From August 19 to August 24, 2024, a comprehensive field visit took place across key agricultural research centers and participatory research sites in India, led by the Regional Programme Coordinator (RPC) of the C-SUCSeS project at the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC). This visit aimed to review the progress of the project and discuss future directions with various stakeholders.
The journey began with a critical meeting at the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) in Hyderabad. The RPC and National Focal Point (NFP) engaged with the Director of CRIDA to review the project’s deliverables, including participatory research (PR) reports, case studies, and policy briefs.
The discussion highlighted the successful implementation of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies and the need for a second phase of the project, as recommended by the Project Steering Committee in Sri Lanka. It was noted that all project outputs were on track, with a draft presentation scheduled for the upcoming high-level meeting in November 2024.
Yagantipalle Krishi Vigyan Kendra: Driving Vigorous CSA Participatory Research
On August 20, the RPC and NFP visited the participatory research sites at Yagantipalle Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Andhra Pradesh. This visit offered an opportunity to observe CSA technologies in action, such as intercropping systems, drought-resistant seed varieties, and conservation agriculture. The adoption of intercropping with Redgram and Setaria Italica (foxtail millet) was discussed, showcasing its role in increasing production and adapting to climate variability. A meeting with farmers revealed their satisfaction with the project’s support and their desire for expanded initiatives.
Bathinda Krishi Vigyan Kendra: Implementing CSA Technologies
The journey continued on August 22 with a visit to Bathinda KVK in Punjab. Here, several CSA technologies were being tested
, including Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) varieties, foliar application of potassium nitrate, and various seeding methods for wheat. The RPC and NFP were particularly impressed by the establishment of a “C-SUCSeS Village” in the Deon community, where prioritized CSA technologies were actively implemented. Discussions with local farmers provided insights into the successes and challenges faced during technology adoption.
ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi: Strategic Discussions and Future Directions
The final leg of the visit concluded with a meeting at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Headquarters in New Delhi. The RPC met with the Deputy Director General (NRM) and the Assistant Director General (NRM) to discuss the project’s progress and future steps. The importance of CSA in addressing the region’s climate challenges was underscored, with a proposal for a regional capacity-building program at CRIDA receiving strong support. The meeting also highlighted the need for continued knowledge exchange among SAARC member countries to combat the impacts of climate change.
The field visit to India underscored significant progress in the C-SUCSeS project and highlighted the importance of continued efforts in climate-smart agriculture. The interactions with farmers and stakeholders across various sites provided valuable feedback and reaffirmed the project’s impact.
As the final phase of the project approaches, the focus remains on delivering results, expanding initiatives, and building capacity to ensure sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change.