National Seminar on ICT for Agriculture and Rural Development, September 9 -11, 2009

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are facilitating faster sharing of information and innovations and acting as a key agent for changing agrarian situation and farmers’ lives by improving access to information and sharing knowledge. Pioneering ICT experiments in India show that the rural livelihoods are greatly enhanced by access to information on improved agricultural practices, pest and diseases control, market and weather. National efforts are underway to reduce urban and rural digital divide. Nearly for the last two decades, ICT practitioners are experimenting variety of innovative ICT initiatives for the agricultural and rural development in India.

In this connection, as an integral part of the on going research project on “Model e-Villages in North- East India”, a national seminar is being organised with the objective of bringing together successful ICT initiatives in agriculture and rural development, involving public, private, NGOs and individuals in this field, with special focus on;

1. Village Knowledge Centres (VKC)/ Common Service Centres (CSC)/ Information Kiosks/ Touch Screen kiosk

2. Web Portals/ Digital Data Base/ Digital Networks

3. Web Based Discussion Forums/ Video-Conference/ Net Meeting/ e-Learning/ Open Distance Learning (ODL)

4. Offline Multimedia CDs/ Decision Support Systems/ Expert Systems

5. Telephone/ Mobile Telephony/ Kissan Call Centres (KCCs)

6. Community Radio/ Innovative TV & Radio programmes, etc.

And its related issues such as; infrastructure, connectivity, content, capacity building, community participation, management, partnership models, best practices, innovations, co-ordination, policy support, scaling-up, financial and system sustainability, adoption level, impact, stakeholders feedback, policy implications and recommendations need to be deliberated. It is also proposed to have a special session on ICT initiatives for the agricultural and rural development in North-East India.
Call for papers

Papers should be based on research, practical experience and also based on extensive review of literature. Further, articles analysing the critical issues with the empirical evidence and case studies related to the ICT initiatives in agriculture and rural development will be given priority.
Abstract

The abstract of about 500 words typed in Times New Roman font style and 10 point size in 1.5 line spacing with short and most appropriate title followed by the names of the authors with their designations, institutional affiliation and complete address including email ID need to be submitted to the seminar Organising Secretary by e-mail. The abstract should catch the essence of the full length article.
Full length paper

Format and general guidelines for the preparation of full length paper will be sent to those participants whose abstracts are accepted. It is proposed to publish a compendium of abstracts and proceedings in the form of book with full length papers.
Participants

Participation is open to the scientists, researchers, extension professionals and developmental specialists, practitioners, students and others working in the field of ICT initiatives for agriculture and rural development.

Important dates of the Seminar

Abstract submission:………………… June 01, 2009

Notification of acceptance:…………..June 15, 2009

Full length paper submission:…….. July 15, 2009

Seminar: ………………………………...September 9 -11, 2009

Registration Fee

Delegates: Rs. 1000/-

Accompanying member: Rs. 500/-

Students: Free

The delegates have to pay the registration fee in advance through SBI core banking to the AC No. 30208758137 and favouring “Dean, CHF” under intimation to the Organising Secretary.
Financial support for students

Students those who are submitting full length high quality original research papers/ case studies related to the seminar themes will be paid single Sleeper Class return train fare for the shortest route. Further, accommodation and registration will be provided at free of cost.
Seminar venue

The seminar will be held in the Central Agricultural University (CAU), College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat -791102, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. The College was established by the Central Agricultural University in 2001 and the auditorium and conference hall of the College are equipped with all multimedia presentation facilities.
Accommodation

Accommodation for the delegates of the seminar will be arranged in the Transit Hostel of the College and request for the accommodation must be communicated to the seminar organising secretary (by e-mail/ Fax, if abstracts are already accepted) well in advance to arrange for the same on “first-come first serve” basis. Accommodation also arranged in Hotels on payment basis.
About Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh

Pasighat is one of the oldest townships of Arunachal Pradesh, situated on the river banks of mighty Siang. It is also the district headquarters of East Siang District. Land in its own virgin form with breath taking scenic beauty, blue hills, natural valley, numerous rivers and rivulets, greenpaddy fields and golden khasi mandarin orchards add natural beauty to Pasighat. It is main homeland for gentle and hospitable Adi tribal community.
Travel information

Pasighat is connected by road (NH-52), air (only helicopter) and waterways (Brahmaputra). Visitors can reach Pasighat by bus (Blue hill, Network and Swapna), private vehicles or taxis from Guwahati, Assam (655 km). Alternatively, they can cross over river Brahmaputra from Dibrugarh (Assam) by ferry (6 – 8 hours travel) to reach Oriamghat that is situated at a distance of 32 km from Pasighat or Majalwarighat (3-4 hours travel by ferry) that is situated at a distance of 95 km from Pasighat and then take a bus or taxi. However, adequate transport arrangements for delegates will bemade after the crossing the river by ferry to reach CHF campus in Pasighat. The nearest airports are at Dibrugarh, North Lakhimpur, Tezpur and Guwahati. Helicopter services are also available weekly thrice (Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8.30 AM) from Dibrugarh. Ruksin check-gate is the point of entry for those coming by road from Guwahati and Kemi check gate for those coming by ferry from Dibrugarh.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Arunachal Pradesh being a protected area, visitors are required to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the state/ district administration or resident commissioner’s or state liaison offices of Arunachal Pradesh State located at the New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Jorhat.

Contact Address

Dr. R. Saravanan

Organising Secretary

Central Agricultural University (CAU)

College of Horticulture and Forestry

Pasighat – 791 102, East Siang District

Arunachal Pradesh

e-mail: saravananraj@hotmail.com

saravanancau@gmail.com

Mobile No.: 09436054939

Phone No. (O): 0368-2004647

(O): 0368-2224887
Fax No. (O): 0368-2225066

www.modelevillage.in

Let us first try to keep our house in order

Dear Extension Professionals,
Greetings from Arunachal Pradesh,
I received a forwarded message (from Dr. Basavabrabu Jirli, BHU) loaded with (Dr. Sreenath Dixit’s) concern for extension related RMP (Research Management Positions) taken over by other disciplines…..But unfortunately, it won’t bother extension professional like me…. Because I was expecting this suppose to be happen little earlier than now…so that we, the extension professionals, may be united little earlier……. and started thinking for our subject and profession….

Here, I want to reproduce few lines of my concern from one of my abstracts titled “Agricultural Extension in India: Do or Die away” published during 2003 (in the abstract volume of First National Extension Congress, SEE, Agra, India organised by Dr. Jitendra Chauhan);
“Over the years, extension education as a discipline, struggling to introduce new dimensions in the curricula. Very outdated syllabus adds problem of our subject. Further, extension education is slowly loosing its identity by reducing number of courses in undergraduate curriculum. The task of providing rural agricultural work experience (RAWE)/ internship programmes to the undergraduate students is going away from the extension department. Among, extension post graduates, very few come with high desire for the subject and others choose as a “last resort” to earn degree. In Postgraduate level, almost exact repetitions of UG courses with little addition makes the extension graduates become less competent. The “professional complacency” of the extension professionals makes the extension subject become very weak. The situation calls for improving quality of curriculum and teaching by introducing “high professionalism”. Even after five decades of spectacular growth and existence, extension education discipline not having common nomenclature in the agricultural universities and ICAR set-up………
Extension research shows “declining” trend in quality due to duplication of research. Generally, the extension researchers are very reluctant to introduce new areas of research and research methodologies. The qualitative and quantitative tools very much lacking in extension research. Huge volumes of research findings of post graduates, and extension field level practitioners are not communicated………………..
In India, generally extension scientists are considered as “Extension workers/ Public relation functionaries” not as researchers……….”

1. Major problem in our extension is we are divided by name of the institutions; ICAR, SAUs, KVKs etc…. and or by positions like; Scientists, professors, SMS, extension functionaries etc…and or by specialisations like agricultural extension, veterinary extension, dairy extension, home science extension etc...First we should be united…instead of suggesting “Forum of Extension Scientists in ICAR (FESICAR)”, I feel that “Extension Professionals of India”, may be the most appropriate name for our forum.

2. As I understand, in most of the subjects, their professional society acts as a custodian of that subject. Unfortunately, Indian Society of Extension Education is very sick and almost in unconsciousness (coma) stage last few years….as a matter of routine, just organises one national seminar….and distributes few awards to those who are very close to the society executive members or organisers….because of this reasons few number of regional societies are very active and hence, they are not involving in the professional activities of the national society…..

I am very SORRY to make above statement…..I am forced to make…. because of following reasons;

a. In our ISEE only few professionals are thinking of future of subject, while others are showing “business us usual” attitude……

b. One of the very erratic journals of agricultural sciences in India is “IJEE”……

c. We organise number of ICT based national seminars, we talk lot about online journals….but we are unable put our “IJEE” in online….

d. Our society unable to encourage “next generation extension professionals…”, only consolation is in the name of “Young Scientist Awards” some Scientists, Assistant/ Associate professors/ SMS are given away awards (upto the age of 45 years that too “very secretly”, results were announced only during seminar days, I yet to see transparent recognition for “real” young scientists)

Still, more to come…..…I suggest following…

I believe that the Best brains of extension are available in HYDERABD….come out with an initiative…
-It is time to take care of our ailing subject, profession and national journal…..….

Let us first try to keep our house in order….then we will think of Research Management Positions (RMPs) in ICAR/ SAUs…..


The above comments are nothing against anybody and also it is not an opinion of my organisation, Central Agricultural University.

Sincerely,
R. Saravanan

Forum of Extension Scientists in ICAR

ஈமெயில் பிரோம்
e-mail from Dr. Sreenath Dixit
Dear Fellow Professionals,
Many of you may have already come to know about the change of guard at the highest office of Extension in NARS, i.e. DDG (Extn.). Dr.Kiran D.Kokate is going to take over as the DDG (Extn.) shortly. He has served as Director of Extension at the MPKV, Rahuri for over a decade. Like many other positions meant for Extension professionals, this one also had a strong possibility of going to the hands of a non Extension Scientist. It is indeed a matter of happiness for all Extension professionals that this position could be retained by a thoroughbred extension professional.
As you all know, positions of Heads of Divisions of Training in many ICAR Institutes and the Joint Director (Extn.) of IARI, the premier ICAR institute of the country and ADG positions in the Division of Extension have been occupied more often by non extension professionals. While we all know that it is impossible for an Extension scientist to even apply for a position of Head of Divisions other than that of Extension/Training/Social sciences, scientist of any other discipline can occupy a position of Head of Division of Extension/Training/Social sciences. It is a matter of introspection though for all of us, there is indeed a strong need for building up significantly pressure at the highest level to bring an awareness about this uncharitable practice. Further, we need to get together to raise ourselves and become capable of handling the challenges that go with any such position. This calls for an unified force that can act as a think tank, a pressure group and a professional network that can exert required force to seek justice to the discipline of Extension.
We request you to ponder over these matters and respond with your views. We also request you to pass this message on to your fellow extension professional and register his/her support on this matter. Through this we invite you all to come together as a virtual group that can be reckoned for its contribution to the growth and development of the discipline of Extension. To begin with, a few of us in Hyderabad have got together to get this matter across to all the Extension Scientists spread over various ICAR institutes across the country.
All you need to do now is to forward this message to those Extension professionals whose ids are not found in the list with a copy back to me so that we can include them in the list and formulate an e-forum of Extension scientists, ICAR. Finally, we also request you to think of a catchy name for our group. For eg. We may begin to work with Forum of Extension Scientists in ICAR (FESICAR).
Regards,
Sreenath Dixit
Sreenath Dixit, M Sc (Agri) PhDPrincipal Scientist (Agril. Extension) &
Consortium Principal Investigator
National Agril. Innovation Project (Comp.3)Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA)Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)SantoshnagarHYDERABAD 500059 India
Telefax::+91-40-2453 5336Tel:+91-40-2453 0161/157 Ext. 319 (Work) +91-40-2407 6328 (Home)Web:www.crida.ernet.inEmail:sdixit@crida.ernet.in

Creating Model e-Villages in Nort-East India

Title of the Project
“Creating Model e-Villages” in North-East India

Objectives of the project
To create the computer infrastructure in the remote tribal villages.
To provide e-awareness and e-literacy to the tribal community.
To explore the appropriate rural IT application aspects.

Project Summary

The e-Village project implemented in the selected 10 remote tribal villages in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh state, North- East India. The selected villages are located at the center of rural area, so that people from surrounding villages will have an access to the IT infrastructure. One project facilitator was selected from the same or near by village to act as a facilitator and trainer in the village IT centre. The project facilitator and group of selected village council members are responsible for conducting regular e-awareness and e-literacy programmes. Regular computer training classes are going to be conducted to the children, village youth and others. The projects facilitators are expected to experiment local need based IT applications in the area of agriculture, health, education, governance and other areas.

Project Portal: http://www.modelevillage.in/

Touch Screen Kisok for Farm Technology Transfer

e-AgriKiosk

Title of the Project

“Touch Screen Kisok for Farm Technology Transfer among Tribal Farmers of Arunachal Pradesh State of North-East India”

Objectives of the Project
Dissemination of advanced technologies and information in agriculture and allied sectors through touch screen kiosks.

Project Summary

In the present scenario of Arunachal Pradesh state Agriculture, the agricultural developmental departments possibly cannot provide additional qualified manpower to adequately address the technology and information needs of the tribal farmers. The new Information Technology may provide a viable alternative to overcome the physical barriers of face to face inter-personal communication. The proposed touch screen kiosk provides the flexibility in providing information on various mode of farming practices including the crops, commodities, and enterprises. The accessibility to the agricultural technical information without disrupting the routine engagement of farmers in their farm activities. The touch screen kiosk will be designed with the static and dynamic information. The content of touch screen kiosk will be controlled by server from the institution. From the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, four villages will be selected from the four administrative sub-divisions. The selected villages will act as a information hub and touch screen kiosk will be kept at the selected village. To train the volunteers and farmers, senior research fellow will be stationed at the touch screen kiosk centre.

For more information: www.eagrikiosk.in

e-Arik (e-Agriculture)

e- Arik

for empowerment...

ICTs for Agricultural Extension

Title of the Project
Application of ICTs in Agricultural Extension Services Provision among the Tribal Farmers of Arunachal Pradesh State of North-East India.

Objectives of the project
1. To assess the agricultural information needs of tribal farmers.
2. To experiment ICTs in agricultural extension services provision to the tribal farmers.
3. To assess the impact of ICTs in improved agricultural extension services provision to the tribal farmers.

Project Summary

The number of successful Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) initiatives in rural India not replicated among the rural tribal poor. There is no noteworthy village level ICT initiative in the poorest tribal population dominated eight states of North-East India. The region’s geographical remoteness, difficult terrain and inadequate man power in the rural developmental departments make the information access of rural poor become distant reality and hinder the socio-economic development of the region. Considering grim scenario in the region, the project proposes to examine the application of ICTs in providing agricultural extension services and to measure socio-economic impact of ICTs among rural tribal farming community in the Arunachal Pradesh state of North-East India. The project proposes single window system for the improved agricultural information and technology delivery at the selected village by using computer, internet, phone, radio and television. Project proposes to provide all time expert consultation on agriculture production, protection and marketing aspects through ICTs. The impact of ICTs in improved agricultural extension services provision to the tribal farmers will be quantified. Proposed project will create awareness on potential benefits of ICTs in agricultural technology transfer and facilitates socio-economic empowerment of tribal farming community.
Project portal: http://www.earik.in/

Agricultural Extension – Worldwide Innovations, Edited by R. Saravanan

Agricultural extension is in a great transition worldwide. The demand for public extension reform is greater than ever before. The agriculture knowledge infrastructure is evolving in a big way with the emergence of pluralistic extension actors and innovations to cater for the needs of the farmers. This book is an attempt to document the past experiences and recent developments in the agriculture knowledge information systems. The compilation of 14 country chapters such as; Afghanistan, Benin, Cote d’Iviore, Ghana, India, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Mozambique, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe is intended to document the experience of extension systems.

The fourteen country-wise chapters highlight the worldwide agricultural extension reform measures (Decentralisation, Privatisation, Demand driven and Cost-recovery approaches), Institutional Pluralism (Public, Private and NGOs) and Innovations (Farmer to Farmer extension, Participatory and Self-Help Group (SHG) approaches and ICT initiatives).

The agricultural students, academicians, scientists, practitioners, administrators and policy makers will find this compilation of extension experiences from the fourteen countries relevant for designing future reforms, advancing pluralistic extension system and also integrating innovations in their extension approaches.

Agricultural Extension - Worldwide Innovations, book released by Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), Govt. of India, and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, India and Mr. Pratapsingh R. Rane, Former Chief Minister and Hon’ble Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly, Goa, India, during the inaugural function of the International Seminar on Strategies for Improving Livelihood Security of the Poor, September 24th&27th, 2008, Organized by the International Society of Extension Education and ICAR, India.

The first copy of the book received by Dr. Burton E. Swanson, Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA.

From Left to Right: Prof. V. Veerabhadraiah, Former Director of Extension, UAS & Secretary General, INSEE, Dr. R. Saravanan, Assistant Professor (Extension Education & Rural Sociology) & Editor of the book, CAU,Arunachal Pradesh, India. Dr. A.G. Sawant, President, INSEE, Former Vice-Chancellor & Ex-Member, ASRB, Dr. P. Das, DDG (Agril Extension), ICAR and Dr. V.S. Korikanthmath, Director, ICAR Research Complex for Goa, India.

BOOK CONTENTS
Dedication
Preface
About the Author
List of Contributors

Country Chapters

1.Afghanistan

Tooryalai Wesa

2.Benin

Agbo Bernard Philibert
Agoundote Desire
Midingoyi Gnonna Soul-kifouly

3.CotedIvoire

Kouame Kouassi Alphonse

4.Ghana

Edward Ackah Nyamike Jnr.
Charity Adjoe

5.India

R. Saravanan

6.Iran

Hossein Shabanali Fami
Ali Asadi
Khalil Kalantari

7.Japan

Masami Yamada

8.Jordan

Abdel Nabi Fardous
Jamal Alrusheidat

9.Mozambique

Helder R. Gemo

10.Nepal

Gana Pati Ojha

Birendra Bir Basnyat

11.Peru

Oscar Ortiz

Willy Pradel

12.Philippines

Florencia G. Palis

Rica Joy B. Flor

Grant Robert Singleton

13.Trinidad&Tobago

Joseph Seepersad
Wayne G Ganpat

14.Zimbabwe

C. T. Gadzirayi
E. Mutandwa
Mufambi
J. Chihiya
T.A. Tigere
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