procurement

AWPB for Goods and Services

Methods of Procurement

Technical and Financial Structure

Working Group 3: Knowledge Management

The working group on Knowledge Management was facilitated by Ms. Ankita Handoo, Knowledge Management Specialists, IFAD ICO.

Around 40 participants were present in this working group. This group did an ice breaker to introduce themselves with each other and then Ms. Ankita introduced the KM concept in detail in participatory way where participants explained what knowledge Management means to them? Once participants become comfortable with the common understanding of KM then the participants broke into 3 groups and did several exercises on KM.

All exercises were centered around KM Matrix

Knowledge Area

Who needs knowledge

What knowledge is needed

Who will provide this knowledge

How you will generate Knowledge: at Project level and at Community level

How you will store it

How Knowledge will be shared at project level and at Community level

Training needs at project level and at community level to capture best practices, case studies, lessons learnt. For effective KM

Limitation for KM

Possible solutions

This exercise was done for Livestock improvement, Organic farming and storage management.

The participants suggested that

All formats should be shared with its stakeholders for their feedback before actual data collection.

Validation should be confirmed with the guidelines

There should be Workshop on how to capture Best practices, case studies, lessons learnt

Develop learning system

KM Plan can be prepared and finalized in the KM workshop and should be submitted till October, 2010.

The working Group 4: Monitoring and Evaluation

This group was facilitated by Mr. Shaheel Rafique on Monitoring and Evaluation and Annual work plan and Budget.

Around 30 Participants were present in this working group. Mr. Shaheel Rafique explained the concept monitoring and evaluation means to IFAD & explained about the formulation and it’s use how to start M&E system for the project.

One needs to understand the types of inputs are required for a particular activity and once activities are identified one can measure the output and subsequently the outcome.

M&E Plan should address the following aspects

Who will monitor

What will be monitored

Who will do the evaluation

Who will analyze

For baseline survey we need to identify the village within project and villages outside the project.

In first year project can maintain the MIS manually and after gaining actual experience then suitable software can be developed.

The basic tools for M&E would be

Logical Framework

RIMS

RO AWPB

Project staff need to be trained and there is need to build their capacities and IFAD has proposed training for KM & M&E in September, 2010 and the information on same will be conveyed to the project.

The afternoon session of the second day started with presentation by Ms. Roopa Mistry, MAVIM on the Ideas of convergence between MAVIM and CAIM.

Mr. Santosh Patil made a Need based detailed presentation on “Agricultural Produce Pledge Loan Scheme” and explained the importance, ease of implementation of the scheme and immediate returns to farmers along with the illustrations in context of programme districts.

CAIM programme will be benefited from the lesson learnt, best practices and case studies within MAVIM. The existing infrastructure and Human resources of MAVIM at all level will be comparative advantage for CAIM.

Actual model on sub sector project presentation by Mr. Subhas Tamboli, Executive Director, AFRAM which helped other NGOs to understand how to develop subproject under CAIM.

All working Groups made presentation on their exercise to the participants and shared their learning.

After Action Review was conducted to understand the feedback of participants and this session was facilitated by the Ms. Ankita Handoo, KMS, IFAD ICO

Following are the observations

What worked well

Young and youths participations in workshop, interest level of participants was high

All are interested in project success

Informative sessions and gave conceptual clarity on implementation

Groups discussions: Good + Helpful

Balance between presentation and lectures was good and participatory

Lot of interest among the group

IFAD team is very supportive

Food was good

End-to-End project presentation was good

What Didn’t not worked well

Venue arrangement can be further improved

Reduce the number of presentations and content in one slide

Sessions were not clear because of language constraints

Suggestions:

There should not parallel session, if parallel sessions then more participants should be allowed from one organization

More interaction should be with implementation partners

Speed up the implementation at the field.

Hon’ble Project Director urged, in his concluding remarks on this two day workshop, to make this programme a successful one. He thanked all IFAD team for their continuous support and enthusiasm in project implementation. He further added that we must learn these things from IFAD ICO.

Dr. Darlong in his concluding remarks said that you all are the part of IFAD family and we will be always there to help you, whenever you need our help.

Mr. Dilipsing Bayas, Knowledge Management Expert, CAIM-PMU expressed the vote of thanks to all the participants for their active participation and for sharing knowledge.

2nd PSC Meeting held on 25th May, 2010 at Amravati

The meeting of Project Steering Committee (PSC) under CAIM held on 25th May 2010, under the Chairpersonship of Hon. Divisional Commissioner, Amravati Division at Divisional Commissioner Office Amravati. The Project Director-CAIM, Hon. N. Nawin Sona (IAS), and Additional Divisional Commissioner Amravati made a detailed presentation the CAIM programme.

Highlights of Presentation:

- Effective Date: 4^th Dec. 2009

- Shortlisting of suitable NGO\Institutes\ Private Agencies

- Submission of AWP&B and Procurement plan to IFAD

- IFAD-DEA led Joint Portfolio Review Workshop (PRW) at Bhopal

- DPR Guidelines workshop for RNGOs

- Preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Sub project Concept Note (SCN) by suitable NGO\Agencies.

- Recruitment of DPMT staff and formation of various committees (SPSC, PSC and DPCC)

- Compilation of BPL village list as per IFAD Guidelines

- Political Launch of CAIM programme by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra on 7^th May, 2010.

Detailed presentation made on Annual Work Plan and Budget besides components, subcomponents, activities, physical and financial targets (Appraisal and Annual), were explained to all the members.

Opportunities in Food Processing in Maharashtra State.

The event “Opportunities in food processing in Maharashtra State” was jointly organized by The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India and Government of Maharashtra on 10th May, 2010 at Amravati. The event was presides over by Shri. Rajendra Jawaharlal Darda, Guardian Minister and Minister for Employment and Self Employment, Industries, Govt. of Maharashtra in the presence of Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India, Dr. Nitin Kashinath Raut, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri. Anandrao Adsul, Member of Parliament, MLAs, Shri. Raosaheb Shekawat, Ms. Yashomati Thakur, Mr. Nilesh Parwekar, Cap. Adsul, Shri. Shivkumar Rao, Chairman, CII Vidarbha Zonal Council & Director R & Y Logistics Pvt Ltd, Shri Ashok Sinha, Secretary MOFPI, Govt. of India, Shri. Amrit Lal Meena, Joint Secretary-MOFPI, Govt. of India, Shri. Pandurang Watharkar, Managing Director, Maharashtra Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium, Mr. K. J. Anthony, Dy. Director, MPEDA, Mr. R. V. Meshram, Regional Manager, Central Bank of India, Representatives of Industries and community.

The purpose of this event and the way forward for food processing industries was discussed in detail by Shri Shivakumar Rao. Thereafter, Mr. Amrit Lal Meena made an exhaustive presentation on schemes and programs of Ministry of Food Processing Industries i.e. Scheme for infrastructure Development which includes Setting up of Mega Food Park, Cold Chain infrastructure, Modernization of Abattoirs, Scheme for Technology up Gradation, Establishment and Modernization of Food Processing Industries, Scheme for up gradation of quality of street food, Scheme For Quality Assurance, Codex Standards, Research & Development And Other Promotional Activities, Scheme for Human Resource Development, Scheme For Strengthening Of Institutions etc.

Thereafter Mr Pandurang Watharkar, MD-SFAC explained the roles of Maharashtra Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium and Scheme of Venture Capital.

Shri A.K. Anthony made a detailed presentation on roles and work done by The Marine Products Export Development Authority, Govt. of India. Mr. Meshram explained how banking sector is inclined towards financing small and micro enterprises over a period of time. The same can be observed in District Credit Plan.

Thereafter Shri N. Nawin Sona, (IAS), Project Director CAIM and Additional Divisional Commissioner, Amravati briefed on Convergence of Agricultural Interventions in Maharashtra’s Distressed Districts (CAIM). And requested to coordinate with Shri Sudam Pawar, Additional Project Director, CAIM for any further assistance if required.

Shri. Nirmal Deshmukh, MIDC Amravati had a detailed discussion on the progress of MIDC.

Thereafter Shri. Ashok Sinha, Secretary MOFPI made detailed presentation on MOFPI’s schemes and programs. He told that he try to put few more personnel on job to study how MOFPI will get converged with CAIM for distressed districts. The schemes and programs can be linked with sub projects of CAIM.

Mr. Anandrao Adusl, Member of Parliament, Govt. of India, MLAs, Ms. Yashomati Thakur, Cap. Adsul, Mr. Ravi Rana, Mr. Nilesh Parwekar, Mr. Raosaheb Shekawat put forward the plans for the development of Vidarbha Region and requested to Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India, to form new projects like Mega Food Park at Amravati.

Shri. Rajendra Darda, Guardian Minister and Minister for Employment and Self Employment, Industries, Govt. of Maharashtra briefed about the launch of CAIM programme for development of six distressed districts. Minister also announced that Maharashtra Government is going to declare the Agro-Industry Policy very soon with the amendments. It is a fact that Vidarbha region has full potential to sustain food processing industries. He briefed about the proposed Soya processing plant at Dhamangaon Rly. Ministry will ensure that enough land (at Nandgaon MIDC) for food processing park is reserve and will be made available. He declared the Food Processing Park for Vidarbha Region.

Thereafter Shri. Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister-MOFPI, Govt. of India shared his experiences about his Ministry’s progress over the period of time including identity crisis as well.

Highlights of the speech

• All food processing units will get 25% grant once there proposal is approved and same will be routed through only one channel which hassle free
• Assistance of Rs. 10 Corore for cold chain for milk processing
• Assistance for Quality Testing Labs: 100% if Govt. of Maharashtra undertakes and 50% if any private company
• All processing units of which CAIM will propose through their subprojects will get grant for the same.
• MOFPI will work very closely with CAIM Team for exploring scope of new food processing units.
• Fodder production should be connected with CAIM for sustainable livestock development
• MOFPI will take care of all post-harvest for increased production through the intervention of CAIM
• Industry, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and MOFPI should converge through CAIM programme
• MOFPI will provide all technical and financial assistance to CAIM for all subprojects.
• Minister also ensured that if required he will discuss with Hon’ble Prime Minister, Republic of India for further convergence through CAIM.
• Joint Committee will be formed to solve the problems related to food processing through one window
• 100% tax benefit for cold storage for initial 5 yrs. FDIs are also encouraged

Shri. Shivkumar Rao, Chairman, CII Vidarbha Zonal Council & Director R & Y Logistics Pvt Ltd expressed vote of thanks to all dignitaries

Launch of CAIM on 7th May, 2010

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, inaugurated the Convergence of Agricultural interventions in Maharashtra’s Distressed Districts (CAIM)-exhibition stalls and took a brief look on the entire stalls and interacted with exhibitors and NGOs about their work and stall theme; was accompanied by his colleagues Ministers and other invitees. Dr. S. K. Goel, Principal Secretary, Co-operation, Marketing and Guardian Secretary, Amravati welcomed all dignitaries on the dais. Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra inaugurated the CAIM programme by lighting the lamp and launched the CAIM programme.

Shri. Dinesh Waghmare, Divisional Commissioner, Amravati gave an introductory speech to the august gathering and briefed them about the project objectives, Goals and outcomes and thanks all partners for their extended support in designing and implementing the programme.

Dr. S.K. Goel, Principal Secretary, Cooperation and Marketing, gave all the details of the programme and requested to participate actively in CAIM programme.

Thereafter, Dr. Vincent Darlong, Country Programme officer IFAD briefed about IFAD’s active participation and ongoing Programme in India and highlighted how CAIM programme is innovative and important for all of us.

Shri. Firdoz Gandavia expressed the vision of the Tata Trusts for the participating in CAIM programme and briefed about the various programs of Tata trusts across the Republic of India.

Thereafter Shri Shivajirao Moghe, Minister for De-Addiction Activities, Social Justice, Welfare of Nomadic Denotified Tribes and Other Backward Classes expressed the burning problems in front of Vidarbha region, and issues related to quality of education need to be addressed urgently so our youth will be mainstreamed and will get the equal opportunities.

Shri. Vijay alias Balasaheb Bhausaheb Thorat, Minister for Agriculture, Employment Guarantee Scheme, Water Conservation, Govt. of Maharashtra shared his experiences about Vidarbha region. He also instructed that local cattle need to be improved rather than introducing new cattle which is not appropriate for the Vidarbha. He briefed about the CAIM programme.

Shri. Harshwardhan Shahajirao Patil, Minister for Co-operation, Marketing, and Parliamentary Affairs presides over and guided through his presidential speech, informed the audience that this programme is not the package, its loan from IFAD and people representative should participate in the selection process of the Villages as per the IFAD’s village selection criteria. He addressed the several problems that Vidarbha region is facing i.e. climate change, low irrigation, adverse marketing conditions which cumulatively results in distress. CAIM is designed to address all these problems.

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra released the Handbook of CAIM Programme and addressed the august gathering.

Highlights:

• The farmer suicides have been decreased over the period of time due to specific interventions and programme like Prime Minister Package and Chief Minister Package.
• Various development programme will be introduced till the zero suicides. He stated “I still feel that there is need to pay more attention towards it. And I will do until the suicide stop completely”
• Tenure of Vidarbha Statutory Development Board (Vidardha Vaidhanik Vikas Mahamandal) is extended for 5yrs for the development of Vidarbha Region.
• Chief Minister Package will be extended for 5 yrs.
• He called upon public representatives and people for their participation in it to ensure success.
• The State’s irrigation potential was 20-21% while that of the Country was 40 %. It will be my endeavor to bring State at par with the nation on this front.
• Storage Facilities: need to be improved and increased from 5.50 Lakh metric tonne to 13 Lakh metric tonne.
• He lauded Dr. S.K. Goel for his hard work for the development of Vidarbha regions as Divisional Commissioner as well as Principal Secretary therefore he decided to appoint him as Guardian Secretary of Amravati Division.

Shri. N Nawin Sona, Project Director CAIM and Additional Divisional Commissioner Amravati, gave vote of thanks to all the dignitaries for their valuable time and guidance, and to the audience for their cooperation and shown interest in CAIM programme.

DPR Workshop 15th -18 April, 2010

DPR Workshop: 15th-18th April, 2010

Participants: NGOs, Resource Persons, PSU,PMU,DPMT and Line Departments.
Day 1
15th April 2010:
The DPR Workshop started with the registration of the participant and Dr. S.K. Goel, Principal Secretary, Cooperation & Marketing, Government of Maharashtra chaired the session and welcomed all resource persons, Scientist and NGO representatives. Dr. Goel briefed about the objectives of the Workshop and overall strategy of Convergence of Agricultural Interventions in Maharashtra (CAIM). Mr. Dinesh Waghmare, Divisional Commissioner, Amravati as chairperson of Project Steering Committee (PSC) welcomed the all participants and briefed them about the goals and objectives of the CAIM programme.

Dr. Goel addressed the participants on the important aspects such as common comparable, market oriented, and Producer Company focused approach in DPRs. He requested all NGOs to be as much as interactive during sessions to understand the concept of Producer Company (PC) and preparation of DPRs.

Thereafter Mr. Subhas Metha addressed on the “Sustainability of the poor small producers and their communities”. In which he highlighted AR4D Mandate. The presentation highlighted an increase net productivity, safety and quality, Facilitate setting up of PCs by farmer organizations, value addition to optimize shelf life of produce/ products and improve, livelihoods by increasing net income and purchasing power, contact successful farmers to widely replicate their systems, develop small holder friendly and sustainable technologies, capacity building and education.

He highlighted the Actions for Institutional Issues on Improvement on research quality that is action research on successful farmer fields and follow the jury system in mandating AR4D, optimize the local area integrated farming system, all stakeholders to be equal partners, facilitate wide replication of local farming systems, document all sustainable farming systems, invest in creating required GPAs, fund setting up PCs by the poor small producers and staffed by professionals, and Contact successful farmers.
He suggested to have replicable models in their successful systems that can be the diversification of crops to reduce risk factor, Livestock enterprises, Horticulture crops, Locally Adapted Seed and Planting Material to reduce production cost, Fisheries, Highland/ Mountain agriculture, Water and soil resources and their management, Local water conservation management systems, proper Extension services, Successful farmers, ARS and PCs to be contracted for wide replication and optimize land use of the small producers, ARS/ PCs to document case studies of successful farmers, Establish improved ICT to connect the PCs/ successful farmers and ARSs with small holder producer communities and PC to ensure convergence to deliver all Govt. programme (Dindori district, East MP, the week April 18, 2010),

The same article distributed to all the participants.

Focus: Poor smallholder producers
Objectives:
• To meet their own needs for nutrition & food, increased safe and sustainable quality production
• To increase their net income, purchasing power
• To ensure sustainable livelihood improvement
• To primary and secondary value addition on farm
• To set up their own orgs (PCs), staffed by General Practitioner in Agriculture (GPAs )
 For Research Policy Shifts Necessary for Capacity Building
Agricultural development policy should focus on increasing net incomes, purchasing power and livelihood improvement, increased investments in AR4D to meet the plan and budget requirements of the poor small holder producers, investment in rural infrastructure, all policies to cover safety, quality, net farm productivity and delivery through PCs [link: www.serp-ncsa.com], diversification and producing inputs on farm, producing first to meet the producer and local communities own nutrition and food needs and primary and secondary value addition to optimize shelf life and zero post-harvest loses

Marketing of agricultural produce/products: Policy for local marketing of produce/products by PC at fair prices, to facilitate primary and secondary value-addition on farm to meet the seed capital requirements for setting up of PCs by the poor small producer organizations and staffing them by professionals, Creating local capacity of a land army to facilitate farmers during planting and harvesting seasons - KAU model, Education Needs, We need to introduce of agriculture general knowledge from primary school curriculum and practical work in secondary schools. Also Two year diploma course should be developed which may include working knowledge of agriculture, farm management, finance, planning and budgeting, ICT, marketing, etc., as general practitioners in agriculture (GPAs)

Thereafter Mr. P. S. Lonkar, Ex. Director of Extension, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur addressed participants about his innovative efforts at MAFSU and they created 45 leaf lets (45 Folders) on animal husbandry and fishery which is available at free of cost online. He told that it is a sustainable model by sale of it of approx. Rs. 18,000 (Rs. 0.50/ for 45 leaflets/folders). He pointed out that the access to information is very important aspect in the context of timely information. He throw an idea of the different combinations of agriculture practices i.e. Least input- least output, Medium input-medium output, high inputs-high output among these we need to have best possible combination in given situation.

On behalf of MAFSU, due to his lifetime association with MAFSU, he assured that they will extend their all possible support to all NGOs and CAIM.

Dr. Alam, the architect of CAIM briefed the audience on objective and goals of CAIM and possible strategies for the implementation.

GCARD2010: Relevance to CAIM Project, SPS Beniwal, Asian Agri-History Foundation

Mr. Beniwal gave the brief overview of his presentation that the status of Agriculture in developing country, brief info about The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and The Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) followed by the objectives of GCARD 2010. He briefed that nearly half of the humanity (3 billion people) live in rural areas. Of these, about 2.5 billion are involved in agriculture of which 1.5 billion are resource-poor smallholders. They make up the majority (85%) of farmers in the developing world, and are among the poorest group of farmers. They become important in the context of eliminating poverty and hunger from the developing world. However, they have not been paid much attention so far, and thus deserve utmost attention now.
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research; Established 1970 to assist in Agricultural Research in the developing countries Sponsored by WB, UNDP, FAO, (UNEP), IFAD Funded by Development Banks, Organizations, Donors (Developed and Developing countries), Supports 15 CG Centers (IARCs), Governed by CG Board of Trustees assisted by Alliance of CG Centers; and Science Council; Executive Secretariat; Vice-President of WB as the Chair.

Global Forum on Agricultural Research; Established in 1996; based in FAO Rome which a Neutral Platform for agricultural research (AR) to create awareness and play an advocacy role for important issues in AR and they are financially supported by members of the donor community, development banks/organizations (ADB, IFAD), FAO, etc.

Key issues were discussed during the presentation.
• Pro-poor (small farmers/producers) and environmentally sustainable
• Balancing income generation and household and community food security
• Re-orienting agricultural research, education and support systems
• Blending knowledge systems for an inclusive approach to innovation
• Towards multidisciplinary and cross-sector research approaches (from NARIs to NARES)
• Demand-led AR and partnerships and mechanisms to generate and promote access to knowledge and technology
• Mobilizing financial resources and improving their allocation
• Future energy needs for agriculture with special emphasis on bio-fuels: Implications for farming communities
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and markets
• Harnessing biodiversity for sustainable development
• Balance agricultural development with resilience and stability of livelihoods and equitability in gains of economic growth and development
He also shared the experience of white paper from India prepared by the group of committed social scientists and NGOs as ARD stakeholders.

Mr. Amar KJR Nayak, thereafter, had a detailed discussion on “Mitigating multiple Risks of Marginal & Small Rural Producers through Local Institution”. The participants was very keen to know the risk factors involved in agriculture sector, he highlighted the types of risks, current engagements for poverty alleviation and its disadvantages due to asymmetric information and session concluded with what are the means for mitigating risk factors. There was common consensus on two factors affecting agriculture that is weather and market. Dr. Goel putted them as the two monsters that are affecting agriculture development.

Ms. Sonali and Mr. Bharat Bisht, from Institute of Himalayan Environmental Research and Education (INHERE), Masi, Uttarakhand had exhaustive presentation on CAIM’s objectives and goal along with the active and responsible participation of NGOs had been discussed in great details.

All the NGOs made a brief presentation of their proposal on the following aspects
1. Cluster (community) you have selected or plan to select and its
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
2. Natural resource base of the area
3. Thoughts on how your NGO will enhance net incomes /purchasing power of the farmers
4. Your suggestion so that program objectives are met
• Inter-linkages among SHGs, JLGs, CMRCs, PC, NGO, RNGO
• Sustainable agriculture
• Value addition
• Market linkage
• Seed and planting material

The draft guidelines were given to all NGOs for the further suggestions and recommendations.

Day-2: 16th April, 2010

The Second day started with a prayer, “Itni Shakti Hume Dena data” followed by the presentation of Dr. Amar Nayak on case study of Nava Joyti. He highlighted that the knowledge should meet small and marginal farmers need. The point raised by Chaitanya representative on opportunity cost. There was common consensus that everybody should visit Nava Joyti to see the initiative of Mr. Amar Nayak. He also shared his practical experience that the people are willing to pay higher amount for their products, which is slightly less than the market price.

Thereafter Following line departments presented their ongoing schemes and budget.

List of the Line Departments presented:
1. Department of Agriculture
2. Department of Social Forestry
3. NREGA/EGS
4. Department of Social Welfare
5. Department of Animal Husbandry
6. Department of Fishery
7. Dairy Development Department
8. Tribal Development Department
9. Women and Child Development Department
10. NABARD

All representatives of NGOs were very interactive during their presentations and had clarifications on the implementation and fund release issues. Informative brochure of all line departments were circulated to all NGOs.

There was consensus on the point that it would difficult for any NGO to take follow up from all line department for their fund release and convergence so there should be some mechanism for implementation and execution of the same.

Thereafter Dr. Om Rupela had detailed discussion on Common platform for Detail Project Report. He expressed his view on asymmetries on the project information but the forum disagreed to the same and said they are well aware about the project information. The forum was agreed to add purchasing power alongwith increase in net income. NGOs disagreed as regards the duration of the subproject was modified as per the subproject requirement. Community representatives should be included in subproject evaluation.
It was also agreed that there should be several orientation programmes to all line department for different stakeholders at different level. Dr. Om Rupela also shared the common format for preparing Detail Project Report.

Day-3: 17th April, 2010
The 3rd Days started with prayer, “Itni Shakti Hume Dena Data” followed by the various presentation from PMU and SRTT representative on required components of the project. Ms. Chhaya Singh and Mr. Laxman Bake discussed about the suggestive guidelines to be followed by the NGOs for preparing their DPR. Mr. Amitanshu Choudhary and Mr. Himmat Patel had presentation on Sustainable Agriculture and Market Linkage, Micro enterprise and Small and Medium enterprise respectively. All Resource persons were very keen to understand the design of guidelines and to guide the PMU unit.

There was also common consensus that MOUs with private companies would not possible option for NGOs while submitting DPR therefore they should submit the letter of interest only. NGOs were keen to know about the selection of the programme area and non-duplication of schemes for the same village.

The experts shared information on LEISA and organic farming practices and it was commonly agreed to understand culture of Agriculture. Livestock component and deliverables are completely missing in DPR preparation guidelines and it is decided by all to revise it by discussing with resource persons.

It was also suggested that the Guideline will complete if we compile SCN guidelines and DPR guidelines together and PMU agreed to compile the same and prepare the final draft which agreed by the forum. There was common consensus that DPR document should look like innovative and NGOs need the hand holding support for the market aspect. Mr. Tarak Kate and Chaitnya agreed to share that marketing is completely different area for the NGOs.
Beginning of 3rd Day Dr. Alam gave a detailed presentation on the issues raised by the many experts and participants about the programme and informed that the project design can not be changed at this stage and if required this can be changed at time of Review mission.
Mr. Sudam Pawar APD expressed the vote of thanks to participants for their active participation and cooperation.

Day4: 18th April, 2010
On 18th April PMU has arranged field visit for NGOs, DPMT, PMU and PSU staff at Nerpinglaye cooperative Society, Nerpinglaye village of Morshi Taluka of Amravati District. The activities being carried out by the society for the community was very much appreciable and can be the successful model. The participants understood all the major functions of the society with various aspects like gender representation in the activities of society, marketing aspects etc.
Mr. Laxman Bake, Mr. Santosh Patil expressed vote of thanks to the society for this opportunity.