In addition to cases presented by country government representatives, NGOs and the private sector, a presentation titled ‘Sustainable Profitability in Diversified Farming with Self-research Findings’ was made by Mr. Mohinder Grewal, a progressive farmer from the state of Punjab in India, which captured perspectives of the farming community on the subject of research-extension linkages.
A number of
successful examples of farmers’ self-driven research were presented, including
inter-cropping of carrot with potato and improved practices/technologies for
onion and garlic cultivation and harvesting. The potential of shifting from
high-yielding to high-value crops to maintain soil health and productivity was
also highlighted. However, it was pointed out that while progressive farmers
play a vital role in agricultural research, their research findings are not
well recognized by agricultural universities in most Asian countries and are
not taken into account during dissemination of technologies.
As a
specific case of research-extension linkage, various efforts of the Punjab
Agricultural University were highlighted such as farmers’ fairs, books on
packages of practices, coordination of activities by the University and the
Department of Agriculture, and recognition/honour for progressive farmers.
These also included leveraging ICT to promote extension through radio and
television programmes for farmers, demonstration of audio and video tapes
through ‘Mobile Diagnostic and Exhibition Vans’, mobile advisory services and
ICT kiosks.
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