Capacity development : A key ingredient towards sustainable agricultural growth

The United Nation Development Program (UNDP) defines the term capacity as ‘the ability of individuals, institutions and societies to perform functions, solve problems and set and achieve objectives in a sustainable manner’ (UNDP, 2007). Capacity building is a complex notion – it involves individual and organizational learning which builds social capital and trust, develops knowledge, skills and attitudes, and when successful, creates an organizational culture which enables organizations to set objectives, achieve results, solve problems and create adaptive procedures which enable it to survive in the long term..

Growth and yield response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to frequency of irrigation under Philippine condition

Growing chickpea in the Philippines is a new venture although is consumed by Filipinos, the demand is met only through import. The study was conducted to determine the growth and response of chickpea to frequency of irrigation that would ensure higher yield under Philippine condition. Results revealed that the effect and the interactive effect of varieties and irrigation were significantly different on the character and yield traits of chickpea for individual plant yield. Moreover, the different frequency of irrigation has significantly influenced the number days from planting to 50% flowering, days from planting to harvesting, pods/plant, filled pods, weight of 100 seeds and yield/ha Among the different varieties and irrigation treatments, ICCV 2 with irrigation of every 15 days produced the highest yield of3,573.55 kg/h

Seed System: The Key for a Sustainable Pulse Agriculture for Smallholder Farmers in the Dryland Tropics

Seed is the fundamental life-blood of agriculture and the foundation of a successful farming for smallholder farmers in the dryland tropics. The farmer does make arrangements for many farm inputs but the seed is the primary input. Good quality seeds, which have genetic and physical purity; health standards; high germination and moisture percentage, can increase farmer’s production by about 20-30%. The Green Revolution (GR) program has influenced seed system in the 70’s in vegetables and cereals but not in pulses, which is mainly grown in the dryland tropics. The procedures, through which a cultivar is bred, produced, certified, stored, marketed and used which includes all the channels through which farmers acquire genetic materials and in interaction with the commercial seed industry is known as seed system. The current seed flow in pulses reveals that marketing and usage from a system of free access and/or exchange is limited to seed growers or seed producers, traders (middlemen) and agricultural government agencies. The flow of planting materials is more on the farming community as farmer seed exchanges and barter is preferred than acquiring seeds by cash. Most often the cultivars promoted are the registered seeds or good seeds, limiting the diversity in farmers’ fields

Epilepsy and Psychiatric Comorbidities: Drug Selection.

Purpose of review The pharmacological treatment of patients with epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities may sometimes represent a therapeutic challenge. This review is focused on the pharmacological management of patients with epilepsy and psychiatric problems in terms of rationalization of the antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment and the pharmacological management of the most clinically relevant psychiatric comorbidities, namely mood and anxiety disorders, psychoses, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Recent findings Up to 8% of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy develop treatment-emergent psychiatric adverse events of AED regardless of the mechanism of action of the drug and this is usually related to an underlying predisposition given by the previous psychiatric history and the involvement of mesolimbic structures. Careful history taking, periodic screening for mood and anxiety disorders, low starting doses, and slow titration schedules can reduce the possibility of AED-related problems. A pragmatic checklist for the pharmacological management of patients with epilepsy and psychiatric disorders is presented. Summary patients should be informed of potential behavioral effects of AEDs but no drugs should be excluded a priori. Any psychiatric comorbidity should be addressed in the appropriate setting and full remission and recovery should always represent the first goal of any therapeutic intervention. Neurologists should be aware of the side effects of major psychotropic drug classes in order to fully counsel their patients and other health professionals involved

Mid-Term Impact Assessment Study - Introduction and Expansion of Improved Pigeonpea (Arhar) Production Technology in Rainfed Upland Ecosystems of Odisha

An assessment study is important to determine whether changes occurred due to various project activities implemented. Hence, a mid-term impact assessment on the project “Introduction and Expansion of Improved Pigeonpea (Arhar) Production Technology in Rainfed Upland Ecosystems of Odisha” was conducted in June 2013 to identify technologies adopted, benefit cost ratio (BCR), gender participation, support requirements, and constraints and recommendations. The project was carried out in the districts of Odisha namely: Bolangir, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Rayagada. The total number of respondents was 823. The primary objective of the assessment study was to identify parameters of success, concerns and constraints related to the attainment of the project objective which is to introduce and expand production of high yielding ICRISAT pigeonpea varieties (and partly hybrids). The study established the success of the project in creating a great impact on the farmers by providing better yield by at least 70% as compared to landraces; significant increment in net income by at least 170-190%; increased women participation by atleast 34%; secondary diffusion of about 20% and as shown by increased net income; sufficiency of community participation and highly rated information, education and communication materials (IEC)

Approaches of Integrated Watershed Management Project: Experiences of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

The process of innovation-development to scaling is varied and complex. Various actors are involved in every stage of the process. In scaling the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)-led integrated watershed management projects in India and South Asia, three drivers were identified—islanding approach, multi-layered partnership, and innovative means of knowledge sharing. Through a consortium mode of partnership, ICRISAT established ‘islands’ or models for showcasing soil and water conservation interventions and integrated these with other concerns of the farming system (crops and livestock) and socio-economic dimension (capacity building). Activities on the islands were planned and implemented by the locals and replicated in satellite watersheds. Partnerships forged through the consortium approach provided a dearth of resources such as social capital. Projects built on trust and good relationships can be sustained even when direct financial support ceases. Innovative means of knowledge sharing like the Virtual Academy for the Semi-Arid Tropics (VASAT)—ICRISAT's innovation in capacity building and information management—provided the link between rural farm households and researchers. Credible intermediaries and markets were linked to farmers by information communication technology channels and markets through an interface of information and open/distance learning methods. VASAT's multi-dimensional strategy has been an important resource for a south–south partnership

Impact of developmental project for sustainable pigeonpea livelihood system of rural poor households of Odisha

Farmers of Odisha’s rainfed areas have poor access to quality pigeonpea materials. In 2011, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) implemented a project ‘Introduction and Expansion of Improved Pigeonpea (Arhar) Production Technology in Rainfed Upland Ecosystems of Odisha’forfouryears (2011-2015) covering five districts. Two years after, a survey was conducted to study the adoption and effects of the interventions that revealed insights on yield, income and ways for sustaining and upscaling. The assessment showed that improved cultivars and improved agronomic practices resulted in significant increase in yield and income. ‘One village-One variety’ seed system led to quality seed supply not only in the project sites but also in adjacent villages. Innovative capacity development and commitments of stakeholders enriched knowledge and skills of pigeonpea’s cultivation that helped farmers in making appropriate choices. The result of the investment in two major pigeonpea activities namely improve pigeonpea production technology (IPPT) and seed production (SP) showed a robust investment gain computed at 308% or about four times increased from the ? 45 million ($900,000) invested in the project for two years

Tropical Legumes 2 pigeonpea seed system in India: An analysis

Pigeonpea farmers in India have historically relied on selfsaved seed of local varieties as their seed source for upcoming growing seasons. As improved varieties for disease resistance and yield have been consistently developed, the challenges have been to help farmers gain and retain access to these improved varieties. The above objectives were tried to be accomplished through improved agronomic practices, promoting the seed village concept to minimize the effects of out-crossing, and developing local seed production capacity under the aegis of the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation funded Tropical Legumes 2 (TL 2) project operational with the pigeonpea farmers for the last 4 years. The project was implemented in Tandur, Ranga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh, India, a region where the pigeonpea is cultivated as monocropped or intercropped with other crops. Ahandful of farmers have become truthfully labeled seed producers, but educational programmes and improved seed have not yet reached the majority of individuals in the communities targeted, creating a gap both in understanding and in meeting project goals. Small hold farmers because of their subsistence level are usually not involved in seed production. However, improved varieties should be made available to them for meeting the above objectives. The focus on continuing increasing opportunity for small holders through seed system improvement would yield more innovative methods for community involvement and accessibility so that the gaps in understanding can be bridged up for the welfare of the society as a whole

Preliminary Assessment of the Communication Mechanisms Used in the Virtual Academy of the Semi-Arid Tropics (VASAT) Project

Small and marginalized farmers of many developing countries in semi-arid tropics depend primarily on extension services for information. Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) have shared actions to develop specific mechanisms and tools, to consider how they are applied, and to assess their outcomes and impact. Analysis of an eight-year extension project in 21 villages of Andhra Pradesh, India suggests that the development of a multimedia approach, which considers both the local farmers´ organization and context, brings about good results. Such outcomes are related not only to the technological frame, but also to economic, social, and ecological issues. A qualitative research study which takes into account the opinions of farmers and local people using the theoretical approach of Reflective Appraisal of Programs (RAP) is presented. Implications and lessons learned are considered for the project to be continued or for application in further ICT4D projects based upon the transfer of innovations and knowledge

Anticlastogenic potential of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) in white mice (Mus musculus L.)

This study investigated the anticlastogenic potential of International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) bred pigeonpea utilizing the micronudeus test using white mice models to determine the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCEs) in treated and non-treated white mice at the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines. Furthermore, the study disclose if pigeonpea has detrimental effects on the vital signs and some vital organs such as lungs, heart, liver, kidney and intestine. Based on the study, pigeonpea ICPL 87051 leaves decoction have anticlastogenic effects. This might be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, tannins and stilbenes in pigeonpea leaves that has the ability to lower MPCEs in treated and non-treated white mice. In terms of its effects on the vital signs namely heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature, results showed that pigeonpea did not cause heart palpitation, tachycardia, hyperpnea and hypothermia. Treatments T+ (Positive control, TCN) and T2 (Pigeonpea leaves extract of 0.5 per 20 kg body weight + TCN) have normal heart, liver, kidney, lungs and intestines