1.
Innovative Extension Approach in Information and Knowledge Dissemination: A Gujarat State Experience
Dr.Kirit N.Shelat, Executive Chairman, NCCSD &
V.V. Sadamate,Former Adv.(Agri),Planning Commission
Join Hands with

2. Gujarat – India – Experience : Innovative Extension Approach
COP 22
Gujarat – India – Experience : Innovative Extension Approach

3. Innovative Extension Approach
COP 22
Innovative Extension Approach
SITUATION ANALYSIS
Gujarat -State situated on the western coast of India with diverse topography
Home to the largest desert in the country known as Rann of Kutch.
The state has all possible handicaps faced by agriculture (rain-fed, recurrent droughts, untimely/irregular rainfall etc.)
The growth rate of agriculture used to be negative during such years. In a normal year, the agricultural growth rate used to be 2 to 3%.
Agriculture was not sustainable in many parts of the state

4. New Extn. Approach :Genesis
COP 22
From 2004 onwards, agriculture witnessed a major turnaround
This turnaround became possible through an initiative Extension Approach known as “Krishi Mahotsav” in all 18,000 villages in the state,
With enhanced growth of 11% per year- Gujarat became the front-runner State in agricultural production
Introduced by present Prime Minister Of India when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Focus on Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture

5. New Extension Approach contd…
New Extension Approach contd…
• Action at bottom - the village/ individual farmer level.
Focus on selection of crops which soil can sustain and input assistance to poor farmers.
Direct dialogue with farmers, field functionaries & experts
Provided knowledge and technology at the door steps of the farmers.
Developed detailed implementation & M & E framework.
Reviewed closely - one month prior to monsoon – when actual field level actions take place.

6. New Extension - Farmer Centric Approach-i
COP 22
New Extension - Farmer Centric Approach-i

7. Location Specific Extension Strategies
COP 22
Location Specific Extension Strategies
Direct involvement of public leadership both elected and non-elected
Effective soil and water management and proper land use
More than 1,00,000 check dams constructed (6000 last decade).
Interlinked rivers (Mahi/ Sabarmati) & in turn, linked with Narmada & Mahi canals.
Special irrigation scheme “Sujalam-Sufalam” introduced for rain starved Kutch and North Gujarat.
Soil Health Card distributed to every farmer enabling to make informed choice
Provided free Inputs(Certified Seeds, Fertilizer and Pesticides and farm tools).

8. New Extension : Farmer Centric Approach-ii
COP 22
New Extension : Farmer Centric Approach-ii

9. New Extension Approach - R& D Linkages
COP 22
New Extension Approach - R& D Linkages
Direct door-to-door extension progs. for farmers skill development
Multi-disciplinary teams (Distt. Administration, agri-scientists, field functionaries of agril. and allied deptts and credit agencies)visited.
Certified seeds better price discovery th. APMCs promoted.
State Institute For Space Applications set up in collab. with Space Application Centre (SAC), prepared a micro-level land use plans

10. Communication Strategies, Impacts And Up-scaling
COP 22
Communication Strategies, Impacts And Up-scaling
Information material & intensive use of print and electronic media .
Free phone help lines introduced to answer the queries of farmers.
Involvement of PRIs, village level worker, voluntary agencies, input dealers, co-operatives, agri- entrepreneures and bankers.
Joint initiative brought sustainability in Gujarat agriculture ,overall growth in important crops& increased per capita income of farmers.
Major transformation occurred in the state’s difficult areas of Saurashtra, Kutch and North Gujarat.
These experiences are replicated in many States through Central and State Schemes.

11. New Extn: Farmer Centric Approach -Iii
COP 22
New Extn: Farmer Centric Approach -Iii

12. COP 22
NCCSD’s Focus
Organizing Stakeholders interactive meets, Policy dialogues & sensitization of stakeholders on Climate Change and agriculture.
Training & Capacity Building of Farmers/farm women with focus on local leaders & young farmers.
Conducting action research on Climate adaptation areas.
Developing Block Action Plans, communication modules, guidebooks, posters and documentary films for farmers.
Sensitizing State and Central Government functionaries on important policy issues concerning farmers.
Taking up similar issues with UNFCCC and UN at international forums

13. COP 22

14. COP 22
NCCSD’s Book
Climate Smart Agriculture – The Way Forward : The Indian perspective - by Dr Kirit N. Shelat
Kindly visit the following links for this book.

15. COP 22
K.N Shelat, Excusive Chair, NCCSD & V.V. Sadamate Former Agril. Advisor Planning Commission
For National Council for Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Public Leadership (NCCSD)
Post Box No. 4146, Navrangpura Post Office, Ahmedabad –
Gujarat, INDIA.
Phone: (Off) (M)
Website: