M. S. SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION

M. S. SWAMINATHANRESEARCH FOUNDATION

Address:M. S. SwaminathanResearch FoundationIII Cross Road Institutional AreaTaramaniChennai 600 113, India

2010-2011twenty-firstannual reportCentre for researCh on sustainable agriCulturaland rural development,Chennai

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1. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh releasing thebook From Green to Evergreen Revolut ion byProfessor M. S. Swaminathan

2. ShriJairamRamesh, the then Union Minister for Environmentand Forests, launching the Sea Water Farming Programmeat Vedaranyam on the occasion of the 80th anniversary ofthe salt satyagraha launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930

3. Tribal communities of Koraput recognised with the GenomeSaviour Award for their immense contribution to geneticresources conservation and enhancement

1. View of the Biju Patnaik Medicinal Plants Garden at Jeypore,depicting conservation of medicinal plants used by tribalcommunities

2. Water harvesting structures developed, maintained andmanaged by the communities

3. Agro-forestry plantations in wasteland

4. Cultivationofmilletspecies identifiedthroughparticipatoryvarietal selection

5. Integrated agro-aqua farming systems – use of seawater forproductive farming

6. Dirinaria applanata, a lichen species used as indicator ofecosystem health

7. Impatiens minae, a new species identified from Wayanaddistrict

8. View of a bioindustrial watershed area – linking naturalresource management with livelihood enhancement

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Back Cover

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Twenty-First Annual Report2010-2011

M. S. Swaminathan Research FoundationCentre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural

and Rural DevelopmentChennai, India

M. S. Swaminathan Research FoundationCentre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development

Third Cross Road, Institutional AreaTaramani, Chennai 600 113 IndiaTelephone : +91 (44) 22541229 +91 (44) 22541698

Fax : +91 (44) 22541319 Email : [email protected];[email protected]://www.mssrf.org

Printedat :AMMScreens

Citation :Twenty-FirstAnnualReport:2010-2011 M.S.SwaminathanResearchFoundation,Chennai600113

ContentsChairman’s Introduction ............................................................. 005

Programme Area 100Coastal Systems Research ......................................................... 015

Programme Area 200Biodiversity .................................................................................. 035

Programme Area 300Biotechnology .............................................................................. 061

Programme Area 400Ecotechnology ............................................................................. 085

Programme Area 500Food Security ............................................................................... 121

Programme Area 600Information, Education and Communication ............................ 139

Programme Area 700Workshops, Conferences and Special Projects ....................... 163

Publications ................................................................................. 196

About the Foundation ................................................................. 217

Foundation Staff .......................................................................... 222

List of Donors .............................................................................. 236

Sources of Project Support ......................................................... 238

List of Acronyms .......................................................................... 243

Financial Statement...................................................................... 251

During the last 21 years, the scientists and scholars of MSSRF have been working on the design and implementation of projects which could have a large extrapolation domain in respect of imparting a pro-nature, pro-poor, pro-women and pro-sustainable livelihood orientation to technology development and dissemination. I would like to write about a few of the MSSRF initiatives, which have now become State, national and global programmes.

Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyo-jana: Strengthening the role of women in agriculture

MSSRF initiated the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra in 2007 for empowering women farmers, including the widows of farmers who had committed suicide, in areas related to enhancing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of small-scale rain-fed farming. The empowerment measures incorporated access to technology, credit, inputs and market. Separately, an education programme was introduced for the children who had lost their fathers due to the agrarian crisis. Encouraged by the results of this small programme, Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherji included funds in the Union Budget for 2010-11 for initiating a national Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana.. The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, which is in charge of administering this programme, has made it an integral part of its Rural Livelihood Mission. Recently, MSSRF was invited to undertake the Mahila Kisan programme in the Wardha and

Yavatmal districts of Vidarbha from 2011 to 2014. This will include both technological and organisational empowerment. It is anticipated that by 2014, a well-organised Mahila Kisan Federation with a membership of over 3000 women farmers will emerge. There is a growing feminisation of agriculture in India, and it is hoped that the Wardha-Yavatmal Mahila Kisan Federation will be a forerunner to others at State and national level, capable of securing women farmers their entitlements. In addition to technology, inputs and market, women farmers also need services like crèches and day care centres. The gender-specific needs of mahila kisans, both as women and as farmers, will have to be met, if women are to play their rightful role in India’s agricultural progress.

In addition to action at the grass-roots, MSSRF organised several consultations to prepare a draft Women Farmers’ Entitlements Bill to be introduced in Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill. The draft Bill is ready and is currently under circulation among women parliamentarians and gender specialists for their scrutiny and advice. It is hoped that this two pronged action — one at the village level, and the other, at the national policy level — will help the over 350 million women engaged in farming to contribute more effectively to agrarian prosperity and sustainable food security.

Pulses Villages: Bridging the demand-supply gap

To illustrate how the gap between demand and supply in pulses, which is one of the

Chairman’s Introduction

From Vision to Impact

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contributory factors to food inflation in the country, can be speedily bridged, MSSRF organised Pulses Villages in the Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu over 15 years ago. In these Pulses Villages located in low rainfall areas, farmers undertook to harvest rainwater in farm ponds and cultivate pulses with appropriate varieties and soil fertility and agronomic management. Based on the success of this approach to accelerating progress in the production of pulses, a national programme for the establishment of Pulses Villages was recommended to the Union Finance Minister, who announced financial provision for starting 60,000 Pulses Villages in the country. A sum of Rs. 300 crore has been provided in the Union Budget for 2011-12 for organising 60,000 Pulses Villages. Already, the impact of this integrated and concentrated approach is becoming evident from the increase observed in pulses production from 14.66 million tonnes in 2009-10 to 16.51 million tonnes in 2010-11. Under the umbrella of the Pulses Village programme, special Arhar Villages (pigeon pea; Cajanus cajan) are being developed based on hybrid arhar strains. High-yielding arhar hybrids have been developed at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) located in Hyderabad. Women’s Self-help Groups will be trained to become hybrid-seed producers and some of the pulses villages will be developed into Pulses Seed Villages for this purpose. This will enable the rapid spread of a yield revolution in pulses.

Nutri-cereals: Role in strengthening food security and climate-resilient farming

Almost from the early years of its establishment, MSSRF started working on underutilised or orphan crops such as a whole range of millets

belonging to Panicum, Pennisetum, Paspalum, Setaria, Eleucine and other genera. These crops, normally classified as coarse cereals, are very nutritious and are rich both in macro- and micro nutrients. In fact, a combination of millet and Moringa (drumstick) provides most of the macro- and micronutrients needed by the body. The widespread hidden hunger now prevailing in the country as a result of a deficiency of iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and other needed micronutrients in the diet can be overcome at low cost through the consumption of millets and vegetables.

In 1992, MSSRF initiated in Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu a programme for the revitalisation of culinary traditions involving a wide range of millets. A four-pronged strategy involving concurrent attention to conservation, cultivation, consumption and commerce was initiated. Commercialisation proved to be a trigger in the area of conservation, since farmers generally prefer to grow crops like rice, wheat or tapioca, for which there is a ready market. Similarly, in the Wayanad district of Kerala, tribal families were enabled to continue the conservation and consumption of tuber crops like Dioscorea. There is now a revival of interest in millets and other underutilised crops, both because of their ability to help in overcoming chronic and hidden hunger and their role in the design of climate-resilient farming systems.

In partnership with Bioversity International and the Agricultural Universities of Bangalore and Dharwar, and with financial support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), MSSRF has succeeded in introducing appropriate milling machines as well as markets for value-added products in a wide range of millets. Through

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several Policy Makers’ Workshops and efforts in nutritional literacy, an understanding of the role of millets, tubers and other underutilised crops in improving rural nutrition and income in an era of climate change was promoted. Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee thus referred to jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), ragi (Eleucine) and minor millets as “nutri-cereals” and provided an allocation of Rs 300 crore in the Union Budget for 2011-12 for their popularisation.

In its draft National Food Security Bill, The National Advisory Council, headed by Shrimati Sonia Gandhi, has included millets among the staple grains that should be made available to food-insecure families, both in rural and urban India, at a highly concessional price through the public distribution system. If this Bill is approved and implemented, there will be a revival of interest in the cultivation and consumption of these nutrition-rich and climate-resilient crops. Agro-biodiversity hot spots can then become happy spots and will witness the dawn of an era of biohappiness where rural and tribal families are able to convert bioresources into jobs and income in an environmentally-sustainable and socially-equitable basis.

Another significant recent development is the initiation of a project on “Alleviating Poverty and Malnutrition in Agro-biodiversity Hotspots” with financial support from the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF). The project is administered by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the International Development Research Centre of Canada (IDRC) and involves partnerships with MSSRF, the University of Alberta, Canada, Bioversity International, the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the World Food Programme (WFP). This five-year

project (2011-16) will help to revitalise the in situ on-farm conservation traditions of tribal and rural families in the Kolli Hills area of Tamil Nadu, the Wayanad district of Kerala and the Koraput district of Orissa. MSSRF has been working with them for over 15 years. The contributions of the tribal families of Koraput have been recognised through the Equator Initiative Award at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development held at Johannesburg in 2002, and the Genome Savior Award by the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers’ Rights Authority of the Government of India in 2011. Thus, two decades of research and education carried out by MSSRF in the area of orphan crops have led to important research investment and public policy initiatives at the national and international level. The expansion of the food basket by increasing the number of crops which go into the daily diet will also impart stability to food security systems.

IDRC through CIFSRF is also supporting another project on strengthening rural food security through the production, processing and value-addition of nutritious millets. This project is being implemented in collaboration with McGill University, Canada and the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. MSSRF also coordinates the project activities assigned to the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Orgnisation (HESCO), Dehradun. This project capitalises on the progress earlier made by MSSRF in these crops with support received from the International Fund for Agricultural Development and Bioversity International.

Price Volatility and Hunger: Operation 2015

Nearly 70 per cent of the income of the poor goes to buy food. High prices therefore tend to

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reduce food intake by the poor, thus leading to the persistence of hunger. The extent of price volatility in recent years with reference to rice, wheat, maize and oil (petroleum products) is indicated in Figure 1.

The Agriculture Ministers of the G-20 Nations who met in Paris on 22-23 June 2011 have emphasised that “small scale agricultural producers represent the majority of the food insecure in developing countries. Increasing their production and income would directly improve access to food among the most vulnerable and improve supply for local and domestic markets.” The Ministers also decided to establish an Agricultural Market Information System, to start with in wheat, rice, maize and

soybean, in order to improve agricultural market outlook and forecasts at the national and global levels.

MSSRF’s work in this area has three major dimensions. The first is the development of village-level food security systems based on community Gene, Seed, Grain and Water Banks, which will help to store and distribute local nutritious grains like millets and pulses; the second encompasses the training of a cadre of “Community Hunger Fighters” who will be well versed in the science and art of overcoming both chronic and hidden hunger. The third dimension of MSSRF’s work in the management of price volatility is a dynamic and location-specific market information system through Gyan

Source: FAO and US Energy Information Administration (data updated as on 29/06/2011)

Figure 1

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Chaupals or Village Knowledge Centres. Many of these centres, now operating for over 15 years, provide timely information on the monsoon and the market. The bahaviour of the monsoon and the market determines farmers’ well-being. Hence, the Gyan Chaupals operated by local women and men give priority to empowering farm women and men with timely information on weather and market behaviour. Also, they provide information on food quality and safety, as well as on the entitlements of farm households to various government schemes.

The tribal areas where MSSRF is working in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Odisha, as well as the Vidharba region of Maharashtra, are yet to achieve the progress necessary in the reduction of hunger and poverty to reach by 2015 the target set under the first among the UN Millennium Development Goals. Therefore, MSSRF in association with other partners has launched a programme titled “Operation 2015” to help these areas achieve UNMDG 1 by 2015. The programme consists of the following features:

Adoption of a lifecycle approach in nutrition support programmes

Promotion of a “deliver as one” method with reference to nutrition, clean drinking water, sanitation, environmental hygiene, and primary health care

Payment of concurrent attention to small farm productivity improvement and producer-oriented marketing

Encouragement of a food-cum-fortification approach (especially fortification of salt with iron and iodine) in respect of fighting chronic calorie deprivation and micronutrient deficiencies

Establishment of a cadre (at least one woman and one man in every village) trained as Climate Risk Managers and Community Hunger Fighters

Thus, MSSRF hopes that the challenge of price volatility can be fought at the local community level as well as at national and global levels.

Seawater Farming

From 1990 onwards, MSSRF has been working on integrated coastal zone management, involving concurrent attention to the seaward and landward sides of the shoreline. The aim has been to strengthen both the ecological security of coastal areas and the livelihood security of coastal communities. A Coastal Systems Research (CSR) methodology was thus developed. The research activities included the conservation and restoration of mangrove wetlands, development of a Participatory Mangrove Forest Management System, generation of awareness of the importance of mangrove and non-mangrove bioshields in reducing the fury of coastal storms and tsunamis, and the breeding of salinity-tolerant rice, pulses and other crops of importance to coastal agriculture by transferring genes for salinity tolerance from mangrove species through marker-assisted selection of recombinant DNA technology. Eighteen years of sustained research in this field led to international patents being granted for the novel genetic combinations produced by MSSRF scientists for tolerance to abiotic stresses like salinity and drought. These include:

US patent for the Dehydrin gene from Avicennia marina responsible for conferring salt tolerance in plants (Dr. Ajay Parida, Dr.Preeti Mehta and Dr. Gayatri Venkataraman)

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US patent for the Glutathione-S-transferase gene from Prosopis juliflora conferring drought tolerance in plants (Dr. Ajay Parida and Dr. Suja George)

Three more patents — for Phytosulfokine-ά precursor sequence from Avicienna marina conferring stress tolerance, Antiporter gene from Porteresia coarctata conferring stress tolerance and Superoxidase dismutase gene for conferring abiotic stress tolerance in plants — have been filed and are in the process of being granted.

Marker-assisted breeding has resulted in developing location-specific transgenic lines in popular indica varieties (IR64, IR20, Ponni and ADT 43) showing 99.5 percent purity and enhanced salinity tolerance of 400mM of NaCl.

MSSRF’s work led to the rehabilitation and replanting of 2400 ha of mangroves in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The 2011 Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (6 January 2011) by the Government of India derives its scientific basis from MSSRF’s research during the past 20 years and from two reports submitted by committees chaired by me.

The 80th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s salt satyagraha was celebrated in Dandi in Gujarat in 2010. On the basis of the projects proposed by MSSRF, both the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India sanctioned funds for making effective use of seawater not only to raise bioshields, but also to initiate seawater farming projects involving integrated agro-forestry and mariculture techniques. The support from MoEF is through the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM). Seawater constitutes nearly 97 per cent of global water resources and Mahatma

Gandhi rightly emphasised that it is a very important social resource. In 1930, Gandhiji’s salt march was to manufacture salt in the Dandi beach in violation of the then prevailing government regulations. In the same year, C Rajagopalachari and Sardar Vedaratnam Pillai organised a salt satyagraha at Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu. MSSRF organised a workshop at Vedaranyam on 26 December 2010 to highlight the need for undertaking the conversion of seawater into fresh water through halophytes possessing food and other economic value. The workshop was attended by Shri Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forest. The seawater farming project was included by DST under its WAR for Water Mission (Winning, Augmentation and Renovation). Steps have been initiated for establishing a genetic garden of halophytes in Vedaranyam, both to conserve the genetic resources of halophytes and to spread economically-attractive and environmentally-sustainable seawater farming methods. Under conditions of a potential rise in sea level, halophytes will become crops of the future in coastal areas.

Preserving Agricultural and Biodiversity Heritage Sites

During 2010-11, two important initiatives of MSSRF achieved wider impact. First, the Government of Tamil Nadu established genetic heritage gardens based on the description of ecosystems in the classical Sangam literature. These were set up at:

Kurinji (hill) – Yercaud, Salem District

Mullai (forest) – Sirumalai, Dindigul District

Marudham (wetland) – Maruthanallur, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District

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Neithal (coastal area) – Thirukadaiyur, Nagapattinam District

P a l a i ( a r i d l a n d ) – A c h a d i p i r a m b u , Ramanathapuram District

In such genetic heritage gardens, the flora and fauna characteristic of each ecosystem will be preserved, which will help to spread the understanding of the value of such ecosystems. The garden in the Taramani campus of MSSRF also contains a replica of these five ecosystems described 2000 years ago.

The other important initiative relates to getting recognition for two Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Sites (GIAHS) under FAO’s GIAHS programme. The project proposal seeking recognition for the Koraput rice genetic heritage site in Odisha has been prepared and forwarded to FAO. Here, tribal families have conserved a veritable mine of valuable genes in rice for hundreds of years. Recognition under FAO’s GIAHS programme will help to give prestige to those conserving vanishing varieties and dying wisdom.

Another globally important agricultural heritage site is the Kuttanad area of Kerala where, for over a century, farmers have been practising farming below sea level. This system developed by farm families through practical experience involves the cultivation of rice during the monsoon season and fish during the non-rainy season. Unlike in the Netherlands, the Kuttanad farmers only put up low-cost temporary dykes. The GIAHS designation for the below sea level farming system developed by the farm families of Kuttanad will help to give recognition to the pioneers of this technology as well as refine it further. This will be particularly useful in the event of a rise in sea level as a result of global warming, as it now seems very likely. It is

proposed to establish a Regional Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming in Kuttanad, for the benefit of countries in this region — like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand — which may have to undertake farming below sea level during this century.

Land and Water Care: Role of Global Soil Partnership

Since 2000, MSSRF, with financial support from the Tata Trusts and in association with the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur, has been carrying out detailed studies on rainwater harvesting and efficient use, and watershed development and management. The emphasis in the current phase of this project is on maximising employment and income-generation opportunities for the watershed community through both on-farm and non-farm enterprises. The programme is hence known as “Bio-industrial Watershed” development. Small-scale market-linked enterprises supported by micro credit are promoted. Land-use decisions are also water-use decisions, and hence an integrated approach to land and water care is necessary to achieve an ever-green revolution leading to enhancement in productivity in perpetuity without associated ecological harm. Since land is a shrinking resource for agriculture and since there is a growing tendency to ‘grab’ prime farmland for non-farm purposes, such as for real estate and biofuel production, I proposed in October 2009, in my capacity as Chairman of the FAO’s High Level External Committee (HLEC) on the UN Millennium Development Goals, the establishment of a Global Soil Partnership (GSP) for Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. Both HLEC and the Director General of FAO have accepted this suggestion and such a partnership is being

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formally launched at FAO Headquarters in Rome on 7 September 2011. GSP aims to foster a sustainable and productive use of the soil resources of the world. I have suggested that GSP and the Global Water Partnership may promote a global soil and water care movement in 2012 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the UN Conference on Environment and Development held at Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has invited MSSRF to assist in developing strategies for sustainable food and nutrition security within the framework of a green economy. Obviously, a National Soil and Water Care programme involving all stakeholders, particularly farmers’ associations, has to be an integral component of India’s Rio +20 programme.

Human Resource Development

MSSRF’s institution building philosophy has always been to concentrate on brains and not bricks. The sustained growth of MSSRF’s Gyan Chaupal movement is a good example of the value of this approach. It is equally important that initiatives like Village Knowledge Centres are based on the principle of dynamic and location-specific information delivered in the local languages, based on a demand-driven approach. Local communities should also have a sense of ownership, as otherwise it will not be sustainable. The Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy, which now has nearly 1500 rural women and men as Fellows as well as 35 foreign Fellows, has become a valuable institutional device to build the self-esteem and capability of rural women and men belonging to socially- and economically-underprivileged families. In a recent review of the project, the reviewers concluded that the Academy has helped to convert ordinary people into extraordinary individuals.

Among the new initiatives in human resource development is the organisation of two community colleges of the Indira Gandhi National Open University at Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu and Jeypore in Odisha. Both these colleges have flexible courses based on local examples and needs. The Poompuhar College is designed to cater to the needs of fisher communities, while the Jeypore College is meeting the requirements of tribal families. MSSRF is also assisting IGNOU in running a diploma course on sustainability science. The community college at Poompuhar will further strengthen the on-going training programmes at the Fish for All Research and Training Centre based on the pedagogic methodology of learning-by-doing. The integrated use of internet and mobile telephony is helping artisanal fishermen to have advance information on wave heights and location of fish shoals.

Developing well-trained Cadres of Community Climate Risk Managers and Community Hunger Fighters is also a recent initiative. The DNA Club programme started by MSSRF ten years ago for schoolchildren has now become a national programme supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. In order to create awareness of the need for sustainable lifestyles, it is proposed to organise a training programme in schools on ecological footprint management.

The participatory knowledge management and capacity-building programme of MSSRF covers these four approaches:

Land to Land : Farmer-to-farmer learning

Land to Lab : Blending traditional ecological prudence with modern science

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Lab to Land : Verification of scientific findings in farmers’ fields and bridging the gap between scientific know-how and field level do-how

Lab to Lab : Partnership among scientific institutions

An integrated implementation of such knowledge management approaches will help to achieve rapid technological transformation of small holdings. Thanks to the generous support from the Indian Overseas Bank, five field schools will be established this year in the farms of outstanding farmers in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Odisha.

This Report contains detailed information on the work done during 2010-11 in the major programme areas of MSSRF. It is obvious that considerable progress has been made in all the areas taken up for in-depth research from 1990 onwards. Every year, MSSRF has also chosen a theme for an inter-disciplinary dialogue relevant to the work of the Foundation. The 2011 dialogue, which will be held from 7-10 August, will be on “Mangroves for Coastal Area Management”. This will be part of the programme for the International Year of the Forest. The dialogue is being organised in partnership with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. MSSRF, which has played an important role in getting the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) established and getting a Charter for Mangroves prepared, has now enlarged the coastal programme to include non-mangrove species to serve as bioshields.

I wish to record my gratitude and appreciation to all the staff and scholars of MSSRF led by the dynamic Executive Director Dr. Ajay Parida

for their devotion to the cause of bringing the best in science to the service of society. The work described in this Report would not have been possible but for the encouragement and financial support extended by national and international donors. Government departments, like the Department of Biotechnology, have extended support over a long period of time, but for which the isolation and characterisation of genes for salinity- and drought-tolerance would not have been possible. I also wish to record my gratitude to the Trustees of MSSRF, who have given generously of their valuable time for setting programme priorities and guiding the management and growth of the institution.

Among new donors, I particularly thank Shri S. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Pratiksha Trust, for his generous support.

This report has been compiled by a dedicated team consisting of Dr. V. Selvam, Dr. G. N. Hariharan and Dr. Divya Sreenivas. Editing was done by Ms. Gita Gopalkrishnan with her characteristic thoroughness. The printing was done by AMM Screens. I am grateful to all of them for ensuring the high quality of the contents and the excellence of the get-up.

M. S. SwaminathanChairman

The pilot testing of the community-based management plan to protect mangrove bioshields clearly indicated the willingness and capacity of the community in protecting mangroves on their own. The performance of paddy cultivation in about 510 acres of reclaimed lands from abandoned prawn farms was monitored during this year, which showed paddy yield in these lands was on par with non-saline areas. An assessment of the current mangrove restoration and afforestation practices was carried out in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh with the participation of communities, women groups, village-level institutions, the Forest Department and other stakeholders, using a variety of participatory tools. A series of activities were taken up during the year to strengthen the capacity of various programme areas of MSSRF in utilising Remote Sensing and GIS techniques in planning, implementing and monitoring field-based activities.

101 mangrove and Non-mangrove Coastal Bioshields ......................................................... 1�

102 Integrated mangrove Fishery Farming System .............................................................. 28

103 Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System ................................................ 29

104 Seawater as a Social Resource ..................................................................................... 32

Programme Area 100

CoASTAL SySTEMS RESEARCh

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Science-based restoration of mangrove wetlands

Non-mangrove bioshields

Glimpse of the restored sites

halophytes: potential new crops

Livelihood enhancement activities

Focus group discussions

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Programme Area 100

Coastal Systems ResearchDuring this year, activities of Coastal Systems Research concentrated on a) pilot testing of the community-based mangrove management plan, b) participatory assessment of current practices in mangrove restoration and afforestation, and c) strengthening of mSSRF’s capacity in using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. Pilot testing of the community-based mangrove management plans was conducted in Kattumavadi (50 ha) and muthuregunathapuram (60 ha) mangrove bioshields in Tamil Nadu and in Sorlagondi bioshield (140 ha) in Andhra Pradesh. The communities contributed cash and labour to protect these bioshields; such commitment indicates that these bioshields will be sustained for a long time. Assessment of current mangrove restoration and afforestation practices was conducted in Pichavaram, muthupet and Ramanathapuram sites in Tamil Nadu and Godavari and Krishna sites in Andhra Pradesh. Four different techniques — community-level workshops at site level, participatory assessment at village level, technical assessment by experts, and interviews with planners and policy makers — were used in the assessment. Preliminary results indicate that mangrove forest cover has increased substantially in the last 10 years but empowerment of communities in mangrove management still seems to be a dream. To strengthen mSSRF’s capacity in using Remote Sensing and GIS, selected staff members from

the Programme Areas were given orientation to the techniques, and hands-on training is being provided in the villages where the different Programme Areas are working.

Sub Programme Area 101

Mangrove and Non-mangrove Coastal BioshieldsThe extended phase of the India - Sri Lanka project on strengthening the resilience of the tsunami-affected communities in India and Sri Lanka was implemented in 6 villages in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh till September 2010. The major activities carried out during this extension phase included pilot testing of community-based management plans prepared for mangrove and non-mangrove bioshields; strengthening some of the livelihood activities; and documenting and disseminating results and the processes of the project.

Community-based long-term mangrove management plans

Kattumavadi mangrove bioshield

In Kattumavadi village in Pudukkottai District, a mangrove bioshield is being developed in about 50 ha with the participation of the local fishing community. This bioshield has two types of plantation: Rhizophora plantation in the open intertidal area and Avicennia plantation in the upper intertidal area where canals have been dug for free flushing by tidal water. A community-based management plan for this bioshield was prepared in consultation

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with the local community, Panchayat Raj Institutions and women’s groups. The process followed and the details of the plan are given in the previous year’s report. During this year, the Village Development and management Council (VDmC) of Kattumavadi implemented the plan. As per the plan, the services of the community watcher was terminated as a measure to reduce costs and VDmC itself protected the bioshield by enforcing strict measures to avoid grazing in the plantation area. Running fishing nets over the plantation was another serious problem, which was tackled by VDmC by demarcating the entire plantation area and banning of fishing using nets in the plantation area. however, hand-picking of clams and prawn was allowed. VDmC also involved the community in desilting canals and removing seaweeds, to allow free flow of tidal water in and out of the plantation. As a result, Rhizophora apiculata planted in the intertidal area has grown well and attained a height of about 90 cm. however, the survival rate has come down from 60 per cent during last year to 50 per cent this year. This was mainly due to damage of roots of Rhizophora plants due to hand-picking of prawn under the root system. VDmC has promised to take necessary action in the coming year to prevent hand-picking of prawn in the Rhizophora plantation. Avicennia marina planted along the canals in the restored area has grown to a height of about 116 cm and the survival rate is �0 per cent. According to the community, the population of mangrove crab or mud crab, which has high economic value, has increased in the plantation area and provides livelihood for a few families in the village. Similarly,

commercially valuable fish such as sea bass and prawn are also being harvested in canals of the plantation area.

Muthuregunathapuram mangrove bio-shield

In muthuregunathapuram in Ramanathapuram district, a mangrove bioshield is being raised in about 60 ha in open intertidal area. Similar to Kattumavadi, a participatory long-term management plan was prepared last year and implemented by VDmC during the reporting period. To reduce costs, no community watcher was appointed and the entire community was involved in protecting the mangrove bioshield. Deposition of seaweed on plants during the monsoon season was a serious problem affecting the bioshield. VDmC tackled this problem by mobilising the community, including youth and women, to remove seaweeds manually; in some places, plants were affected due to crab holes near the plants and this was dealt with by filling the holes with mud. The community observed that the attachment of fouling organisms such as barnacles and oysters on roots was affecting plantations in many areas. VDmC has asked mSSRF to provide tangible solutions for this problem. Due to effective management by VDmC, Rhizophora planted in the intertidal area has grown well and attained a height of about 128 cm and the survival rate was about �0 per cent.

Sorlagondi mangrove bioshield

A mangrove bioshield with predominantly Avicennia marina is being developed in about 140 ha near Sorlagondi village in Krishna

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District in Andhra Pradesh. The Village Development and management Committee implemented the bioshield management plan prepared jointly with the community last year. Cattle grazing and felling of mangroves was the major problem in the management of this bioshield. This was controlled by VDmC by appointing a community watcher, particularly during peak agriculture seasons (December and January – rabi season, and July and August – kharif season), when this problem was a serious threat to the mangrove bioshield. In the remaining period, the community was involved collectively in protecting the bioshield. The survival rate of Avicennia marina, the dominant species planted in the restored area, was about �5 per cent during this year and it reached a height of 1.2 m. The survival rate of Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza was about 90 per cent. A large number of natural establishment of Avicennia marina (more than 5000/ha) was also noticed in the plantation. This was due to the dispersal of Avicennia marina seeds through tidal water. Apart from the planted species, other species such as Acanthus ilicifolius, Excoecaria agallocha and Aegiceras corniculatum were found growing in large numbers in the area, indicating complete restoration of the ecological condition of the area. halophytes, namely, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda nudiflora, Sesuvium portulacastrum and Salicornia brachiata were also found in the periphery. The natural mangrove forests abutting the restored area, which had been affected due to grazing and unfavourable hydrological conditions, have also grown well after the canals were dug for the mangrove plantation,

which prevented movement of cattle into the natural forest. Increase in crab population in the restored area was also observed, which supported the livelihood of tribal families living near the mangrove forest.

Non-mangrove bioshield

The non-mangrove bioshield established in Danavaipeta (5 ha), Narsipeta (4 ha) and mulapeta (2 ha) are being managed by the community. During the year, the survival rate of plants planted in the non-mangrove bioshield was more than 80 per cent in all the villages and the trees had attained a girth of 15 to 22 cm. In Danavaipeta, VDmC planned to engage a community watcher from July 2011 onwards to protect casuarina bioshields supported by both the project and the Forest Department. It was decided to pay the salary from the village common fund of the traditional panchayat. The casuarina trees will be harvested in 2012 and income from the plantation will be utilised for the establishment of subsequent non-mangrove plantations. The remaining amount will be utilised for village developmental activities.

Bio-energy plantations in the coastal regions of Puducherry with community participation

The coastal bio-energy programme in 10 ha of mangrove areas is being carried out by Women Self-help Groups (WShGs) at the Keelavelizhi river area in Karaikal district of Puducherry. During 2010-2011, a total of �500 mangrove tree species were raised and maintained. WShGs have also developed efficient silviculture practices for mangroves

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species for the extraction of fuel wood and fodder; and have also demonstrated the sustainable management of bioenergy plantations.

Women ShGs raised mangrove saplings in the nursery in Keelavanjore in Karaikal district of Puducherry, based on the seeds and propagules collected from the mangrove plants they had planted at Keelavelizhi six years before. Earlier, the ShG members were dependent on seeds and propagules for nursery development from Andhra Pradesh, paying a high price for the material and transportation. The ShGs raised a total of �000 saplings of Avicennia marina and supplied these to the local panchayats for planting in coastal areas, earning Rs 3.00 / sapling.

Mangrove restoration in Kalpakkam

mSSRF in association with WShG of Vittilapuram has raised a mangrove nursery with over 60000 seeds of Avicennia marina and 3000 propagules of Rhizophora mucronata. The saplings were used for the restoration of mangroves at the mouth of the Buckingham Canal where it meets the Bay of Bengal in Kalpakkam. The WShG is monitoring the restored site and is involved in plantation after-care. The plantations are healthy, with survival rates of mangrove plants being more than 90 per cent.

Livelihood activities in Tamil Nadu

In Kattumavadi, an amount of Rs. 3,00, 000/- was provided in 2009 as revolving fund to women ShGs through VDmC. These ShGs were formed by local NGOs under various

government schemes. During this year, 8� members availed loan from the revolving fund for various small-scale income-generating activities such as fish vending, dry fish making, and also for social activities. Since there is always a delay in getting government funds for micro credit and the rate of interest from the private money lenders is very high, ShG members feel comfortable in taking loans from this corpus fund. Similarly, in muthuregunathapuram, an amount of Rs.200, 000/- was given as revolving fund. This revolving fund was also managed by VDmC. In both the villages, VDmC developed its own norms and terms and conditions for loan eligibility, interest rate and repayment.

Livelihood activities in Andhra Pradesh

As mentioned in last year’s report, a total area of 510 acres of abandoned prawn farms with high soil salinity was reclaimed for agriculture from 2008 to 2010 in Sorlagondi and Venugopalapuram villages in Krishna district. This year, the performance of paddy culture in the reclaimed land was monitored. Paddy was cultivated both during kharif and rabi seasons and the yield was 2.25 tonnes per acre during kharif and 2.6 tonnes per acre during rabi, which is at par with the non-saline areas. In order to extend this programme to other areas, exposure visits were organised for officials from government departments and NGOs to reclaimed areas and interaction with farming families arranged. It is expected that a large-scale programme to reclaim abandoned prawn farms for agriculture would be taken up by the government in the near future.

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In the two years from 2008 to 2010, a total area of �60 acres of prawn farm was brought under sustainable shrimp farming with eco-friendly aquaculture practices. Performance of shrimp farming in the farms was monitored during this year in partnership with the National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture. This year, about 250 farmers in Sorlagondi cultured shrimp, while 100 farmers cultured shrimp with mud crabs in the eco-friendly aquaculture ponds. On an average, the farmers made a profit of about Rs. 35,000/- per acre in both mud crabs and the tiger prawn culture. The farmers found crab culture more profitable than shrimp farming since they were using thrash fishes as feed and the cost is very low. It was observed that these farmers followed best practices of cooperative farming by using disease-free seeds, using no chemicals in farming, minimising the use of artificial feed, etc.

Assessment of the current practices of mangrove restoration and afforestation

In Tamil Nadu, mangrove restoration programme has been going for the last 15 years in Pichavaram and muthupet mangroves and also in some areas in Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram Districts. most of the restoration activities were implemented by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and to a limited extent by NGOs. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh mangrove restoration is undertaken in large areas in the Krishna and Godavari mangrove wetlands. After the 2004 tsunami, large mangrove afforestation programme was initiated both in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Both in mangrove restoration and afforestation programmes, a

number of questions remain unanswered. For example, why is only the Avicennia marina species selected for planting and not other species, including endangered and threatened species? Is this due to lack of regeneration techniques for these species or any other reasons? Secondly, the livelihood issue of the local community is not given adequate attention in either the mangrove restoration or the afforestation project. Is this due to lack of techniques to introduce suitable livelihood activities or lack of policy support? Thirdly, are the village level institutions established for joint mangrove restoration/afforestation programmes adequately empowered technically, socially and economically to sustain mangroves? It was considered that answers to these questions and many others would help in refining current strategies, practices and policies of mangrove restoration and management. With this background, the current project was started with the purpose of assessing the current practices of mangrove restoration and afforestation with the participation of stakeholders and to identify technical, social, institutional and policy supports needed for the long-term sustainability of mangroves. The States selected for the assessment were Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

Processes and methods

Community level workshops: In each site, a community-level workshop was conducted. Table 1.1 gives the expected outputs of the workshops and participatory methods followed to achieve these.

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Participatory study at village level: In order to assess techniques, processes and employment and livelihood benefits from mangrove restoration and afforestation, it was decided to conduct a participatory study in selected villages, using the following methods.

Status of village: Before restoration; during restoration; after restoration

Restoration and afforestation techniques: Ranking – quantitative assessment; SWOT – qualitative assessment

Process of project implementation: Institutional analysis; time line; stakeholder analysis; task analysis

Livelihood analysis: Livelihood matrix; cost-benefit mapping; transect walk

Case studies

Technical assessment by a team of stakeholders: A team comprising representatives of mSSRF, local NGOs, local self-government and village level institutions,

as well as the Forest Range Officer, assessed mangrove restoration and afforestation results with simple techniques. Random sampling plots were laid out and data on survival, growth, self-recruitment of other species, faunal population, availability of commercially-important fish, crab and prawn, were collected. Apart from this, design of the canal, tidal water inundation in the restored areas, current management practices and opportunity to diversify livelihood activities were also assessed.

Interviews and questionnaire surveys of executives and field staff: The perceptions of both the executives and field staff of the Forest, Revenue and Fisheries Departments and other stakeholders were assessed through interviews and questionnaire surveys, focusing on qualitative aspects of the technique and participatory processes followed in project development, implementation, management, and monitoring and evaluation.

Results

In Tamil Nadu, community-level workshops were conducted in Chidambaram, muthupet

Expected outputs Big picture of mangrove and adjoining area Stakeholder analysis Current technical practices in mangrove restoration

and afforestation Current institutional mechanism, community

participation and policy support for mangrove restoration and afforestation Livelihood and economic benefits of mangrove

restoration and afforestation

Methods Rich picture with local indicators Influence and importance matrix and Venn diagram SWOT analysis SWOT analysis, institutional analysis, task

analysis, social audit. and monitoring and evaluation Livelihood matrix, employment matrix and seasonal

calendar

Table 1.1 Expected outputs of community-level workshops and methods

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Benefits and challenges for primary stakeholders

a. Fishing families, cattle-rearing families, firewood collectors and other coastal communities

Benefits

Increase in fishery resources

Fodder for livestock

habitat for biodiversity

Protection from natural calamities (cyclone, floods, tsunami and heavy winds)

Opportunity to develop direct relations with government agencies and officials through EDC

Challenges

A few families are still depending on illegal felling for commercial purposes

Some fishermen are interested in conversion of mangroves in the revenue land to prawn farms

Government is not providing loans to firewood collectors for income-generating activities

and Ramanathapuram, covering areas in Cuddalore, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur and Thanjavur districts. In Andhra Pradesh, two workshops were conducted, one in Kakinada (for Godavari region) and another in machillipatinam (for Krishna region). The participants of the workshop included women, youth and representatives of traditional panchayats, Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and local NGOs as well as leaders and members of village-level institutions of the Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, aqua farmers and agricultural farmers. A total number of 140 participants from 22 villages participated in the five workshops.

To identify various stakeholders, participatory exercises such as using flash cards, scoring and pooling, followed by brainstorming sessions were undertaken. Fishing families,

cattle-rearing families, woodcutters and fuel wood collectors, other coastal communities, eco-development committees, the State Forest Department, mSSRF, grass-roots NGOs, prawn farm owners, politicians and industrialists were among those identified as primary, secondary and tertiary stakeholders. After identification and classification of stakeholders, the influence matrix was prepared. The interest and benefits as well as challenges and other key factors of each stakeholder participating in mangrove management were assessed through group exercises.

SWOT analyses were conducted for some stakeholders such as women participants, eco-development committees, the Forest Department and mSSRF in mangrove management.

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Benefits and challenges for secondary stakeholders a. MSSRF and grass-roots NGOs

Benefits

Increases capacity of Forest Department, NGOs and local communities in mangrove restoration and conservation activities for large-scale replication

Technical and social mobilisation skills

Challenges

Limited funding source, leading to limited activities

Working only in a few villages

Working only for a short period

Benefits and challenges for tertiary stakeholders a. Prawn/ aqua farm owners

Benefits

Brackish water through mangroves for farming

Prawn farms are protected from erosion and natural disasters

Challenges

Usage of chemicals in farms and draining them into mangroves

Conversion of mangroves into prawn farms

c. Forest Department

Benefits

Increase in forest cover

mobilising more funds

Challenges

Lack of experience on mangrove restoration and management

Need for proper monitoring by higher officials

b. Eco-development Committees (EDC)

Benefits

Institution at the village level for decision making; people know what is going on

Livelihood improvement

Increase in fish catch

Biodiversity

Challenges

EDCs are unable to mobilise funds

Regular meetings not conducted by Forest Department (FD) and EDCs

No transparency in fund management by FD, village elders and EDC office bearers

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Women participants Strengths

1. Participation and influencing decisions in EDC meetings

2. Running ShGs effectively

3. Access to district administration for micro credit and other benefits and recognition of the ShGs in various government departments reduces dependency on mangroves.

Weakness

ShGs not able to get wage-paid work from the Forest Department

Opportunities

1. Income generation through mangrove nursery development

2. mangrove restoration work can be taken up with the support of NREGS so that women can get wages.

Threats

1. Families without cooking gas connections depend on mangroves for firewood.

2. No pucca houses

Community

Strengths

1. All the villagers represented as general body members in EDC.

2. Forest Department support for EDC

3. Good relationship of community with the Forest Department through EDC

4. Government and NGOs directly approaching EDC in addressing village-level problems

5. Equal representation for women in the general body and executive body

6. Community rights on mangrove manage-ment and protection of mangrove forest

Weaknesses

1. Eco-development Committees (EDCs) not regularly conducting meetings after completion of mangrove projects

2. Low accountability and responsibility of EDC office bearers

3. Illiteracy of EDC members

4. EDC members not aware of Forest Department (FD) programmes

5. FD not providing sufficient funds to EDCs

b. Industries

Benefits

Support mangrove and forestry projects under corporate social responsibility and fulfilling environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirements

Challenges

Conflicts with local villagers regarding land use for industrial development

Affecting livelihood opportunities

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6. FD not giving priority to communities depending more on mangrove in the restoration and conservation programmes

�. Strong traditional leadership dominating EDC

8. Still some poor people directly depending on mangroves for fodder, house construction and firewood

Opportunities

1. EDC can be strengthened by conducting regular meetings and transparent money transactions

2. Open financial transactions would reduce corruption

3. Funds can be generated from various sources to EDC

4. EDC may own mangrove restoration and afforestation programmes

5. Alternative livelihood source for forest dependents

Threats

1. Cutting of mangroves for fuel wood and other purposes

2. Unaware of activities of EDC, general body members may destabilise the functioning as well as lead to corrupt practices

3. No transparency in financial transactions and project-related decisions by FD

Forest Department

Strengths

1. more powers

2. Exact information on forest land and related policies, programmes

3. Reduced workload through the formation of EDCs

4. Power and command over EDC meetings, funds and bank transactions

5. Direct relations with political leaders and community

Weaknesses

1. Some of the field staff lacking knowledge of mangroves and their management

2. Lack of supervision by higher officials

3. No Range Office, Section and Beat Office at Corangi

4. Field staff not living in their working area

5. Engagement with EDC and community only with issues related to financial matters

6. Poor relations with EDC members and community

Opportunities

1. Conducting regular EDC meetings

2. Involving all stakeholders in decision making

3. Involving all the members of EDC in the forest work

4. Identifying degraded areas and conserving the forest with the help of EDC

5. Creating awareness on mangroves among coastal communities and government departments and NGOs

2�


6. Training staff interested in mangrove conservation and community work as leaders

Threats

1. Taking money from woodcutters

2. Giving preference to some of the EDC members in allotment of works

3. Retaining the bank passbooks and registers of EDC

4. Controlling the EDC members in functioning and decision making

MSSRF

Strengths

1. high level of awareness and technical knowledge about mangrove area and its management

2. Good relationship with FD and coastal communities

3. Sound knowledge on mangroves

4. Support to need-based village development activities

5. Scientific capacity such as remote sensing and hydrological studies used for mangrove restoration

6. B r a n d n a m e o f P r o f e s s o r m . S . Swaminathan, and his support and visits to project sites

Weaknesses

1. Working only in few selected villages

2. Project-based work and limited period of presence

3. Less financial assistance to villagers

4. minimum number of staff

Opportunities

1. Undertaking mangrove reforestation works in more villages

2. Publication and communication material related to mangrove conservation, practices and restoration activities, distributed to all coastal villages

3. Livelihood development activities in the villages along with government agencies

4. Regular meetings and discussions with the communities

5. mobilising government and international agencies to support mangrove conservation activities

Participatory study at village level

Participatory assessment of mangrove restoration was carried out in 3 villages in Tamil Nadu and in 4 villages in Andhra Pradesh. In Tamil Nadu, mGR Nagar in the Pichavaram area, Kattumavadi in Pudukottai district and muthuregunathapuram in Ramanathapuram district were selected. In Andhra Pradesh, Bhairavalanka and Chollangipeta villages from the Godavari region, and Palakaitippa and Gollalamonda from the Krishna region were selected for the study. The Forest Departments of both the States, mSSRF and other NGOS implemented mangrove restoration activity in these villages. The results are being analysed and will be presented in the next report.

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Sub-Programme Area 102

Integrated Mangrove Fishery Farming SystemIn Tamil Nadu, two models of the Integrated mangrove Fishery Farming System (ImFFS} are being demonstrated in mudasalodai village near Pichavaram. In this system, growing of mangrove trees, cultivation of salt-loving plants called halophytes and culturing of fish, are integrated so that such a system can take care of the ecological security of coastal areas and the livelihood security of coastal communities. The total number of Rhizophora planted in pond I and II was 669 and 520, respectively. In one of the ponds, all the plants died due to stagnation of tidal water, which in turn was due to poor designing of the tidal water inlet and outlet. The designing was rectified during the year and new saplings were planted in September 2010. In the pond where the design was good, all the plants survived and attained an average height of about 56 cm. The halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum, planted on top of the bunds has grown well and has completely covered the bunds. however, farming of fish such as sea bass and mixed farming of milk fish and prawn showed poor results, mainly due to poaching. After the discussion with the Village Committee, it is now decided that the fish culture in the IMFFS ponds would be given to interested youth in the village who would like to earn a livelihood out of fish farming. They would also take care of both mangrove plantation and halophyte cultivation.

In Andhra Pradesh, 10 yenadi tribal community families manage ImFFS established in Sorlagondi village. These tribal community members earn their livelihood by collecting young crabs and moulted crabs in the mangrove waters and in the mangrove forest. ImFFS was initiated to rear these crabs to marketable size and, along with the mangrove plantation, make for additional income for the tribals. In September 2010, about 400 wildlings of crab collected from nearby mangroves were stocked in one of the ponds. Thrash fishes available as bycatch during fishing were used to feed the crabs. After 4 months of culture, 83 kg of crab, 15 kg of Lates calcarifer (sea bass) 38 kg of other fish (eel, croaker and mullet) and 2 kg of shrimp were harvested, which earned a net profit of Rs. 25,045/- to these families. Poaching, which was a major threat during the previous year, was stopped in crab culture because of difficulty in catching crabs by cast net. The community members also lived on the bunds to protect the culture from poachers. however, a few setbacks were encountered. During the floods in October when the tidal water flow was almost up to the brim of the bund, some of the crabs moved out of the culture ponds. Some other crabs were dead due to sudden drop in the salinity levels during the floods. Only about 50 per cent of the crabs survived till the end of the culture.

About 4,000 Rhizophora apiculata and about 5000 Avicennia marina saplings were planted along the inner and peripheral bunds of these farms. Rhizophora apiculata saplings planted along the slope have attained an average

29


height of 115 cm while the average height of Avicennia marina is 106 cm. The survival percentage of Rhizophora apiculata was 80 and Avicennia marina was 60.


Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System103.1. Coastal Systems Research

Assessment of mangrove wetlands of the Godavari delta

Remote-sensing satellite data of IRS LISS III (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite Linear Imaging Self-Scanning System 3) of 2008, 2009 and 2010 were compared with the satellite data of 1986 to assess the status of the Godavari mangrove wetland. Assessment of mangroves inside the reserve forests showed that the dense mangroves increased from 13612.84 ha in 1986 to 14052.26 ha in 2009 and to 14881.13 ha in 2010. There is a significant reduction in the degraded area in 2008, 2009 and 2010 when compared to 1986, indicating the success of mangrove regeneration initiatives of mSSRF and the Forest Department.

Similarly, the assessment of the Godavari mangrove wetland areas adjoining the reserve forests showed that there has been a major change in the land use between 1986 and 2010. Industries and aquaculture have been increased significantly while there is a reduction in the agriculture area. The industries-occupied

area of 382.6 ha in 1986 has increased to 2103 ha in 2010. The expansion of the Kakinada Deepwater Port, establishment of petrochemical industries and on-shore gas terminals near the Godavari mangrove wetland are some the recent developments contributing to the increase in the extent of the industrial area. Aquaculture is one of the important land- use changes observed in the study period between 1986 and 2010. In 1986 about 4,215 ha of land was under salt pans. most of these salt pans were converted into shrimp farms. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, large areas abutting the mangrove reserve forests were converted to shrimp farms (Table 1.2). The dense mangroves in the revenue land adjoining the reserve forests which were 260�.35 ha in 1986 have been reduced to 18�1 ha in 2010, clearly indicating the conversion of dense mangroves outside the reserve forest to shrimp farming. Shrimp farms take up about �15�.32 ha in 2010. The sparse mangrove forest cover increased from 405 ha in 1986 to 1482.04 ha in 2010. This is

Land use classes outside Area in hectares the reserve forests 1986 2010Dense mangroves 260�.35 18�1.64Sparse mangroves 405.21 1482.04Industries 382.60 2103.01Salt pans 4215.80 59�.92Aquaculture - �15�.32Sand/ Beach 1914.09 2208.21Settlement 4522.05 �302.01Agriculture 2�481.30 21813.01

Table 1.2 Land use and land cover classes outside the reserve forest area

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due to natural regeneration of mangroves in the abandoned shrimp farms. The agricultural area in 1986 was about 2�,481 ha which has been reduced to 21,813 ha in 2010. The main reason for the reduction in agriculture area is due to increase in settlements, industries and shrimp farms.

Strengthening research and organisational capacity of MSSRF

Promoting integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools in research and development interventions of mSSRF both at village and organisational levels is one of the components of the project on strengthening the research and organisational capacity of mSSRF. In accomplishing this purpose, an orientation programme on the utilisation of RS and GIS tools was organised for the representatives from the staff of all Programme Areas and from villages from each Programme Area where RS and GIS tools can be demonstrated. Collection of relevant spatial data for selected villages was completed during the previous reporting period. In the current year, non-spatial primary and secondary data were collected and basic and additional layers were generated for a village each from PAs 100, 200, 400, 500 and 600. however, the process is at different stages in these five villages. The tasks so far completed and the current status is explained PA-wise below:

PA 100 Coastal Systems Research : Kattumavadi village in Pudukottai district was identified and the vulnerability context mapped in terms of socio-economic conditions as

well as physical settings of the village. These maps will be linked to the Web GIS that is being developed under the geo-informatics component for wider reach within and outside the mSSRF. The maps can be used by multiple stakeholders for disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning.

PA 200 Biodiversity: Vellakuzhi village in Kolli Hills was identified for integration of GIS and RS for mapping and monitoring the socio-economic changes among organic farmers before and after the mSSRF intervention. A field visit was undertaken to get an overview of the organic farms and the farmers. A cadastral map was collected from the Survey and Land Record Department and digitised. Also, a few farm locations were entered in GPS and mapped. Interviews will be scheduled to collect the “before” and “after” scenarios among the organic farmers, along with GPS points, and incorporated in the GIS platform for generating maps.

PA 400 Ecotechnology : From th is Programme Area, Dharmathupatti panchayat in Kannivadi was selected by the core members to map the changes due to mSSRF intervention among the men and women ShGs of Kulumai Federation, mainly to monitor their socio-economic transitions. There are about 24 groups in the selected panchayat of which locations of 300 member-households have been entered in GPS. Details were collected from the Kulumai office and the database created in Excel format. The cadastral map and primary data from the group members about the changes will be collected during interviews.

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Later, the spatial and non-spatial data will be linked to generate thematic maps.

PA 500 Food Security: Lonsawali village, Wardha district was identified by the team. Application of GIS and RS is (i) to ascertain the suitable cropping system during drought conditions and (ii) to map the socio-economic and physical vulnerabilities due to natural hazards, especially drought. Priority target for this exercise would be the mKSP farmers. To achieve the purpose, both primary and secondary data were collected like cadastral map, adangal (land record), records from local Revenue Department and the remote sensing images of Cartosat 1 (2.5m) PAN and IRS P6 LISS 4 (5.5) mSS from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). Field data related to critical facilities like water bodies; soil samples were also collected using GPS. The data were processed and layers were generated for different themes like land use/land cover using merged Cartosat 1 and IRS P6 LISS 4 image, water resource map, and cadastral map with farm divisions. Farmers’ database was created in the Excel format, including landholding size, survey number, crops cultivated and irrigation sources (collected from the adangal record). The field measurement book for Lonsawali village is not available and hence, efforts to demarcate field divisions are being done using the high resolution RS images. Later, the field data will be linked to the spatial data. Vulnerability assessment will be carried out by devising appropriate participatory methods and tools. The outcome will be used to generate thematic maps to plan or modify the cropping

system and provide advisories to adapt and cope with the drought conditions.

PA 600 Informatics and Communication: Livestock mapping is the major area of application identified by the Informatics team for Embalam village in the Puducherry Union Territory. Orientation and hands-on training to enter GPS points were given to the knowledge workers (KWs) of Embalam VKC. An interview schedule was prepared to collect livestock details and to train the KWs. Data collection is under process.

WebGIS

The development of WebGIS platform, which will increase the reach and visibility of mSSRF, is a step-by-step process. The first few tasks of the list given below were completed during the previous reporting period.

Download software from the websites and install

Rectify errors during and after installing

Create required layers in shape file format by digitising

Attribute the layers

Colour the layers

Create folders for layers and define

Design template including scale and north arrow

Link the WebGIS platform to Google Earth

Add RS data

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In the current year, secondary data such as district maps, river system maps, States maps with capitals were downloaded from the Survey of India websites. The downloaded data were geo-referenced. The shape file layers added in the WebGIS platform were States with capital, district, location of MSSRF site offices, location of International Development Research Centre (IDRC) sites, rivers, etc. The layers were then attributed to enable the viewers to query and access the information. Examples of the attributes created in the platform were names of the States, number of taluks, number of districts, abbreviation and pin codes of States, total population, male and female population, sex ratio, population density, length of national highways in km, area and length in sq. km for each State as well as mSSRF sites, name of the Director and Coordinator, project names, staff names, name of the VKC and VRC, etc.

Colour differentiation was made to all the spatial entities such as polygon, line and point. map scripts and extensible markup language (XML) codes were defined to the respective layers and folders. The WebGIS platform is to be linked to Google Earth for the wider reach and visibility of mSSRF. Similarly, RS data and other PA-specific information to be disseminated have to be uploaded. Finally, the WebGIS platform shall be hosted. A User manual incorporating guidelines to maintain and manage the WebGIS platform will be prepared.

103.2 Ecotechnology (PA 400)

Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System applications are being used for

planning and monitoring project activities in the JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre. During the year, maps showing drainage, soil series, soil depth, soil ph, soil erosion and groundwater permeability were prepared for the Pudukottai project site; 20 m contour maps were prepared using shuttle radar topography mission (SRTm) technique, which was useful in determining suitable locations to execute farm ponds at the Karasanur project site. maps showing the spatial and temporal variations in soil nutrient profile were also prepared for Thalinji and Karasanur villages. The cadastral boundary for the Koraput project site was digitised. maps showing spatial and temporal intervention data are continued to be periodically updated and shared with the staff and community. Compilation of all the maps generated for the Pudukottai project site was done along with the interpretations and guidelines (community participatory land information system) for community use and disseminated to them through Thalinji VKC.


Seawater as a Social ResourceIn commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Gandhiji’s salt sathyagraha and the 6th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, two projects were launched at Vedaranyam on 26 December 2010 with the support of the Society of Integrated Coastal management of the ministry of Environment and Forests (moEF) and Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The aims of these two projects are to show how seawater can

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be utilised as a social resource to cultivate salt-tolerant plants such as halophytes and mangroves, and also to strengthen conservation of ecologically-sensitive areas and livelihoods of coastal fisher and farming communities. The following are the important components of these two projects:

Cultivation of halophytes for production of oilseed and biosalt using seawater for irrigation

Seawater-based agri-aqua farming system involving cultivation of halophytes, mangroves and culture of fish

Restoration of degraded mangrove ecosystems and raising new mangrove forests

Establishment of the halophyte Genetic Garden

Development of the Vedaranyam area on the biovillage model, with concurrent attention to ecological rehabilitation and generation of new on-farm and non-farm sources of income through market-driven micro enterprises

The Biodiversity programme of MSSRF works towards conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resource management involving tribal and farming communities. Seven new species of rare, endangered and threatened plants were reported. Saplings of some rare, endangered and threatened species were distributed. The area and number of farmers cultivating three landraces of paddy recorded a significant increase. The communication, education and training programme on Farmers’ Rights reached out to a large number of tribal farmers. On-farm livelihood diversification by creating wadi (orchard) farms, integrating silviculture, horticulture and animal husbandry, soil and water conservation, was also carried out.

201 Community Conservation Efforts in Kolli hills ................................................................. 3�

202 Community Agrobiodiversity Centre, Wayanad ............................................................. 40

203 Biju Patnaik medicinal Plants Garden and Research Centre, Jeypore .......................... 49

204 Community Gene Bank .................................................................................................. 58

205 Biodiversity management Committees .......................................................................... 59

Programme Area 200

BIoDIVERSITy

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Engaging young talent for understanding biodiversity

Reintroduction of critically endangered species

Street play on Farmers’ Rights Integrated wadi development

Vegetable cultivation for income generation Documenting traditional knowledge systems

3�

B I O D I V E R S I T y

Programme Area 200

BiodiversityThe Biodiversity Programme strengthened its activities by initiating several new projects, while consolidating some of its earlier work. A Rs. 400 lakh project supported by NABARD for a period of seven years commenced in the Kolli hills, touching the lives of 1000 tribal families. A long-term project on livelihoods and food security supported by the Department of Science Technology was initiated in Wayanad. RET (Rare, endangered and threatened) plants conservation became an important activity of the Community Agro-biodiversity Centre (CAbC). The intervention led to the discovery of � new species of plants and the raising of 1,00,000 seedlings, mostly belonging to RET tree species. The Biju Patnaik medicinal Plants Garden and Research Centre, Jeypore, progressed with the herbal programme by strengthening the medicinal Plants Garden with an addition of 13,400 quality seedlings belonging to 26 species of medicinal plants, generating widespread awareness on herbal preventive for malaria, demonstrating the cultivation of 21 commercially cultivated species, and establishing Students’ herbal Gardens in 34 schools. Livelihood enhancement, diversified with large-scale vegetable cultivation, fish farming, vermicomposting and backyard poultry farming, made strides. A significant highlight is that the area under cultivation of Kalajeera, Machhakanta and Haladichudi varieties of rice increased to �3 per cent and the number of farm families increased

to 66 per cent compared to last year. The communication, education and training programme covered a total population of 5000 located across 2� villages on the subject of farmers’ rights. A project on collection, conservation and registration of farmers’ varieties and capacity building of the farmers on the PPVFRA legislation was launched by the Community Gene Bank. Several meetings at national, regional, local and global levels relating to various aspects of biodiversity were conducted and strong partnerships established in this area with key stakeholders.

Sub Programme Area 201 Community Conservation Efforts in Kolli hills201.1 NABARD-funded Tribal Development Programme

mSSRF has begun implementing the NABARD-funded Tribal Development Programme in the Thirupuli, Alathur, Gundur and Gundani (TAGG) panchayats in Kolli hills from July 2010. The objectives of this action research project is to curtail the migration of tribal farm families and to provide them with options for on-farm livelihood diversification by creating wadi (orchard) farms, which will integrate silviculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. Soil and water conservation measures are also key interventions in the programme. As reported last year, the project is to involve 1000 tribal farm families spread over four panchayats for a period of seven years with an outlay of Rs. 400 lakh.

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Awareness raising and mobilisation of the community

Pamphlets were prepared and distributed to kindle interest among the villagers and raise awareness about the project and its mode of implementation. Several activities have been initiated in the project since may 2010 with this in view. Information boards designed to convey components of the project and possible benefits (physical, ecological, material and social) for the tribal families were placed in 50 locations on roadsides and public places across villages in two panchayats. The siruthottam (ST) or small farm model adopted for the TAGG cluster was depicted on boards placed in prominent places. Pictorial details about horticulture and soil water conservation measures being undertaken in the project provided adequate information to the farming community. These information boards are now located in the nodal villages in Thirupuli and Gundur panchayat and are accessible to all stakeholders.

A table-top ST prototype designed in a manner that projects details of plant population and spacing of plants, as well as soil and water conservation measures, was developed. The model is housed in the MSSRF office in Kolli hills to which members of KhAbCOFED, ShGs and other stakeholders have access. A technical manual has been in prepared Tamil, which covers project objectives, its components, benefits, model designs, soil and water conservation structures and contact details. and distributed to participating ST farmers’ families. Every participating farmer

was encouraged to maintain a file related to the project.

Project planning, staff capacity building and periodical review

The project team periodically discussed in detail the selection of farmers and fixing the criteria of selection of ST plots, layouts and spatial dimensions in order to bring about suitable changes in the cultivation norms. ST assistants were provided with the necessary office supplies required for the tasks. Field layout training was given to members of the project team and the participating ST farmers.

Selection of ST plot

After inspecting the fields for suitability, revenue records (like chitta and adangal) were collected from the participating ST farmers, along with their consent letter. Consent letters from 200 farm families have been submitted to NABARD so far. While selecting plots, the following criteria were carefully looked into: more than 20 per cent of the plot should not be sloping; plots should not be located in a rocky area; there should not be any large trees; and plots should be one acre in size or not more than 50 cents in 2 parcels.

Plots were identified through a participatory process, with settlement-level meetings conducted involving selected ST farmers. ST field assistants (STFAs) assessed the suitability of the plots and suggested changes if required. STFAs measured each plot with the help of the family and entered in a log book details such as direction, location, particulars

39


of adjoining plots, GPS readings, length and width of the plot, character of the slope, nature of terrain, soil type, etc. Based on the size and slope, STFAs provided the plot design and advised farmers about levelling, ploughing, clearance of weeds and bushes such as Lantana camara, removal of rock boulders, etc. Once these activities were carried out by the ST farm family, STFAs assisted farmers in field layouts and provide advice about digging pits to be earmarked for jackfruit and clove into which the pooled farmyard manure could be deposited. Planting materials were then distributed.

Sourcing of quality planting materials

The project team undertook extensive consultations and field visits to identify and source quality saplings of jackfruit, clove, silver oak and Co4 fodder grass. horticulture research stations in Palur (Cuddalore district), Pechiparai (Kanyakumari district), yercaud (Salem district), Athma Nilayam Nursery Gardens (Cheruvarakonam in Kerala), Padasolai State horticultural Farm (Kolli hills, Namakkal district) and the Tamil Nadu Veterinary College and Research Institute (TANUVAS) were consulted and checked

for availability and assessment of quality of materials. Based on the availability and requirement, orders were placed and materials transported to the project locations.

Community-based nurseries

Locations for centralised nurseries were identified for pooling saplings, hardening and distribution to the farmers and two have been established — one in the premises of the sacred grove at Nathukulipatti in Gundur panchayat and another in the premises of Kulivalavu church in Thirupuli Panchayat. Nursery requirements like pots, water drums, electric motor, water tubes, farm equipment, etc., were made available for maintenance of the nurseries. Project participants were involved in watering, fencing and safeguarding saplings maintained in the nurseries. From the central pool, groups of farmers were encouraged to take stocks to their settlements. At times, the saplings were supplied in their villages to reduce damages in transit.

Pitcher pots

mud pitcher pots were sourced from the State-owned cooperative manamadurai Pottery Workers Cooperative Cottage Industrial Society Limited (manamadurai, Sivaganga district). A total of 14641 pots were transported and distributed to wadi farmers in the project site. Training on usage and importance of pitcher pots has been given in multi-locations.

Wadi layout

Adequate care was taken while designing the wadi ST farms. Based on the size and

Materials Quantity (in numbers)Silver Oak 2�200Jackfruit 6100Clove 12000Co4 fodder grass 113400Neem cake (in kg) 1000Pitcher pots 14641

Table 2.1 Materials supplied to the wadi farmers in 2010-11

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shape of the land, necessary modifications were suggested in terms of the composition of the crops without changing the spacing and numbers. The importance of the dimensions of pits, spacing, manuring and planting, as well as post-planting aftercare like watering, basin weeding, staking and shading, fencing and so on were explained to farmers in groups. During the year, layouts for 261 acres have been carried out and 250.5 acres have been planted.

Customising the farms with the existing cropping systems

After the initial implementation of the ST farms, the project team appraised the ground realities:

1. most farmers have their farms in two to three parcels of about. 60 cents and 40 cents. The project team expects about 30 per cent of farmers only will have a single one-acre plot for the ST farm.

2. Farmers are willing to develop their ST farm with annual plants like cassava, pineapple, and banana.

3. Some of the farmers would like to plant silver oak and jackfruit in the elevated region of their plot and clove in the plot located nearer the water bodies in the lower region.

Based on these assessments and with advice from NABARD and horticultural experts, the farms were classified into 3 types:

Type 1 is the ideal ST farm to be implemented in the one-acre farm.

Type 2 is the ST farm of 1 acre or 2 parcels making up 1 acre, where the farmer can cultivate tapioca, pineapple and millets as intercrops in the space between ST plants. The farmer will be advised to protect the ST plants from the farm operations of the intercrops. For instance, in case of cassava, farmers will plant them 2 ½ ft away from all sides of the ST crop pit.

Type 3 is the farm where the ST crops (jackfruit and clove) will be spatially divided into two parcels and silver oak will planted as a border crop in both parcels.


Community Agrobiodiversity Centre, WayanadThe Community Agrobiodiversity Centre (CAbC) at Wayanad is now in its phase II (2011-2015), which aims to scale up its four most successful initiatives — the rare, endangered and threatened (RET) plants programme; the training programme including the Every Child a Scientist (ECAS) initiative; the tribal food security programme (yams and tubers) and the Green health programme.

The activities of the year continued under the following three areas:

Conservation (biodiversity conservation and enhancement)

Education (biodiversi ty education, communication and training)

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Livelihoods (biodiversity-based sustainable livelihoods and food security)

202. 1 Biodiversity conservation and enhancement

The milestones in this area include discovery of � new plant species, description of 100 RET angiosperms of the Western Ghats with revised conservation status (as per IUCN criteria), adding more than 500 rare photographs and raising 1,00,000 seedlings of mostly RET tree species. most of these seedlings are vegetatively propagated and nearly 50,000 plants have been already planted in various habitats. A project on setting up of sacred forests in hindu temples administered by the malabar Devaswom Board was launched on 5 June 2011. The conservation education and public awareness programme on biodiversity and its various dimensions has become another notable activity of this initiative.

Study and conservation of RET plant species

Propagation of 80 RET plant species: Regular field trips conducted in the Western Ghats located a natural population of 66 target species. Familiarisation of the target species was attempted by examining the specimens of reputed herbaria at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, and the Tropical

Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram. Propagation studies of 46 target species were attempted using three different methods and a total of 9941 seedlings were raised through seed germination as well as vegetative means. (Table 2.2)

Ex situ and in situ conservation: One-year-old nursery-grown seedlings (4�50 seedlings) of 25 threatened tree species were planted before the onset of the monsoon (may-June) at selected reserved forests as experimental re-introduction. Establishment and growth performance of the seedlings were monitored after 6 months and 12 months in terms of survival percentage, increment in collar girth and height, etc. Seedlings (10,250) were also distributed to coffee/cardamom plantations (12 tree groves), botanic gardens, educational institutions, religious institutions and other government organisations for ex situ conservation as well as afforestation programmes, and the establishment rates were assessed by survival percentage. The seedlings planted at botanic gardens have recorded maximum (�6 per cent) survival after 12 months, followed by reserve forests (69 per cent) and private plantations (54 per cent), while the lowest (41 per cent) was recorded in public lands where the least care and poor management as well as monitoring might have been the contributory reasons.

Mode of propagation Number of species Percentage of survival Exclusively seed propagation 29 59 Exclusively vegetative propagation 6 26 Both seed and vegetative propagation 11 18/40

Table 2.2 Propagation of RET target species

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Research studies on RET species: Detailed morphological analyses of the located RET species were performed and the identities of the species confirmed. Voucher specimens of 66 species have also been prepared and deposited in the CAbC herbarium. Detailed descriptions of 100 selected RET species were compiled with the objective of publishing a Red Data book on the threatened plant species of the Western Ghats.

Three major research studies were started during the year.

The study on Jewelweeds (Impatiens L.) of the Nilgiri Region focuses on Impatiens diversity in the Nilgiri region with reference to habitat, microclimate, distribution and significance of floral variations. The findings will include analytical descriptions of all the species of Impatiens of this region with detailed illustrations, reporting of new species and comprehensive information on the influence of altitude variations, climate and habitat behaviour.

The bio-systematic study of select gum, resin and oil-yielding RET tree species aims to know the systematics, ecology, socio-economic and bio-cultural values of the target species, and to standardise propagation and multiplication methods of the threatened species among them. It is also to understand the vulnerability and threat factors affecting their survival in their natural habitats and to document and assess the various extraction methods of these trees. The scientific understanding of the overall profile and the commercial importance

of the GRO value of these trees will help to evolve management plans for other such RET trees.

The study on the diversity of flowering plants of the malabar Wildlife Sanctuary will unravel a clear picture of the floristic diversity, composition and structure along with status of major angiosperm families of the malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, a recently established sanctuary in an area of �4 sq. km. The geographic tract is unique by virtue of its geomorphologic and biogeographic antiquity and evolution in the biodiversity “hot spot” of the Western Ghats. The forests of Kakkayam and adjacent areas represent a high degree of endemism characterised by the presence of endemic plants. The study also will help to prepare a management plan for the Sanctuary.

Floristic exploration and description of new species

The floristic exploration of Wayanad district proved once again that this is stil l an underexplored region, even in the case of higher plant species. The CAbC team has discovered � more new species during the reporting year. All of these new species are with very restricted populations and are highly habitat-specific, and have been assigned with provisional conservation status of Endangered (En) and Vulnerable (Vu) following the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines. Since the start of the floristic study of Wayanad district in 1999 and the RET plant species project that started in 2006, CAbC scientists have identified 17 new

43


species; 6 have been already published, 4 have been accepted for publication and � are in preparation for publication.

Save, study and use medicinal plants initiative

Conservation, enhancement and promotion of sustainable use of medicinal plants have been a major area of intervention of CAbC since its establishment. The activities and results under this initiative have helped in a significant way in the promotion of medicinal plant conservation and cultivation in the district.

Study on RET medicinal plants

The core objective of this programme was to identify the superior variety of � selected medicinal plants (Aristolochia tagala, Celastrus paniculatus, Embelia ribes, Embelia tsjeriam-cottam, Gloriosa superba, Rauvolfia serpentina and Saraca asoca) through morphological, chemical and molecular characterisation of those plants that are established in the Field Gene Bank (FGB). The following are the highlights of this programme:

Establishment of FGB samples: Explorations (from 40 different places covering 4 districts through 38 trips) resulted in the collection of 38 samples of the � RET plants. Field Gene Bank samples of the species with a total of 2�5 individual plants were established. Saplings of 19 species out of the 32 targeted species were chosen for commercial cultivation.

Morphological variability study and seed germination trial: Seed germination trials for

two species, Embelia ribes and Aristolochia tagala, were carried out. Embelia ribes, one of the highly potential medicinal plants in the herbal industry, is a very difficult species to multiply and grow outside its original habitat and natural regeneration is also found to be very poor. During the year, CAbC successfully germinated this species from seeds and stem cuttings. CAbC was the only networking centre among the 11 in India that has succeeded in this experiment. The other significant results during the year were completion of studies on in situ morphological variations, natural regeneration status, and density and dominance of all the selected seven species.

A proposal for the second phase of the project for another three years was submitted to the National medicinal Plant Board through the Indian Institute of horticultural Research (IIhR), Bangalore. It envisages collection, ex situ FGB management, morphological characterisation of plants in the FGB and the study of in situ morphological variations of selected plants in Kerala.

202. 2 Biodiversity education, communi-cation and training

A major strength of CAbC is its residential training facility and availability of 41 acres of land for farming demonstrations. This facility has been effectively utilised for educating a wide range of stakeholders on sustainable agriculture and natural resource management in and around Wayanad district.

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Conservation education and public awareness

This programme focuses on involving local people in conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity through actions such as: i) establishing a tree grove at the Sri Rama temple at Ponkuzhi, with 18 tree species that have been mentioned in the Ramayana; ii) distributing seedlings of native species of trees on the World Environment Day 2010 and taking part in the tree-planting ceremony organised by Janamaithri Police, Kalpetta and Legal mission, Kerala; iii) organising a one-day class on biodiversity conservation for science teachers of Wayanad district (in association with the National Green Corps, Wayanad), as well as for 30 staff members of the Kerala Forest Department.

Every Child a Scientist programme

Thirty-four new students have been enrolled in the ongoing ECAS programme, with basic thrust given to biodiversity education through ICT tools. In order to address the issue of dropouts and to cover more tribal children, the programme has been initiated in three tribal hamlets, which were identified based on a survey conducted among the Paniya tribal hamlets. Community teachers and volunteers were selected and imparted basic training in ICT and biodiversity in meenangadi gram panchayat with the support of the AShA Foundation.. Apart from providing biodiversity and ICT education, this programme also helps children to focus on mainstream education.

The DNA project

Eight schools from eight districts have been identified for implementing this programme intended for schoolchildren from standard 6 to standard 12. Biodiversity exhibitions were conducted in all the 8 schools with the participation of students and teachers, with students from neighbouring schools also invited. The exhibition focused on local bio-resources, potential uses of each resource, present status and conservation issues. Students from DNA clubs explained the importance of conservation and sustainable use of local bio-resources for food and nutritional security.

Other initiatives included sustainable waste management programmes initiated in selected schools; vermicompost units initiated in 3 schools; 24 invited lectures as well as debates, discussions and project work; field visits and exposure visits.

The students visited various ecosystems to understand the importance and present status of ecosystems like forests, grasslands, mangroves, coastal systems, etc. As part of the DNA programme, students visited the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, wetland areas of upper Kuttanad, coastal ecosystems in Alappuzha, Gurukulam Botanical Garden, Wayanad, the private forest conserved by mr. Karim at Kasargod, and endosulphan affected areas of Kasargod. DNA students also visited the Centre for Water Resources Development and management as well as the Indian Institute of Spices Research at Calicut, the Community

45


Agro-biodiversity Centre at Wayanad, and the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute at Kasargod.

In order to interest students in science under the leadership of DNA clubs, the following experiments were conducted: measuring water-holding capacity of different soil samples; soil analysis; study of distribution of stomata in different plants; seed germination; blood grouping; water analysis; designing of hydroponics; study of crop diseases; blood group detection; study of different types of pollen grains, seeds and fruits; phenology of selected seed plants; study of mitosis with onion root tip.

Quiz and painting competitions were conducted in selected schools in order to create awareness about nature and biodiversity. medicinal gardens were established in two schools — Government higher Secondary School, Paravanadukkam, Kasaragod and St. Antony’s higher Secondary School, Plassanal, Kottayam — with the active involvement of DNA club members.

DNA students of the Wayanad Jawahar Navodaya School established a reserve for RET plant species occurring in the Western Ghats region. This year they planted more than 50 seedlings of over 20 species. The school authorities were kind enough to earmark more than 2 ha of land for the RET plant conservation programme. This unique effort by the DNA club members helped the school to bag awards and recognition at State level.

Training and capacity building of farmers, youth and women

A total of 42 training programmes over 62 training days were conducted for farmers, youth and women. Out of the 1215 people trained, 630 were women and 585 were men. hands-on training programmes were extended to farmers and women in the areas of mushroom cultivation and value addition, pepper value addition, jackfruit processing, nursery techniques, herbal medicine preparation and soil conservation. The team had organised an exposure visit for farmers to learn from the successful farmers in the district. They availed the opportunity to see a model pepper garden, innovative practices adopted against pest and disease attack in pepper, a dairy farm, a goat farm, a duck farm and pisciculture units. They also visited a small integrated organic farm, where the annual farm income exceeds one lakh per year. A project steering committee has been formed to advise and monitor the training programmes with the Principal Agriculture Officer, Wayanad; Deputy General Manager, NABARD, Wayanad; District Bank manager; Director, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ambalavayal, among others as members. .

BioDIVA: A socio-ecological research study

BioDIVA, hosted by the Inst i tu te of Environmental Planning, Leibniz University of hanover and funded by the German ministry of Education and Research (BmBF), is a new project that was launched during the year at CAbC. BioDIVA is a socio-ecological research

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programme that seeks to cross boundaries by enhancing inter- and transdisciplinary research aimed to develop instruments towards a sustainable and gender-equitable use of agro-biodiversity, particularly in the rice-paddy system of the Wayanad region of Kerala. mSSRF involves researchers in the study and also provides administrative and field support.

The first task of the inter-disciplinary team was to come together for a common cause and to plan the field-level activities. This was done during the three-month project planning and capacity building phase at the Institute of Environmental Planning, Leibniz University of hanover, Germany. In December 2010, the BioDIVA (India team) participated in the first Indian Biodiversity Congress held at Thiruvananthapuram and introduced the project.

A stakeholder workshop was held at CAbC on 15 February 2011 to introduce BioDIVA, its scope and concept to local stakeholders in the local language, especially for those who are not fluent in English, and to establish a common understanding for the ongoing partnership of research and dialogue. The outcomes of this event were consolidated and fed into an international workshop on “The Future of Rice in Wayanad” held in Kalpetta from 1� to 19 February. The scope of the project was discussed with a distinguished group of international and Indian experts, decision-makers, farmers and development practitioners. These discussions on the interface of the economical, ecological and

social dimensions of rice production systems were the official opening of the field research phase of the project in Wayanad district.

202. 3. Biodiversity-based sustainable l ivelihoods and sustainable food security

Watershed development programme

The ongoing watershed development programmes continued during the reporting year in Wayanad district, with the financial support of NABARD.

The Pannikkal-II watershed, situated in the Pulpalli Grama Panchayat of Wayanad district, has a total geographic extant of 10�9 ha and a population of 2880. In the initial phase of the project, 52 ha have been selected for project interventions. In order to protect soil and water, the watershed is provided with earthen bunds, water percolation pits, fodder grass and fruit plants. The average slope of the watershed area is 9 per cent. This made possible the construction of earthen bunds and establishment of water percolation pits. Table 2.3 gives the details of completed activity.

The Village Watershed Committee (VWC) is entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the watershed activities in the area. The members of the VWC are exposed to training, field visits and monthly meetings to enhance their management skills and knowledge in the watershed development programme.

The mundakkai watershed area belongs to meppady Grama Panchayat in the Kalpetta block of Wayanad district, in the western

4�


part of the district, 25 km from the district headquarters. The total population of the area is 1280, spread over 639 ha.

In the initial phase of the programme, 55 ha have been selected in which activities to protect the soil and water were initiated, with stone-pitched graded bunds, earthen bunds, water percolation pits, fodder grass and fruit plants. The average slope of the watershed area is 26 per cent, which facilitates heavy run-off of water directly to the stream during torrential rain. mundakkai watershed completed 95 per cent of its activities during the initial phase of the project, as is shown in Table 2.4.

The activities of both the watersheds are entering the full implementation phase of the programme (FIP). The total amount proposed in FIP of the project is about Rs.

1.81 crore. The activities proposed include land treatments, drainage line treatments and livelihood options like kitchen gardens and income-generating programmes such as milch cow rearing, backyard poultry units, goat rearing, fish cultivation units, tailoring units and stationery shops.

Sustainable food and health security initiative

The Green health project initiated by CAbC in 2000 to revitalise traditional healthcare practices has received wide acceptability from the public, particularly among women. The highlights of the activities under this project during the year included:

multiplication of over 30,000 seedlings covering 105 species

Activity Proposed CompletedEarthen bund 21,521 running m 21,521 running mWater percolation pit 3410 cubic m 3410 cubic mFodder grass cultivation 84 cents 84 centsFruit plants 2040 nos 2040 nos

Table 2.3 Pannikkal Watershed Activities

Activity Proposed CompletedEarthen bund 4006.6 running m 289�.46 running mStone-pitched graded bund 4826 cubic m 4698.89 cubic mInverted platforms 1830 cubic m 1830 cubic mWater percolation pit 2254 cubic m 2254 cubic mPineapple cultivation �8�4 nos 6000 nosVegetable cultivation 155 cents 155 centsFruit plants 1040 nos 1040 nos

Table 2.4 Activities at the Mundakkai Watershed

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Establishment of herbal gardens in 100 households with the support of the State medicinal Plant Board (SmPB)

Organisation of demonstration plots for popular or common medicinal plants in 32 subplots

Support received by Jeevani, a group of farmers formed by CAbC, from SmPB to undertake medicinal plant nursery and cultivation of selected medicinal plants

Over 25 awareness classes on biodiversity, environment studies and various aspects of medicinal plants were held for students, teachers, parents, farmers and general public as part of this project.

Study on traditional and wild varieties of taro, legumes and citrus

A study on the diversity of cultivated and wild taro, citrus and legumes was undertaken as part of the dissertation of three m.Sc students. Germplasm of these varieties/cultivars were collected and the traditional knowledge regarding cultivation, processing and management of these varieties was documented. A booklet on tuber crops and their wild relatives in Wayanad was prepared.

Strengthening home gardens in Kattunaikka and Paniya households

In situ on-farm conservation of yam and taro through the promotion of tuber gardens in selected tribal hamlets was one of the major activities carried out during the year. The project is being implemented in 3 tribal hamlets (300 tribal households) — Ponkuzhi

Kattunaikka tribal colony of Noolpuzha gram panchayat, Idiyamvayal Paniya colony of Pozhuthana gram panchayat and mundery Paniya hamlet of Kalpetta municipality. Seed materials and seedlings of yam, taro, plantain and other tubers (�60 kg of Dioscorea; 335 kg of Colocasia; 300 kg of elephant-foot yam; 100 kg of arrowroot; 3 varieties of sweet potato and � varieties of plantain) were distributed for establishing gardens and the members have harvested 212� kg of Dioscorea, 3543 kg of elephant-foot yam and 3216 kg of Colocasia.

Edible plant species germplasm collection and ex situ maintenance

During the reporting period, 13 field trips have been conducted to different regions of Wayanad for plant germplasm collection. Following are the details of the wild edible germplasm maintained at CAbC

Cultivated Dioscorea: 12 var (3 species)

Wild Dioscorea:13 species

Wild Colocasia: 4 varieties

Cultivated Colocasia: 8 varieties

Arrowroot: 2 varieties

Amorphophallus: 1 species

Canna: 2 species

Sathavari; 1 species

Sweet potato: 3 varieties

Alocasia: 2 species

Tuberous orchids: 2 species

Costus: 1 species

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Wild Colocasia: 3 varieties

Citrus: 12 varieties/species

Legume:1� varieties/species

Way Forward

The interventions of CAbC in Wayanad district of Kerala generated interest among local community leaders from the Panchayat Raj Institutions to integrate the Community Biodiversity management approaches in their developmental projects. The programme is also becoming visible to State level decision makers and the policy implementers who are engaged in the ‘business’ of sustainable agricultural and natural resource management. Our major plans for the next few years include:

The core support from Department of Science and Technology for strengthening the key result areas of the organisation will be utilised most efficiently. High priority will be given to food and nutrition security, study and conservation of wild and cultivated RET species and the associated genetic diversity, and also to medicinal plants and primary healthcare needs of both humans and the domesticated animals.

The support from ministry of Environment and Forests for establishing a Lead Garden is being used, and the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. The Garden will be one of the key sites of attraction in the entire malabar region of Kerala.

The infrastructure facility of CAbC will be strengthened with the addition of residential

rooms and conference halls to cater to the rising demand from varied groups of stakeholders for training programmes and meetings.

Sub Programme Area 203 Biju Patnaik Medicinal Plants Garden and Research Centre, Jeypore203.1 Ex situ conservation and utilisation of ethno-medicinal plants

A medicinal plants garden with 34� ethno-medicinal plants commonly used by nine tribal communities of Odisha is maintained in the campus. In addition to the above, small gardens such as women’s medicinal plants garden, Eastern Ghats RET garden, artificial sacred grove and introduced plants garden were established. During the year, 13,400 quality seedlings of 26 medicinal plant species (herbs and shrubs) used in primary healthcare were distributed to schools, institutions, individuals and NGOs of Koraput district.

Campaign on herbal preventive for malaria

Administration of a herbal decoction of four plants (Nictanthes arbortris, Andrographis panniculata, Azadirachata indica and Tinospora cordifolia ) for prevention of malaria was carried out, covering a population of 800 in � hamlets under Lima gram panchayat of Kundura block. Awareness on herbal preventive for malaria was created in the tribal festival Parab in

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February 2011. 316 students from 9 schools of the State were successfully administered with this herbal preparation.

Demonstrations of cultivation

Demonstrations on 21 commercially cultivated species prioritised by the National medicinal Plant Board were undertaken in BPmPGRC. It was observed that the climate was quite suitable for large-scale cultivation of long pepper (Piper longum) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) in this region. A model on home herbal garden was established in the centre to create awareness on use of medicinal plants for primary healthcare. A small shade nethouse with 100 ethno-medicinal plants used in the primary healthcare of tribal people was erected in the campus.

Students’ herbal garden

During this year, 34 schools of Koraput district have established students’ herbal gardens with the technical guidance of mSSRF. For this purpose, the Centre supplied 4420 medicinal plant seedlings belonging to 26 species to these schools in 11 Community Development (CD) blocks of Koraput and Nabarangpur districts.

Outreach

An orientation programme for the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) of Koraput district was conducted for 40 teachers from 26 schools. herbal garden plans and estimates were prepared. Apart from these, the Jeypore College of Pharmacy was helped in taxonomic identification of ethno-medicinal plant species.

Exhibitions were conducted during various important events in the State to create awareness on medicinal plant conservation and use.

During the year, 600 people belonging to 38 organisations from 9 districts of Odisha — Koraput, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Nuapada, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, malkangiri, Ganjam, Gajapati and Bargarh — visited the garden and were oriented on various aspects of medicinal plants. The majority of visitors were school teachers, students and government officials. 24 students from 9 schools of Koraput district used the materials and information from the Garden to conduct seminars and undertake project work. high-level dignitaries like Dr. m. m. Pallam Raju, State minister for Defence, Government of India, Dr. Damodar Rout, minister for Agriculture, Government of Odisha and Baba Ramdev visited the Garden.

Study of the indigenous knowledge system of the primitive tribal groups of Odisha

This programme is aimed at studying and documenting the indigenous knowledge system (forest management and shifting cultivation) of the � primitive tribal groups (PTGs) of four districts of Odisha state (Table 2.5). In Odisha, there are about 62 tribes and among them 13 tribes are known to be PTGs. They are isolated in their habitats, more vulnerable to food insecurity, malnutrition and ill health. Their socio-economic condition is very poor and they have restricted views on education. At the same time, they are highly skilled in forest management, the forest being their main source of livelihood. This study

51


has two objectives: first, to gain an insight on aspects of the tribes’ livelihood through the systematic study of their indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, and second, to suggest ways and means to make them more development conscious in the context of today’s world. The field study and documentation of traditional knowledge is in progress. It is found that in order to get any information from the groups, frequent visits to several villages is necessary, and also the need to build adequate rapport with them.

203. 2. Livelihood enhancement of the tribal poor

Operating in 6 villages (Chendia-Jhiligaon, Dhola-Jhiligaon, Kaudiaguda, Kusumguda, Paknaguda and Uduluguda) in three gram panchayats of Kundura block in Koraput district covering 514 households and a population of 2186, the project mostly focused on the Schedule Caste /Schedule Tribe households which constitute 94 per cent of the total population and 8� per cent of BPL households. major activities conducted were large-scale vegetable cultivation, vermicomposting,

backyard poultry farming, fish farming, five-plant campaign and capacity building.

Large-scale vegetable cultivation

During the winter and summer seasons, 105 acres of land were brought under vegetable cultivation with 18 different vegetables by involving 116 farm families in 6 villages. Rs. 7,13,857 was obtained as total profit out of the cultivation, with an average household profit of Rs. 6154.00. The average income from an acre was Rs. 6384.00. Area under cultivation of watermelon, tomato and pumpkin was more than that of other vegetables. The maximum profit was obtained from cultivation of watermelon during the summer season. New vegetables like carrot were introduced in the area this year.

Fish farming

Fish farming was carried out in the rainy season using individual farm ponds, community ponds and gram panchayat ponds, involving 96 households in 6 villages. The community purchased around 27,000 fingerlings from the hatchery of the Fisheries Department, Government of Odisha. They were raised in village ponds with technical guidance and regular monitoring by mSSRF. A total amount of 2390 kg of fish was harvested and a profit of Rs. 1, 91,160 was obtained. Each household got an average profit of Rs.1, 991 out of this activity.

Vermicomposting

Out of the 100 vermicompost pits established under this project, 86 were operationalised during the year by involving 86 farm families

Name Block DistrictBonda Khirput malkangiriDidayi Kudumulgumma malkangiriSaura Gunupur (Potasing) RayagadaChuktia Bhungia Nuapoda (Sunabeda) Nuapodahill Khadia Jashipur mayurbhanjmankidia Jashipur mayurbhanjLodha morada mayurbhanj

Table 2.5 Primitive tribes and their locations

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in 6 villages. The thatched roof of 40 pits was converted into tin roofs (GC sheets) to reduce maintenance costs. 259 quintals of vermicompost were produced and 1�3 quintals were sold, 86 quintals having been utilised for vegetable cultivation. It was recorded that each quintal of vermicompost was sold at Rs.400 and a total profit of Rs. 69,200 derived with an average additional household income of Rs. 805.

Backyard poultry farming

This activity was conducted to address the nutritional security of the tribal households through consumption of chicken by involving 469 households in 6 villages. Four 21-day old chicks were supplied to every household, 50 per cent of the cost being contributed by the households. 1600 chicks of Banaraja variety were purchased from the Central Poultry Development Organisation at the rate of Rs. 25 per chick. This poultry breed is quite fast growing and 1 kg weight was gained within 3 months.

Five-plant campaign

Planting 5 plants — drumstick, lemon, papaya, green chilli and yam — in backyard gardens

was repeated this year in 469 households in 6 villages in order to strengthen the intervention. As lemon was not suitable to the location, it was replaced with banana. During the year 8,800 seedlings of these plants were raised in community nurseries in each of the six villages. On an average, the survival rate was only 40 per cent with yam being the only crop which grew successfully in all the households. Corrective measures are being taken.

Training and capacity building

Training programmes were conducted for 36 days to benefit 140 farm families from the 6 villages on various livelihood activities like vegetable cultivation, vermicomposting, mushroom cultivation, fish farming, backyard poultry farming, etc. A two-week residential training programme was also conducted on poultry farming, in collaboration with the Central Poultry Development Organisation, Government of India, Bhubaneswar, for 40 young people.

Table 2.6 sets out details of the livelihood enhancement programmes

Activity No. of farm Profit (in Rs.) Additional income families involved per household (in Rs.)Vegetable cultivation 116 �,13,15� 6154.00Fish farming 96 1, 91,160 1991.00Vermicomposting 86 69,200 805.00Backyard poultry farming 469 own consumption own consumptionFive-plant campaign 469 own consumption own consumptionTotal 469 9,�3,51� 8,950

Table 2.6 Livelihood activities

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203. 3. Capitalisation of prominent landraces of rice through the value-chain approach

In the backdrop to this activity, large-scale cultivation of Kalajeera was taken up and 339.6 ql of paddy procured and stored by the Kalinga Kalajeera Rice Growers Cooperative Society (KKRGCS) for further sale. This year the strategy adopted was to promote Machhakanta and Haladichudi, the two other popular landraces by adding value. The Society was strengthened both financially and technically to monitor, process, store and market these three varieties. A participatory plan of action was developed and decisions taken with regard to seed distribution, farmers’

identification, crop monitoring, storage and market promotion. The Kalajeera variety was sold as processed rice, Machhakanta was sold both as processed and with value-added products whereas Haladichudi was exclusively maintained for preparation of value-added products and then selling. The area under cultivation of these three varieties increased to �3.1 per cent and the number of farm families increased to 66 per cent compared to last year (Table 2.7).

The production of Kalajeera increased to 2095 ql, good rainfall being one of the favourable factors (Figure 1). A total amount of 66� ql of Kalajeera and 62.� ql of Machhakanta were procured by the Society at rate of Rs. 1�00/ql

Landrace No. of gram No. of Farmers Area (acre) panchayats villagesKalajeera 11 30 1�6 212.0machhakanta 04 13 51 41.5haladichudi 02 04 10 �.5Total 17 47 237 261.0

Table 2.� Area under cultivation of rice landraces

Figure 1 Kalajeera production and selling price

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and Rs. 1100/ql, respectively, from 112 farmers by availing a loan of Rs. 11 lakh from ORmAS. The average net profit obtained by farmers was Rs. 10,000/ acre for Kalajeera and Rs 5000/- for Machhakanta; 180 ql quality seeds of the three varieties were kept for sowing in kharif 2011

Enhancement of yield through appropriate technology application

System of Rice Intensification (SRI): By the introduction of appropriate SRI technology under organic regime, yield was increased by 40 to 50 per cent. In traditional technology, the estimated cost/acre for cultivating the Kalajeera variety was Rs 9010.00 deriving an income of Rs 13,100/acre. By adopting the SRI technology, the estimated cost/acre was reduced to Rs �550.00 and income was raised to Rs 21,000.00.

Line transplanting: Another technology adopted was transplanting of 21- to 25-day-old seedlings using lines in the north-south direction. here, all intercultural operations were demonstrated, except application of weeder. In comparison to traditional technology, the cost of cultivation was less (Rs 8210/ acre) and income was more (1�000/acre). The advantages derived were less water requirement, easy intercultural operation, 30 to 40 per cent more yield, low seed rate, better tillering density and good vegetative growth due to availability of sunlight throughout the day.

Table 2.8 sets out the comparative costs in the three methods of cultivation.

A comparison of the yield and morphological characters of the three varieties under the three cultivation practices shows that SRI

Activities Traditional (Rs) Line transplanting (Rs) SRI (Rs)

Seed cost 400.00 300.00 40.00

Fym cost 1500.00 1500.00 1500.00

Labour for ploughing 960.00 960.00 960.00

Labour for nursery 50.00 50.00 250.00

Uprooting & transplanting 1400.00 1000.00 600.00

Weeding 1200.00 800.00 400.00

Rouging 200.00 200.00 200.00

Water management, bunding and pesticide application 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

harvesting & post-harvest 1800.00 1800.00 1900.00

Gunny bags, winnowing fan and others 500.00 600.00 �00.00

Total 9010.00 8210.00 7550.00

Table 2.8 Comparative costs of cultivation in traditional, line & SRI per acre

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Characters KALAJEERA MAChhAKANTA hALADIChUDI Traditional Line SRI Traditional Line SRI Traditional Line SRIPlant height (cm) 109.�8 119.60 133.66 118.2� 11�.31 136.82 132.10 103.38 100.06Tillers / plant (n) 5.00 �.00 15.00 4.00 14.00 1�.00 6.00 8.00 15.00Panicles/plant (n) 4.00 �.00 13.00 4.00 14.00 16.00 6.00 �.00 13.00Panicle length (n) 22.28 24.06 25.14 20.48 22.4� 23.1� 20.�1 1�.51 1�.85Grains/panicle (n) 11�.00 183.00 18�.00 98.00 112.00 148.00 119.20 109.30 95.80Chaffs/panicle (n) 21.00 32.00 35.00 8.00 14.00 21.00 21.00 19.00 13.00Grain wt./ plant (gm) 5.00 10.00 20.00 8.00 16.00 28.00 10.00 12.00 11.00Straw wt. /plant (gm) 8.00 18.00 46.00 11.00 33.00 51.00 19.00 14.00 30.00No of plants/2 sq.m (n) 208.00 123.00 50.00 209.1� 91.00 5�.00 232.00 131.00 64.00Total grain wt/2 sq.m (gm) �49.00 801.00 1128.00 �55.00 1321.00 1336.00 915.00 �50.00 118�.00Total straw wt/2 sq.m (gm) 1269.00 1944.00 25�9.00 2466.6� 2166.6� 3933.33 1635.00 1�00.00 1350.00Grain yield/hectare (ql) 3�.43 40.03 56.41 3�.�5 66.06 66.�8 45.�5 3�.50 59.35Straw yield/hectare(ql) 63.13 9�.22 128.96 123.33 108.33 196.6� 81.�5 85.00 6�.50

Table 2.9 Yield and morphological characters of the three varieties under the three cultivation practices

comes out as the best method in almost all the parameters. Table 2.9 sets out the details.

Village Gene-Seed-Grain Banks

The Gene-Seed-Grain Bank model was replicated in 11 new villages under this project. Five new storage structures have been constructed. Focus was on keeping more seeds of traditional landraces of rice, ragi, horsegram and greengram, and 3 to 5 kg of seed and 5 to 10 kg of grain were collected from household members. The management committee was advised to conduct proper seed germination tests before entering the stock into the registers. Sixty-three rice landraces were kept as seeds, out of which 1� were cultivated by farmers on a large scale to meet their own consumption and multiplication. Out of 653 households in 11 villages, 285 households were involved during the year in

this activity. In these villages, 341�.2k.g of paddy, 2.5 kg of finger millet seeds and 1.5 kg of little millet seeds were stored. In the Grain Banks 2252.2 kg of paddy and 50 kg of finger millet were stored. (For details see PA 500 Food Security) . Cultivation of greengram after kharif was promoted to preserve seeds in the seed bank. One duplicate stock of all the 106 varieties conserved was kept at BPmPGRC to supplement villages in case of seed loss.

Strengthening local institutions

Central Village Committee (CVC): In all the 11 new villages CVCs were formed and executive body members were selected by the villagers for a period of one year. The CVC is responsible for monitoring other small committees in the villages and also provide suggestions for improvement. All social, technical, political and street conflicts

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were placed before CVC for suggestions and resolutions. In each village, CVC has developed a Village Development Fund (VDF) to meet the emergency needs of the village and assist individuals or groups financially. All the village funds were formalised and linked to banks for availing loans. An amount of Rs 56,098.00 was collected from 958 households (hhs) this year. The individual contribution towards village funds ranges from Rs 5.00 to Rs 30.00 per month.

Kal inga Ka la jee ra R ice Growers Cooperative Society (KKRGCS): The Society has shouldered considerable responsibility this year. Very good relations with growers have been created by conducting farmer-to-farmer meet extension programmes. The Society members sold 120 ql of Kalajeera processed rice at different pallishree melas with the help of ORmAS. KKRGCS received two awards - the Pallishree mela Award for its best quality aromatic rice at the Kendujhar mahotsav and the Gandhi Silpa Award at the Bali yatra mahotsav in Cuttack. Two Society members, mr. Kailash Sukri (Treasurer) and mr. Dhanapati Singharvi (Secretary), have been awarded NVA fellowships for dissemination of SRI technology for yield enhancement in the villages.

Panchabati Grama Unnayan Samiti (PGUS): The amount of Rs 3, 00, 000/- received by the Samiti, out of the interest from the Equator Initiative award, was utilised for biodiversity conservation and local resource development. The first priority was given to renovation of village ponds and farm ponds to conserve rainwater for agriculture, household use and fish farming.

Self-help Groups (ShG) and micro enterprise development: The two rice varieties Machhakanta and Haladichudi were processed into dosa powder mix, puffed rice bodi, pressed rice mixture and murukku. The value-added products were sold in the local weekly market, exhibitions and retail shops. This brings in an extra income for the ShG members since they converted their leisure time to this productive activity. Out of 30 ShGs, 14 ShGs had regular deposits and could avail loan from banks. The loan amount is utilised for various activities like goat rearing, agricultural activities, fish farming and mushroom cultivation. An amount of Rs 2, 15, 468.00 has been deposited in the bank as savings. Rs 4281.00 was the net profit from sale of rice murukku, dosa powder and chuda mixture. Three ShG members are now acting as resource persons to provide training to other ShGs on rice value-added products.

Product Quantity Expenditure (Rs) Income (Rs) Net profit (Rs/kg)Rice nadi or rice murukku 1000 no 50�.50 1000.00 492.50 Dosa powder mix 1kg 24.�5 32.00 �.25 Chuda mixture (pressed rice) 1kg 58.00 100.00 42.00

Table 2.10 Value-added products from rice landraces

5�


203. 4. Globally-important agricultural heritage systemsA pilot study on conservation and adaptive management of globally-important agricultural heritage systems (GIAhS) was carried out during the year with support from FAO. A one-day national consultation at Jeypore in November 2010 on “Dynamic Conservation of National Agricultural heritage Systems: A Conceptual Plan” and a regional consultation in this regard were conducted with participants drawn from national institutions like the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) and State institutes like the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) as well as including members of NGOs, community-based organisations, farmers, local government and Panchayat Raj Institution (PRI) members of Koraput district.

A full proposal on the implementation of the programme was submitted to FAO with four major study objectives such as

1. Documentation of bio-cultural diversity

2. On-farm in situ and ex situ conservation of agro-biodiversity

3. Sustainable utilisation of agro-biodiversity

4. IPRs and benefit-sharing mechanisms

203. 5. Communication, education, public awareness and trainingFarmers’ Rights

With support from PPVFRA, 16 street plays and 14 training-cum-awareness programmes

on farmers’ rights were conducted in 2� tribal villages of Boipariguda, Jeypore and Kundura blocks of Koraput district, covering a total population of 5000.

A three-day orientation programme was organised at Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, for 10 selected field-level knowledge workers and volunteers to build their capacity on farmers’ rights. Different communication materials like T-shirts, caps, brochures, posters, audio-visuals were used to create awareness. A street play, in tribal languages, was developed with the help of a professional group, the Lok Natya Chetana, on farmers’ rights. These 10 volunteers along with the street play group carried out awareness programmes in 14 villages in 3 gram panchayats of Boipariguda, Jeypore and Kundura blocks of Koraput district. The same programme was conducted for 100 farmers of KKRGCS and the members of PGUS.

A mass awareness programme was conducted on 1� April 2011 in Uduluguda village of Asna gram panchayat in Kundura block to spread the message of farmers’ rights to 2000 farm families from 2� villages of the region. On this occasion, brochures in Oriya and English on farmers’ rights were released by Professor m. S. Swaminathan. A wall poster with pictorial diagrams was developed depicting the 9 major rights and displayed in the Village Knowledge Centre and in the gram panchayat office to create wider publicity. A 5-minute video film was developed in the local language for screenings in tribal villages.

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Twenty-three training days were utilised during the year to give training for 649 (408 male and 241 female) participants from 15 villages on different aspects like seed treatment, social mobilisation, appropriate technology, IPm & INm, value addition, market promotion and institutional building. Fifteen farmers received exposure at CRRI on conservation and seed production of rice. Eighteen street plays were conducted for awareness creation on SRI technology in villages and weekly markets.

Seed management

Infrastructure such as Gene-Seed-Grain Banks (5) and threshing yards (12) created during the year helped the farm families in safe and hygienic threshing, drying, cleaning and storage of grain and seed. Diesel motor pump sets (12) were provided to save the crop during moisture stress and one power tiller was provided to reduce the time and labour required for ploughing and to enable timely planting. Two village storage godowns and a central storage godown were constructed, which were found to be necessary for safe and clean storage of paddy and rice for longer periods.


Community Gene BankThe project on testing of Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) features of farmers’ varieties of rice stored in the mSSRF Gene Bank was continued during the year. Observation for the assessment

of distinctiveness and stability was made on 30 plants/ parts of 30 plants, divided among 3 replications (10 plants per replication); assessment of uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole was made by visual assessment. This project has yielded considerable amount of data for 210 rice varieties grown over a period of two years and two seasons. Analysis has been completed on important characters such as basal leaf sheath colour, time of heading (50 per cent of plants with panicles), stem length, panicle length of main axis, panicle number per plant, time of maturity, grain weight of 1000 fully-developed grains, grain length, grain width, decorticated grain color and decorticated grain aroma. Detailed grouping of varieties collected from both Kerala and Odisha was chalked out.

The final report along with the complete set of data collected in the field will be contributed to the National Registry for Plant Varieties database maintained by PPVFRA. After DUS test, seed materials were forwarded to NBPGR New Delhi. DUS-tested seed samples were also stored at the mSSRF Gene Bank.

Another project on collection, conservation and registration of farmers’ varieties and capacity building of the farmers on the PPVFRA legislation, supported by the Department of Science and Technology commenced in 2010. Under this project, collections of target crops of local landraces and farmers’ varieties of cereals, millets and niger across four different climatic regions such as Koraput, Rayagada, Nawarangpur and Kalahandi districts of Jeypore is proposed. The survey part was

59


started to cover 1131 villages in Koraput district spread out in 14 blocks and 128 gram panchayats. A total of 122 days field travel, which included 35 trips to these places, were undertaken and the survey yielded 82 collections, inclusive of paddy, millet and niger. The collected material is being tested for germination and processed for taking up field trials in the forthcoming season.


B i o d i v e r s i t y M a n a g e m e n t Committees (BMCs)Partnership Building with Key Stake holder Institutions: Building capacities of Panchayat Raj Institutions in formation of BmCs with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

A project supported by the State Biodiversity Board of Tamil Nadu was undertaken for forming Biodiversity management Commitees (BMCs) in five locations in Tamil Nadu using the classical Tamil framework. The project is being implemented in close collaboration with Kolli hills and the ICT teams in Sempatti, Pudukottai, Thiruvaiyaru and Ramanathapuram. Several field visits were made to the above locations during which interactions with PRI members, traditional knowledge holders, farmers, fisherfolk and state officials notably the staff of the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development department were sensitised about the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules 2004 and the need for establishing Biodiversity management

Committees. Several presentations on the progress of work were also made at the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board. An order was passed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in October 2010 clearly stated that the BmCs in Tamil Nadu would first be formed at the Block Level and hence the methodology for implementing the project was reformulated.

A series of meetings were held in Chennai by Biodiversity Authority Expert Committee on Preparation of Guidelines on Creating Structures, Running Administration and maintaining of Accounts for detailed discussions on various issues pertaining to the BmCs. A detailed presentation on BmC models adopted by different states based on an analysis of State Biodiversity Rules of eleven Indian states was made at the committee meeting and at the meeting of the member secretaries of State Biodiversity Boards in Chandigarh. As part of the committee a visit to India’s first Biodiversity heritage Site - the Nallur Tamarind Grove - was made in September 2010. In may 2011 a seven day visit was made to the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland to study the BmCs in North Eastern States. A draft report of the committee is under preparation and will be submitted in the end of June.

Translation of the Peoples’ Biodiversity Registers into Tamil : The NBA, Chennai provided the Biodiversity team the task of translating the Peoples’ Biodiversity Register into Tamil with the aim of reaching out to a larger audience. The process of translation has been completed and awaiting review and finalisation.

Programme Area 300

BIoTEChNoLoGy

Transgenic introgressed lines were analysed for gene integration, localisation and parental polymorphism. Three new promoters were isolated and screened for their efficacy under abiotic stress conditions. Performance of elite clones of Jatropha curcas was monitored under multi-location trials. Several lichens species with functional properties, such as nitrogen fixers, forage lichens, and the rapidly invading lichens from selected forest types of Sikkim, were identified. Novel compound isolated from Trypethelium eluteriae exhibits anti-mycobacterial activity against multi-drug resistant tuberculosis strains. Around 15,000 microbial isolates were screened by HITS, and three-star hits were observed for anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory activities.

301 Ecological Restoration and Ecosystem monitoring ........................................................ 63

302 molecular mapping ......................................................................................................... 66

303 Genetic Enhancement .................................................................................................... 68

304 Bioprospecting ................................................................................................................ �8

305 microbial Diversity .......................................................................................................... 80

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Transgenic rice plants for salinity tolerance Localisation of transgenes in the plant organs

Usnea complanata a. natural thallus b. culture of fungal partner

Beneficial microorganisms for Nitrogen fixation

Elite material of Jatropa curcus micropropagation of J. curcus

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B I O T E C h N O L O G y

Programme Area 300

BiotechnologymSSRF’s programme on biotechnology and molecular genetics uses cutting edge technologies for enhancing crop productivity, improving nutrition value, monitoring ecosystem health as well as bio-prospecting of novel genes, molecules and organisms. During the last few years, the work carried out at mSSRF using molecular breeding and genomics tools has led to new prospects for building up abiotic stress-tolerant genetic material that will contribute significantly towards addressing agricultural problems in the context of adverse climatic changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea level rise, as well as water scarcity and/or increased water salinity, and increased contamination of groundwater and several other associated problems in waste management. In addition, the Programme Area focuses on bioprospecting for novel genes, compounds and micro-organisms for therapeutic and agricultural applications. Organisms and biomolecules from medicinal plants and niche-specific microbes as well as little-known lichen species are being identified and studied for their potential. Tissue culture methodologies have significant implications for the production of low-cost quality planting material suitable for coastal and arid agriculture. The Programme Area integrates understanding the basic scientific mechanisms with developing methodologies for identification and characterisation of novel combinations, furthering and refining the process of product development for societal benefit.


Ecological Restoration and Ecosystem Monitoring 301.1 Production and demonstration of high quality planting materials of Jatropha curcas and multi-location trials of MSSRF accessions under the National Network Programme on Jatropa

Jatropa curcas is a cross-pollinated species and hence enormous variability is observed in terms of oil content of the seed and seed production per plant. The ‘elite germplasm’ of J. curcas needs to possess the highest oil content in its seeds and the highest seed production per plant, since these characters are very important in making biodiesel extraction a viable option.

mSSRF has collected 234 accessions of J. curcas from different parts of Tamil Nadu and these collections are maintained in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, Jeypore in Odisha and Karaikal in Puducherry. These accessions are maintained in dry lands and waste lands and a total of 18 ha is under J. curcas in these three States. mSSRF has formed Self-help Groups (ShGs) who are involved in the maintenance of Jatropha genetic gardens, and seed collection from elite Jatropha accessions. ShGs are also involved in the vegetative propagation of elite clones and nursery maintenance. The mass-multiplied elite clones were distributed to the DBT network partners for multi-location trials (mLT) and

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conservation programmes. During 2010-11 mSSRF has been working with 2� farmers in the establishment of Jatropa orchards for seed production in dry and waste lands.

The mSSRF J. curcas accessions were screened for their oil content by TERI, New Delhi. It was observed that out of the 234 accessions, 4� showed 35 per cent oil content in the seeds and 150 contained 29 to 34 per cent oil. Further characters such as drought resistance, vigorous growth of plants (48-105 branches/plant), disease resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens and termite attack, and high seed production were used to select elite planting material for a mLT under the National Network Programme on Jatropa, funded and monitored by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. In this programme, mSSRF is working with five partners for MLT of J. curcas accessions. Seven accessions have been selected from mSSRF and the agronomic, silviculture and half sib progeny characteristics are being currently evaluated.

Multi-location trials conducted on J. curcas accessions of partners in Tamil Nadu and Odisha

multi-location trials were conducted by mSSRF in the Kudankulam region of Tamil Nadu on the Jatropa accessions of partnering institutes under the National Network Programme, specifically on their agronomic, silviculture and half sib progeny characteristics. A total of 100 accessions were under trial, with treatments such as agronomy (irrigation, non-irrigation, fertiliser, without fertiliser — for 20 accessions),

silviculture (pruning, non-pruning, thinning, natural growth — for 2 accessions) and half sib (seed viability and germination – for 50 acessions). All treatments were conducted using randomised block design and the results were recorded as per DBT guidelines.

multi-locational trials were also conducted at Uduluguda village of Kundura block in Odisha, with 95 accessions in 4 replications. A total of 2232 plants were planted in � acres of degraded land with 95 per cent survival rate. No fertilisers were applied and no irrigation was given. In the silviculture trial, 2 acres of land were used for �20 plantings belonging to 2 accessions with 4 replications, recording 94 per cent survival rate during the year under a no-fertiliser / no-irrigation regime. Agronomic trials were conducted in Chiliguda village of Kundura block in an area of 16 acres, with 19 accessions in 4 replications planted during the rainy season of 2010. Out of 6210 Jatropha seedlings planted, 90 per cent had survived at the end of 8 months. Out of 10 treatments, 3 were with biofertilisers, 5 with inorganic fertilisers, 1 with no fertiliser and no irrigation and 1 with no fertiliser, with irrigation. For this trial, an NPK (50:50:30) mixture was used and irrigation at 10 l per plant was given. Biofertiliser with Phosphobactor (PSB) and Azotobacter was applied along with vermicompost. Termite attack was taken care of by spraying neem and Pongamia oil in a 3:1 ratio, three times. In all the three trials, 500 g of vermicompost mixed with sand and soil was applied to the pits before planting. Soil samples were collected from 9 fields belonging to 9 farmers of Chiliguda and

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Uduluguda villages, where the trials were conducted. Interpretative panels for all the experiments were fixed. Data on flowering, leaf shedding, leaf emergence, total number of flowering bunches/ branches/ trees, visit of pollinators, total fruit and seed set as well as disease incidence were recorded.

Training programmes on the propagation of elite germplasm of J. curcas

In 2010-2011, mSSRF trained two Women ShGs on the propagation of elite germplasm of J. curcas that is used for biodiesel extraction. The women ShGs raised 19500 saplings and these were supplied to the Jatropha germplasm conservation programme of DBT and to farmers.

Conservation and resource maintenance of Jatropha germplasm

Germplasm Banks of J. curcus were established at Kudankulam and Jeypore during the year. The project aims at standardisation of the cultural practices and systematic documentation of the agronomic characters of the accessions. A total of �26 accessions were collected from 8 different agencies across India — National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) & Biotech Park, Lucknow; Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (PDKV), Amaravati; University of Rajasthan, Jaipur; Kerala Agriculture University, Thrissur; madurai-Kamaraj University, madurai; Chaudhary Charan Singh haryana Agricultural University (CCShAU), hisar; Anand Agricultural University, Anand; and mSSRF. mSSRF has

contributed 234 accessions. Germination test of all the �26 samples carried out showed an average germination percentage of �2. It is proposed to plant these accessions during July 2011 in 6 acres of land.

301.2 Establishment of tissue culture laboratory at the Biju Patnaik Medicinal Plant Garden in Jeypore and mass propagation of economically important plant species

During the year under report, a tissue culture laboratory was created at the Biju Patnaik medicinal Plant Garden in Jeypore. This laboratory will focus on the mass propagation of medicinal and agriculture important crops of the Jeypore region. Protocols are currently being developed to raise disease-free plants and for the mass propagation of medicinal plants such as Piper longam, Zingiber officinalis and Curcuma longa. mother culture is getting ready to establish disease-free plants and mother stocks were collected from cultivated areas. Proposals for mass propagation of important medicinal plant species will be developed in consultation with the tribal groups associated with mSSRF in the Jeypore region.

Micropropagation of elite Jatropha curcas

The tissue culture laboratory standardised in vitro protocols for the direct organogenesis of the elite J. curcas accessions. So far 1000 tissue cultured plants have been raised from the nodal explants. The significant achievements include:

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Within 25 days, rooted plantlets were obtained from nodal explants and transferred for hardening.

The effect of different hormones, vitamins, carbohydrates, gelling agents, as well as environment conditions was studied in J. curcas. Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), glutamine, sucrose, and agar were found to be best for J. curcas tissue culture.

NAA and thidiazuron (TDZ) were found to be best for multiple shoot inductions.

Protocols were standardised to reduce the time duration for indirect organogenesis.

The multiple shoot formation protocol has been standardised for both direct and indirect organogenesis. The leaves give rise to shoot formation earlier than in other explants. more than 20 shoots were obtained from indirect organogenesis. Seeds were collected from different accessions to test the genotype effect on callus induction and regeneration potential of J. curcas. The preliminary results reveal that the regeneration potential depends upon the genotype.

301.3 Saving endangered plants During the year, mSSRF developed in vitro protocols for some RET (rare, endangered and threatened) plant species. The key objectives were mass propagation and rehabilitation of the RET species in their original habitats. Plants such as Syzygium chavaran, S. grande, S. gardneri and Strychnous potatorum were taken up for study. The Syzygium species showed callus production from young leaves, petioles and nodal explants.

301.4 Lichen diversity and distribution pattern to monitor ecosystem status in selected forests of Sikkim

Lichen diversity and its distribution pattern serves as an indicator of the status of b iod ivers i ty, hab i ta t , env i ronmenta l contamination and the impacts of climate change. The significant leads achieved by mSSRF in lichen ecology studies provided the impetus for a programme to work on lichens and their distribution pattern in the biodiverse forests of Sikkim. A preliminary survey has been carried out in the sub-tropical and temperate forests occurring in the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, West Sikkim. The study indicated the presence of several lichens belonging to functional groups such as nitrogen fixers, forage lichens, and the rapidly invading lichens that colonise newly exposed substrates such as rocks and branches.


Molecular Mapping3 0 2 . 1 M o l e c u l a r m a r k e r - b a s e d characterisation in candidate plus trees of Pongamia pinnata

Pongamia pinnata, a legume tree, has many traditional uses and is a potential biodiesel plant. Despite its importance and the availability of appropriate molecular genetic tools, the full potential of Pongamia is yet to be realised. A study has been undertaken to assess genetic diversity among 10 systematically-characterised candidate

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plus trees (CPTs) of P. pinnata from north Guwahati. The application and informativeness of polymerase chain reaction-based molecular markers [random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)] to assess the genetic variability and relatedness among 10 CPTs of P. pinnata were investigated. Polymorphism rates of 10.48, 10.08 and 100 per cent were achieved using 18 RAPD, 12 ISSR and 4 AFLP primer combinations, respectively. Polymorphic information content (PIC) varied in the range 0.33-0.49, 0.18-0.49 and 0.26-0.34 for RAPD, ISSR and AFLP markers, respectively, whereas the corresponding average marker index (mI) values for the above markers were �.48, 6.69 and 30.�5, respectively. Based on Nei’s gene diversity and Shannon’s information index, inter-population diversity was highest when compared with intra-population diversity, and the gene flow ranged from a moderate value of 0.60� to a high value of 6.28� for the three DNA markers. Clustering of individuals was not similar when RAPD- and ISSR-derived dendrogram analyses were compared with that of AFLP. The mantel test cophenetic correlation coefficient was higher for AFLP (r ¼ 0.98) than for ISSR (r ¼ 0.�3) and RAPD (r ¼ 0.84). molecular markers discriminated the individuals efficiently and generated a high similarity in dendrogram topologies derived using unweighted pair-group arithmetic average, although some differences were observed. The three-dimensional scaling by principal coordinate analysis supported the result of clustering. Comparing the results

obtained with the three DNA markers, AFLP indicated higher efficiency for estimating the levels of genetic diversity and proved to be reliable for fingerprinting, mapping and diversity studies in Pongamia in view of their suitability for energy production purposes. This work was carried out under a collaborative project with IIT, Guwahati.

302.2 Genetic relationship of Curcuma species from northeast India, using PCR-based markers

Molecular genetic fingerprints of 9 Curcuma species from northeast India were developed using markers based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The aim involves elucidating intra- and inter-specific genetic diversity important for utilisation, management, and conservation. Twelve RAPD, 19 ISSRs and 4 AFLP primers produced 266 polymorphic fragments. ISSR confirmed maximum polymorphism of 98.55 per cent whereas RAPD and AFLP showed 93.22 and 9�.2� per cent, respectively. marker index and polymorphic information content varied in the range of 8.64 to 48.1, 19.�5 to 48.14, and 25 to 28 and 0.1� to 0.48, 0.19 to 0.48, and 0.25 to 0.29 for RAPD, ISSR, and AFLP markers, respectively. The average value of number of observed alleles, number of effective alleles, mean Nei’s gene diversity, and Shannon’s information index were 1.93-1.98, 1.3�-1.62, 0.23-0.36, and 0.38-0.50, respectively, for the three DNA markers used. Dendrograms based on three molecular data using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGmA) was congruent and classified the Curcuma

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observed. This variation may be due to the fact that SNPs were scanned throughout the genome but SSRs were used only in the specific regions. Moreover, the numbers of SNPs used for the study were much higher than the SSRs used, which may contribute to the changes in the polymorphism percentage between these markers.

however, the range varied between 20 to 30 per cent for individual recurrent parents against the donor parents L12 and Fer. Both each recurrent parent and the donor parents belonging to the indica subspecies and studies have demonstrated that the parental polymorphism between the indica rice varieties ranges around 30 per cent using different DNA markers.

Donor introgressions in the BC5F2 bulk DNA samples through SNP analysis

The presence of donor segments in the BC5F2 generation plants were localised by preparing bulk DNA samples from that population and genotyping using SNP markers in the GoldenGate assay of the Illumina platform along with respective recurrent and donor parent. In the BC5F2 population developed through White Ponni×L12, donor segments were found in the chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 9 and 12. The segments of L12 genome were found in chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 12 in bulk samples of ADT43×L12 BC5F2 population. The IR20×L12 BC5F2 population bulk had the L12 genome segment in the chromosomes 2, 3, 5, �, 10 and 11. The chromosomes 2, 5, 6, 8 and 11 had the L12 genome segment in

species into two major clusters. Cophenetic correlation coefficients between dendrogram and original similarity matrix were significant for RAPD (r = 0.96), ISSR (r = 0.94), and AFLP (r = 0.9�). Clustering was further supported by principle coordinate analysis. high genetic polymorphism documented is significant for conservation and further improvement of the Curcuma species. This work was carried out under a collaborative project with IIT, Guwahati.


Genetic Enhancement 303.1 Introgression of transgenes to develop location-specific rice varieties for salinity stress tolerance and enhanced iron content

Parental polymorphism through SNP and SSR markers among the introgressed lines

The polymorphism percentage value exhibited by the different recurrent parents (ADT43, IR20 and IR64) against L12 and Fer are almost similar through SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) and SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers, because both the transgenic lines were developed under the Pusa Basmati1 background (Prashanth et al 2008; Sivaprakash et al 2006). When the polymorphism percentage of SNP markers and SSR markers for a specific recurrent parent against specific donor parent (L12 or Fer) were compared, small differences were

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the BC5F2 population developed in the cross IR64×L12. meanwhile, the BC5F2 population developed through ADT43×Fer had the Fer genome segment in the chromosomes 5, 9 and 12. The Fer genome segment was found in chromosomes 3 and 9 of the BC5F2 bulk sample developed through the cross IR20×Fer NILs. The SNP analysis revealed the presence of Fer segments in the 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th chromosomes of the bulk sample of BC5F2 developed through the cross IR64×Fer.

The presence of donor segment in the different BC5F2 populations developed with L12, as well as populations developed with Fer as donor parent, was not uniform. This is because the populations were developed through conventional phenotypic background selection, and there was no control over selection of genome of the plant selected at every backcross generation. however, all the four BC5F2 populations (White Ponni×L12, ADT43×L12, IR20×L12 and IR64×L12) developed using L12 as donor parent had a heterozygous segment of donor genome in the 9.88 mb to 10.1� mb region of chromosome 2. meanwhile, all the three BC5F2 populations developed using Fer as donor parent (ADT43×Fer, IR20×Fer and IR64×Fer) had a heterozygous Fer genome segment in the 15.24 mb to 15.88 mb region of chromosome 9. It can be inferred that the transgene AmSod1 could be integrated around the 9.88 mb to 10.1� mb region of chromosome 2 in L12 and transgene GmFer1 could be integrated around the 15.24 mb to 15.88 mb region of chromosome 9 in Fer.

Mapping the transgenes

The polymorphic SSR markers between the L12 and recurrent parents — White Ponni, ADT43, IR20 and IR64 — were identified around the region of 6.� mb to 18.2 mb of chromosome 2 and around the region of 5.08 mb to 14.� mb between L12 and IR20. These markers were used for co-segregation analysis, using the BC5F2 population NILs. The gene-specific PCR analysis was used to select the homozygous and heterozygous lines in the BC5F3 generation, which served as the phenotypic data for linkage analysis and the map was constructed. The marker order was not uniform in the maps, and it was observed that the marker order changed drastically with the original order of the Nipponbore genotype. The transgene position was not consistently tagged by the same markers in all the four maps. however, it is evident from all the four maps that transgene AmSod1 is localised around the 10 mb region of chromosome 2. TAIL-PCR analysis was done to confirm the physical position of AmSod1 precisely. The results revealed that the AmSod1 transgene was integerated between 10804555 bp to 10804565 bp region of chromosome 2. This confirmed the localisation of transgene AmSod1 around the 10 mb region of chromosome 2.

Similarly, polymorphic SSR markers were identified for three recurrent parents (ADT43, IR20 and IR64) against Fer in the region of 13 mb to 21.5 mb of chromosome 9 and co-segregation analysis was done using the BC5F2 NILs population as the mapping population. The BC5F3 data was used to

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identify the homozygous and heterozygous transgenic plants using the gene-specific PCR analysis for the linkage analysis and the map was constructed. GmFer1 was localised around the 14.1 mb to 15.� mb region of chromosome 9. As the efficiency of mapping the transgene AmSod1 by comparing the genotypic data of two NILs was validated through genetic mapping and further confirmed by the physical mapping using TAIL-PCR analysis, the linkage mapping itself served as a confirmation report to validate the efficiency of the localisation of GmFer1 gene through comparing the genotypes of different NILs. however, any of the physical mapping techniques, such as TAIL-PCR, RACE, in situ hybridisation or fine mapping around this region could be done to physically map the GmFer1. The change in the order of the markers and tagging of the same transgene by different markers in different populations was observed in maps generated for both the transgenes.

Background selection with SSR markers to identify transgene-introgressed lines with minimum donor regions

Polymorphic SSR markers were identified in the regions where the donor regions were observed in the BC5F2 bulk DNA sample through SNP analysis, and these polymorphic SSR markers were used to screen the individual transgene positive BC5F2 generation plants. The SSR markers for mapping the transgene were used to study the extent of donor region around the transgene (linkage drag) in the selected plants. Among the 19 transgene positive BC5F2 plants in the AmSod1 White

Ponni population, the plant WS 6-�9-58-80-105-33-� had the minimum donor region of 2.02 per cent in homozygous condition, and 3.�2 per cent genome in the heterozygous condition. The selected AmSod1 introgressed lines AS 4-22-55-48-22-46-30, IS 4-10-49-14-36-�5-9 and RS 5-54-91-9-15-3�-26 under ADT43, IR20 and IR64 background had donor regions of 2.42, 2.40 and 2.4� per cent in homozygous and 1.82, 1.03 and 0.31 per cent in heterozygous condition, respectively.

Regarding the GmFer1 introgressed lines AF 4-36-18-42-20-19-24, IF 3-31-68-62-49-29-19 and RF 9-69-51-11-1�-43-19 under ADT43, IR20 and IR64 background had minimum donor regions 0.62, 2.09 and 1.53 per cent in homozygous condition, respectively. The lines AF 4-36-18-42-20-19-24 and RF 9-69-51-11-1�-43-19 had heterozygous donor segment of 1.25 and 1.23 per cent, respectively, whereas IF 3-31-68-62-49-29-19 did not had any donor segment in heterozygous condition. Assuming that the recombination occurred in the exact middle of the marker interval, the size of the donor segment along with the transgene was calculated.

303.2 Characterisation of an iron deficiency inducible transcriptor factor from the wild rice Porteresia coarctata

higher plants maintain iron homeostasis by regulating the expression of iron (Fe)-related genes in accordance with Fe availability. The transcription factor IDEF1 regulates the response to Fe deficiency in Oryza sativa (rice) by recognising CATGC sequences

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within the Fe deficiency-responsive cis-acting element IDE1. The plant follows two major strategies for iron uptake under iron deficiency conditions: Strategy I and Strategy II, of which the latter is based on iron chelation specific to graminaceous plants. Porteresia coarctata is halophytic rice which grows on the sandy estuarine beds of mangrove wetlands where soil ph ranges from � to 8.8 and hence the bio-available form of iron is limiting. The present study is focused on iron deficiency response of Porteresia coarctata in the presence of sodium chloride. We studied the mRNA expression pattern of IDEF transcription factor under the combined stress of no iron and different doses of NaCl varying from 100 mm NaCl to 200 mm NaCl, since it functions at the base of the regulatory network. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR revealed an approximately threefold rise in IDEF transcript level under –Fe +100 mm NaCl condition compared to control, which further increased to fourfold inductions in mRNA level with respect to control condition. At 200 mm sodium chloride concentration, IDEF mRNA level was decreased to 1.5 from 4.0, but was still high compared to control (approx. 1.0), indicating that 150 mm NaCl concentration is the threshold level for Porteresia coarctata to maintain iron homeostasis within the plant system.

For the in planta cellular localisation study of the IDEF transcription factor, epidermal leaf peel and root cross section of IDEF-GFP overexpressed transgenic tobacco were analysed under the confocal microscope. Transgenic GFP plants were used as control.

Cellular localisation study showed nuclear localisation of IDEF transcription whereas control GFP plants were fluorescing in the cytoplasm. Graminaceous crops constitute a major part of the world’s food supply, and rice and maize are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency. By introduction of PcIDEF into rice, an improved trait of rice can be developed which can confer enhanced tolerance to iron deficiency. To achieve this goal, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation PcIDEF into the indica variety of rice is under progress.

303.3 Tissue-specific expression of a novel gene Am244 from Avicennia marina that is induced by salinity stress and its characterisation

Transgenic lines of the Am244 in Pusa Basmati was raised via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation from the scutellum-derived calli and screened for positive lines. After three rounds of selection on mS medium with Kinetin and BAP (1mg/L and 2mg/L, respectively), 10 transformants were obtained and PCR analysis of those using hygromycin primers and UTR-specific primers giving specific amplification products os 1.1kb and .483kb confirmed the T-DNA integration with the Am244 gene.

Southern analysis for the putative promoter constructs 1, 2, 3 and CamV promoter was performed in the transgenic tobacco lines to confirm the number of integration in the plant. Lines 4, 8, 15 of the Promoter - 1 and 3, 4, 5 of Promoter 3 transgenic lines were found to

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have one integration event. Line 8 of CamV promoter line, chosen as the vector control, was found to be a single copy.

Confocal microscopy analysis to determine the tissue-specific expression of the Promoter: GFP: Am244(PPG) lines was performed. Fluorescence was seen in the plasma membrane of the guard cells of the stomata in the leaves of transgenic tobacco (T2). Leaf, stem and root of the plant were sectioned and analysed for expression. Sub-lethal stress of 25mm NaCl was given for a period of 5 days and then same imaging parameters were used to check the induction of the promoter. Spectral analysis was performed for all the sections.

Stress tolerance study was done for the Am244 –myC plants (T2-tobacco). Incremental supply of NaCl ranging from 50mm to 250mm was given to the plants every 2 days and their response was observed. mUG assay to validate the putative promoters and also the southern analysis of the Pusa Basmati lines for screening single copy is under progress.

3 0 3 . 4 A g r o b a c t e r i u m - m e d i a t e d transformation of AmMYB1 gene in rice cv IR64

For transformation, the calli were used for infection with Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 harbouring pCAmBIA 1301 having AmMYB1 cDNA under control of 35S constitutive promoter. The calli were selected on hygromycin plates for a period of 45 days with change of medium every 15 days. After 45 days the calli were transferred to rice-regeneration medium and regenerants were subsequently transferred

to rice-rooting medium. The rooted plants were then transferred to yoshida solution for hardening. After seven days, the well-developed plants were transferred to soil in pots and maintained in the greenhouse.

Analysis of putative T0 transgenic plants

Total genomic DNA isolated from putative AmMYB1 transgenic rice plants were analysed by PCR using gene-specific forward and 3’ UTR reverse primers. Results showed the presence of specific band at 500 bp in 6 plants, while no amplification was observed in non-transformed plants. The putative T0 (AmMYB1) transgenic plants were also analysed by PCR with hygromycin gene-specific primers. It produced 1100 bp product only in transformants, which is similar to the positive control (hpt cDNA). No amplification was observed in non-transformed plants in PCR using hygromycin primers. To identify the copy number of AmmyB1 gene in transgenic plants, genomic DNA from plants derived along the same lines were digested with Bamh1 and transferred to nylon membrane to perform southern hybridisation.

303.5 Isolation and characterisation of Zinc finger protein gene from A. marina

Zinc fingers are autonomously folded protein domains in which cysteine and histidine residues are used to coordinate one or more zinc ions. Zinc finger proteins participate in the regulation of many aspects of growth and development in eukaryotic organisms. The really interesting new genes (RING) zinc finger motif is found in numerous proteins present

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in a wide range of organisms. It is encoded in regulatory proteins including viral transcription factors, oncoproteins and components of signal transduction pathways and in proteins involved in DNA repair and recombination. Despite being widely distributed and present in gene products, which play major roles during cell growth and differentiation, the molecular function of the RING finger domain has not yet been well established. Recently, various RING and RING-h2 domains have been described as part of proteins believed to be involved in ubiquitin conjugation. As reported last year, protein-protein interaction assay between NAC and AmRZP1 was carried out using far-western blotting.

NAC domain from AmNAC1 was cloned in pET28a expression vector and the same was transformed into BL21DE3 strain of E. coli. Cultures of E. coli harbouring pET28a::NAC and vector controls were grown at 3�°C in LB medium containing 50 mg/ml kanamycin to an O.D. of A600 = 0.6 and induced with 1 mm IPTG for 3 hrs. The cells were then harvested by centrifugation and then re-suspended in lysis buffer and incubated at room temperature for 1 hour and centrifuged again to collect the proteins present in the supernatant. Far-western blotting was done using this protein samples. Crude extracts of NAC domain and BSA as a negative control were loaded on to 12 per cent SDS-PAGE and electrophoresis was carried out overnight. After separation, the proteins were transferred on to the nylon membrane using sandwich model western transfer. The membrane was stained with

Ponceau’s stain to check for proper transfer and incubated in denaturing and re-naturing AC buffers to re-nature the protein as per the protocol. After this, the membrane was incubated with purified AmRZFP1 bait proein (5 µg) along with 50 mm of Zinc sulphate, which will provide the zinc ions need for proper folding of the zinc finger proteins. Then the membrane was washed with PBST and incubated with secondary antibody specific to AmRZFP1 and developed using BCIP/NBT solution. Far-western blotting analysis of AmNAC1 and AmRZFP1 shows there was an interaction between these proteins and AmRZFP1 might act as a transcriptional regulatory protein of plant specific NAC transcription factors.

Since RING finger domains are known to involve in ubiqitination pathways, ubiquitination assay of AmRZFP1 protein is needed to be carried out.

303.6 Phytoremediation using Brassica juncea

The use of plants to remove toxic metals from soil (phytoremediation) is emerging as a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. In recent years, researchers have discovered that the Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) accumulates moderate levels of environmentally important metals, including Zn. The metal-accumulating ability of this plant, coupled with its potential to rapidly produce large quantities of shoot mass, makes it ideal for phyto-extraction. metallothioneins sequester excess amounts of certain metal ions.

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Prosopis juliflora, a phreatophytic tree species, grows well in heavy metal-laden industrial sites and accumulates heavy metals. metallothionein gene was isolated from Prosopis juliflora (PjMT1) and cloned in pCAmBIA 1301. This was later introduced to Agrobacterium tumefaciens EhA 105. hygromycin (20mg/L) was used as the selectable marker. Brassica juncea varuna was transformed with PjMT1 using Agrobacterium tumefaciens EhA 105. The surface-sterilised Brassica seeds were grown in 3 per cent mS medium for 8-10 days. hypocotyls were cut from the germinated seedlings and infected with the Agrobacterium vector containing metallothionein gene. The explants were co-cultivated on 3 per cent mSNB (N-NAA, B-BAP) for 2 days after which these were transferred to 3 per cent mSNB amended with Cefotaxime, hygromycin and silver nitrate. The explants were later transferred to 3 per cent mSChA (minus hormones) after 15 days. The putative transgenic plants growing on hygromycin media were subcultured every 10-15 days in 2 per cent mS till well developed roots were formed. Rooted plants were transferred to soil. Initially they were covered with plastic bags for 10 days to ensure humidity and later shifted out to the greenhouse. Transformation of plants was confirmed by β-glucouronidase (GUS) staining of leaf sections of the plant. Transgenic plants developed a blue colour, whereas control did not.

Molecular analysis of the transformed plants

Total genomic DNA was isolated from leaves (from GUS positive plants) using sucrose

buffer method. PCR analysis was carried out using gene specific primers PjMT1 3’UTR F and PjMT1 3’UTR R. Stable integration was shown by southern hybridisation using 3’ UTR as the probe.

Isolation of heavy metal transporter gene from Prosopis juliflora

heavy metal ions such as Cu2+, Zn2+, mn2+, Fe2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ are essential micronutrients for plant metabolism but when present in excess, these, and non-essential metals such as Cd2+, hg2+, Ag2+ and Pb2+, can become extremely toxic. Thus, the systems available for the acquisition of metal ions by the roots, transport and distribution around the plant, and regulation of their cytosolic concentrations are clearly integral to normal plant growth and development. Transport proteins play a vital role in heavy metal homeostasis. heavy metal transporter cDNA was selected from the Prosopis juliflora cDNA library. This was fully sequenced using pDNR Fwd and Rev primers. Open reading frame and the translated amino acid sequence was detected using BlastX.

303.7 Isolation and characterisation of genes responsible for betaine accumulation from a mangrove plant, Suaeda maritima Glycine betaine is a non-ionic solute that confers osmotic tolerance in most plant species, particularly members of the spinach family. It is known to increase the osmolarity of cells as well as protect the structure of proteins involved in photosynthesis (Papageorgiou and murata, 1995). The accumulation of

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glycine betaine is brought about by at least three enzymes: Phospho-ethanolamine N-methyl transferase (PEAmT) that converts ethanolamine to choline by successive N-methylation, choline monooxygenase (CmO) that oxidises choline to betaine aldehyde and betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADh) that converts betaine aldehyde to glycine betaine. Gene pyramiding of these enzymes in crop plants would help them tide over drought as well as soil salinity.

Suaeda maritima is a halophyte growing in the Pichavaram mangroves, which accumulates glycine betaine and codes for all the three genes involved in the pathway. Full-length cDNAs of all the three genes had been isolated last year.

In the year 2010-2011, protein expression studies were performed for all the three cDNAs of SmPEAmT, SmCmO and SmBADh using a bacterial expression system. Also, vector constructs were prepared by cloning CmO and BADh in a single vector and PEAmT in a separate vector for subsequent transformation on to rice. Agrobacterium transformation of all the three cDNAs is under way. Expression studies of the three cDNAs at the RNA level is also in progress.

Future work is focused on rice transformation using Agrobacterium harbouring the vector constructs of all the three cDNAs.

303.8 Characterisation of NhX gene from Porteresia coarctataTransformation of PcNHX gene in rice

PcNHX is a vacuolar antiporter gene from Porteresia coarctata. It compartmentalises

the sodium ion into the vacuole and maintains the osmotic balance in cells. The role of PcNhX in salt tolerance has already been validated by over-expression in tobacco. PcNhX cloned under the control of its native promoter was transformed into rice (var. IR64) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Eighteen putative transgenic plants were selected using hygromycin as a marker (50µg/ml). All plants were found to be positive for Hygromycin amplification (1 Kb) by PCR analysis. Southern blotting analysis is currently underway.

mRNA expression study using Real -Time PCR

To investigate the expression of NhX gene at different time intervals, Total RNA was isolated from the Porteresia coarctata leaves, which were collected at twelve-hour intervals. Real Time- PCR was done using these samples. The result showed that the mRNA transcript level is high during night time when compared to day time. Result has to be validated further with repeated experiments.

Isolation and characterisation of HKT gene from Porteresia coarctata (PcHKT)

Salt tolerance of plants depends on hKT transporters (high-affinity K+ transporters), which mediate Na+-specific transport or Na+-K+ co-transport. hKT gene family plays an important role in Na+/K+ homeostasis. To determine the in vivo localisation of PcHKT, GFP-hKT fusion construct under the transcriptional control of double strength cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter

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was transformed to the tobacco plant by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Eleven explants were selected on hygromycin, of these six were positive for the beta-glucuronidase and five were pcr positive. Transgenic plants developed blue color whereas control did not. The transformation of pSF20+PcHKT and pCAmBIA nonabokraSKC+ PcHKT into rice (IR64) is under progress. Isolation of the 5’ upstream region of PcHKT is in process.

303.9 Genetic engineering of crops for abiotic stress tolerance through fructan biosynthesis

Plant fructans are sucrose-based polymers synthesised by fructosyl transferases in the vacuoles of plants. The predominant role of fructans in 15 per cent of the flowering plants is as reserve food. They sustain rapid re-growth in grasses, regulate osmosis during flower opening and protect plants against cold and drought stress through membrane stabilisation. The water soluble fructans act as osmo-protectants and cryo-protectants giving optimal membrane protection.

Fructan of the inulin type is produced in Cichorium intybus L. and its synthesis involves two enzymes. The first enzyme 1- sucrose: sucrose fructosyl transferase that synthesises the trisaccharide 1-kestose, is further polymerised by 1- fructan: fructan fructosyl transferase by the addition of many fructose units. It is proposed to engineer important crops like sugarcane for fructan biosynthesis with the 1-sucrose: sucrose

fructosyl transferase and the 1- fructan: fructan fructosyl transferase genes from Cichorium intybus L. The transgenic crops could contribute positively to agriculture and bring about value-addition to the crop as fructans are known as low calorie sweeteners with therapeutic value.

The first enzyme 1- sucrose: sucrose fructosyl transferase (1-CSST), a single gene product, has been isolated by reverse transcription from the mRNA of Cichorium intybus, L. The 1-CSST cDNA of ~2kb has been cloned. The isolation of the second gene 1- fructan: fructan fructosyl transferase (1-CFFT) involved the insulin biosynthesis is being isolated.

303.10 Prospecting novel genes from lichen species

As mentioned in the 2009-10 Annual Report, in an effort to identify putative genes responsible for symbiosis, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and secondary metabolite biosynthesis from the lichen Roccella montagnei, a cDNA approach was used. From the R. montagnei cDNA library, 1,020 ESTs were deposited to the public database dbEST of NCBI. Four isoforms of Glutathione S-transferase genes were identified from the oxidative stress category of the cDNA library and were chosen for further in silico analysis and functional characterisation. These four isoforms are of three contigs such as 12, 24, 90 and one singlet encompassing the sequences Rocm0149 (accession no. GR209492), Rocm04�2 (accession no. GR209��6), Rocm1419 (accession no. hS389560) and Rocm1630 (accession no.

��


hS389325), respectively. These ESTs were further selected for full-length characterisation and molecular analysis under different stress conditions (salt, heavy metal-cadmium and drought).

In the phylogenetic analysis carried out using treetop phylip programme, the Rocm GSTI (Rocm0149) showing maximum homology to the GST of fungus Talaromyces sp. was taken up for full length characterisation. Rocm GSTI was completely sequenced using pDNR lib F and R primers. Open reading frames (ORFs) were identified in this sequence using ORF finder at NCBI and the longest ORF with predicted start and stop codon was identified as the putative coding region of 639 bp, which encodes a 23.� kDa protein with 212 amino acids. For cloning the coding region of Rocm GSTI in pET 28a expression vector, the ORF for the same was amplified from the cDNA clone using Rocm GSTI pET F and R primers. The amplified fragment was cloned into T/A cloning vector and the recombinant plasmid was digested with BamhI / HindIII restricted enzyme and the released insert was cloned into pET 28a (pET Rocm GSTI). The correct clone was identified and the recombinant construct was transformed into the host E. coli, BL21 (DE3) strain for protein expression with or without IPTG induction. 1mm IPTG was induced in the culture at OD ~ 0.05 at 595 nm. BL21 (DE3) cells transformed with pET28a served as control sample (without IPTG). 1ml of E. coli culture was harvested at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hrs post-induction of 1mm IPTG. Samples were subjected to SDS-PAGE to check the expression of pET Rocm GSTI in

BL21 (DE3) cells and were observed that the expression of Rocm GSTI increased with time post-IPTG induction. Glutathione transferase and Glutathione peroxidase activities were measured in induced cells as compared to vector transformed control cells. Rocm GSTI transformants were found to have higher GST and GPX activity than control vector transformed cells, thereby proving that Rocm GSTI is indeed a Glutathione S-transferase with GPX activity. Characterisations of Rocm GST II, III and IV isoforms are under progress.

303.11 Identification of genes involved in the seed oil biosynthesis from the biodiesel plant J. curcas

J. curcas is an oilseed plant that has gained a lot of attraction for its potential as a source of biodiesel. It is imperative to understand the regulation of oil biosynthesis in its seeds, in order to improve oil yield through different techniques. Oil yield is a complex trait, controlled by various factors like the genotype of the plant, environment and proper agronomic practices. The concentration was on genes that regulate the synthesis of oil by carrying out large-scale expressed tag (EST) sequencing of seed-specific cDNA library that was specific for mid-maturation stage of seed development. In 2010-11, another 1200 ESTs were sequenced, adding to the 2500 already done over the past two years, thus bringing the total number of ESTs to 3�00. Functional annotation for all these sequences has been done using various bioinformatics tools available free online. Some of the genes

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involved in the oil biosynthesis pathway have been selected from the ESTs to do Real Time PCR.

Sucrose Synthase (SuSy) is the key enzyme which breaks down carbohydrates accumulated through photosynthesis in seeds in the initial stages and diverts the products towards oil as the seeds mature. During 2010-11, full length SuSy cDNA was isolated, which is ~ 2.6kb using 1step RT-PCR technique. SuSy gene was then cloned in pET32a expression vector and its protein expression was studied in bacteria. Furthermore, to study the protein expression in plants, SuSy was cloned in pCAmBIA 1301 vector with CamV35S promoter. Plant expression studies have been initiated in the model plant tobacco. Another construct needs to be made with the seed specific promoter, Curcin. Further characterisation of SuSy needs to be done at the RNA and protein level.


Bioprospecting 304.1 Establishment of lichen cultures

Lichens grow slowly in nature, often as a crust, and produce low biomass; thus harvesting the natural thallus for bioprospecting secondary compounds is rather difficult. Large-scale harvesting of natural lichen thalli is considered to jeopardise lichen conservation. hence, establishing culture protocols for biomass and biosynthesis of secondary compounds is a vital component in the lichen bioprospecting

programme. Lichen culture protocols were standardised for optimum biomass production and secondary compound synthesis through lichen whole thallus, fungal (mycobiont) and photosynthetic partners of five more lichen species. Thus, lichen species under culture with mSSRF have now reached 33. The biosynthesis of secondary compounds by the lichen whole thallus cultures of these species showed three different patterns — species biosynthesised secondary compounds similar to that of the natural thallus, species biosynthesised secondary compounds additional to that observed in the natural thallus, and species biosynthesised novel secondary compounds.

National network programme on lichens: Bioprospecting its secondary compounds and establishing cultures and collections

With the leads achieved by mSSRF in the arena of novel secondary compound isolation and characterisation, establishment of lichen culture and biosynthesis of secondary compounds, and with the lead anti-cancer and anti-tubercular molecules, DBT requested mSSRF to form a national network programme on lichens to bioprospect lichen compounds and the establishment of lichen cultures. The lichen research laboratories of mSSRF, Chennai; Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune; and National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow are the key partners in this programme along with the Cancer Institute, Tuberculosis Research Institute, Indian Institute of Technology (all at Chennai);

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and the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, as bioprospecting partners.

The key objectives of this proposed Network Programme on Lichen Bioprospecting were identified based on

1. the leads and strengths of the participating lichen research groups

2. available and existing partnership for bioprospecting lichen compounds

3. need to take up additional potential species for prospecting (species prioritised based on chemical profile and ethno-botany information)

4. requirement for additional screens such as high throughput screening and screens for lifestyle disorders with new partnering institutes

5. urgent need to bridge important gap areas, especially in lichen molecular biology and mechanism of compound synthesis, with appropriate partnership

6. need to establish national/regional lichen culture repositories

The network has already submitted the project proposal to DBT, Government of India.

304.2 Screening of extract of E. agallocha for anti-cancer and anti-tuberculosis activities

The significant in vitro cytotoxicity of the extract of E. agallocha against 28 cancer cell lines was reported last year. In this reporting year, it was established that 40 μg of this

compound has shown less than 50 per cent cell survival in most of the cell lines. Further, it was established that the LD50 value of this compound is 8000 g / kg body weight, and currently toxicity studies in animals (nude mice) are underway. The secondary compounds isolated from Plumbago zeylanica, Emblica officinalis and Centella asiatica were screened for their anti-cancer activity. The compound isolated from Plumbago zeylanica show significant cytotoxicity in the preliminary anti-cancer screenings.

The anti-tuberculosis activity of the leaf extracts of E. agallocha showed no positive results. The secondary compounds isolated from Plumbago zeylanica, Emblica officinalis and Centella asiatica were under anti-tubercular screening.

304 .3 Screen ing the secondary compounds of plants and lichens for their pharmaceutical relevance against cancer and tuberculosis

There are worldwide efforts to find appropriate molecules to develop drugs against cancer and tuberculosis. mSSRF — in collaboration with the Cancer Institute and the Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai — screens secondary compounds extracted from lichen and plants for their anti-cancer and anti-tuberculosis properties. The anti-cancer screening of the compounds has been carried out in different cell lines. The NCI h460, mCF-� and SNB-19 cancer cell lines were used for the preliminary screening of the compounds.

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The compounds that show significant anti-cancer activity in the preliminary screenings will be screened against 30 different cancer cell lines. All the cell lines were procured from the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda (USA) and maintained with appropriate medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum. The anti-cancer screenings were carried out using cell proliferation assay. Lichen compounds extracted from Dirinaria consimilis screened in three cell lines, namely, NCI h 460 (lung cancer), mCF � (breast cancer) and SNB 19 (human embryonic cells- normal cells) using the mTT assay, showed significant cytotoxicity in the preliminary cancer cell line screenings.

Screening lichen compounds against tuberculosis

Last year we reported 100 per cent mortality of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by the compound isolated from the mycobiont cultures of Trypethelium eluteriae. During this reporting period, further assays were carried out on multi-drug resistant (mDR) — rifampicin and isoniazid resistant — TB strains to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (mIC). It was established that the target molecule showed similar vigour against the mDR strains with 100 per cent mortality and the mIC strains at 0.1 mg/ml concentration. mSSRF has provided 13 compounds to partnering institutes for screening for anti-cancer and anti-tuberculosis properties. The results with 3 compounds show significant anti-cancer activity and one compound shows anti-tubercular activity.


Microbial DiversityThe focus of the year continued to be on understanding the diversity of specific functional groups from the rhizosphere regions of the mangroves and millets using specific sets of molecular tools in order to harness them as bio-inoculants for stressed soils.

305.1 Bioprospecting for microorganisms from the mangrove ecosystem

Work on this ecosystem for some years has so far proved that not much of microbial diversity has been explored as yet. The focus has also moved to unculturable microbes this year.

Diversity of genus Micromonospora isolated from rhizosphere region of Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata of mangrove ecosystem

A total of 283 Micromonospora strains were isolated from the two mangrove ecosystems — 180 from Pichavaram and 103 from Devipattinam in Tamil Nadu. The strains were further screened for the presence of nifh genes encoding dihydrogenase reductase enzyme. Among the 283 Micromonospora strains screened, 21 were nifh positive, which produced the amplicon of 360bp; 8 strains were from the rhizosphere region of Rhizophora mucronata of Pichavaram and 13 strains were from the rhizosphere region of Avicennia marina of Devipattinam. PCR screening for the presence of type I and II polyketidesynthase genes (PKS) in Micromonospora (100 isolates)

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showed positive amplification for PKS I in 40 strains and for PKS II in 1� strains, thus proving that 90 per cent of the Micromonospora strain harbour either PKS I or PKS II gene, an important biosynthetic gene cluster for secondary metabolite production. Earlier, these isolates were also screened for extracellular enzymes like chitinase (4� strains), cellulase (168 strains), which are important enzymes for the degradation of the dead organic matter in the mangrove ecosystem, for the recycling of nutrients. By their presence in significant numbers, it can be concluded that the genus Micromonospora naturally inhabits this ecosystem and plays a major role in plant growth promotion by fixing the atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia to balance the nitrogen level in this nitrogen- limiting ecosystem and is also involved in nutrient cycling.

Diversity of denitrifying bacteria harbouring nitrous oxide reductase (NosZ) gene from mangrove ecosystem

Diversity of denitrifying bacteria, particularly the organisms that harbour nitrite reductase (nirS) and nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ) gene from the mangrove ecosystem, was assessed by using culture dependent methods. A total of 531 bacteria have been isolated from the rhizosphere of the mangrove ecosystem using three different media such as bromothymol blue medium, screening media and denitrifying media. These isolates were further screened by using gene specific primers like nirS1f and nirS6r and nosZ gene-specific primer nosZ 661f and nosZ 1773R. Of the 531 isolates

screened, 43 isolates showed positive for nirS gene and 20 isolates showed positive for nosZ gene. The isolates were characterised by using 16S rRNA primers and sequenced. These 43 isolates were then grouped into 21 groups based on RAPD and BOX PCR fingerprinting methods. The strain mSSRF261 belongs to Labrenzia, mSSRF 6� to Halomonas, mSSRF61 to Bacillus and mSSRF204 to Pseudomonas.

Quorum-sensing among gram-negative bacteria from the mangroves

Bacterial diversity with regard to communication signals are rarely understood and not much study has been undertaken. To assess the diversity of AhL-producing bacteria from mangrove ecosystems, rhizosphere bacteria were isolated on two different media and screened for the presence of AhL using bio-reporter CV026. Fifty-one strains among 93� isolates were found to be AhL positives from 6 different regions of mangroves. The positive isolates were assayed for PGPR properties such as IAA (12), phosphate solubilisation (35), extracellular enzyme production (21) and antagonistic activity (2). Among the positives, mSSRF41 was found to have effective phosphate solubilising and antifungal activities. The genomic fingerprinting of the positive strains showed 18 different groups by REP-PCR analysis. The majority of the positives showed a positive amplification for Pseudomonas specific primer by PCR-based screening. The sequencing results of the two strains from the positives showed a similarity to Serratia marcescens — mSSRF38 and Aeromonas hydrophila — mSSRF30.

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305.2 Metagenomics of the unculturable microbial diversity of the mangrove

metagenomics is becoming an imperative tool to exploit the genetic and functional diversity of the uncultivable microbes of soil and other environmental samples. The most commonly used approach to assay the unculturable bacterial diversity in any ecosystem involves 16S rDNA library construction by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, cloning, sequencing, and subsequent phylogenetic analysis. The culture independent microbial diversity analysis of the sediment sample from Devipattinam mangroves, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, carried out in our laboratory revealed a vast diversity in the mangrove bacterial population. At least 2 major phyla of the bacterial domain were detected in this sediment. Sequencing analysis of the clones revealed the dominance of gamma proteobacteria. The majority of the gamma proteobacterial clones resembled sequences recovered from sediment, soil slurry and marine sediments. The second phylum detected was Bacteriodetes, which included flexibacterium and flavobacterium. A benzene-mineralising clone was also reported in this library, which opens a new door for the finding of aromatic compounds degrading organisms in this sediment.

305.3 Screening for biomolecules from micro-organisms collected from different ecological niches

A total of 25,000 bacterial isolates have been isolated and their purity and colony

character ist ics such as colony size, configuration, margin, elevation, colour, mucilage, biofilm formation and pigment production have been recorded and submitted to the microbial Culture Collection Centre located at Pune as part of the committed mandate under the all-India networking project on microbial bioprospecting supported by DBT. Among ~15,000 isolates screened by high infectivity throughput screening (hITS), the following three-star hits were observed: anti-cancer activity (132); anti-diabetic (553); anti-inflammatory (281); and anti-infectivity (�5).The bacterial strains from the mangroves proved to highly potential with maximum hITS. One of the major challenges faced was the revivability of the cultures, and studies are underway to address this, given that the diversity associated with the mangrove ecosystem is very good and largely unexplored.

305.4 Microbes for biotic stress attenuation in agriculture crops

Diversity of antibiotic coding phl D genes in Pseudomonas and their biocontrol potential

The antagonistic activity of the pseudomonads was assayed against blast pathogen, P. grisea, by dual plate method. All the strains exhibited antifungal activity by different modes of inhibition like swarming, competition, antibiotic and volatile antifungal compound(s) and hydrolytic enzyme production. About 65 per cent of strains showed inhibition zone ranging from 8 to 35 mm against the blast pathogen; 40 per cent of strains inhibited the fungus by

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swarming growth, suggesting competition for nutrients, including oxygen and space through which it suppressed the fungi; 60 per cent of strains showed a clear zone of inhibition between the bacterium and the pathogen.

The first report exploring the diversity of phlD gene in finger millet rhizosphere was analysed. The results obtained from digestion of phlD gene with TaqI and HaeIII for a set of 23 phlD strains produced fragments larger than �5 bp with three different banding patterns in 20 isolates with size ranging from �5 to 350 bp, and the reference strains also generated 3–4 different banding patterns in the size of 30–5 bp. Based on the RFLP profile, the isolates were categorised into three distinct groups:

1. Group I: Seventeen strains (mSSRFD41, mSSRFD68, mSSRFD82, mSSRFD83A, mSSRFD83B, mSSRFD85, mSSRFD86, mSSRFD8�, mSSRFD110, mSSRFD114, mSSRFD126, mSSRFD152, mSSRFD304, mSSRFD821B, mSSRFD845, mSSRFD846 and mSSRFD865) with intense band sizes of about �5, 200 and 250 bp for TaqI and about 130, 150 and 210 bp for HaeIII.

2. Group II: Two strains (mSSRFD254 and mSSRFD256) with about 110 and 510 bp size bands for TaqI; and 120 and 160 bp bands for HaeIII.

3. Group III: One strain (mSSRFD398) with 110 and 510 bp size bands for TaqI; 200 and 4�0 bp size bands for HaeIII.

When the RFLP groups obtained from restriction enzymes TaqI and HaeIII were compared with 16S rRNA gene sequences

results, 16 strains belonged to P. putida, 1 strain belonged to P. aeruginosa, and 2 strains fitted into P. alcaligenes and 1 strain of P. pseudoalcaligenes. The RFLP results of phlD showed that the same species do not have any polymorphism in the phlD gene but the differences were in the species level. The restriction profile of Group I showed same banding pattern, but the results of BOX-PCR and 16S rRNA sequence were different among the isolates, which exhibited 40-45 per cent similarities. The phylogenetic result showed a divergent relationship among the phlD sequences obtained from this study with respect to species level. Cluster I contained four different species; P. aeruginosa (mSSRFD41); P. put ida (mSSRFD86, mSSRFD845, mSSRFD821, mSSRFD846 & mSSRFD152); P. plecoglossicida (mSSRFD114 & mSSRFD304) and P. pseudoalcaligenes (mSSRFD398). Based on the sequence similarity, the phlD gene from P. putida, P. aeruginosa and P. plecoglossicida were closely related but the phlD gene from P. pseudoalcaligenes shared much less similarity with other strains in this group.

Microbial-mediated salinity tolerance in finger millets

Salinity is one of the major constraints hampering agricultural production and affects almost all physiology and biochemistry functions of plants. The biological approach using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation is reported from various laboratories to alleviate plant tolerance to the salt stress. The content and concentrations

of root exudates of finger millet genotypes were different and chemotaxis to sugars, amino acids, organic acids and root exudates was different and were strain specific. Under salt stress, significant interactions between the rhizobacterial strains and genotypes of finger millet resulted in different responses to N2ase activity, endo- and exorhizospheric population, dry weight of root, shoot and grain yield. The plant microbe interaction studies at the molecular level will help understand the role of PGPRs in alleviating the salinity under salt stress. hence, identifying PGPRs, which confer salinity stress during plant microbe interaction at the molecular level by differential display methods, is important. In this study, we isolated more than �00 strains from various ecosystems tolerating 1.5m NaCl. All these microbes were tested for alleviating salt stress in finger millets seedling in in vitro conditions. About 10 strains showed positive

effects on plants by extending their survival in 250mm NaCl and these isolates were characterised and tested for plant growth promoting traits. About 9 strains produced amylase; 8 produced protease, which are very important for plant defence; 5 strains were capable of phosphate mobilisation and 9 of them produced plant growth hormones such as IAA. These strains were partially identified and 4 of them belong to Vibrio and other 4 were Pesudomonas spp. One Pseudomonas strain was taken for further plant microbe interaction and a suppression subtractive hybridisation library was constructed for the plants and the microbes. The clones revealed that transcriptional regulating factors and other hypothetical proteins respond to plant microbe interaction upon salt stress. Further studies on screening the library and characterising new genes involved in salt tolerance are under progress.

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Programme Area 400

ECoTEChNoLoGy

Dry runs have been initiated in the fish-processing unit at Poompuhar. Liaising with the State Agriculture Department, 850 ha has been brought under SRI in other parts of the district at Kendrapara. NABARD has, for the first time, supported the producer company of the farmers’ federation at Kannivadi by giving a loan. Value chain studies have been carried out for major crops under focus in the BIWS sites of MSSRF. A National Policy Dialogue on Climate Change: Linking Grass-roots Actions to Policy Debate, Up-scaling, Knowledge Sharing and Science was organised.

401 Coastal Regions ............................................................................................................. 8�

402 Semi-Arid Regions .......................................................................................................... 99

403 hill Regions .................................................................................................................. 109

404 Land-Lab-Land Linkages .............................................................................................. 113

405 Climate Change and Bioenergy Initiatives .................................................................... 11�

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Fish processing unit Demonstrating innovative agriculture practices

Assessing the potentials of local level energy sources

Enhancing income generation

Training of women scientistsVegetable cultivation for income generation

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E C O T E C h N O L O G y

Programme Area 400

EcotechnologyThe focus of the JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre has been on strengthening on-farm, non-farm and off-farm livelihoods of landless and asset-less women and small and marginal farmers by building their capacities and putting in place institutional mechanisms to help them carry on with the interventions even after a role change. In addition, some Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) have been nurtured and a few more are in the making. The challenges have been many in terms of providing financial services, access to markets and sustaining these institutions. In the last two years this is an area where focus has been placed and, to a certain extent, progress has been achieved through integration and convergence of various activities. Empowering them to take on roles like facilitating access to entitlements and credit, and looking at certain rights-based approaches, especially for women, has shown progress. Three of these CBOs have started functioning as community banks. The advantage is that they can partner mSSRF for the technical component, and other financial providers for accessing finances for their activities. NABARD and banks have now recognised these CBOs. It is felt that in the era of inclusive approach and convergence, especially in programmes like the National Rural Livelihoods mission (NRLm) and mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (mKSP), such grass-root institutions can be vital partners.


Coastal RegionsOne of the earliest areas of interventions was the coastal biovillage work, especially through the Integrated Farming System (IFS) approach. Beginning with Chidambaram, IFS was subsequently taken to Kendrapara and all the other sites, where it was fine-tuned to suit local conditions. This year only need-based support was extended to the IFS farmers in Chidambaram. Work at the Fish for All Centre has picked up and this year dry runs were carried out at the Fish Processing Unit.

401.1 Kaveripoompattinam

Community mobilisation

The Fish for All (FFA) programme activities were explained again to the new traditional panchayat leaders (who took charge of Poompuhar village administration in August 2010), boat owners, boatmen working in the trawlers with trawl nets and purse seines, fishermen using traditional craft like catamarans for subsistence, fisherwomen, female animators and fish agents from the fishing community. Based on the discussion with fishermen and fisherwomen, the concept of FFA was revisited with further inclusion of specific training programmes for the boatmen.

Details on women vending fresh fish and dry fish were collected in all the 8 target villages of FFA programme activities. The

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details include households, frequency of fish procurement, place of sales, etc. There are 826 fisherwomen belonging to the target villages who are involved in both fresh and dry fish vending; of these, 314 are from Poompuhar, 216 from Vanagiri, 63 from Nayakerkuppam, 48 from madathukuppam, 32 from Pudukuppam, 58 from Savadikuppam, 68 from Keelamooverkarai and 2� from melamooverkarai.

Grass-root institutions

Six more fisherwomen SHGs with 87 members and 6 fishermen ShGs with �4 members were formed this year, including fish-vending women and fish workers and catamaran owners. The office bearers were provided orientation training on bookkeeping, accounts maintenance, etc. The office bearers of WShGs are responsible for conducting the monthly meetings and strengthening group activity. The financial transaction and yearly turnover was Rs. 8,33,223. Six fisherwomen ShGs got an economic assistance loan from the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) office in Nagapattinam district. Orientation on accounts and auditing was provided to the officer bearers.

Mobilisation of inland fish farmers

Among the 34 panchayats of Sirkali block, Fish for All – Research and Training Centre (FFARTC), has been providing technological support to 152 inland fish farmers from 20 panchayats, covering 110.1 acres. In each panchayat, the total number of ponds varies from 2 to 20 and the pond sizes range from

0.30 to 5.0 acres. These farm ponds belong to small and marginal farmers. Out of 152 farmers identified, 48 farmers have dug their ponds with the support of the government schemes facilitated by mSSRF.

Bund strengthening and its utilisation: In order to prevent collapse of the bunds on the traditionally dug ponds due to heavy rain and cyclonic floods, fish farmers were provided necessary inputs on strengthening of pond bunds by planting of suitable tree saplings. The horticultural Department at Sembannarkoil was linked with farmers to get vegetable seed kits on subsidy. Twenty farmers have availed the facility and planted grass and perennial trees like coconut, sapota, teak, mango and casuarinas, to prevent soil erosion and act as wind-breakers.

Training and capacity building: The total number of trainee days covered was 104. Solutions were suggested to some of the issues raised.

High fingerling mortality: now farmers are buying the fingerlings collectively and 3 fish farmers have taken sub-dealership for fish feed sales.

Small size of fish at harvest: stocking rates have been addressed.

middleman commission: middleman eliminated during registration and marketing process.

Industrial power tariff: those registered as a member in Tamil Nadu Inland Fish Farmers’ Association can avail the power tariff.

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Lack of contact wi th government departments: mSSRF is now facilitating farmers to access government schemes and benefits.

Unreliable water supply was another issue.

Integrated farming system

Twenty-six inland fish farmers have been facilitated to convert existing fish farms into the IFS model at Sirkali taluk and are currently practising successful IFS programmes. As part of strengthening IFS, components like farming enterprises (including dairy, goat and poultry farming), fodder, tree and vegetable crops, freshwater aquaculture and effective utilisation of organic wastes by recycling have been incorporated with IFS; this would prove to be economically rewarding for the farmers.

Concrete pedal pumps

As this low-cost intervention is very useful for lifting water from farm ponds, post-the 2004 tsunami about 100 concrete pedal pumps (CPP) were distributed. In the second phase, another 100 were distributed in this reporting year to farmers in 10 panchayats: Vanagiri (33 farmers), Poompuhar (15 farmers), melaperumpallam (� farmers), Perunthottam (10 farmers), Pagasalai (5 farmers), Allivilagam (5 farmers), Alangadu (5 farmers), Nemmeli (5 farmers), Valluvakkudi (10 farmers) and Kondal (5 farmers).The pumps were fabricated by two farmers from Vettaikaraniruppu who have been using this low-cost technology for the past 3 years; the operation is also very simple. A survey was done to find out the impact of the CPP and these were the perceptions of the

farmers who regularly use this technology to irrigate small land areas:

ease of irrigation in minimum landholdings and significant increase in irrigation of large areas using own labour

timely irrigation to the crops

not dependent on electric power or fossil fuel

high percolation rate, thus greatly reducing the frequency of irrigation

easily operated both by men and women

horticulture crops can be grown, including short maturing crops

effective utilisation of minimum water by crops

Livelihood activities

Fish pre-processing: A conceptual model was developed to involve the various stakeholders in the supply chain of raw materials for pre-processing of low-value fish. This was then presented to the various groups such as dry fish vending women, fresh fish selling women, panchayat leaders, etc. Landing details, species composition and the pricing have been documented too. A theoretical business plan was developed based on the above data and on certain assumptions related to the conceptual plan. Dry runs have been carried out using various types of options to test the challenges in each option and thereby test the business plan. Fish was purchased from Poompuhar, Vanagiri and Nagapattinam by spot cash payment from the landing centres

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and from agents under commission basis; 10.625 kg consisting of 21 species of fish were pre-processed and 10,555.� kg were sold in local markets like Poompuhar, Kumbakonam, Solatharam, Tiruchi and madurai under commission system; some traders also picked through spot payments; costs along the entire process have been analysed and the lessons learnt at every step have been documented to plan activities for the next set of operations .

Crab fattening: During the post-tsunami rehabi l i ta t ion process for l ive l ihood strengthening, it was found that fattening of mud crabs would be feasible as a group activity to enhance the income of the fisherwomen of madavamedu village near Pazhayar. The malligai Women Self-help Group has so far completed 24 cycles of crab fattening after availing financial support of Rs. 1,00,000 from the revolving fund created with support from Asia Initiatives. The members have already repaid the entire loan amount within the stipulated time. The members have become confident of mobilising resources from financial institutions on their own and the local bank is willing to support the crab-fattening livelihood activity on a large scale. Each WShG member has earned about Rs. 1,200 per batch of crab fattening in 15 cages, every 35 days, altogether making up 8 cycles per year. Totally, 420 water crabs were purchased for the fattening process and the net income was Rs 96,530. The madavamedu crab fattening project has become a model for the establishment of a small project in the other fishing villages along the coastal area.

Allied activities: Sixty-eight fisherwomen belonging to 6 WShGs were facilitated to avail financial assistance of Rs. 2,06,000 from the local bank for various alternative income-generation activities, such as candle making, tailoring, rice vending, small petty shops, tea and tiffin centres and making gold-covering chains, to support their families during lean fishing seasons.


hACCP training: A total of �� trainee days were spent on training local fisherwomen on hygienic handling of fish and fisheries products as per hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (hACCP) standards. Trainers from a private crab processing and canning unit, situated at mallipattanam, were invited to provide orientation on processing cooked crabmeat.

Life-skills development of the fisherwomen and students of Poompuhar: As part of capacity building of the fishing community, it was decided to organise life-skills development to the students and fisherwomen. The traditional leaders of the Poompuhar fishing community expressed their concern about the occurrence of suicides among the young fisherwomen who were looking after their families (not engaged in fish vending) due to difference of opinion with elder members. Keeping this in mind, it was decided to initiate life-skills training on the following aspects: creating and critical thinking skills, coping skills, relationship-building skills, and, most important, self and mutual understanding skills. Along with these, planning and setting goals, leadership,

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time management, teamwork and effective resources utilisation were also covered. Training was also provided to the fisherwomen who are looking after their families. major topics discussed during the training were joint planning for household activities, savings, sharing of roles and responsibilities, and setting goals for the future.

Training on GPS and Echo Sounder operations: The crew of 3 boats (standard trawl boats) belonging to the Poompuhar fishing community were provided orientation training and exposed to on-board operations of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Echo Sounder units. In one boat, hands-on training of the crew was successful. In the other two trawl boats, mounting problems were identified and the crew was asked to mount the transducer correctly in the space at the bottom of the boat. This had to be done during the 45 days of fishing holidays. The fishermen from other boats already using GPS and Echo Sounder requested intensive training on the operations.

401.2 Kendrapara

The biovillage project is being implemented in 18 villages covering three gram panchayats in Kendrapara district. Eighty-one ShGs are functioning with 1,213 members. These ShGs have been grouped in each of the 3 gram panchayats. The 3 ShG clusters manage and monitor the functioning of the individual ShGs and support them in developmental activities.

Aquaculture-based integrated farming system

The aquaculture-based integrated farming system (AqIFS) model farm established at manitiri village in 2004 continues to function and is fully managed by the 3 women ShGs of this village. They are actively involved in the training the new ShG members in the various aspects and components of integrated farming and aquaculture. Net income from the AqIFS farm was Rs. 58,500 during the year. The members have used the harvested water for raising early paddy seedlings and during this year, 10 acres were utilised for this purpose. Early raising of paddy seedlings and subsequent early transplantation in the field results in 15 to 20 per cent increase in grain yield compared to conventional practices where seedlings are raised after the first rains. Eight hundred agro-forestry and fruit seedlings were also raised and distributed to 80 farm families. The AqIFS model has been taken up by the government through the mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (mGNREGS) programme.

In addition to the AqIFS model farm school at manitiri, a vocational training centre has been established during the year at madhusagar Bidyapitha, a residential school in Nembara. The centre provides training in the area of micro enterprises to ShG members, agriculture and allied activities to the farming community, and vocational training and demonstrations to school students on agriculture, horticulture, dairy, poultry, biodiversity issues, etc. The farm, dairy and poultry products from this

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training centre are supplied to the residential school at a subsidised rate to ensure that the students get an adequate and balanced diet. The net income from various farm activities at this training centre was Rs. 41,5�5.

Sunflower cultivation

mSSRF had earlier demonstrated that sunflower cultivation could be taken up in saline areas as an alternate crop after kharif rice and this has prompted the Agriculture Department to support sunflower cultivation as part of their Compact Area Programme, where they have supported sunflower cultivating farmers by providing seeds and bio-fertilisers at 50 per cent subsidised rate. At the project site, 105 farmers had availed this support and have cultivated sunflower covering an area of 25.6 ha and have harvested seeds at an average of 13.85 qtl/ ha. Survey in the district shows that 3�0 ha area has been covered by this crop during rabi 2010 - 2011.

System of Rice Intensification

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of paddy cultivation was followed by 88 farmers during this reporting period, covering an area of 24 ha and up to 58.5 qtl/ha harvested. Farmers have realised that this system of rice cultivation saves seeds and cost of cultivation, but is not suitable in low-lying locations and that it is most suitable during the rabi season when irrigation is assured. mSSRF has been liaising with the Agriculture Department for promoting SRI method in other parts of the district through the Agricultural Technology management Agency (ATmA) as part of their Seed Village programme. During this year, more than 850

ha area under SRI method of rice cultivation were taken up by the Department and have recorded yields in the range of 60 to �0 qtl/ha. The support provided by the Department is by providing agricultural implements and seed at a subsidised rate and imparting training.

Kitchen gardens

The biovillage project has been promoting backyard kitchen gardens among the WShG members to improve household nutrition and has tied up with the horticulture Department and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for further spread of the practice through training and providing improved vegetable seeds. During the year, the horticulture Department had supplied 1000 packets of vegetable seeds (mini kits) at 90 per cent subsidiary rate. During this reporting period, 406 farm families maintained their kitchen gardens for meeting their vegetable requirements and the excess were sold in the local market. Net income from this activity is estimated to be Rs. 5,�0,465.

Poultry rearing

Training and demonstration for poultry rearing at household level was carried out and the rearing of coloured birds like Banaraja, Giriraja and Black Rock initiated in semi-intensive method to meet the market demand for meat. During this year, 4,500 chicks were procured and reared by women in the project area. Linkages have been established for regular supply of chicks from KVK, Central Poultry Development Organisation, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and private farms.

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Mushroom cultivation

Coastal Odisha is suitable for cultivation of oyster and paddy straw mushroom. Since 2000, the biovillage project has been imparting training and demonstration to ShG members in collaboration with the horticulture Department and KVK in this activity. As many more farmers practise mushroom cultivation now, outlets for sale are also now coming up at Kendrapara. During the year 85 farmers at the project site have cultivated mushroom and produced 840 kg, earning a net profit of Rs. 29,500.

Grass-root institutions

Currently 1,243 individuals have been grouped into 81 ShGs and 2 Farmers’ Clubs at the project site and these have been arranged into 3 ShG clusters, one for each of the gram panchayats. These ShGs promote small savings, micro enterprises like management of AqIFS, sunflower, vegetable and mushroom cult ivation, poultry management, r ice trading, making turmeric powder, etc. They are also encouraged through individual activities like dairy farming, poultry rearing, backyard kitchen gardening and other agricultural activities. The total financial transactions during the last financial year were Rs. 28,�5,000. The Kuhudi Gram Panchayat (20 ShGs) has received a loan of Rs. 20,00,000 from the United Bank of India for taking up agricultural activities The funds received by ShGs through inter-lending were used for agriculture-allied activities — cultivation of blackgram, greengram, sugarcane and potato — and in non-farm sectors — dairy, poultry,

purchase of agriculture assets, petty grocery shops, rice trading, electronics repairing, etc. Therefore, they generate income from micro enterprises in both on-farm and non-farm sectors supported by micro credit and have also created employment opportunities. In addition, interest-free loans from the Community Banking Project were provided to Nari Shakti mahila Sangha ShG Cluster (Rs. 5,40,000) and to Jeevan Jyoti Sangha ShG Cluster (Rs. 3,35,000) for developing individual and group activities of their members.

Village Knowledge Centre

The Vil lage Knowledge Centre (VKC) established in 2005 continues to impart training in record keeping and computer learning. A similar facility has been extended to madhusagar Bidyapitha, where two computers and a printer have been set up to provide computer training to students. During the year, 12 students got basic computer training at this Centre.


During the reporting period, altogether 1,693 trainee days have been completed for the skill development of the ShG members and farming community on micro-enterprise development and improved agriculture practices.

Networking

mSSRF Kendrapara has established a good rapport with all district and block functionaries, PRIs, local bodies, Agricultural University functionaries, NGOs, Banks, among others.

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The project staff members are called for participating in and conducting programmes organised by other organisations. mSSRF had participated this year with ATmA in conducting a seed treatment programme for improving the quality of farm-saved seeds of paddy, pulses and groundnut in the 3 blocks of marshaghai DAO Circle during may-June 2011; �00 farmers from 14 villages were covered.

401.3 Puducherry

Biocentre – Biovillage Programme

In the process of revisiting the relevance of biovillage activities initiated 20 years ago in the context of the rapid urbanisation of Puducherry, an assessment has shown that the following activities are still prevalent: on-farm activities include to a certain extent paddy, groundnut, millets and floriculture while decentralised activity under off-farm include mushroom production, vermicomposting, dairy farming, goat and poultry rearing. Non-farm activities like tailoring and coir rope making have also been identified. As part of reaching out to more villages in partnership with Innuyir Grama Sangam, the CBO, the initial criteria for prioritising and selection of location-specific enterprises have been made and the animators are doing preliminary assessments through participatory planning exercises. For implementing the scaling up of these activities, members have been mobilised and targets fixed. One of the main activities has been strengthening the functioning of the CBO in terms of organisational structure and functional and managerial skills.

Status of the CBO

Innuyir Grama Sangam currently consists of 252 ShGs spread across 46 villages with 3,620 members, of which 3,460 are women; 26 new groups were formed this year and 14 were strengthened. This year the annual turnover of the Sangam was approximately Rs.6 crore, with 100 per cent repayment. This has improved over the last few years due to the process initiated 5 years ago of auditing at the Federation level and in the last two years at the group level. The Biocouncil met 12 times with an additional 4 special meetings; 14 cluster meetings were held in 2 phases at the animators level. Group-level auditing was carried out to mainstream accounting procedures and group functioning processes. Social audits are now conducted at the cluster level. The Sangam has also been able to create its own assets by mobilising funds and has purchased land for Rs 3,55,000.

In 2005-06 the turnover of the Sangam was Rs.0.� lakh, in 2010-11 it has increased to around Rs.13.0 lakh. Besides, the interest gained by the Community Bank has increased from Rs. 24,188 to Rs. 1,0�,�� in four years. This clearly demonstrates the growth of the Sangam and how it is moving towards sustainability. management information system has been streamlined and updated through the Self-help Enabler (ShE) software package. In addition, through nationalised banks, loans of Rs. 1.93 crore have been credit-linked for 803 members from �1 ShGs, which has helped them in their Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) and livelihoods.

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Community banking

The Innuyir Grama Sangam Community Bank was established in January 200� with the ShGs members’ contribution of Rs. 1.45 lakh for promoting livelihood options and supporting on-farm, off-farm and non-farm activities. This Bank is mainly to establish/ promote/ scale up enterprise activities of the ShG members. Until now Rs. 30.13 lakh has been given as loan to 250 beneficiaries. The members have fixed their own norms for lending this money. Last year, the community bank provided loans to �2 members to the tune of Rs. 11.4� lakh for scaling up and IGAs. This was made possible by the contribution of an annual membership of Rs. 500 from each ShG and Rs.13.5� lakh support from the revolving fund created with the support of Asia Initiatives.

Training

During the year, 5,235 trainee days were organised to benefit SHG members, SHG leaders, cluster level leaders, government departments, other NGOs and stakeholders, out of which 830 trainee days were given by BVC members.

Networking

Partnerships were built up with small and marginal farmers, Agriculture & horticulture Departments, Forest Department, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the Pondicherry Cooperative milk Producers’ Union (PONLAIT), The Pondicherry Agro Service and Industries Corporation Limited (PASIC), nationalised banks, NABARD, District Rural Development

Agency (DRDA), research institutions, educational institutions, medical colleges, Sankara Nethralaya, veterinary college, Fish Farmers Development Agency, Renewable Energy Agency Pondicherry (REAP), and several NGOs .

Funds leveraged

In the year 2010-11, a sum of Rs. 6.86 lakh dovetailed from government departments, as PONLAIT fodder Rs. 20,000, dairy subsidy Rs. 5 ,�6,000, goat rear ing subs idy Rs. 90,000.

Bio-industrial Watershed project

One of the sites of the Bioindustrial Watershed (BIWS) programme is Karasanur panchayat of Vanur block, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, the site being part of the Nallavur watershed No.4CID4.

Land and water management

Karasanur village has a series of tanks and ponds which are not used effectively as the water-holding capacity has decreased. Perumalkulam tank, renovated last year, has increased its water storage and recharges 15 open wells, thus supporting the cultivation of two crops on 43 acres by 34 Dalit farmers.

The rehabilitation of Periya-eri tank through repair of sluices and weirs as well as desiltation, repair work on Draupadi Amman temple tank and other numerous water bodies has been identified for watershed intervention. Purakoil, a community well capable of irrigating 12 acres had silted up; with the decision of the BIWS Committee to renovate it, the 3�-strong Well

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Users’ Group has collected Rs.48,000 as contribution. The overflow from Periya-eri is stored at Sanithitu pond, surrounded by 20 acres of dry land, partially cultivated due to lack of irrigational facility. The BIWS committee and the stakeholders have decided to dig a well, with the latter contributing Rs. 5,000 per acre and also in kind, and the panchayat utilising the services of mGNREGS.

A total of 146 soil samples were collected and soil health cards were distributed to 63 SRI farmers with appropriate advice; of these, 15 cards were distributed to the onion farmers in Thazuthali village. Further, in October 2010, 113 soil samples were collected from wet/dry lands and 63 soil health cards distributed to SRI farmers. Water samples from 42 open wells were collected.

Summer ploughing was extended to 39 acres, increasing the number of farmers adopting this to 28. Towards encouraging organic farming practices, 43 farmers increased the use of green manure application like sun hemp (Cotolaria juncea) and daincha (Sesbania aculeata) on 33 acres. Two pedal pumps have been installed on dry lands to support crops with life-saving irrigation from surface water bodies. Utilising GIS, maps for land use, land cover, elevation along with site suitability for ponds, have been developed for Karasanur. Tracking the variation in soil nutrient across the site, maps have been prepared for effective soil management.

Sustainable farming systems

System of Rice Intensification was introduced three years back; this year 39 farmers adopted

SRI practices on 35.95 acres and got a yield of �6 tonnes, with an increase of 1.5 to 2 tonnes per acre. The Farmers’ Field School acts as a catalyst with nearly 80 per cent of the farmers continuing to practice SRI. The total number of SRI farmers has increased to 86, with 120 acres being under the SRI system. An amount of Rs.�5,000 has been sanctioned for SRI kits and biofertilisers.

The number of farmers cultivating the Perambulur and muttlur varieties of onion is on the rise. Under the National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP), 85 farmers were able to leverage Rs.65, 000. Fifty farmers were motivated to promote muttlur onion cultivation on 3� acres and were helped by the BIWS Committee in the purchase of quality seeds. With better cultivation practices and improved pest management, the farmers could achieve 80 per cent survival rate of the seedlings and a gradual yield increase from 3.5 to 4.4 tonness/acre, with a total yield of 93 tonnes, giving the farmer an additional income of around Rs.8,000/acre.

millets like foxtail millet (thinnai) had been cultivated in the past in Karasanur area but this cultivation had gradually decreased due to lack of milling facilities and change in dietary pattern. To rejuvenate it, Rs.15,000 was leveraged for taking up cultivation on � acres of land. On an experimental mode, a sorghum variety, CO (S)-28, has been introduced.

Under the NADP scheme, six vermicompost units were set up. CO4 fodder was established on 10 acres by 18 farmers under the Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture modernisation and

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Water Bodies Restoration and management (IAmWARm) scheme.

Technology and knowledge dissemi-nation

The Village Knowledge Centre established in Karasanur imparted computer knowledge to 15 students and functional literacy to 15 people and produced 12 IEC materials. The mini agro-meteorological station at the village has been regularly collecting meteorological data and sharing it with the farmers for agricultural activities.

To build the capacity of the members of the Bioindustrial Watershed Committee, 14 days of training was provided while the community was given 444 days of training on various topics.

In collaboration with Kudumbam, an NGO working on sustainable agricultural practices, 12 farmers have undergone a six-module training of trainers for organic SRI cultivation. They have also undergone six sessions at the Farmers’ Field School (FFS), where they were trained on an improved package of practices based on organic inputs. Demonstrations on seed selection, seed treatment, preparation of botanicals l ike panchakavya and amudakaraisal, poochiveratti, etc., were made.

A Farmers’ Field Day was organised with facilitation from Kudumbam where over 100 farmers shared their experiences and talked about the technologies they have adopted; they also participated in evaluating cultivation

of paddy in both the conventional and organic methods. Twenty-seven farmers have been chosen to be part of the Community Technical Resource Group, recognising their potential to serve as role models to the community due to their ability to learn and share their knowledge and learnings; of this number, 3 have been selected to upgrade their knowledge and skill in fodder cultivation, 5 in dairy-related activities, � for SRI, 5 in onion cultivation and � in organic cultivation

Livelihoods

Onion and dairy value chains have high potential for further scale up and hence it is planned to train farmers on issues like collective production, storage, value addition and marketing. Such an initiative will be helpful to farmers in providing end-to-end service, right from procurement of farm input materials to provision of credit, insurance, technical assistance, capacity building, selling the produce to a more profitable market. At present, onion is being cultivated in more than 40 acres with an average yield of 3.5 tonnes per acre, which is planned to be increased to about 100 acres in one year. In the dairy sector, the daily milk production is 225 litres from 60 cows, which is expected to grow to more than 400 litres per day from more than 100 cows.

Thirty members of the milk Producers’ Group had been given loans to buy 30 milch animals. The group was earlier linked to PONLAIT for market. however, it has recently tied up with a private dairy, Jersey Dairy, which is more remunerative. Under this, 240 additional employment days per member have been

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generated and each member is able to earn around Rs.1,650 per month. In addition, the monthly repayment amount is also being given as a loan to the members. This revolving fund has helped the purchase of another 6 milch animals.

Green fodder cultivation is one of the key elements in dairy promotion. Towards this, the BIWS committee strengthened its linkage with the Animal husbandry Department for veterinary facilities and supply of green fodder. This year 10 milch animal owners were given CO3 fodder sets to be cultivated on 10 acres. Ethno veterinary training was conducted for the community by Dr. Punniamurthi, Professor & head, Centre for Ethnoveterinary herbal Research and Training, Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, TANUVAS to popularise the use of herbs and traditional healing in the primary health care of domestic animals.

Piscicul ture has been introduced in rehabilitated tanks and the management entrusted to ShGs and the Dalit community. Five hundred fingerlings were introduced in the Draupadi Amman temple tank and 1,000 in the Perumalkulam tank with the agreement that one-third of the income will be shared with the Water Users’ Group. Small loans have also been given to WShGs for sheep rearing; Rs. 30,000 was provided to 15 members and Rs 5,000 forwarded as loan from the group to expand one member’s petty shop. Building on their tailoring skills, a seven-member women’s group has been trained for higher end products.

Building community institutions

The watershed interventions need to be managed by the community to ensure sustainability. The BIWS committee comprises 10 men and 5 women, representing all sections of the society. At Karasanur, 2 Water Users’ Groups, 4 Enterprise Groups, and 4 Farmers’ Interests Groups have been facilitated.

Gender in BIWS

Of the 15 executive members of the BIWS Committee, 5 are women, of which one is the treasurer. In the �-member VKC Committee, 5 are women and both the Secretary and Treasurer are women. Similarly, in the Water Users’ Group of Peramalkulam and Sanithittu, one woman in each group has been nominated as an office bearer. Women are encouraged to participate in the panchayati raj process and thus one woman from the backward community and one woman from the Scheduled Castes were elected to the local self-government. Ten women have become literate through functional literacy classes. Nearly 120 women have been trained through workshops and exposure visits on varied themes like fodder cultivation and management, post-harvesting technology, livelihoods, etc. Seven women farmers are part of the SRI cultivation practice, they are also part of the fodder group and production of panchakavya.

Convergence and leveraging with line departments, research institutions, marketing and finance institutions

Thirty-three farmers made use of the free SRI kits (which includes ADT39/3� seeds, mn

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mixture, biofertilisers, conoweeder, markers, neem oil, etc.) worth Rs �5,000 from the Agriculture Department. Similarly, 5 kilos of hybrid maize worth Rs.800 and 50 kg of blackgram (VBN-1) worth Rs.3,000 were distributed to � farmers under the NADP scheme. To renovate existing individual paddy storage bins, �4 farmers have been registered with the Agriculture Department. Six farmers have availed free vermicompost kit (silpaulin sheets) worth Rs. 12,000 under the NADP scheme. mGNREGS is also utilised to complete watershed interventions. The district advisory committee has been formed to ensure networking with the line departments.


Semi-Arid Regions

402.1 Kannivadi

The focus this year has been on integration and convergence among various activities that support sustainable on-farm, non-farm and off-farm livelihoods. The on-farm livelihood initiatives, including the organic farming activities in the Thonimalai ecosystem, were integrated and institutionalised with the Reddiyarchatram Sustainable Agriculture Producers Company Ltd (RSAPCOL). The community informatics initiative is coordinated by RSAPCOL. Both the ShG Federation and farmers’ groups are closely working with centres at the village level to link services and activities.

Non-farm and off-farm livelihoods

Facilitating the multiple non-farm and off-farm livelihoods of agricultural labourers and small farm holders have been institutionalised through the Kulumai ShG Federation which provides technical, credit and business development services. The current strength of the Federation is 180 ShGs, with 2,400 members, of which 92 per cent are women. During this year, 32 new groups were formed.

Micro financial services

The annual turnover of the Kulumai Federation is Rs 4.6 crore with a repayment of 98 per cent in functioning groups. Nearly 90 per cent of the credit support services were provided to livelihood-related activities, followed by education, medical and marriage expenses. Under the social security scheme of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), 1,210 women and 584 men were linked (as against 1,020 last year), of which nominees of 2 members received the benefit upon their death and education support was availed by 126 students. The Annual General Body meeting was held in June 2010, and the annual report with accounts statement was shared with bank and rural development department officials. Apart from this, 14 executive committee meetings and 4 cluster meetings were convened. Internal control systems and accounts management procedures were refined and audited by an external auditor both at the Federation and group level. The group level auditing helps to mainstream the accounting procedures and group functioning processes. Training and capacity building

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for the Federation staff was carried out based on the need and refresher training for the executive members is in the process. Four cluster meetings were organised with group leaders, and issues like convergence among different activities, evolving new loan products, village level awareness meetings, performance of the groups, etc., were discussed. Under the financial inclusion scheme, Kulumai has applied for the business facilitator and correspondent’s status which would further enhance the women’s access to credit and saving. With regard to financial self-sustainability of the Federation, it could be able to generate �0 per cent of its expenses; support is necessary on training and capacity building, especially when new members and staff assume executive positions.

Access to technologies

The production of liquid formulations of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azosprillum was refined and customised at the laboratory level, and a module has been planned to train rural women on production and maintenance of the fermenter. The fermenter was designed with a capacity of 50 litres and refined further in such a way that it is easily handled by rural women. Decentralised production technologies under testing are Glucanoacetobacotor, Methylobacterium, potash mobilisers, zinc and sulphur solubilisers, Verticillium leccani, Metarrihizium and Bacillus subtilis. The mother cultures have been collected and work has begun on simple production processes in collaboration with the microbiology group under the land-lab-land linkages.

Apart from bio-inputs, decentralised country chick production by agricultural labour groups is on-going in two groups, with a capacity of 20 chicks per unit. The model has been designed to suit the resources available and necessary training was carried out in entrepreneurship, chick production technology, especially feed and disease management. Training was carried out with the support of NABARD under its market Enterprise Development Plan (MEDP) and financial support from the MSSRF Community Bank. Decentralised production at the backyard of the household and preparation of low-cost feed are the unique points in the model. A similar model has been attempted for backyard goat rearing among agricultural labour households; the initial need assessment indicates that 85 women have expressed interest in this activity.

Business development services

The Kulumai Livelihood Promotion Cell (KLPC) continued its business development services to around 280 members, and 98 new members initiated additional income-generating strategies such as poultry, dairy and non-farm-related enterprises. market links are well established both at the local as well as regional level and during the year the products reached 4,210 farmers in the region. The production details of the units are: 1,185 kg of Trichoderma viride, 400 kg of Paeciliomyces (Bionematicide) and 300 kg of Beauveria by the Elayathendral group; 1420 kg of Pseudomonas fluorescens by Durga group; 3,3�6 kg of biofertilisers by Jhansi Rani group, 1,600 kg of VAm by Puduvai group,

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600 cc of Trichogramma, 1,000 packets of NT and 1,000 bottles of Cryptolaemus and Scymnus by Kavikuzil group. The annual turnover of the handmade paper unit (Jhansi Rani group) was Rs 2.�5 lakh and it generated 1,800 labour days. The groups involved in the ecoenterprises and KLPC activities were audited by an external auditor and the report was submitted to the executive committee of the Federation. Cluster models of dairy farming integrating technical and market links were tried in two hamlets covering 60 households and village-wise collective marketing has been promoted through tie-ups with private dairy companies.

On-farm livelihoods

Facilitating on-farm livelihoods among small and marginal farmers was institutionalised through RSAPCOL. The total strength of the shareholders is �56, organised into 45 farmer groups. The certified organic farming in Thonimalai has been integrated with RSAPCOL and members have been subscribed as shareholders in the company. Awareness meetings were carried out in the villages on the concept of the farmers’-owned company and its activities in 30 hamlets in the block; 16 new groups have been formed. Training and capacity building programmes were organised for the Board of Directors on management aspects, especially on facilitating services such as input, technical, market, financial and insurance services. Resourceful farmers were identified and trained to act as service providers to the farmers and links between the farmers and company.

Inputs worth Rs 8,00,000, which covered seeds of maize, cotton and tomato, micronutrients, pesticides, pheromone traps and bio products, were facilitated.

On the technical end, soil testing was carried out in the fields of 128 farmers. An interaction meeting was organised on the use of balanced as well as soil test-based nutrients with the collaboration of the District Soil Testing Laboratory. Demonstration was carried out in 10 farmers’ fields for precision farming in banana and vegetables and SRI was facilitated among 45 farmers covering 54 acres. Need-based technical advisories were given to �20 farmers, mainly on micronutrient deficiencies, pest and disease control, use of growth regulators, etc. Apart from that, training through demonstration, interactive discussion, field exposure, etc., was organised on micronutrient management in maize, cotton and coconut, improved technologies on banana cultivation, organic farming methods, pepper and coffee harvesting and post-harvest processing. Also addressed were integrated pest management (IPm) methods on coconut (especially rhinoceros and red palm weevil management), cotton and vegetables, and the use of biological inputs in cotton, vegetables, mulberry and banana. The training component covered 2,300 trainee days in the reporting period. A total number of �1 farmers (60 men and 11 women) were linked to government schemes, with a value of Rs 52.6 lakh.

Under the life-long learning (L3) initiative, focus was on specific learning around access to credit, open distance learning (ODL) on

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technical issues by adopting strategies such as print-based courses through Seithisolai, web-based learning and voice mails. Seithisolai has been reaching 3,000 farmers in the region. With regard to print-based learning, three courses were completed and the fourth is on-going. The first course was on micronutrient management from march to June 2010 and it received responses from 235 (m: 123, F: 112) farmers. This awareness and learning was facilitated into practice by organising the necessary inputs and providing need-based technical services based on field situations. During the year 3 tonnes of micronutrients sale was done for maize, cotton, coconut and vegetables. The second course focused on the use of biofertilisers and received responses from �69 learners (m: 450, F: 319) . As part of the course structure, face-to-face training with interested respondents (226 farmers) was carried out. Consequent to this, during the season the utilisation of biofertiliser increased and around 1,000 kg was sold within the season itself. The third course was focused on the use of biocontrol agents, and responses were received from 810 learners (m: 560, F: 250). The major lesson learnt was that knowledge needs to be combined with access to inputs and subsequent need-based technical services to promote the adoption rate of the technology. In the print-based ODL, women farmers and marginal farmers with less education were supported through VKC animators and other family members.

Considering the relevance and need, a new website www.L3farmerstamilnadu.com has been initiated under L3 project activities,

since the earlier website www.oddanchatram market.com provided only market details. The new website has been launched to enable self-learning among farmers through sharing learning materials and need-based information.. The contents are in the local language and the website provides learning materials, farmers’ experience on different technologies, weather and market information, etc. Forty-eight self-learning materials on different crops have been developed and around 2� of them were uploaded after quality checking. In order to ensure financial sustainability and self-sustenance, advertisement has been planned with farming-related input agencies and companies. As part of enabling access to farmers, an information kiosk was placed in the Pandiyan Grama Bank branch at Kannivadi in January 2011, which was inaugurated by the General manager and Regional manager of the bank. The bank has online facility which helps the farmer to use other relevant websites to access market and need-based information. Canara Bank has shown interest in this concept and a proposal has been submitted to establish two such facilities in the Canara Bank branches in the block.

With regard to mobile-based learning, 311 (m: 211, F: 100) farmers were mobilised to obtain the Green SIm card for voice mail.

Under financial services, loans were extended in three phases to inculcate financial literacy among farmers, and 100 per cent repayment was realised. During this period around 234 farmers availed credit support for an amount of Rs. 1�.5 lakh. As a next step, these farmers

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were linked to bank loans; so far 60 farmers have been linked to the bank for crop/dairy loan to the tune of around Rs. 30 lakh. here, joint liability group approach was adopted while facilitating the loans to ensure repayment. In order to facilitate the credit-specific learning, a combination of approaches have been adopted like print- and web-based learning, face-to-face training and interaction, exposure visits, cross visits to farmers’ fields, etc. Work is ongoing to link another 160 farmers with banks.

On the marketing front, though it was planned for lemon, coconut, vegetables and milk, focus could be only on maize and pepper value chains. The monopoly of the village-level middlemen who provide credit for seed and crop cultivation has been the major constraint, apart from labour (loading and unloading) issues. Around 52 tonnes of maize were marketed and that of 8 tonnes of pepper is on the anvil. In order to facilitate marketing, buyer and seller meetings were organised for maize, cotton and pepper which helped the farmers to better understand the issues and points to be considered during collective marketing. For marketing support, NABARD was approached under the umbrella programme on natural resource management to enable the participation of small holders in the value chain; Rs. 6 lakh was received as loan with 9 per cent interest for a period of six months from February 2011. Efforts were taken to bring weather-based crop insurance to the members and awareness meetings were organised in four villages with 200 farmers.

Nineteen Farmers’ Clubs in the region have been registered with NABARD and 15 are under the process. The clubs have completed the base level orientation programme and one training programme based on their needs. Apart from that, the clubs have listed out the common activities which can be taken up at the village level, with the focus on conserving the common property resources and facilities related to farming.

The Federation recently established partnership with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to train 1,500 farmers on seed production technology in major crops such as rice, maize, cotton, onion, tomato and groundnut through Open and Distance Learning approaches. In this initiative, a baseline survey was completed with 150 (m: 110, F: 40) farmers in the region. A detailed gender analysis was carried out among the men and women in 3 villages and a gender action plan was prepared for integrating gender in the planning and implementation phases.

Community informatics

The centres under RSAPCOL have been facilitating and providing major services to the local village communities such as linking entitlement schemes, improving the quality of life, enhancing capabilities, strengthening livelihoods and physical infrastructure and services. In order to facilitate the learning among farmers and agricultural labourers, modern ICTs like print, web and mobile phones (voice mail based) based learning approaches have been adopted.

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Under linkages to entitlements schemes, last year the centres linked 361 men and 3�8 women with different schemes of the government, mostly related to social security and the public distribution system and the value of the linkages was Rs 4.6 lakh.

To enhance the capabilities of the local communities, the centres have been regularly facilitating community-based ICT-enabled functional literacy to illiterate women and men, and skill training on computer to children and youth. Last year the functional literacy programme was carried out in � centres among socially and economically disadvantaged sections of the communities. Towards this, 34 awareness meetings were carried out of which 25 were among women and 9 among men. As a follow up this year, 396 adults (92 men and 204 women) become functionally literate. Apart from individual learner’s content, the centres prepared 1,409 general contents in a gender-sensitive manner to facilitate the learning among adult learners. The functional literacy study has been selected as a case study by the United Kingdom Open University.

With regard to services to strengthen livelihoods, the centres provide need-based local information like market prices, input prices, weather forecasts, and agriculture and livestock advisories. Integrated agro advisories for six districts (Dindigul, madurai, Theni, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga) in the southern zone of Tamil Nadu are regularly developed in English and Tamil and disseminated as part of the

agro-meteorological field unit of Kannivadi. These have been uploaded in the website of India meteorological Department (ImD). The average weather conditions in the region for 8 years were analysed and a weather calendar prepared for the region. New research initiatives were started on yield forecasting for rice and maize in two districts in the southern zone of Tamil Nadu with the support of ImD using space-, agro-meteorology- and land-based observations. The selected crops are based on the total area under cultivation and production in the districts — rice in madurai and maize in Dindigul district were chosen. The time series data on climate, area and production for the two crops in the selected districts were collected and planned for field experiments.

The centres also provide services like photo editing, cell phone downloads, cell phone recharges, access to internet, etc., which brings an income of around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per month per centre.

Three new centres have been initiated during the reporting period. Four centres received broad band connectivity. Exploratory field surveys were carried out to improve the connectivity among VKCs with the support of private organisations, and the use of radio frequency is under consideration. Need assessment has been institutionalised among all the centres and 123 need-assessment meetings were carried out among different sections of the community during the year. As a sequel to the known needs of the members, 52 new contents have been generated. With

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regard to the users of the centres, 6,639 men and 5,388 women accessed the centres; 6 centres are located in Dalit hamlets/colonies.

Six capacity-building programmes for the animators were carried out based on the needs expressed by them on content preparation, centre management and facilitating learning among adult members. Apart from these activities, three women farmers’ clubs have been mobilised and organised by the centres, and have been linked to NABARD. With regard to sustainability of the centres, efforts have been continued on strengthening income-generation strategies. Apart from mobile services and electricity bill payments, input services of RSAPCOL have been extended through the centres as a test strategy, especially for seeds and biological products among five centres.

402.2 Pudukottai

The bio-industrial watershed programme being implemented in Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu, covers the Thalinji, Ennai and the Kaduvampatti panchayats of Illupur block in the Upper Vellar watershed area 4A2B6a6. Of the 50� ha in the project village, the project has covered 236.6 ha, reaching 489 of the 69� agrarian families.


Preliminary work for a community-managed rehabilitation of the open wells at Kalingikalam and melapannaikalam, covering 2� ha benefiting 24 families, is in progress with the collection of Rs.1.5 lakhs from the Watershed Development Fund. Twelve acres has been brought under orchard plantation with an assurance of 65 per cent subsidy for micro irrigation from the horticulture Department. The other major work has been the rehabilitation of Karunkulam, a rain-fed tank ecosystem pond with a waterspread area of 6280 m2 benefiting 49 families cultivating 1� acres, with Rs.51,000/- raised from the Watershed Development Fund. A command area integrated farm pond and two individual farm ponds to store runoff rainwater for life-saving irrigation for paddy in 5 acres was developed on an integrated farm mode.

Vegetation cover on common land was increased with planting of native trees of orchard and fuel species.

Using GIS, 1� satellite maps for 838 cadastral numbers of farmers of Ennai, Thalinji and Kaduvampatti panchayats and a handbook on Community Participatory Land Information System (CPLIS) to equip farmers for better land use planning have been prepared.

Place No. of No. of Acres Farmer’s Forest Dept farmers trees contribution (Rs.) (Rs) Agroforestry Thalinji 19 5000 25 45,000 9�,000 Species Ennai 2 600 4 2400Nhm Species Ennai 28 5120 32 48,000 1�9,200

Table 4.1 Details of trees planted

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Participatory Technology Development (PTD) on SRI has been suitably adapted to a Farmer Friendly System of Rice Intensification (FFSRI) with the participation of 86 farmers adopting it on ��.53 acres. Soil health cards were distributed to �2 farmers; through convergence with the horticulture Department, ten tonnes of vermicompost and �0 kg of bio-fertilisers were distributed to �0 farmers.


Three trials on line sowing method of blackgram cultivation with appropriate integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management practices are being conducted on 5 acres by � farmers in Neivaipatti, Thalinji and Ennai. Similarly, a paddy variety trial on an acre is also in progress on the performance of four traditional varieties: Aruvathankuruvai, Sivappukurivikar, Osvukuthan, and Gangabalu.

Farmers’ Field School is conducted with technical guidance from Kudumbam. Eighty-six farmers have attended three Farmers’ Field School sessions. Production of bio-inputs like herbal pesticides and growth promoters has been initiated with nearly 50 farmers utilising them

Technology diffusion and knowledge dissemination

The VKC operating at Thalinji since 2009 has this year enrolled 14 students, inclusive of 5 women, for computer literacy, the highlight being immediate placement of 2 persons; 18 people have been imparted functional literacy.

Through custom hiring of farm machineries and related services, the VKC earned Rs.5�, 185/-, catering to 103 farmers. A study initiated during the samba season of 2009-2010 to evaluate whether there is any difference in the yield due to usage and non-usage of information given by the mini observatory showed that there was a clear indication that farmers who take into account the information for planning are able to show better profit. This year, 333 people, of which 89 were women, accessed the VKC. To serve as role models, a community technical resource group has been formed and the capacity of the members upgraded. In this context, �0 women have been trained in FFSRI nursery preparation and transplantation, 1� farmers in sustainable agriculture and SRI, 5 farmers in fodder cultivation, 5 farmers in pedal pump use and 25 farmers in the management of agricultural machineries.

Livelihoods

Some of the livelihood activities introduced are sheep rearing for marginal and landless women and engagement of women in water structure, fodder cultivation, etc. 26 women from two WShGs purchased 5 sheep per member with Rs.1,30,000 loan from bank, Rs.2,34,000 from project support, and their contribution of Rs.39,000.The repayment amount from the project is utilised as a revolving loan.

A value chain study has been conducted to come up with the best fit model for the Upper Vellar watershed area. Currently, SRI paddy is being cultivated in 1�5 acres, with an average yield of 1.4 tonnes/ acre, which is expected to

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increase to about 200-250 acres in a year. For pulses, the existing scale is 60 acres, expected to reach to about 100 acres by next year.


The project has facilitated 8 grass-roots organisations and under this 34 units have been set up with 581 members from the three panchayats of which 249 are women.

Gender in BIWS

The project right from its inception places importance on gender disaggregated data, as it enables the project team to constantly evaluate whether the processes employed remain holistic and are gender inclusive. Women with enhanced knowledge in group and development processes participate in grass-roots organisations such as ShGs, Farmers’ Groups and occupy leadership positions. The president of VKC committee is a woman.

On the practical side, the watershed development initiatives have significantly reduced the drudgery of women of fetching water by 3 hours a day. Women who rear cattle find enough fodder. The ponds, especially the community pond, provide safe and secure places for women to bathe and wash clothes.

Capacity building of stakeholders

Capacity building training has been given to 568 stakeholders, including 205 women, covering topics like pest management, horticultural species, vermicomposting, micro enterprises, leadership, etc. The Community

Learning and Resource Centre prepared 45 modules on agriculture, livestock and human health. Yield data from paddy fields of farmers who practise technically-sound, environmentally-sustainable methods of farming are collected and compared with that of conventional farming, to motivate farmers to adopt improved farming practices.


mGNREGS has been effectively utilised in the 3 panchayats falling within the project area to streamline natural resources management, especially the water resources which have been mapped. Work like desilting ponds, lakes, community wells, farm ponds and repairing drainage lines was undertaken to the tune of Rs. 41.68 lakh and it provided 39,668 and 8,181 days of work for women and men, respectively. In addition, specific project like deepening of the upstream of the channel near the check dam constructed by the project was undertaken through mGNREGS, involving more than 400 and 100 days of work for women and men, respectively, with the project cost of Rs.42.16 lakh.

Thirty-one farmers inclusive of � men — majority are women — received credit from the Indian Overseas Bank for purchase of cows, of which 15 received assistance for 2 animals each.

The 34 grass-roots organisations facilitated have bank accounts and have had financial transactions and they are credit worthy,

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as regular accounts and bookkeeping are maintained ,to the standard of DRDA. Around Rs.�.85 lakh was leveraged from various government departments for farm ponds, recharge soak pits, check dams, saplings, seeds, medicines, etc. Support from PRI resulted in cleaning of channels, deepening of tanks, electricity connections for Rs.42, 16, 000/- and also provided labour for 48,329 days.

The highlight of this process has been the fact that for interventions worth Rs.11,18,000, the community has contributed Rs.1,34,000, ensuring sustainable maintenance and management.

Integration of bioenergy

The community-managed decentralised biomass energy system to provide rural energy, including electrification, a pilot initiative project, is being implemented at Pudukottai district, with the active involvement of the community within the BIWS project area. Baseline survey was carried out to determine the current energy consumption pattern, resource mapping and seasonal availability of fuel. Survey studies and discussion with the community members have indicated that firewood is a major source of meeting household energy requirements for cooking and heating purposes.

As Prosopis juliflora is abundantly available, a study was undertaken on its value chain to understand the different uses Prosopis juliflora is found growing not only on community lands but also in the farmers’ fields, who allow its growth for subsequent sale to fuelwood

traders. The harvested materials are both locally utilised as well as 10 to 15 tonnes on an average are sent to places such as Tirupur, Coimbatore and Tiruchi. Similar studies were also carried out to understand the current trade in neem seed.

To strengthen the availability of biomass for the proposed biomass gasification system for electricity generation and for creating green belts in the project area, tree planting has been undertaken around the tank foreshore area, and in fallow fields and community lands, with the support of the horticultural and Forest Departments. At the Pudukottai project site, �,116 tree saplings have been distributed as part of this initiative.

To understand the process and status of existing gasifier units established earlier under the ministry for New and Renewable Energy (mNRE) programme by the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA), visits and discussions were held with the community who availed the scheme and also with the experts and vendors associated with this programme. One of the major reasons for the non-optimal running of such units is related to the management of such units. To avoid similar pitfalls in the proposed unit at the project site, elaborate discussions and methods are being evolved in participation with the community and stakeholders while drawing up the exact requirements and specifications for the unit and the ultimate usage by the community. It is proposed that the power generation would be primarily used for irrigation. Discussions have been initiated with the manufacturers

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and suppliers of gasifier units and others working in this sector for implementing the project in a partnership mode with the aim of demonstrating the operationability of small-scale decentralised community-based biomass energy systems.


hill Regions403.1 Koraput

Six villages are covered under the bioindustrial watershed interventions implemented in Boipariguda block, Koraput District, Odisha.


This year, 3 water-harvesting structures, 6 farm ponds, 22 recharge wells, one diversion weir and one check dam were built, besides augmenting the natural perennial stream which helped in enhancing the irrigation potential of 278.5 acres, thus benefiting 176 farmers.

Streamlining of irrigation through use of pumps from natural surface water storage bodies has resulted in converting 102 acres of fallow land on which farmers are now cultivating groundnut, maize, ragi and vegetables and improving their food security. Two Water Users’ Groups are responsible for sustainable management through maintenance and judicious distribution of water.

As part of water and soil conservation, collaborative work with the Forest Department was undertaken on a deforested hillock in Kadamguda village. Nearly �,000 saplings,

mostly Simarouba glauca in addition to Cassia siamea, Dalbergia sissoo, Tectona grandis, Pongamia pinnata etc., were planted to afforest the area. Forty staggered trenches were made on 10 acres of the hillock to arrest further soil erosion. The management responsibility has been entrusted with the 8 households living near the hillock, with clear usufruct benefits given to the community. The group mohuli maa Kadamguda Users also raised nearly 1,000 seedlings towards this effort.

Through convergence with the minor Irrigation Department, a diversion weir was built with an outlay of Rs. �5 lakh, ensuring assured irrigation for ten months over an area of 52 acres supporting 32 farm families to increase cultivation of mixed vegetables and other crops.

Introduction of summer ploughing last year was accepted by farmers who are regularly doing it as a pre-monsoon activity and currently 158 acres are being ploughed. Compartmental bunding saw the farmers bear 50 per cent of the cost of bunding on 31 acres and through own funding on 10 acres.

Utilising GIS, digital cadastral boundary, geo data base maps and intervention maps to depict changes over the period, with spatial distribution of water resources interventions and changing pattern of groundnut cultivation, have been prepared.


Groundnut, introduced as a new crop earlier in 200� for cultivation during late rabi season, has now stabilised after some fluctuations with

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94 farmers cultivating it on 116 acres. The yield is an average � qtl with an average net income of Rs. 8000/- per acre. Linkage has been established with the Seed Corporation of the Government of Odisha for a buy-back agreement of groundnut seeds. measures are in the pipeline for bringing together groundnut farmers for leveraging marketing tie-ups.

hybrid maize was cultivated by 42 farmers on 52 acres, yielding an average production of 20,000 cobs per acre, fetching a net average income of Rs. 10,000/- per acre. The yield in local maize varieties is low as the cob size remains within 3-4 inches with unfilled grains. however, the size of hybrid maize cob is larger, measuring up to 9-10 inches, with completely filled grains; the weight is 3-4 times that of the local variety. While the hybrid maize cobs are sold at Re. 1.00 to Rs. 2.00 each; the local cobs are sold at 3-4 pieces per rupee.

Pipla (Piper longum), a medicinal plant whose roots have immense market potential, is slowly gaining popularity with farmers and currently 16 farmers are cultivating it on about 13.9 acres. Though the gestation period is lengthy, with an average production of 6 qtl per acre and a net income of Rs. 1.5 lakh per acre, farmers are finding it profitable. Through the project, intercropping is introduced to offset the financial loss during the long gestational period.

millet varieties like GPU 26 & 48 and Neelanchal were introduced in the farmers’ fields. The 200 per cent increase in productivity has gradually resulted in 36 farmers taking up cultivation on

42.5 acres. Similarly, spine gourd (Assam) cultivation is being taken up by 39 farmers on 3 acres, as the yield per acre is 100 kg and each kilo is sold for Rs.20/-.

mixed vegetable cropping has become popular and is now being adopted by 32 farmers on 3� acres. Vegetables are grown by malliguda farmers from June to march/April. The crop is irrigated through a minor irrigation diversion weir project constructed by the State government. The cultivators are able to realise an income of Rs. 25,000/- per half acre per season and two crops are raised in a year for the mixed cultivation while mono cropping on 30 acres fetches an income of Rs. 12,000/- per half acre. This has ensured that the cultivators are able to have access to vegetables almost six to ten months of a year. A total of 164 farmers cultivated high-yielding paddy on 345 acres, resulting in 40 per cent increase in productivity.

Livelihoods

Diversified livelihood activities have been introduced in the villages after studying the potential of the livelihood as well as the expressed needs of the ShGs. Such livelihoods are supported by granting loans to groups to take up individual or group-based activities with or without collective marketing. Some of these diversified secondary income-generating activities, such as poultry, goat rearing, mushroom cultivation, Sal (Shorea robusta) leaves collection, Siali (Bauhinia vahlii) leaf plate making, etc., have helped enhance the livelihoods of the needy and asset-less women and men.

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As of now, backyard poultry farming has proved to be a profitable option for 77 stakeholders, who were provided 315 Vanaraja chicks at subsidised rates; they managed to sell them at three times the rate. The mSSRF Community Bank granted Rs.1, 35, 000/- as loan to 48 members from 4 ShGs for sheep and goat rearing, of which the members have already repaid Rs.51, 804/-. To ensure maximum profitability from such interventions, animals are insured and linked up for regular visits from the veterinary department.

Another secondary livelihood option has been making leaf plates with Siali (Bauhinia vahlii). Leaf plates are in high demand for daily usage and ceremonial purposes. Initially one ShG was involved in leaf plate making and now 3 more ShGs have been trained for better storage and stitching of leaf plates. Currently their income is Rs.3385/-. The women are also being helped to engage themselves for short periods in the collection of non-timber forest produce like Kendu (Beedi- Diospyros melonoxylon) leaves, Sal (Shorea robusta) flowers, tamarind, and wild fruits, thus earning an additional income as these products have good demand in the weekly markets and nearby villages.

mushroom cultivation had been introduced to maa hundi Takurani ShG of Bebartaguda village in 2008, but could not succeed due to non-availability of straw. Looking at the availability of straw at Boliguda, the maa Sitala ShG comprising 16 women were initiated into mushroom cultivation as an additional livelihood. The group has started cultivating

oyster mushroom and, with an initial group loan, has put up a shed. This has helped the women supplement their income.

In addition to all the secondary activities, a larger scale-up option is being planned for farmers’ core group of on-farm livelihood activities, with farmers collectively marketing their produce, to reduce production cost, minimise cost implications in market transactions and maximise realisation. Such an initiative will be helpful to farmers in providing end-to-end service, right from procurement of farm input materials to provision of credit, insurance, technical assistance, capacity building, and selling the produce to a more profitable market.

A value chain study has been conducted to come up with the best fit model for Koraput where vegetables and groundnut farmers seem to have the maximum potential for collective efforts. The existing scale of the vegetables is about 100 acres with yield of 35t/ acre annually, whereas the scale for groundnut is 130 acres having yield of 0.� t/ acre. It is planned to increase the vegetable cultivation to an area of 150-200 acres that will bring volume to the tune of 5,200-�,000 tonnes. Similarly, groundnut is expected to be cultivated in an area of more than 300 acres with about 250 tonnes of annual production.

Technology and knowledge dissemi-nation

Beginning with the installation of a mini agro-meteorological station at the Koraput mSSRF campus, process is on to install another at the

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watershed site to provide real-time weather-based advisories. A Village Knowledge Centre has been established in Tolla village through the support of the mP-Local Area Development funds of Professor m.S. Swaminathan and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, mumbai. The VKC functions as a nodal point for convergence of watershed activities, disseminating crop-based advisories, conducting trainings and also playing a role in improving the functional literacy of the area.

The capacity and skills of the people have been upgraded through training workshops, exposure visits, distribution of information leaflets, etc. Information on package of practices for various crops was distributed. The total training days for this year was 3,264, with 1,252 women and 2,012 men attending the training.


An overall watershed committee has been facilitated with members being drawn from all representatives. In this context, this year a federation of the 15 ShGs comprising 10 women’s ShGs and 5 men’s ShGs is on the anvil for collective production, value addition and marketing. The total savings of the groups is about Rs. 2 lakh; 4 ShGs have received Rs.20,000/- from the DRDA, Koraput; and Rs.14, 85,343/- as credit has been received from banks for micro-enterprise and livelihoods activities. Through a series of promotional meetings with the existing ShGs and community members and with the consent of the representatives of ShGs, it is planned to register a Cooperative Society,

with the process of preparing the by-laws and production of required documents in progress.


This District Advisory Committee met two times and has enabled networking with the line departments. Through this, multi-slot divisors to measure soil erosion were installed with the help of the Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute. Schemes and funds worth over Rs.90 lakh could be channelised from various government departments for watershed and village development activities for roads, bridges, seed support, vermicompost pits, seed kits, fruit tree saplings (Nhm), forest tree saplings, micro-irrigation systems, farm ponds, check dam, etc. Watershed work to the tune of Rs.8, 38,960/-, providing labour days for �,5�� men and 6,539 women were completed effectively utilising mGNREGS.

Integration of bioenergy

The project on communi ty-managed decentralised biomass energy systems to provide rural energy, including electrification, is being implemented in the Tolla watershed area on a pilot basis since April 2010. Baseline data of the village was collected to assess the energy utilisation and demand of the households. Available biomass in the village, the total woody biomass available and the diversity of species available as biomass were mapped. In addition to these, the quantum of crop residues seasonally available after the

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harvest of the crops was also assessed. It was found that each household consumes nearly 80 kg of firewood per week and this demand is met by collection of dry wood branches and twigs by the villagers. Studies were also carried out to understand the operational and maintenance issues of the three gasifier units installed by the Department of Forests in Kathraguda panchayat of Koraput and for further addressing the operational concerns related to the implementation of this project.

maliguda hamlet of Tolla revenue village has been identified for the installation of a gasifier. To meet the requirement of the firewood for the gasifier, fast-growing species like Bauhinia variegata, Leucaena leucocephala, Peltophorum ferrugineum, Cassia siamea, Samanea saman, Gmelina arborea, Gliricidia sepium and Sesbania grandiflora have been identified as potential species and their plantation has been taken up in 3.5 acres during this year, to be extended to 15 acres. Linkages are in process with the Orissa Rural Energy Department Agency (OREDA) for setting up the unit.


Land-Lab-Land LinkagesThe IPm laboratory at Chennai mainly focused on the biological control of American bollworm Helicoverpa armigera using less explored botanical Morinda citrifolia, as well as the control of mealy bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus using entomopathogens, Beauveria bassiana and Nomuraea rileyi. It has developed

cost-effective formulations of B. bassiana and N. rileyi. The prey-predator potential of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus coccivora and the effect of pesticides on the predators have been studied. Phosphate solubilising bacteria has been isolated from vertisols and explored for their pesticidal and antimicrobial activity. The physical, chemical and biological properties of soil from different bio-industrial watershed sites were studied. Training programmes on the importance of soil analysis and distribution of soil health cards were carried out.

Biological control of different stages of Helicoverpa armigera using crude extracts of less explored medicinal plant, Morinda citrifolia

Adult longevity, fecundity and egg hatcha-bility of H. armigera: Ten per cent solution of hexane, petroleum ether, dichloromethane, chloroform, methanol and water extracts of M. citrifolia were made in sugar solution with the respective solvents as given above, which was fed to the adult moths, and the longevity, fecundity and hatchability aspects were checked. Solvent control (10 per cent) and 10 per cent sugar solution (normal control) were also maintained. Longevity of the moths, egg-laying and hatchability were recorded. Triplicates were maintained for each treatment and the data analysed statistically using Agres package version 4.

In general, the longevity of adult moths varied from 4 to 12 days between treatments. With the solvent control, the adults lived longer 6.1 - 8.6� days. In M. citrifolia treatments, an

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early adult mortality (4 days) was observed with methanol extract, followed by cold water extract (5 days), petroleum ether extract (5.25 days) and boiled water extract (6.55 days). hexane extract treated adults survived for a longer period (10.3 days) compared to other extracts. In general, there was a wide variation in the fecundity among different treatments. Among all the treatments, petroleum ether extract resulted in reduced fecundity (116.3 nos), which was followed by cold water extract (223 nos) and hot water extract (254.3 nos). The highest hatchability percentage (91.6�) was recorded with normal control, whereas it was in the range of 26.65 to 6�.64 per cent in other treatments. The egg hatchability was suppressed by hexane extract (50.02 per cent) and dichloromethane extract (5�.0� per cent), despite the induction in egg laying.

Growth inhibition of larvae: The third instar larvae were bio-assayed using 1) normal diet + extract, 2) normal diet + solvent and 3) normal diet (control). Larval length (cm), larval weight (mg), larval duration (days), pupation (per cent), pupal weight (mg), pupal length (cm), pupal duration (days) and moth emergence (per cent) were recorded. Comparison between the different treatments revealed that least pupation (40 per cent) was observed in methanol extract. Larval weight was least in methanol (221 mg), followed by petroleum ether (236 mg) and boiled water extract (236 mg). The highest weight was recorded in hexane extract treatment (330 mg). The larval length was more or less similar in all the treatments, which ranged from

2.0 - 2.3 cm except for cold water extract (2.4 cm), whereas the length of healthy larvae was 2.3 cm. The pupal duration seems to be higher in cold water extract (14.5 days) with 53.3 per cent malformed pupa and adult emergence. The pupal weight was lower in petroleum ether extract (0.332 mg), followed by cold water (0.352 mg) and hot water extract (0.362 mg), as against the untreated control (0.394 mg). Though the larvae were able to pupate, in most of the treatments the adults could not emerge from the pupa. Percentage of malformed and dead moths was also high: in methanol extract (100 per cent) followed by cold water extract (53.3 per cent), petroleum ether extract (33.4 per cent) and hexane extract (40 per cent).

Effect of insecticides on the prey-predator relationship between Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus coccivora on Maconellicoccus hirsutus

Mass rearing of M. hirsutus: M. hirsutus cultures were collected from the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI), mysore. mealy bugs were reared in the laboratory on pumpkin fruit collected from Kannivadi. Fleshy pumpkins (approximately 2.5 kg) were taken and soaked in carbendazim 0.5 per cent for one minute and dried in the shade. Pumpkins were maintained at 30º C. The pumpkins were placed in large wire-mesh containers over stainless steel stands and kept in insect-proof conditions as the mealy bugs secrete honey which invariably attracts ants. The insect culture was maintained at room temperatures ranging from 2� to 30° C with relative humidity of 40-50 per cent. Ovisacs

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of healthy adults were collected with the help of camel-hair brush and transferred to a fresh pumpkin in the laboratory, and the eggs were allowed to hatch and multiply. The crawlers move along the burlap and settle. In a month time, the mealy bugs began to cover the entire surface of the pumpkin.

The coccinellid predators, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus coccivora were mass multiplied in the laboratory by following standard procedures and used for the management of pink hibiscus mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus.

Impact of commercial ly- important pesticides on the predators: The pesticides neem (0.2 per cent), chlorpyriphos (0.05 per cent), endosulfan (0.008 per cent), malathion (0.0� per cent), and cypermethrin (0.005 per cent) (calculation of concentrations were based on field recommendation) were sprayed on hibiscus leaves. C. montrouzieri adults and grubs and S. coccivora adults were released. They were exposed for 45 minutes on petri plates. Then they were released on separate containers. S. coccivora adults were fed with agar-agar diet and C. montrouzieri grubs were fed with 50 per cent honey solution. The mortality rate of the predator adults and grubs was monitored at 24, 48, �2 and 96 hours. The data were analysed using Agres package by Version 4. Untreated adults and grubs were also maintained to compare the mortality rates.

Among the different pesticides tested on C. montrouzieri adults, the least toxic

(26.6 per cent) effect was recorded in chlorpyriphos even after 96 hours. This was followed by endosulfan which resulted in zero per cent mortality in �2 hours and (33.3 per cent) in 96 hours. Neem registered gradual increase in mortality showing (33.3 per cent) after 96 hours. The highest mortality (100 per cent) was observed in cypermethrin within 48 hours.

In C. montrouzieri grubs, the least toxic pesticides observed were endosulfan and chlorpyriphos (20 per cent) mortality in 96 hours, while malathion caused highest mortality (86.6 per cent) in �2 hours. For S. coccivora adults, the results showed that no pesticide was safe. The mortality of pesticides was registered as chlorpyriphos (100 per cent) in 24 hours, malathion (100 per cent) in �2 hours, cypermethrin (100 per cent) in �2 hours, neem and endosulfan (86.6 per cent) in 96 hours.

The results proved that endosulfan and chlorpyriphos was found to be safe, while cypermethrin was toxic to C. montrouzieri adults. In case of C. montrouzieri grubs, chlorpyriphos, neem, endosulfan proved safe but malathion was toxic. In contrast, no pesticide was found to be safe to S. coccivora adults.

Prey-predator potential of the predator on mealy bugs: C. montrouzieri adults and S. coccivora adults were studied for prey-predator feeding behaviour and the adults were maintained in starved and unstarved conditions. The adults were starved for 45

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minutes and then they were released on mealy bugs. Their feeding potential was weighed and monitored for 1, 2 and 3 hours. In starved condition, C. montrouzieri and S. coccivora adults fed with 0.5 g mealy bug consumed 0.07 and 0.01 g in the first hour, while later it started declining as the time span increased. It was the reverse in unstarved condition. The consumption rate was slightly less compared to unstarved ones in both the predators taken up for study. The overall results proved that the consumption rate of C. montrouzieri and S. coccivora was better in starved than unstarved adults.

Biological control of different stages of pink hibiscus mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus using B. bassiana and N. rileyi

Spore suspension was prepared from 15-day old cultures of B. bassiana and N. rileyi on PDA medium. The fungal surface was scraped using a sterile loop with 10 ml of sterile distilled water having 0.02 per cent Tween 80 as a wetting agent. The suspension was then filtered through sterile muslin cloth to eliminate the medium. Spore concentration of the filtrate was determined using a Neubauer hemocytometer. This served as the stock suspension. Different spore concentrations were prepared by adding sterile 0.02 per cent Tween 80 in distilled water. Spore suspension of B. bassiana and N. rileyi at four different concentrations, 4.6 × 10�, 4.6 × 106, 4.6 × 105 and 4.6 × 104 spores/ml was prepared and tested for efficacy on third instar crawler of mealy bug, M. hirsutus. For bio-assay, spraying method was adopted.

Four different concentrations of fungal spore suspensions and controls (neem and chlorpyriphos) were sprayed on 3rd instar of M. hirsutus. Twenty crawlers each were used for three replications. Untreated check was also maintained. The mortality was recorded at 24-hour intervals up to six days and the per cent mortality was worked out. The data were analysed statistically using Agres package version 3.01.

The data on mealy bug population after spray revealed that all the fungicidal treatments recorded significantly lower mealy bug population than untreated control. Each treatment was replicated thrice. B. bassiana at highest concentration (4.6 x 10�) at 144 hours was most effective and recorded 96.6 per cent mortality, while its lowest concentration (4.6 x 104) at 144 hours recorded 55.0 per cent mortality. N. rileyi was also equally effective, resulting in 86.6 per cent mortality at the highest concentration and 51.6 per cent mortality in the least concentration after 144 hours.

Cost-effective formulations of B. bassiana and N. rileyi: Compatibility test: All the five antioxidants viz., PVP, glycerol, PVP+ glycerol, Aloe vera oil and sunflower oil at 5 per cent were compatible with the fungi, B. bassiana and N. rileyi, with spore load, in the range 0.953-1.825 x 106

Effect of UV and temperature: The effect of different temperatures (2�, 3� and 5�0 C) and UV radiations (short wavelength) on the

11�


spore load of the fungi was analysed. All the formulations recorded better spore count than the control.

Bioassay: Bioassay of the formulations on the two fungi on the target pest M. hirsutu, showed significantly higher mortality of the pest than the control. N. rileyi with 3 per cent sunflower oil emerged as the best treatment causing 96.6 per cent mortality after 144 hours. The two fungi proved to be slightly toxic to the useful pest, C. montrouzieri causing 20 per cent mortality. The mortality in M. hirsutus was high in the formulated fungi compared to unformulated conidia of B. bassiana and N. rileyi, explaining the compatibility of the two fungi with all the formulating agents used, with the best treatment being the gel formulation of N. rileyi with 3 per cent of sunflower oil (50 per cent mortality at 1 DAT and 96.66 per cent mortality at 6 DAT).

Mass multiplication of biopesticides

The mul t ip l ica t ion o f three spec ies of Trichogramma, namely, T. chilonis, T. japonicum and T. achaea, was continued and supplied to the field sites when required. Two hundred and fifty cc of Corcyra and 125 cc of Trichogramma have been multiplied during the year; and �5 cc of Corcyra and 30 cc of Trichogramma sent to Kannivadi. The promising entomopathogens — Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lecanii, Nomureae rileyi and Paecilomyces lilacinus — were also mass produced. This year different formulations such as liquid and gel were also attempted successfully.


Climate Change and Bioenergy InitiativesPISCES: Policy Innovation Systems for Clean Energy Security

Under the PISCES programme undertaken in India, 8 case studies have been identified covering various States and different biomass resources. Four case studies have already been completed. The case study from Nagaland focused on bamboo as a bioenergy resource, examining charcoal manufacturing as a means of livelihood diversification and mitigating energy poverty. The study assessed community-based biomass conservation practices to reduce pressure on trees and forests, carbon sequestration potential of bamboo, and charcoal making from bamboo as a critical adaptation and livelihood strategy. The case study looked into the data from Bamboo Development committees covering 11 districts of Nagaland under the categories of community lands, forest lands and individual lands.

The other case study pertained to the use of Sesbania as a biomass resource at Saran district, Bihar. The study focused on 200 farmers from 2� villages cultivating Sesbania in their fallow lands for additional income. The study essentially looked at the performance of micro power plants and their contribution to the local energy security, more particularly in terms of minor irrigation and domestic use. One of

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the major inferences from this case study has been that the effective use of fallow land and waterlogged land provides an opportunity to improve biodiversity, and soil and water conservation as well as to reduce GhG emissions. The other case study in malwa, the Punjab, found Eucalyptus plantation in water-logged agricultural land for electricity generation as an adaptation option and means of livelihood diversification. This case study focused on a market-mapping exercise and tried to understand the environment-adaptation-livelihood linkages.

The case study in Kothur v i l lage of mehabubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh focused on the use of Prosopis for charcoal making and the resultant livelihood and emission profile. The study summarised the disproportionate outcomes accrued by the rural poor in switching over to charcoal manufacturing in the lean agricultural season. The study also critically analysed numerous technologies deployed for production of charcoal and delineated trade routes through market- mapping exercises.

The mSSRF PISCES project team works closely with the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) to develop a State-centric bioenergy policy through the specially created policy working group, drawing expertise from TEDA, State Planning Commission, State Forest, Agriculture and Environment departments, and other academic institutes. A status report on the biofuel policies in other States like Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Uttarkhand, madhya Pradesh and Odisha

is being envisaged and work has been initiated.

Two working papers were published this year: the report on fuel wood status and the report on bioenergy resources in India. The findings of the malwa case study has been published in a research article in the South Asia Energy Network E-net magazine.

Strengthening capacity for pol icy research on mainstreaming adaptation to climate change in agriculture and water resources

This international collaborative project focuses on assessment of barriers in integrating adaptation concerns at both policy and operational levels and attempts to develop an adaptoin metric framework for monitoring the progress in mainstreaming adaptation in sectoral policies and operations in India, as part of the four country (India, malaysia, Vietnam and Japan) programme. Towards this end, a study was undertaken in five districts of Tamil Nadu falling under different agro-climatic zones. About 150 farmers were interviewed to understand their perception on how adaptation measures work at the ground level and the barriers they face in implementing them. The responses from the farming communities indicate that the largely-felt impacts due to climate change are increase in incidence of pests, decrease in soil fertility and decrease in water availability, all of which have affected crop production considerably. multi-criteria analysis methodology was used to assign score values for each adaptation measure and prioritise the barriers. A similar exercise would

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be carried out involving key stakeholders from the institutional agencies and policy makers in the next phase of the study.

India’s second national communication to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

This research project, funded by the ministry of Environment and Forestry as part of the national communication to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was completed during this year. This extensively studied the vulnerabilities of the fishing and agricultural communities, specifically using various participatory methodologies in the context of food security and livelihood security in selected areas along the east coast; an adaptation framework has been developed taking into account the projected scenarios of sea level rise in these areas.

Climate risk management

MSSRF has identified three areas, namely, social mobilisation, skill development and promotion of awareness, as critical elements in managing climate risks at the local level. Towards this end, a capacity building programme for Climate Risk managers at the local level has been put together. A draft training manual covering all aspects of climate science, impacts and case studies relating to risk management practices in different ecosystems has been prepared and pilot tested. The manual will be refined and published in various local languages. In the next phase in the coming year, it is envisaged to establish a dedicated training centre to train a cadre of master trainers in climate risk

management, through the recently approved ministry of Earth Sciences project on capacity building for climate risk management at the local level. These master trainers would in turn train a network of Climate Risk managers at the grass-roots level in selected agro-ecological zones across the country.

Policy dialogues on climate change

During the year, mSSRF in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) organised a regional consultation in Chennai on 8 November 2010 involving about 40 participants and discussed climate risks associated with food security, energy security, water and disasters in the region and the relevant community centered approaches to manage climate risks. The dialogue resulted in the Chennai Action Plan for policy makers, highlighting the need for people-centric, ecosystem-based approaches and methods to mainstream climate risk management in the development agenda. This document served as a key input to the subsequent “National Policy Dialogue on Climate Change: Linking Grassroots Actions to Policy Debate, Up-scaling, Knowledge Sharing and Science” held in Delhi on 12 November,2010. This national dialogue had wide stakeholder participation from various ministries, departments and academic institutes including the Prime minister’s office. The discussions were centered on mainstreaming some of the insights gained from the regional consultations into the various missions under the national action plan on climate change.

Programme Area 500

FooD SECURITy

The Report on the State of Food Insecurity in Urban India was released by Shri Jaipal Reddy, Minister for Urban Development, Government of India, in New Delhi on 25 September 2010. Other important research documents in English as well as in vernacular languages such as Marathi and Telugu were also published. Several efforts were taken to expand and strengthen field-level interventions aimed at promoting the food security of marginalised sections in Odisha, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

501 Research and Advocacy ............................................................................................. 123

502 Field-based Interventions ........................................................................................... 129

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Biopesticide production at village level Women farmers involved in contour bunding

Contributors to Village Seed-Gene-Grain Banks Community participation in the management of Grain Banks

Kitchen garden for enhanced nutrition security Release of the Report on Food Insecurity in Urban India

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F O O D S E C U R I T y

Programme Area 500

Food SecurityInitiatives to promote the food security of marginalised sections — women and children in any community as well as socially and economically deprived sections in society such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and landless labourers — have included specific focused interventions, capacity building of various stakeholders and research and advocacy. Empowering people has involved several interventions that enhance the capacity of the people for independent action in their own, and in the collective interest of society. Focused interventions have addressed one or more components of food security, namely, food availability or access or absorption. Capacity building has involved training, awareness sessions, information dissemination, demonstration, exposure visits, workshops, conferences, etc. Research directions have been twofold: to strengthen field-level interventions; and to look at food security from macro perspectives so as to reflect critically on current policies and provide inputs for appropriate policy formulation.

Sub Programme Area 501 Research and Advocacy501.1 Report on the State of Food Insecurity in Urban India

The Report on the State of Food Insecurity in Urban India was released by Shri Jaipal

Reddy, minister for Urban Development, Government of India, in New Delhi on 25 September 2010. The main concern of this Report has been on describing and analysing the status and challenge of urban food security in the contemporary context across the major States of India. Based on a comparative analytical picture of food insecurity across different States and a careful examination of the functioning of major government food distribution programmes, specific recommendations have been set forth for a food security policy that would lead to a hunger-free India. These include:

Introducing an Employment Guarantee Act in urban areas

Addressing the needs of smaller towns and municipalities in programmes and schemes such as National Urban health mission and Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal mission

Providing more power for urban local bodies in implementing food and nutrition programmes

Launching nutrition literacy movements and consumer cooperatives in urban areas

501.2 Ford Foundation Chair for Women and Sustainable Food Security

An advisory committee to the Ford Chair was set up, comprising experts in the areas of nutrition, statistics, gender, early childhood development, economics and people’s participation. In the first Advisory Committee meeting convened on 20 November 2010, the following points were highlighted:

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The Chair should focus on studying gender relations with regard to food security, since cultural construction of gender roles played a crucial role in determining the status and position of women.

As the Ford Chair is an integral part of the Programme Area of Food Security, health and nutritional issues should be central to its activities and its operational framework should cover gender and nutrition security with specific focus on vulnerable groups.

Social conditions like class, caste and gender should find a place in the nucleus of systems like food production, preparation, consumption and health and nutrition aspects.

Since women and children below two years of age fall in the priority group, the status of women in the household and the intra-household disparities in food distribution could be studied in detail. A cross-referencing of the previous studies could be taken up to derive information on gender dimensions in the study area. multiplicity of data available in NFhS 3 and NSS data can be taken up for scrutiny.

Current intervention in Odisha to improve the nutritional status of children below two years is essentially one of human resource development. Scaling up would involve building the capacity of various target groups and hence, the work should get translated into training modules.

Though several technical modules were available on nutrition and feeding of

young children, there were no ‘delivery modules’ dealing with social aspects and with a problem-solving approach that could provide a road map for reducing undernutrition.

Target groups for capacity building should include government functionaries (ICDS workers), NGOs, self-help groups and panchayat leaders.

Activities undertaken by the Ford Chair since November 2010 have been within this framework.

Research study on maternity entitlement

As has been reported in last year’s Annual Report, a research study was jointly undertaken by mSSRF, Public health Resource Network and Tamil Nadu Forum for Creche and Childcare Services to analyse the implementation of the Dr. muthulakshmi Reddy maternity Assistance Scheme (DmmAS) in Tamil Nadu. The scheme provides Rs 6000 for nutritional support to women during pregnancy and compensation for wages during delivery (only for the first two children). The utilisation of the scheme, its processes, problems and outcomes were studied in both rural and urban areas of Dharmapuri and Kanchipuram and covered 20� mothers, 32 village health nurses and 33 ICDS workers from both districts.

The key findings were:

DmmAS offered greater universality than schemes limited by the BPL framework by including women on the basis of a wide criteria. Poor women were not excluded

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and the number covered compared well with an estimation of how many children would be born to women below the poverty line.

�2 per cent of mothers were very young, in the age group of 18 to 25 years and 93 per cent had spouses working in the unorganised sector.

90 per cent of women had applied to the scheme during pregnancy and 9 per cent after delivery.

8� per cent had received the entire money in the first instalment while the rest got it in two instalments. All got the money post delivery.

All the women said that they were advised to take nutritious food during pregnancy and after delivery. however, there was a distinct lack of focus in linking the cash compensation with its objectives, especially the encouragement of exclusive breastfeeding and delaying going back to work. Though the scheme was to be administered by VhNs /ANms, only 15 per cent received information.

The money was primarily spent on medical expenses, food and savings and investments, respectively.

The major programmatic recommendation arising out of the study is that there should be no confusion between the objectives of the maternity entitlements scheme and other strategies such as institutional deliveries and supplementary nutrition. There should be

no conditionalities attached for availing the scheme, such as adherence to the two-child norm, and it should be fully universalised. The scheme should remain faithful to the main concept of maternity entitlements, which is wage compensation in late pregnancy and six months after; the capacity building of the functionaries should focus on these aspects. A collaborative arrangement needs to be worked out between ICDS and the health system for the delivery of the scheme, since mothers take more support from the ICDS functionaries.

Research on household nutrition security, child feeding practices and child health practices of mothers in Odisha

As part of an ongoing intervention in Odisha that strives to improve the nutritional status of children below three years, data has been collected on dietary and nutrient intakes among family members in households with children below three years and adolescent girls in three villages — Boliguda, Gunthaguda and Nuaguda. The data has been checked and entered, and is now being analysed in the light of the revised guidelines for recommended dietary allowances for the population. Since the vicious cycle of infection and undernutrition was a major impediment to the growth of young children, mothers wanted health interventions for the management of childhood illnesses. As a first step, a study was undertaken to understand the existing patterns in childhood morbidity, household management of illnesses, existing health facilities and their utilisation. Information was collected from 36 mothers. The key findings were:

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About 65 per cent of the children suffered from some ailment or the other. All these children were in the age group of � to 36 months, suggesting that till the age of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding confers protection to children.

Colds were most prevalent, with 50 per cent of the children being affected. Four children (10 per cent) each suffered from diarrhoea and scabies and one child each suffered from chicken pox and stomach ache.

58 per cent of the mothers had resorted to some treatment or the other. Among those who had not resorted to treatment, a majority had children with colds or coughs.

10 mothers had resorted to home remedies, two had gone to the PhC and two had approached the traditional health practitioner. For scabies, mothers had used the application of neem and turmeric paste and for diarrhoea one had used ORS and two had prepared sugar and salt solution at home.

32 mothers favoured allopathy because of its effectiveness, while five preferred traditional methods. however, the low utilisation of the PhC, in spite of the preference for allopathy, was because of its distance from the village.

20 mothers did not receive any feeding advice during their children’s illnesses while four were advised regarding proper feeding practices by neighbours and dais.

1� mothers reported having medicinal plants in their garden. They had not specially nurtured the plants; rather the availability triggered their use.

These observations suggest that two aspects of disease management should be addressed, one being prevention and the other being curative, along with dietary management during illnesses. Information was collected from all mothers of children below three years regarding the household composition, duties and responsibilities of the mothers, feeding practices and support given to the mothers by the family members. In general, it was found that till the children were one year of age and were being breastfed, mothers did not go out to the fields but preferred to take up small chores in and around the home. Afterwards, the father or other family members would carry the child to the field for breastfeeding. In the absence of the mothers, men were also engaged in childcare. however, feeding and toileting were essentially the responsibilities of older women or adolescent girls.

Studies on gender construction among tribal communities and gender relations at household level and impact on child nutrition

The distribution of boys and girls under three years of age in the study villages showed boys having an edge over girls. It is not clear whether this is a coincidence or a result of wilful manipulation. Since the communities were beyond the reach of even basic health services, there was no question of the use of

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modern technology for sex selective abortions and there is no known practice of female infanticide. Nevertheless, with the recently published census reports that have recorded a decline in the child sex ratio for children below six years and with some qualitative observations in the field suggestive of the subordinate position of women, it was decided to undertake an in-depth study on gender construction among the tribal communities and the impact of gender roles and relations at household level on the nutritional status of boys and girls below three years of age. A review of literature on the subject was initiated, which threw up some key perceptions:

In general, there are relatively few studies linking domestic empowerment of women with child nutrition outcomes.

Education and economic independence are known to be ‘empowering’ women in decision making. Even then, child care responsibilities like feeding and toileting are still seen to be in the women’s domain and men are in no way involved. This may be because the traditional perceptions of gender roles within households are too strong to be influenced by education or economic independence.

Women performing economic roles and with small children gain leverage in some aspects but carry tremendous mental stress with regard to child care.

Women’s education and economic participation are well connected to the child’s well-being but the pathway by which

it is achieved is not through the domestic front but through engagement with other formal social structures.

Gender tools

An attempt was made to identify tools for undertaking gender analysis at the community and household level. Several tools are available for studying gender roles in economic activities with specific reference to agriculture and for assessing gendered management of natural resources. however, there are very few tools for undertaking gender studies at the household level, especially with regard to reproductive roles.

501.3 Action plan for sustainable agriculture development in Wardha district

The study Technological Opportunities for Distress Mitigation in Most Seriously Affected Areas of Wardha District provides action plans for sustainable agricultural practices at the district level (Wardha) as well as at the level of a village panchayat (Lonsawali). Based on a detailed exploration of issues in agricultural development pertaining to these areas, remedial measures will be suggested for identified agricultural problems and the relevant schemes/agencies under which these may be taken up will also be listed out. moreover, the importance of greater convergence of existing schemes implemented by different departments and the need to intensify the outreach of the current programmes/schemes are being stressed for

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overall agricultural development. This study has been funded by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and it will be published in 2011.

501.4 School-feeding programme in India

A descriptive documentation of the varied experiences pertaining to the school-feeding programme in the country as a whole as well as in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and Odisha is being prepared. The document discusses in detail the evolution of the school-feeding programme, its scope, the coverage, the modalities and issues of implementation, inter-sectoral coordination and financial viability. It highlights the role of the state in implementing mid-day meals as a social safety net for vulnerable sections of the population. In addition to profiling the functioning of the programme in the country and across the selected States, the document captures interesting innovations in the implementation of the scheme and also details accounts of the government-run mechanised central kitchens in Puducherry as well as kitchens run by ShGs in the tribal pockets of Odisha.

501.5 Baseline survey of the Phukiaguda revenue village, Koraput, odisha

The Phukiaguda revenue village comprises three settlements — Gunthaguda with �8 households, Phukiaguda with �1 households and Kandhaguda with 3 households. A base

line survey was conducted during September-October 2010 and data was collected on a wide range of aspects pertaining to each household. Details on basic household composition, assets relating to land, livestock, durables etc., income from land and non-land sources, employment, migration, access to entitlements pertaining to food and nutrition security have all been collected and are being analysed. A detailed profile of the village pertaining to different socio-economic aspects, an important element of which would be an assessment of the nutritional status of the village population, will form the basis of the survey report. Insights arising from the analysis would feed into the programme and help in strengthening and refining it.

501.6 Assessment of household food and nutrition security, MGR Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

The task of assessing household food and nutrition security is being undertaken with reference to 132 households of mGR Nagar in Chidambaram district. There are four major components to this assignment: assessment of the nutritional status of individuals in the village community; assessment of the extent of access to various household entitlements relating to nutrition, health, food distribution, drinking water and sanitation; awareness creation on 10 essential proven nutrition interventions; initiation of appropriate low cost interventions. Preliminary data collection is ongoing.

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Field-Based Interventions502.1 odisha

Health and nutrition security initiatives by Ford Foundation Chair

Based on the decision taken at the advisory committee meeting that health and nutrition security initiatives be taken up by the Ford Chair, the intervention to reduce undernutrition in children below three years in three villages in Odisha is being implemented under the auspices of the Ford Chair since November 2010.

Feeding practices of mothers: Since the diet of the children in the three villages of Bolliguda, Gunthaguda and Nuaguda comprised mostly what was prepared for others at home and was poor in nutritive value, the health committee members in the villages had demonstrated the preparation of a nutritious porridge for young children consisting of three parts of cereal and one part pulse, sprouted and ground together and mixed with sugar, jaggery, salt or vegetables, according to taste. On follow up, it was found that in Gunthaguda village, ten mothers had started giving this mix to their children. In these children, the increase in weight could be specifically attributed to this intervention and they all moved from second grade to first grade malnutrition. They continued to give this mix 2 to 3 times a day for more than six months but gave up the practice during the busy agricultural season

and moreover they made use of ‘India mix’, a supplement distributed by ICDS for children below three years.

In Nuaguda village, mothers supported one another. Initially two mothers had prepared the mix. One shared it with her neighbour while the other gave it to four other mothers. On seeing the impact on weight gain, one more mother also started using it. Another mother, whose child disliked the taste of ragi, replaced it with roasted rice. In this village also visible improvement occurred with one child shifting from second grade to first grade malnutrition. however, in Boliguda none of the mothers had the time to specially prepare the mix and they continued to feed their children with the food cooked for the household.

Activities of village health committees: health committees formed in each of the three villages, members of which were chosen by the villagers, took up several activities to promote environmental cleanliness, after an exposure trip to a rural health and development project run by the Dangoria Charitable Trust in Narsapura in Andhra Pradesh. In Nuaguda, two soak pits were constructed to channelise the dirty water from the tubewell and the community bathroom. In Nuaguda and Gunthaguda, the committees decided to motivate their village community in taking up a village cleaning programme once a day every month. In the first month’s cleaning programme, 22 and 19 villagers from Nuaguda and Gunthaguda, respectively, participated in the programme. In the former group, there were 19 female and 3 male members, while in the latter all were female. When this observation was

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raised, the community members responded that cleaning was the job of women, while men did heavy jobs like digging. In the second cleaning programme, 3� villagers participated in Nuaguda of which 4 were male, 1� were female, 19 were adolescent girls and � were children. In Gunthaguda, 30 villagers participated of whom 19 were women and 11 were adolescent girls. men removed waste water from the drain and levelled the roads. however, in Nuaguda, when the root of a huge bamboo had to be removed, a woman also joined in the exercise! Women and adolescent girls swept the village and children collected plastic and polythene materials and disposed them. In addition, the village health committees undertook visits to households with children below three years (especially those who were malnourished) to identify feeding problems and to counsel the families. Of the three committees, two were active.

Entitlements: The beneficial impact of the cereal-pulse mixture on the growth of children and the lack of time on the part of several mothers to prepare it at home helped the health committee members appreciate the significant role that the ICDS supplement, distributed freely by the government, could play in improving the lot of children. In two of the three villages, there were some issues in distribution. After several attempts to engage in dialogue with the ICDS workers, the members of Nuaguda health committee encouraged the mothers to demand their entitlement. however, this resulted in a stalemate and since the ICDS worker was ‘one of their own’ they decided to drop the issue.

Capacity building: In trying to act as change agents in their community, the health committee members were locked in conflict with the anganwadi worker over leakages in the distribution of supplements which resulted in a breakdown of relationship with the worker. To help them reflect on the situation and come up with possible solutions for resolving the issue, a workshop on conflict resolution was organised at Chennai. In addition to the health committee members, management committee members of Grain Banks were also invited since the issue of food and nutrition security for young children was thought of as central to the managers of the Grain Banks and they too faced several situations of conflict while functioning as a team. Through the methodology of role play, games and small group discussions, participants analysed reasons for conflict and styles of managing them. It was observed that conflicts arose in a situation when both parties wanted only themselves to win and would not let the other group do so. Even when there were opportunities for discussion and settlements, they were not resorted to. Further, it was important to approach a problem with a set of alternative solutions, since even if one fails there would be another to fall back upon. The participants then came up with an action plan to tackle some specific problem situations.

The problem with the Grain Banks was one of default by some members and this could be because of the rules and regulations not being sympathetic to landless members. They agreed to go back and re-examine their rules regarding repayment and see

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if differential modes of repayment could be instituted for different categories of members.

Grain Bank management committee members were sensitised to the difficulties faced by mothers in preparing special foods for children and agreed to keep stock of the cereal-pulse mix for mothers to borrow and repay.

The health committee members came up with a few more strategies to tackle the issue of leakage, such as informing higher authorities and identifying and blocking the channels of leakage.

Community Grain Banks

Intensive focus was given to strengthen the management and functioning of 21 community Grain Banks. These Banks were established across 21 villages in Koraput district, at different points of time over the last decade. The management committees of the respective Grain Banks, along with the general body, regularly discuss problems and issues related to management and functioning of the Banks. At regular intervals, the loan and repayment status of the Grain Banks are being collected, pertaining to different foodgrains. In the event of excess stocks in the Grain Banks, the management committee takes decisions regarding the sale of the excess stock in the open market (and transferring the proceeds to the Village Development Fund), reduction of interest rates charged on existing loans, etc. In the formative stage, interest rates were fixed

a little high with the purpose of enhancing the grain stock. Over the years some of the Banks have revised the interest rates.

Of the 21 Grain Banks established so far, 5 Grain Banks (in Balia, Bisoiput,Badapur, Chemiaguda, maliguda) are able to function independently with very minimal external support. The management committees of these five Banks function without the aid of volunteers and with little handholding from mSSRF. Other Grain Banks are slowly moving towards self-sustainability. Well-structured monitoring tools have been developed to streamline the management and functioning of the Grain Banks and currently those in the villages of Boliguda, Gunthaguda and Nuaguda are being monitored.

Four Grain Banks — Boliguda, Gunthaguda, Nuaguda and Balia — were evaluated by an external resource person to assess strengths and weaknesses as well as the scope for sustainability. The evaluator reported that the Grain Banks have been effective tools to mitigate seasonal hunger and pointed out that they have also contributed towards bringing about cohesiveness within the community, despite instances of conflict. According to the assessment, the challenges for sustainability are illiteracy, alcoholism, etc. The report was appreciative of the fact that the Grain Banks have been properly maintained, grain stock in the storehouse was being regularly checked by the members, meetings were regularly held by the management committees and members were adhering to rules and regulations.

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Table 5.1 details the grain contribution made by member households in some villages over the last year to enhance grain stock.

Significant achievements in Grain Banks

Over the last one year, a substantial percentage of member households availed loans from Grain Banks at different points of time.

The Grain Bank in Balia village which had become defunct because of caste conflict has been revived due to efforts taken by community leaders.

10 households in Patraput village became members of the Grain Bank with a contribution of 5 kg of paddy.

Enhancement of grain stock in Grain Banks was between 10 to 20 per cent on an average.

Grain Bank management committees in Gunthaguda, Nuaguda and Boliguda decided to sell a portion of the excess stock of grains and to transfer the proceeds to the village development fund.

Kitchen gardens

Kitchen gardens promoted by 14� households in three villages were monitored periodically with respect to weeding, cleaning, inter-cultural operation, watering and seasonal vegetable cultivation. Planting materials for Dioscorea (yam) were given to 105 households in three villages and 61 households were supported with vegetable seeds during the kharif season. Information of the present status of kitchen gardens was collected from 134 households in February 2011. During that period (although there was water scarcity), 60 per cent of the households, both in Nuaguda and Boliguda, were cultivating green leaves roots and fruits.

Name of Village/Grain Bank Number of member Grain contribution by each member households householdmaliguda 36 20 kg paddyGunthaguda 6� 12 kg paddy Bisoiput 4� 6 kg paddyBadapur 46 5 kg paddyBalia 39 5 kg paddy annually and 1 kg rice monthlyTolla 68 5 kg paddy Nuaguda 36 2 kg paddy Tentulipar 21 ½ kg paddyJhalaguda 29 5 kg paddy and 2 kg ragiSan Talliaguda 2� 5 kg paddyBanuaguda 55 10 kg paddyCherkaput �6 5 kg paddy

Table 5.1 Village-wise grain contribution by member households

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monitoring tools have been developed to regularly oversee performance and utilisation of the kitchen gardens.

model kitchen gardens were established on common land identified by villagers in Gunthaguda and Nuaguda. The model gardens are expected to serve as demonstration tools for villagers. These gardens are maintained by the villagers.

The model kitchen garden established at the BPmPGRC campus in 2009, consisting of 8 tree species (papaya, drumstick, banana, guava, curry leaf, tapioca, lemon, custard apple) along with seasonal vegetables, spices and pulses, was monitored periodically. A large number of farmers from several villages visited the garden and received an exposure on issues relating to management and maintenance.

The forest food plants conservation garden at the BPmPGRC campus which was established in 2009 with 68 species was also maintained. Regular village meetings were conducted to share the experience on management of kitchen gardens among the farmers in three villages. Awareness creation through the “Seven Plants Campaign” which focuses on planting papaya, drumstick, chilli, lemon, guava, banana and yam, to provide nutritional support to households was conducted regularly. The farmers are aware of the importance of growing a combination of green leafy vegetables, root and tubers, which can enhance nutritional value in their diet.

The school nutrition garden at Boliguda primary school, initiated by mSSRF, supplies

vegetables to the mid-day meal programme of the school. The garden is now maintained by the schoolchildren under the supervision of a school teacher. The garden has both seasonal and perennial plants like banana, papaya, lemon, mango and guava.

Operation 2015: An integrated approach for achieving UN MDG-1 in Koraput

Operation 2015 is a community-centered approach to hunger elimination, to be implemented in the Koraput region. This will be a collaborative programme involving the State Government of Odisha; research and extension wings of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Indian Council of medical Research and State Universities; international organisations such as UNWFP, UNICEF; and other NGOs functioning in the local area. To discuss the modalities of the programme as well as to demarcate the probable roles and responsibilities of partnering agencies, a consultation was held on 18 April 2011 at Biju Patnaik medicinal Plants Garden and Research Centre, Jeypore. The consultation was attended by the minister of Agriculture, Government of Odisha, mLA of Koraput, Collector of Koraput district, members of Friends of Swaminathan Australia, in addition to representatives from partnering agencies. This programme will work towards an innovative approach to address malnutrition, viz., deliver as one through synergy and convergence of various government departments/schemes. Given that in India there is a proliferation of schemes to address poverty on the one hand and on

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the other, there is a stubborn persistence of poverty and malnutrition, Operation 2015 will emphasise the importance of community participation in planning a road map to end hunger. Thus, training resource persons from the villages, Community hunger Fighters, to provide nutrition literacy to fellow villagers would be an important step. Efforts are in progress in identifying Community hunger Fighters and in preparing the background material needed for training them. It has been decided that the programme shall cover around 25 villages in the Kundara block where mSSRF already has a presence.

502.2 Maharashtra

Mahila Kisan Sashakthikaran Pariyojana (Women Farmers’ Empowerment Initiative), Vidarbha

Over the last year, several efforts have been taken to expand and strengthen the mahila Kisan Sashakthikaran Pariyojana (mKSP). Fifteen women farmers’ groups (samitis) have been formed, covering 192 women farmers and taking the total number of women farmers under mKSP to �81.

Capacity-building initiatives were taken up under different thematic areas like organisational management, sustainable agricultural practices and food and nutrition security. These initiatives include awareness creation, skills training, demonstrations, exposure visits and facilitating access to inputs and entitlements.

Skills training

Training on operation and organisational management of groups: 12 camps wherein 420 group members from 28 villages participated.

Group level training on contour bunding: 2 training sessions in which 20 women farmers from 2 villagers were trained.

Group level training on organic farming: 12 programmes in which 120 group members from 12 villages were trained.

Group level training on seed selection, treatment and germination: 1� training sessions in which 304 group members from 1� villages participated.

Village level awareness and training on kitchen gardens: 39 training programmes in 39 villages covering 226 women farmers.

Demonstrations

Village level demonstration on integrated fertilisers: 21 demonstrations in which 306 women farmers from 35 villages participated.

Village level demonstration on agniastra biopesticide: � demonstrations in � villages in which 110 women participated.

Village level demonstration on brahmastra biopesticide: 8 demonstrations in which 25� women farmers from 30 villages participated.

Village level demonstration on nimastra, a neem-based biopesticide: 2 demonstrations in which 8� women farmers from 8 villages participated.

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Group level demonstration on agniastra biopesticide: 8 demonstrations in which 240 group members from 24 villages participated.

Group level demonstration on soi l sample collection: 4 demonstrations in which 60 women farmers from 4 villages participated.

Exposure visits

Exposure visits to organic model farms and Seed Banks were arranged thrice, in which 56 group members from 15 villages participated.

Significant achievements of MKSP pertaining to sustainable agriculture practices, food security issues and facilitation of entitlements are as follows:

132 soil samples have been collected and dispatched for analysis to the soil testing laboratory of the Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya at Amaravati.

Contour marking has been carried out on 145 acres and contour bund work taken up on 9�.5 acres.

41 women farmers from 21 villages prepared 2580 kg of integrated fertiliser.

3 women farmers from 1 village prepared 500 kg of vermicompost during this year, based on the training undergone during 2009-10.

289 kg of traditional varieties of sorghum (samvrudhi and shweta) were distributed among 210 group members in 35 villages.

15 kg seeds of vegetables were distributed for kitchen gardens.

35 kg seeds of pulses (greengram and horsegram) and oilseeds (gingelly) were distributed for intercropping in cotton fields.

2 group members and 1 widow farmer took up work on dug wells under the Rs. 1 lakh worth of dug-well scheme of the Department of Agriculture through mKSP facilitation.

The facilitation of the health insurance scheme for 111 families, covering 412 family members, was achieved. The scheme is implemented by a major hospital in Wardha, and entails substantial discounts on hospital charges, both as an in-patient and out-patient.

Seven camps were organ ised in collaboration with primary health centres in which blood tests were conducted on 463 women. An unacceptably high proportion of women — 454 out of 463 — were found to be anaemic. These women were supplied with vitamin and folic acid tablets by the primary health centres.

Several events were organised for the group members throughout the year. Mahila melawa was organised in Raveri village in Ralegaon taluk of yavatamal district on � April 2011. The objective of the melawa was to orient new members on the concept of mKSP and the different activities taken up under this initiative. The programme was also used to reach out to women farmers in general and hence no

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restriction was placed on participation. A total of 120 women from 4 villages participated in the melawa; of this �0 were mKSP group members. The Taluk Agricultural Officer presided over the melawa and spoke about the different schemes offered by the Department of Agriculture. Organisational arrangements for the melawa were largely handled by the local group members.

Women’s day commemoration was organised in 5 villages in Wardha and Deoli taluks of Wardha district. Representatives of the Women’s Cell — a counselling centre for women’s legal problems run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences — were invited to deliver lectures on various aspects relating to women’s rights. Another programme initiated as part of Women’s Day was the diet display, which was organised with the twin objective of familiarising group members on basic dietary requirements, as well as to help break caste barriers in society through the art of sharing. As part of the women’s day celebrations, the group members had brought in a variety of homemade delicacies that was shared amongst them.

Van bhojan, a programme to showcase successful adoption of best practices by members to a larger group, was organised five times over the year. This programme is organised in the field of one of the group members. The group of the particular village organises this programme and members from other groups are invited. This programme serves as a forum for experience sharing and

cross learning. members spend a whole day together and have lunch together in the field.

Education support programme for children from farmer’s suicide affected families

A total of 81 children from 43 families in Wardha and Ralegaon are being supported under the ongoing educational support programme. Of the 81 children currently being supported, 1� children are at the primary level, 21 children at middle school, 2� children at secondary level and 16 children at higher secondary levels. Three girls who completed class X with good performance have enrolled in nursing courses in Pune. A boy student from mangi village in Ralegaon studying in standard 10 and being supported under the educational support programme obtained a scholarship from SmILE Foundation, New Delhi. This was after NDTV covered the boy in one of its programmes. One of the girls from Kurzadi Fort supported under the programme completed the Auxiliary Nurse midwife (ANm) course from Nagpur and is currently employed in Tambe hospital in Nagpur. Another girl, also of Kurzadi Fort, who studied nursing at NAPATE Foundation, Pune, has joined as a tutor in the same institute.

502.3 Tamil Nadu

Facilitation of household entitlements, Kolli Hills

having analysed the level of awareness as well as the extent of access pertaining to various government schemes in Sirukampalathi tribal hamlet, efforts have been made towards facilitation of entitlements for the 4� families

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residing here. Significant achievements with regard to facilitation have been the following:

Old age pension for six persons

Antyodaya Anna yojana Card to one person

Annapurna Scheme to one person

A medical camp was organised in collaboration with the District health Department and ICDS at Sirukampalathi village in Kolli hills on 2 October 2010 to benefit women and children.

Programme Area 600

INFoRMATIoN, EDUCATIoN AND CoMMUNICATIoN

Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy (NVA) has been reaching out to millions of rural communities and different stakeholders using different communication tools such as audio-based / vernacular-based text advisories through mobiles, phone-in-programmes, GPRS-based electronic display boards, internet-satellite-based video conferences, Closed-User Group audio conferences, 3G-based mobile video conferences, vernacular community newspapers, etc. The 7th convention of Grameen Gyan Abhiyan, 7th convocation of NVA, as well as several field-based capacity building training / awareness programmes were organised. Web-based knowledge management system, farmers’ database, farmers’ innovative practices and training materials have been developed. Utilisation - Focused Evaluation (U-FE) in-depth training has been provided to all the Programme Areas. The Hindu Media Resource Centre organised several public forums, millenium lectures, and press interactions. The Every Child a Scientist programme covered two zones of Chennai and conducted a Science Fest Competition and summer classes.

601 Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy ....................................................................... 143

602 The Hindu media Research Centre .............................................................................. 159

603 Every Child a Scientist Programme .............................................................................. 161

604 Library and Information Services .................................................................................. 161

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Phone-in-Programme – Experts Panel

Farm audio advisories received through mobiles

Field advisories based on seasonality and crop

Collection of soil samples for soil testing

Audio conferencing with experts

Thematic folk performance by NVA Fellows

I N F O R m A T I O N , E D U C A T I O N A N D C O m m U N I C A T I O N

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mobile soil and water testing van

Documenting audio advisories

Training on fish value-added by-products

Training on diesel engine mechanism

Technology Partners Pavilion

media coverage of activities


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Programme Area 600

Information, Education and CommunicationUnder the Programme Area of Information, Education and Communication (IEC), the Informatics Division maintains the intranet and internet network of mSSRF. This includes networking of computers, printers and internet facility in mSSRF, Chennai, as well as in the regional centres and field stations. This Division also maintains several servers, namely, proxy, domain name server, firewall, mail, domain controller, anti-virus, internet radio server and village knowledge portal server and a standby server, and monitors necessary power backup for the entire system. The web page of mSSRF to disseminate information on the work of mSSRF to the outside world is also the responsibility of the Informatics Division, as is providing ICT-based support during conferences / workshops like live relays of conferences through the internet.

The primary work of the Informatics Division is to provide locale-specific demand-driven information to rural communities through the Village Resource Centres (VRCs) and Village Knowledge Centres (VKCs), using differnet ICT tools. A large number of advisories in different thematic areas are provided to rural communities in different formats such as audio, video and text. The Division is developing a web-based multimedia resource centre for storing all the photographs, audio and video content in the centralised server for

easy retrieval. The library and the CD-ROm library that extend services to researchers and students are also part of the Programme Area. The Hindu media Resource Centre brings together scientists and the media, organises thematic-based discussion forums and lectures by eminent personalities including Noble Lauerates, and maintains a media repository on sustainable agriculture.


Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy Since 199�, the Informatics Division has been providing knowledge connectivity to rural communities in establishing and operationalising Village Resource Centres (VRCs) and Village Knowledge Centres (VKCs), whose primary purpose is to provide need-based locale-specific demand-driven information to resource-poor, marginal farmers and fisherfolk, using different communication tools. With the view of converting knowledge into action, need-based training and awareness programmes are conducted and linkages with various experts and organisations provided. The Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy (NVA) was established in 2003 to strengthen these activities.

Since 200�, mSSRF has been involved in three mobile applications:

1. Fisher Friend mobile Application: Providing early warning information, potential fishing zone information, government schemes

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and entitlements related to fisherfolk, etc. through ICON-based mobile applications (CDmA technology)

2. IKSL-AirTel Green SIm Card: Providing audio advisories related to agriculture, animal husbandry, micro enterprises, health, education, government schemes and entitlements, etc.

3. Audio and text advisories to the NABARD Farmers’ Club members and potential farmers

These applications cover more than 200,000 farmers / fisherfolk / Self-help Groups (ShGs) on a daily basis and include phone-in-programmes involving experts. In all cases, NVA maintains a helpline to clarify queries and receive feedback. NVA also uses various communication tools including GSm-based public address systems, electronic display boards, community newspapers, hands-on training programmes, theme-based films (using K-yan PC — combination of computer, data projector, DVD player), and fixed wireless local loop closed-user group audio conferencing facilities.

All VKCs maintain User Registers to record the purpose of people visiting VKCs and steps taken by the VKCs to solve their problems. VRCs test soil nutrients through soil- and water-testing mobile vans; provide ICT-based curricula for children; select innovative social workers in different fields; award Rural Fellowships to encourage grass-roots social workers; and facilitate the rural knowledge movement network to provide policy recommendations and share issues

related to connectivity, content and capacity building.

The strength of the Programme includes:

Innovative use of technology (mix of communication tools)

Provision of locale-specific demand-driven dynamic information in vernacular language (audio, video and text)

Linking science with society (linkage between experts and rural communities)

Addressing livelihood security issues using a participatory science communication method (lab-to-lab; lab-to-land; land-to-lab; land-to-land)

Capacity building of rural communities involving partners for effective use of scientific inputs

601.1 Effective use of INCOIS scientific information

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) provides technical and financial support to coastal VRCs in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and partners with them in forecasting the state of the ocean, locating potential fishing zones and providing early warning information to fisherfolk.

NVA has set up 29 electronic display boards (EDBs) in the coastal villages of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to disseminate such information. Under this project, NVA works directly with 40 coastal villages in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.


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The primary output of this initiative included:

Secondary data on various parameters collected for 35 coastal villages

3� mSSRF staff / animators trained on effective use of INCOIS early warning and potential fishing zone information and customising it for fisherfolk

124 master trainers selected from among the fisherfolk belonging to 39 coastal villages

Seasonal calendar developed for 39 coastal villages with the participation of 779 fisherfolk

Training programme on sea safety measures conducted in 1� coastal villages with the help of the coast guard (771 fisherfolk participated)

Four large-scale electronic display boards set up with the participation of 660 fisherfolk

Seven district-level (Puducherry 1, Ramanathapuram 1, Nagapattinam 2, Cuddalore 1, Pudukkottai 1 and Kanyakumari 1) awareness programmes conducted about INCOIS services for fisherfolk belonging to villages other than the project villages. A total of 227 senior fishing community leaders and representatives from 66 villages participated in the district-level awareness meetings.

Forty- two vi l lage- level awareness programmes conducted involving 1326 participants

2001 fisherfolk given information on ocean state forecasts (OSF) and potential fishing zones (PFZ) through SmS alerts on a daily basis

3822 fisherfolk educated about INCOIS services

Pilot knowledge management system ready for implementing in the web

Eight user feedback meetings conducted involving 110 fisherfolk

Fisheries-related entitlements passbook developed

market study involving 82 fisherfolk conducted in 12 villages

During 2010, the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), New Delhi conducted an independent study of India meteorological Department (ImD) and INCOIS services under the direction of the ministry of Earth Sciences (moES). As part of this exercise, NCAER undertook a research study on mSSRF VRCs and VKCs. highlights of the report that speak favourably of the work is summarised below:

Awareness on the utility of ocean state information by fishermen as well as its use is quite high; more than 90 per cent of fishermen in the southern coastal regions and around 64 per cent in the eastern region were aware of these services.

The catalytic role played by the m.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (mSSRF) Village Resource Centres (VRC)

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and Village Knowledge Centres (VKC) in raising awareness and the “enabling” role of localised NGOs in facilitating knowledge transfer is evident from the Focus Study Group discussions and surveys.

The key take-aways from the proactive role of INCOIS with the catalytic role of the partnering agency, the m.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, could be major milestones in the road map for progress in this sector. The win-win partnership enables the roles of localised NGOs, adoption of “Fisher Friends Programme” through custom-built mobile handsets, identification of species-specific PFZs leveraging technology options such as digital display boards with NGO intermediation.

The VRCs undertook a market study involving 50 fisherfolk to learn about the impact of ocean state forecast and potential fishing zone information. The study found that

i. the increase in net income level of the PFZ users ranged from Rs. 1000 to Rs 20000.

ii. fish species like oil sardine, mackerel, goat fish, rabbit fish, anchovy, flying fish, carangid, therapon, threadfin bream, tuna, and pomfret are caught primarily in the PFZ areas.

iii. fish like tuna, seer fishes, oil sardines, anchovies, ribbon fishes, carangids, lesser sardines, mackerels, etc., are caught in the PFZ areas as shoals.

iv. fishermen use OSF information for selecting the type of nets for fishing; changing

the position of the anchoring of boats; anchoring nets; reducing damage to boats and nets; deciding whether or not to venture into the sea; determining number of crew in the boat for fishing; and for saving lives in emergencies.

v. timely OSF prevented loss or damage of Rs. 10000 to 50000 worth of property (vessels, gear, nets, navigation aids)

On 4 February 2011, mSSRF staff and 1� fisherfolk (INCOIS Master Trainers) visited the INCOIS Tsunami Warning Centre, hyderabad, to learn about various INCOIS services.

Based on the needs of fisherfolk, NVA in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard organised sea safety measures, interacting with the community both online and through field-based demonstrations. Some of the topics covered during the interactions and demonstrations were: the Indian Coast Guard and its role at sea; first aid techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, dealing with fractures, rescuing drowning persons, etc.; setting up the first aid box; emergency contacts and emergency signals; life-saving equipment like life jackets and tubes; and briefing on regulations, including carrying documents like identity cards and boat registration certificates. A few demonstrations of life saving in the middle of the sea with the help of the coast guards also took place. The next steps planned include setting up helplines for fisherfolk in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and providing small craft advisories and species-wise PFZ information.


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601.2 Skill building and livelihood programmes for fishing communities

In September 2010, NVA in partnership with the National Fisheries Development Board, hyderabad conducted several programmes through coastal VRCs and VKCs on skill building and livelihood issues of fishing communities.

1. Training and demonstration on preparation of fish value-added by-products for fisherwomen (preparation methods of various fish value-added by-products; creation of addit ional employment opportunities for the fisherwomen; providing basic entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to the fisherwomen): Fifteen training programmes were conducted in 8 coastal districts covering 32 villages in 15 coastal blocks, benefiting 298 fisherwomen.

2. Training fisherfolk on the maintenance and repair of outboard diesel engines installed in fibre boats and catamarans (the basics of an outboard diesel engine and its parts and functions; identifying and rectifying possible minor faults in outboard diesel engines): Seventy-five fishermen from 7 villages were trained on 10 hP outboard and onboard diesel engines.

3. Training fisherfolk on varied hygienic practices involved in fish catching, sorting, storing on ice, and onboard processing techniques: Nine training programmes were organised and 177 fishermen (117 on motorisd and 60 on mechanised boats) from � fishing harbours in 16 coastal

villages in � coastal districts covering � coastal blocks benefited.

4. Improving livelihood of fisherfolk by creating awareness on the effective use of satellite-based navigation systems (Global Positioning Systems – GPS): Eleven training programmes were conducted covering 2�0 persons from 16 villages on GPS (Garmin �2h, 152 Furno GP32).

The next step envisaged is linking trained fisherfolk with traders through VRCs to improve their livelihoods

601.3 NETFISh-supported programmes With the support of the Network for Fish Quality management and Sustainable Fishing (NETFISh), VRCs and VKCs conducted awareness and training programmes for fisherfolk on fish quality management, sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity conservation, campaign on European Union Fish Catch Certification as well as a special programme for schoolchildren on marine biodiversity conservation. Boat association members, workers in the fishing business, fish vendors, fish traders, boat owners, harbour workers, ice-plant and pre-processing plant workers, and students and teachers of coastal village schools were the beneficiaries. Over 5000 fishermen and fisherwomen were trained on fish quality management and sustainable fishing practices and over 2000 schoolchildren and teachers were oriented on marine biodiversity. A total number of 110 coastal villages in � coastal districts as well as 10 harbours and 102 fish-landing centres came under these programmes.

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601.4 Fisher Friend Mobile Application

The Fisher Friend mobile Application, in use since 2007, provides fisheries-related information to fisherfolk on a dynamic basis in the coastal villages of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The project partners are QUALCOmm, Tata Teleservices and Astute Systems. This mobile application is run on the CDmA platform using QUALCOmm’s BREW application. Fisherfolk get dynamic information on sea wave height, weather, wind direction, early warning information, potential fishing zone information, government schemes and entitlements, and rural yellow pages information, The information available is at the block level in menu-based text mode in Tamil through mobile phones.

Pilot testing is being carried out with �000 fisherfolk. The programme has created enromous impact at the ground level, particularly in the areas of OSF and PFZ, and also finds a place in the NCAER Report. In addition, several other reports have also mentioned this initiative, such as:

1. “mobile del mar: how mobile App Fisher Friend helps Fishers in India”, MobileActive.org, may 2011

2. “Fishery Advisory through mobiles: Documentation of Best Practices”. Gove rnance Know ledge Cen t re , Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Government of India, march 2011.

3. “India: The Impact of mobile Phones”. The Policy Paper Series Number 9, January 2009.

Integrating GPS in a stand-alone mobile-based application is ready and already tested in the sea. In August 2011, this system will be launched in the ground and will help not only during a disaster but also in identifying areas of potential fishing zones. Translating the manual of this application into regional languages, namely, Telugu, malayalam, Oriya, and marathi, is on the anvil.

601.5 IFFCo Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) – AirTel GREEN SIM card

NVA is a content provider for IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL)-AirTel GREEN SIm card. mSSRF has been providing 5 audio agricultural and animal husbandry advisories to the GREEN SIm card farmer subscribers in Tamil Nadu since may 2009. From October 2009 onwards, 4 zones (Coimbatore, Vellore, Tiruchirapalli and madurai) have been created based on the cropping pattern. On a daily basis, mSSRF sends out 11 messages of which 3 are common to all farmers while 2 are specific to the zones.

To strengthen the dissemination process of audio advisories, MSSRF provides clarifications / further advisories to subscribers using the helpline available with the Informatics Division. If the content manager is not able to provide the answer, the call gets transferred to experts through the tele-conference mode. Queries are recorded along with the answers in a data bank register. mSSRF also maintains a helpline register that includes farmers’ mobile numbers, names, addresses, questions asked, clarifications provided and experts referred to.


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mSSRF receives regular feedback from subscribers through helpline / subscribers’ database, active listeners’ database and phone-in-programme database. VRCs and VKCs also facilitate a few farmers to collect their feedback.

The helpline number is made known to farmers through the community newspaper published by the respective district VRC, notice boards in the VKCs and through the Knowledge Workers maintaining the VKCs; it is also publicised to the community members through the public address system, face-to-face meetings and network partners of various VKCs.

In this process, mSSRF also gets mIS (management information system) reports from the 19� helpline regarding recorded time of message, delivery time, call pick up ratio, etc.. This helps to continuously improve the programme.

Every Saturday, mSSRF conducts a Farmer’s Quiz Programme for GREEN SIm card subscribers, based on the audio advisories disseminated earlier. There could be several subscribers providing correct answers and lots are drawn to select some. A successful subscriber is provided with free top-up worth Rs.100/-. This encourages farmers to actively participate in the programme. The correct answer for the questions are broadcast the following Saturday before raising new questions.

mSSRF collects success stories from subscribers who have been economically empowered by using the services of the audio

SmS, helpline and phone-in-programmes. The success stories are related to the advisories provided for crop cultivation, soil fertility management, land treatment, and livestock care and management. They record benefits obtained by farmers who have been listening to the voice messages in terms of quality of the crop, yield improvement, saving of input cost and time; the cost/benefit ratio is calculated based on such information. Selected success stories are disseminated as voice messages to farmers to encourage them to follow advisories and take advantage of the knowledge gained by successful farmers.

From may 2009 to may 2011, 3�2� advisories were disseminated, 4317 queries / clarifications addressed (helpline and phone-in-programme), 40� feedback reports and �0 success stories collected, 29 phone-in programmes and 42 quiz progammes conducted.

The next step is to create theme-based communities (e.g., coconut farmers, banana cultivators, sugarcane farmers, etc.) to increase the number of subscribers.

601.6 Mobile-based dissemination of information on agricultural and allied activities

During several feedback meetings, farmers and fisherfolk suggested that NVA should consider content services reaching all platforms. Based on the suggestion, NVA designed an audio content platform that will reach all mobile subscribers. To test it on a pilot basis, the programme was initiatied at Puducherry and

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Thanjavur districts with the financial support of NABARD under the Rural Innovation Fund.

Under this project, Puducherry VRC and Thiruvaiyaru VRC conducted detailed situation analysis in the proposed implementation area. The analysis included cropping patterns, agricultural issues, farmers’ needs, seasonal calendar, etc. The VRCs also conducted need assessements with agricultural labourers, farmers, NABARD Farmers’ Club members, milk Society members and livestock practitioners, with the the help of subject matter specialists and developmental practitioners. Based on the assessment, VRCs developed audio content which was sent to target farmers in the form of one-and-half minute audio advisories. The programme is reviewed by Project monitoring Review Committee once in three months. The project also set up an exclusive helpline for farmers to provide necessary clarifications. Every week, phone-in programmes are also conducted based on queries on different topics received through helplines. The programme covered around 320 farmers in 63 villages.

601.6 other mobile-based initiatives

Since the inception of the ICT programme in 1993, mSSRF has been continuously testing different applications for providing locale-specific demand-driven information and from 200� content has been provided through mobile applications. In 2011, the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India launched a new programme called “Sanchar Shakti” – mobile value-added services and ICT-related livelihood skills for women

ShGs in rural India under the Universal Service Obligation Fund. NVA was given an opportunity to share its experience with several telecom players. Based on this, Videocon has come forward to work with NVA in this initiative in Tamil Nadu.

All these mobile applications cover nearly 1,50,000 active farmers and fisherfolk on a daily basis. Apart from the voice- and menu-based applications, VRCs also send vernacular-based advisories in the form of SmS: 2132 messages were sent to farmers (1101), fisherfolk (1524), students (848) and others (256) in 509 villages.

601.7 Community newspaper

Another dissemination technology is the fortnightly community newspaper (Namma Ooru Seithi in Tamil and Amchi Gram Vartha in marathi). Currently, there are more than 2500 paid subscribers for this newspaper, being circulated in 6�3 villages. NVA conducts regular subscribers’ feedback meetings to improve the column-based user inputs. This year, NVA carried out a detailed study on the community newspaper in collaboration with journalists, VRC staff, developmental practitioners and newspaper researchers. The assessment covered design and layout, content of different thematic areas, community needs and information published, quality, number of interactive content, source of content, and voice of the community. Based on this, the community newspaper has been redesigned in may 2011, with several new columns. Plans are underway for registering


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the newspaper and exploring the possibility of having formal agreements with mainstream papers and journalists for their contributions.

601.8 Web-based video conferencing

Due to technical problems, for nearly a year the VRCs were unable to use ISRO satellite connectivity. To overcome this problem, VRCs set up internet / 3G-based video conferencing between locations. Using this network, several video conferences were conducted on issues such as crab fattening seed preparation, sea safety measures, pest management in coconut, marketing strategies for fish value-added products and packaging, and paddy post-harvesting techniques.

601.9 other communication tools

NVA has also designed several communicaiton tools such as GSm-based public address system, fixed wireless local loop, closed user group, audio conferencing facility, along with portable public address system with wireless mike and 3G-based mobile video conferencing facility. Using these facilities, more than �0 audio conferences and 20 video conferences were conducted, involving 1500 persons. Some of the topics covered were crop insurance, formation of NABARD Farmers’ Club, usage of mineral mixture for livestock, details of the Tamil Nadu Open University courses, career counselling, women’s reproductive health, groundnut cultivation, pest control and disease management in cucumber, Azolla cultivation, Varsha Bhima Rainfall Insurance Scheme, among others.

601.10 Mobile soil- and water-testing facility

The mobile laboratory of NVA tests various physical and chemical characteristics of soils and the quality of irrigation water, and conducts soil and water awareness camps in villages to cover topics such as importance of soil health; physical, chemical and biological composition of soil for crop growth; classification of soil; 16 essential nutrients in soil; elements of deficiency in soils; proper usage of fertiliser. Based on the test results, recommendations are made for inputs like urea, potash and superphosphate. In addition, appropriate bio-fertilisers are also recommended for increasing microbial activities to further improve soil nutrients.

Soil health cards are given to farmers in the presence of agricultural experts who provide necessary advisories and clarifiy queries raised by farmers regarding fertiliser doses and other problems during crop cultivation. Advisories help maintain / improve soil fertility through appropriate crops and a judicious crop rotation system. NVA has also developed a web-based knowledge management system for this initiative.

In Tamil Nadu, 1088 farmers from 41 villages participated in the soil- and water-testing awareness camps. The samples tested numbered 2�64 covering 304 villages, and 34 follow-up studies were documented. In maharashtra, correspondingly, the camps covered 1405 farmers in 23 villages, with 1188 tests in 46 villages. here, 300 case studies were documented.

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601.11 Village Development Plan under NABARD Project

The objective of the Village Development Plan (VDP) is to focus on financial inclusion and develop the capacities of the local community in terms of knowledge, skill and attitude to manage their local resources and to establish a local content consortium to cater to the felt needs and requirements of the community. The efforts include economic development, infrastructure development and other aspects of human development, namely, education, health, drinking water supply, besides access to credit. VRCs are now in the process of implementing this programme in VKC villages for addressing sustainable development issues in an integrated manner. NABARD has so far sanctioned two programmes for mSSRF. Based on the VDP, some of the initiatives undertaken in the VKC villages were: deepening the village pond, soil testing, tree planting, livestock management, banana cultivation and fibre extraction, vermicomposting, goat rearing, eye tests for children, women’s reproductive health, de-addiction counselling, forming children’s science club, etc.

601.12 Raising awareness of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act project

During 2010-2011, NVA has undertaken to raise awareness of the mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act project (mGNREGA) in Tamil Nadu, maharashtra and Odisha, with the financial support of UNDP and the ministry of Rural Development,

Government of India. The objectives are to spread mGNREGA literacy to different stakeholders and to disseminate locale-specific and demand-driven information / knowledge to mGNREGA workers through theme-based training / awareness programmes.

The training / awareness programmes conducted under this initiative for mGNREGA workers in the target villages included livestock first aid, care and management, fish poly culture, pest control methods in paddy, training in micro-enterprises (phenyl, soap oil), tailoring, diabetes screening and advisory, and women’s reproductive health. A general health camp was also conducted.

In the project areas, the following mGNREGA best practices were documented and disseminated to others: mud bund-cum-road along the coast for protection of the village from tides and floods; linking two villages by forming a new road, thereby reducing distance; desilting village ponds and tanks, leading to increased water level in the wells used for drinking water; leveraged schemes / works like cement / blue-metal tar road to the cremation grounds; desilting of irrigation channel to increase the flow into chain tanks; revitalising ponds to ensure availability of drinking water in summer months; paving of new roads to enable transportation of produce, thereby reducing expenses; digging irrigation wells for individual farms; constructing farm ponds for individual farmers; pitting and planting fruit trees leveraged from National horticulture mission; leveraging Rural Infrastructure Fund


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to improve the reconstructed channel / mud road.

Some of the panchayat presidents have adopted innovative methods to implement mGNREGA programmes in an effective manner. mGNREGA work has been planned in the specially convened gram sabha. Work has been allotted ward-wise to all the people in the village, and on a rotation basis to ensure work to all job card holders. WShG members have been involved in the wage distribution committee and the social audit committee.

There were 1�1 villages covered under the mGNREGA-VRC project. The 24 awareness programmes conducted covered 3313 (m: 928; F: 2385) participants. A total of 1�31(m: 65�; F: 10�4) persons participated in 35 need-asessment meetings. Thirteen panchayat president/ sarpanch/ gram sevak meetings were held for 388 local leaders. There were 30 case studies in Vidarbha, and 25 best practice studies and 15 training programmes in Tamil Nadu (Nagapattinam, Pudukkotai, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Ramanathapuram and Dindigul districts).

In the Koraput district of Odisha, 4 orientation sessions for panchayat leaders and NREGA workers, 1 district level consultation programme with DRDA officials, BDOs and Assistant Engineers, 2 need-assessment programmes with the communities and local leaders, 1 orientation programme for the social auditing team and 3 awareness campaigns were organised under the UNDP Small Grant Programme. A booklet on reflections of NREGA workers was published in Odiya.

A spot registration and job card distribution for claiming work was conducted in 3 VKCs in which 596 people registered themselves demanding jobs and subsequently they were given notice to join the work. Seventy-six passbooks were opened at post offices for the job card holders.

601.13 Farmers’ database and innovative practices — Vidarbha

To provide better advisories to farmers in Vidarbha (with the support of the Department of Science and Technology), Vidarbha VRCs undertook data collection from 9589 farmers (Waifad: 2�03, yavatmal: 212�, Jasapur: 2�98 and Karda: 1961) spread across 106 villages, selected with the help of government departments, research institutions and developmental practitioners. The purpose of the data collection was explained to the gram panchayat and the data providers through several meetings. The format for data collection was developed by mSSRF, and the data collected by students of sociology from various colleges and universities. Before commencing data collection, the survey team was provided with necessary orientation about the fields in the database.

Information was collected on 66 fields and the data stored in a farmers’ database. The details include personal information, family information, land and labour, livestock, agricultural equipment, water resources, cropping patterns, seed / seed treatment, fertiliser, soil testing, pesticide and spraying, loan / ShG, agricultural information resources,

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guidance required in areas other than agriculture, and others.

During data collection, several farmers raised queries related to different agricultural practices. To answer some of those queries, Vidarbha VRC organised a series of meetings between farmers and experts through face-to-face and mobile-based audio conferencing. Based on the discussions, a booklet of questions and answers — relating to proper usage of fertiliser, seed production, weed control, pest and diseases, preparation of organic pesticides, intercropping and mixed cropping, seed treatment, control of wild animals, soil and water conservation, methods of composting, different methods of sowing, importance of soil testing and soil sample collection, sericulture farming, poultry farming, and farm pond — was developed.

Twenty-one case studies were prepared on farmers who have adopted traditional and innovative practices in the area of agriculture, and the information disseminated in farmers’ meetings. Exposure visits were also organised for fellow farmers to adopt these innovative practices. The case studies covered seed conservation, pest control practices, farm management, mixed cropping, organic farming, self-sustainable farming practices, advocacy, traditional farming practices, milk production and micro-irrigation.

601.14 ICT-based curricula

The VRCs/VKCs use ICT-based curricula such as microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme (mUPP), which consists of computer

fundamentals, digital media fundamentals, internet and world-wide fundamentals, web design fundamentals, word processing fundamentals, presentation fundamentals, database fundamentals and spreadsheet fundamentals. A total of 1�1� (m:629; F:1088) students enrolled in mUPP, from 4�5 villages. Eighty-two of them got jobs. In Odisha, till date nine batches have completed the courses successfully, with ��8 students enrolled. 29 students who have passed out have obtained jobs in various government and non-governmental organisations and 2� students are pursuing higher education.

Computer Aided Learning Programme (CALP) and Intel Learn Programme (ILP) are the other two ICT-based curricula offered by the VRCs and VKCs. The target audiences for these ICT-based curricula are ShG members, women and men from farming and fishing communities, unemployed youth, school teachers, employers from different organisations and schoolchildren. Children between the ages of 6 and 13 are enrolled in the Computer Aided Learning Programme (CALP). Emphasis is given to school dropouts with an effort to bring them into the mainstream educational system. The progress of the students is judged by conducting pre- and post-CALP tests on a regular basis. 3585 (m:1855; F:1�30) children from 295 schools in 230 villages attended the classes. In Odisha, a total of 30� (Boys: 159, Girls: 148) students have enrolled in three VKCs.

INTEL had 345 (m:163, F:182) children from 34 schools in 49 villages participating and working on 28 projects.


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601.15 Training material / guidebooks

VRCs produced training material and guidebooks for disseminating livelihood security information in a structured manner to rural communities:

1. Training manual: Preparation of Value-Added Fish Products (Tamil)

2. Details about INCOIS Scientific Services (Tamil)

3. Entitlement Passbook for Fisherfolk (Tamil)

4. Entitlement Passbook – Washim district, Wardha district, yavatmal district and Amaravati district (marathi)

5. Entitlement Passbook – Koraput district (Odiya)

6. Fish Catch Calendar (English)

�. NREGA Guide for Panchayat Leaders and Workers (Tamil and Odiya)

601.16 Utilisation-Focused Evaluation (U-FE)

As part of the IDRC-supported research grant, the Informatics Division has devised its operational plan to accomplish the set objective to develop an utilisation-focused evaluation (UFE) system for mSSRF to enhance internal learning and contribute to the knowledge management system (KmS), using a phased approach. Phase I has been planned with the purpose of strengthening the capacity of key staff from different Programme Areas (PAs) on U-FE. In the second phase, progress

on the same would be spurred by evolving an utilisation-focused evaluation system at the Programme Area and Foundation levels for facilitating intra- and inter-learning as well as a system to disseminate the wealth of knowledge, learning and information through KmS. U-FE is chosen as it begins with the premise that evaluations should be judged by their utility and actual use. It also facilitates results based on the use of multiple stakeholders and acts as a decision-making framework for enhancing the utility and actual use of evaluations.

Dr. Chelladurai Solomon, an expert in U-FE, has been identified as a mentor; a tripartite mode of operation has been agreed to be followed among external evaluator / mentor, in-house facilitator / evaluator, and primary intended users (who are actually the users of evaluation). The role of the external consultant is to facilitate the training sessions for building the capacity of the staff on U-FE as well as to mentor the internal facilitator to lead the teams to gain pragmatic experience. The internal facilitator is to spearhead the process by coordinating workshops, facilitating interaction between external evaluator and primary intended users, and handholding the groups technically to plan and execute U-FE. The primary intended user is to plan and execute the evaluation and ensure its use. After finalising the Terms of Reference with the external evaluator, a circular and follow-up note were sent to all the heads of the PAs intimating the efforts taken for building staff capacity on U-FE and requesting them to nominate staff who have direct dealing / relation with monitoring and Evaluation, long-term commitment with

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mSSRF and willingness to continue to bind themselves throughout the process of U-FE. The announcement fetched the interest of 4 PAs — Food Security, Biodiversity, Biotechnology and IEC — and paved the way to initiate the process of capacity building for 23 staff including 10 women by the end of July 2010. Thus far 5 training programmes / workshops and � handholding exercises have been carried out during this process to build the capacity of staff from different PAs. The decisive results witnessed through the process illuminated good progress in the knowledge and skill domain of staff towards designing an evaluation to draw results for an intended use. These were the six topics identified by the staff who participated:

1. Evaluation of Jatropha curcas cultivation in dry-land systems — PA Biotechnology

2. Evaluat ing vi l lage seed banks for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity (local landraces) — PA Biodiversity

3. Evaluation on sustainability of community foodgrain banks (CFB) in addressing transient hunger — PA Food Security

4. Evaluation on capacity development among knowledge workers of VKCs in Tamil Nadu — PA Information, Education and Communication (IEC)

5. Role of ICT in bringing about knowledge empowerment among the community in Tamil Nadu — PA IEC

6. Role of partners in sustaining VRC and VKC initiatives in Tamil Nadu — PA IEC

601.17 other services, training and awareness programmes

For effective maintenance of accounts for ShGs, NVA refined ShG accounting software regionwise with the help of local banks, government departments, NGOs, and disseminated the information through various demonstrations and training programmes.

Using different communication tools, VRCs conducted 4� awareness programmes covering 112 villages in which 2038 (m:1042; F:996) members participated. Some of the topics covered were coastal environment, government schemes, career guidance, awareness on cattle health, cashewnut cultivation and pest management, and kitchen gardens.

A total of 128 training programes were conducted in which 4�40 (m:2319, F:2421) members from 184 villages participated. The topics were in the areas of vocational training (tailoring, book binding, screen printing, etc.); agriculture (coconut pest control methods, vermicompost, health food mixture preparation, organic farming, pest and disease management in soya bean, neem seed extract preparation); Nano Ganesh technology for switching on/off irrigation pumps through mobiles; animal husbandry (fodder management, clean milk production, artificial insemination); skill building (photoshop, training on leadership, skill development for Farmers’ Club members); fisheries (GPS handling, fish value-added products, fish polyculture); micro-enterprises (soap oil and phenyle production, ornamental artifacts from shells).


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A separate helpline was established exclusively for NVA Fellows for providing clarifications related to various expertise and for conducting phone-in-programmes based on the findings of Participatory Knowledge management Workshops.

Under training and awareness programmes for the farming community in Odisha, training support was provided for 866 people [m: 636, F: 230] on various skill enhancement programmes like integrated disease and pest management in rice cultivation, formal practice of rice cultivation, good livestock practices, vermicomposting, preparation of farmyard manure, preparation of value-added products from rice, good health practices, legal aspects of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFRA), etc.

Loyola College, Chennai; Kalinga Institute of Information Technology School of Rural management (KIIT-SRm), Bhubaneswar; Knox College, Illinois, USA, National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), hyderabad; IFFCO Kissan Sanchar Limited (IKSL); Asian College of Journalism, Chennai; Central marine Fisheries Research Institute (CmFRI) and Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore sent several research students to mSSRF field sites under the village segment study programme. Some of the research studies included “The communal effect of VKCs and IT on female empowerment”; “Alternative ICT models based on a study and analysis of the major ICT initiaitves in agriculture in India to meet the information need of the Indian farmers”; “Women intervention in farming

community”; “Coastal rural indebtedness and impact of micro finance in marine fisheries sector”; “Role of ICT for livelihood enhancement in coastal communities through VRC / VKC”. Under the village segment study programme, the students conducted National Service Scheme (NSS) camps (tree plantation, cleaning of drains, cultural and sports competitions), village data collection (both secondary data and household survey), rural action (renovation of vermi-compost pits, anti-malaria camps, general health camps, livestock care and management).

601.18 Collaboration with The Indira Gandhi National open University

The Indira Gandhi National Open University ( IGNOU) and mSSRF launched an “Appreciation Course on Sustainability Science” under the auspices of the Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, IGNOU. Informatics Division regularly organises on-line counselling for the course.

Based on the recommendations of the Grameen Gyan Abhiyan (Rural Knowledge movement) telecentre.org Foundation, IGNOU launched a course on “Certificate in Telecentre / Village Knowledge Centre management”. Informatics Division is involved in several ways in this course creation and is working on how to provide on-line counselling.

MSSRF-IGNOU Community College

The mSSRF-IGNOU Community College was launched in Odisha in June 2010. Before the initiation of the programme, a need analysis

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survey was conducted in the 3 Community Development Blocks of Kundura, Boipariguda and Jeypore. Four field-level orientation programmes were organised for prospective students. The Community College Board, Academic Committee, Examination Committee and Experts Committee were constituted as per IGNOU guidelines to ensure smooth functioning of the college. Wide publicity about the Community College was also provided through brochures, posters and website. The courses commenced in August 2010.

The Department of horticulture and Soil Conservation sponsored students for the CPhC (Certificate in Propagation and Cultivation of horticultural Crops) programme. Students who successfully complete the course and training will be engaged by the department. In the Bachelors Preparatory Programme (BPP), �4 students enrolled in the June to December 2010 session, while the next session, January to June 2011 attracted 83 students. The Certificate in Computer Application (CIC) course had 13 students for the first session and 60 for the second. There were 15 students for the Certificate in Watershed Management.

Localisation of certificate course modules for IGNOU

IGNOU has devised a curriculum for a Certificate Course on Telecentre Management, specifically for Village Knowledge Centres and mSSRF has rendered its support in the process of developing modules. The curriculum focuses on technical, managerial,

social, institutional and entrepreneurial aspects along with soft skills required to operate and manage telecentres.

A total of 12 modules with 3� units, 4 electives with 13 units, glossary and learning management system have been localised in Tamil and malayalam. In consultation with telecentre.org Academy, mSSRF has devised a set of criteria for localisation. Different steps were followed to localise modules encompassing translation of modules, finalisation of criteria for localising, identification of relevant team to localise, induction of team members, quality check and piloting, refining and finalisation. At the outset, the modules were translated into both Tamil and malayalam by outsourcing to translation professionals. A team of 12 members from NVA having a combination of social and technical capacity in telecentre management along with members of the community has been constituted to localise the modules into Tamil. Similarly, a team from Kerala which has been exposed to telecentre management and with a background of development, technical and journalism skills has also been identified. Orientation to the teams on the process and criteria of localisation has been provided. mid-term quality check has been carried out. On completion of the process, all modules were reviewed by the facilitator to ensure that localisation has been carried out as per the set criteria, such as good information flow to the reader, localisation of terminologies, contextualised locale-specific examples, and maintaining sensitivity to gender. Piloting was


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carried out among a few Knowledge Workers and VRC staff and final modifications made before proof reading and editing the modules in Tamil. malayalam modules had been handed over to IGNOU for quality check and suggestions. IGNOU has enrolled students for this course and requested mSSRF to set up counselling sessions for the students.


The Hindu Media Research CentreThe Hindu media Resource Centre (THmRC) of mSSRF was established in 1998 as a primary interface wing, with the endowment provided by The Hindu group of publications. The Centre offers skilled and competent expertise with the target aim of reaching advancements to the common man. To attain this objective, multimedia options are used as tools to disseminate the research and developmental activities in diverse fields in the Foundation.

Understanding the need for a two-way communication between experts and the media, scholars and students, THmRC adopts unique approaches to create platforms for interaction and gives scope for in-depth presentations by various scientists and other specialists. Several events are organised and designed to find place for developmental stories in the mainstream media. With this explicit objective, THmRC’s approach towards spreading the message of the Foundation

to the outside world, especially to reach the rural people, helps bridge the divide between science and society.

Events

Public forum

This is one among the different strategies very well received by both media and public, and has a major impact, especially among students and the academic community, on the understanding of the social and scientific issues related to public policy. Public forums are generally organised as a panel discussion, either during the visit of experts or eminent scientists invited for a conference. To encourage and create the habit of active participation, colleges are networked. Following the public forum, the floor is open for an interactive session. One such public forum to commemorate the International year of youth called “youth and Shaping of Destiny” was held on 19 February 2011.

Millennium lectures

millenium lectures are some of the unique methods of making the larger public aware of key issues of relevance. Lectures on topics other than science are also given by eminent speakers. The occasion here would again be during the presence of an eminent visitor. Both national and international speakers have enlightened audiences on a variety of topics. The audience is given the opportunity to interact with the guest speaker after the session. This year’s millennium Lecture, held on 21 January 2011, was on “Biodiversity and

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Biotechnology” by Dr. Peter Raven, President Emeritus, missouri Botanical Garden, USA.

Media workshops

The media workshop provides scope for brainstorming on important ethical, social, cultural and scientific issues in a holistic manner. The workshop provides a platform for the media to acquire credible and multifaceted information from experts through face-to- face interaction on contemporary themes. The audio of the events are recorded and simultaneously uploaded on the website for the benefit of the media and others.

Ongoing services

Visual documentation

Around 40 documentary films have been made on mSSRF work under different Programme Areas. The films are sold at a nominal price to educational institutions and various organisations to help promote the conservation of traditional knowledge and diversity. A documentary for the JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre — Asia Initiatives —highlighting the activities and establishment of micro-enterprises has been produced. A five-minute video compilation of the achievements of NVA was completed successfully for the �th NVA Convocation.

Video catalogue

To make effective use of the 35 documentary films so far produced by THmRC, a video catalogue containing details about free access, concept, format, and availability of the film is available online for reference.

Media tracking

All the news features of interest to mSSRF published in newspapers / magazines are tracked and made available to the staff, web subscribers, media professionals and internal discussion groups. During the year, around 250 stories that were published, broadcast and telecast were tracked and preserved for research and documentation. This reference material has motivated journalists to develop stories for their respective media houses.

Media relations

A database of all media professionals is maintained and updated regularly. Press briefs are prepared in English and Tamil on events organised.

Activities and partnership

In addition to the ongoing activities, public relations and media liaison, THmRC organises around 25 to 30 events in a year. Each event is attended by five journalists on an average. News and feature stories are regularly published and broadcast in the national dailies, regional journals and television channels. THmRC has been partnering with other Programme Areas in creating voice-over multimedia training packages for rural audiences. Based on the theme of the workshop/lecture/seminar, the target groups are invited to participate in the event, which are structured to give scope for interaction and dialogue. Such consistent efforts in organising events have resulted in establishing a network among Arts, Science and Engineering colleges and media houses.


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The Every Child a Scientist ProgrammeThe Every Child a Scientist (ECAS) programme is being carried out since August 2002 in Chennai. This programme largely targets students from schools run by the Chennai municipal Corporation (now called Chennai Schools) of Zones IX and X and from schools with economically-underprivileged students. The ECAS Centre is equipped with 1� computers as well as resource materials on environmental science in multimedia format to make learning a pleasant experience. The students are exposed to a combination of both lectures and science experiments. In the past year, the duration of each batch was on average 15 days, with a break of 3 to 4 days between batches to develop additional resource materials and catalogue the projects made by the earlier students.

During the year 2010-11, 250 students from the two zones participated in this programme. At the end of each session, the students presented projects on different topics and expressed their ideas in the form of assignments, charts and models. Their projects are used as a source of information to subsequent batches of students and also in their schools. Some of these charts on display in their respective schools helped in the appreciation of the students’ performance and encouraged other students to participate in the ECAS programme.

On 20 October 2010, a Science Fest Competition was organised for the students from 8 schools. The fest offered a wonderful platform for the students to apply their skills and knowledge and it further encouraged them by way of prizes and certificates. The Centre has developed resource materials on different topics such as genetic engineering, transgenic plants, acid rain, plant kingdom, ecology, microbes and their advantages in the field of microbiology, etc.

Touch and Smell Garden

This garden was developed to help visually impaired people to experience the joy of nature and learn by exploration through the senses of touch and smell. Children from schools for the blind visit the garden regularly. Visually-impaired adults from various NGOS also visit the garden from time to time. A group of visually-impaired computer trainees and teacher trainees from the National Institute of the Visually handicapped (NIVh), Poonamallee, visited the garden as part of their curriculum.


L i b r a r y a n d I n f o r m a t i o n Services mSSRF has a well organised library which plays an important role in serving and fulfilling the needs of its staff as well as research workers and students from other research and educational Institutions.

The library has 1�225 books and 2484 bound journals; 225 books were added this year. It also holds 362 CDs, 140 journals, and 185 newspapers clippings for the year 2010-2011. The existing collection of books has been further enriched by adding more current, important scientific and technical books. Besides, the library has a precious collection of technical reports and annual reports from various institutions.

The library also provides digests of information downloaded from the internet, and provides alert services tailored to suit individual researchers in mSSRF.

The following library services are available to end users:

Current awareness services (CAS)

Selective dissemination of information (SDI)

Article alert services (AAS)

Document delivery

Publication and distribution services

Reprographic services

Newsletter alert services

The web-based mSSRF Open Access Archives (OAA) has been initiated for the benefit of the global research community.

The library provides assistance to research students working in the areas of biotechnology, agricultural sciences and life sciences and during this reporting year, around 5�3 students from various national and international universities accessed the material.

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A number of national, regional and international conferences and consultations were held on issues of relevance to sustainable development. An international conference organised to commemorate the 85th birthday of Professor M. S. Swaminathan was attended by more than 900 participants. Significant awareness and impact has been created in promotion of cultivation, value addition and market linkages for underutilised crops. A consolidated study was undertaken during the year to understand the occupational hazards, entrepreneurial capacity and decision-making role of women in coastal communities of India, covering 8 coastal States with more than 12,000 households.

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WoRKShoPS, CoNFERENCES AND SPECIAL PRoJECTS

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International Conference on mangroves

Rapid rural appraisal

Expert consultation

Vacation training programme

Cultivation of improved millet varieties

Value addition

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Workshops, Conferences and Special Projects

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Workshops, Seminars and ConferencesG l o b a l C o m m u n i t y B i o d i v e r s i t y Management Study and Exchange Visit, Oct 2009-Nov 2010, Chennai

The Gene Bank coordinated with the Indian segment of the global Community Biodiversity management (CBm) study. The programme builds on existing partnerships of the capacity building and institutional change programme (CD&IC) of Wageningen International and the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN), in capacity building programmes addressing the sustainable management of plant genetic resources (PGR) in the Netherlands, Brazil, Ethiopia, Nepal and India.

During the first phase of the programme, a framework for analysing empowerment in the context of in situ conservation was done with due attention to description, analysis and peer review of the CBm practices of each study site, with specific focus on empowerment issues. On the basis of this, analysis research and

action plans with specific priority themes were finalised. The second phase of the programme supported the implementation of the studies. Project locations have been characterised and evaluated according to a number of specific features (e.g., start of initial activities, genetic diversity of the project site and crops grown) as well as to the CBm steps or practices implemented (e.g., activities to monitor diversity like a Community Biodiversity Register, seed security activities like Community Seed Banks, and crop improvement activities like grass-roots breeding).

The studies analysed the experiences in community management of agro-biodiversity in four countries which are known for playing a critical role in the global PGR debate. The project partners were mSSRF, EOSA in Ethiopia, Bioversity International, LI-BIRD in Nepal, and EmBRAPA and the Federal University of Santa Catharina in Brazil. All are considered internationally recognised leading organisations in the field of CBM. Each of the partners provided one or more sites for the CBm study. The study contributed to the development of a set of best practices to operationalise in situ conservation of PGRFA (plant genetic resources for food and agriculture), and will contribute to publications on the topics proposed in a concluding meeting. Synthesis of the results into a set of best practices will allow scaling up of viable approaches and will feed the policy discussions at different levels in relation to the effectiveness of conservation practices.

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Workshop on Food Security Entitlements, 13 April 2010, Malakapur, Maharashtra

Twenty-one women participated in this workshop and learnt about the various entitlements due to them in the area of food security.

Workshop on Food Security Entitlements, 20 May 2010, Waigaon Nipani, Maharashtra

There were 18 women attending the workshop to know more about their entitlements on food security.

Commemoration of International Day of Biological Diversity, 22 May 2010, Chennai

The Biodiversity team at mSSRF, Chennai, organised a meeting and an exhibition, ‘Window to millet heritage’. The meeting was inaugurated by Tmt. A. Tamilarasi, the then minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu. Dr. S. Nagarajan, Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority and Dr. Nanditha Krishna of the C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, were the major speakers at the forum.

Consultation Meeting on Community Agro-biodiversity Management in an Era of Climate Change, 7 June 2010, Chennai

This State-level policy makers consultation was attended by over 80 participants drawn from academia, research institutions, civil society and community-based organisations. The recommendations of the consultation were brought out as the Chennai Agrobiodiversity Declarat ion. Some of the important recommendations included:

Establishment of genetic heritage gardens: Given the increasing importance of in situ conservation and traditional knowledge in the light of climate change and to commemorate the International year of Biodiversity 2010, the State government should establish genetic heritage gardens in five locations in Tamil Nadu using the classical Tamil landscape framework: Kurunji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai. (As a follow-up to this, the then Chief minister Shri m. Karunanidhi announced that the State government would set up genetic heritage gardens based on Sangam literature in the five eco-zones.)

Constitution of State Agro-biodiversity Award and Breed Saviour Award: Tamil Nadu should establish a State Agro-biodiversity Award for recognising and rewarding primary conservers of plant and animal genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) should consider constituting a Breed Saviour Award for recognising livestock keepers of local breeds.

Raising public awareness about agro-biodiversity: Civil society organisations, museums, the Forest Department and the NBA must raise public awareness in rural and urban areas and among policy makers and implementers about the importance of plant and animal genetic resources, including underutilised species.

Conservation of animal genetic resources (AGR): There are traditional livestock

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keepers or pastoralists in Tamil Nadu involved in the conservation of livestock breeds, since the State is known for several non-descript breeds. Effective implementation of The Schedule Tribes and other Forest Dwellers (Forest Rights) Act 2006, National Policy for Farmers 200�, Biological Diversity Act 2002 is likely to provide leads for conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources and improve the lives of livestock keepers.

Conservation of plant genetic resources, including neglected and underutilised crops like millets and medicinal plants: The State government should consider notification of traditional varieties. The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has recently established a Gene Bank with the capacity to store up to 50,000 accessions. Such Gene Banks of universities and national institutes need to be more accessible to farmers requiring seeds of local varieties previously collected from their localities.

The State Biodiversity Board should declare selected areas as local heritage sites and enable communities conserve and use agro-biodiversity resources like millets.

Conservation of populations of pollinators and predators: Land-use and cropping changes have major impact on insect pests and their populations, natural enemies and pollinators. Pollinators play a critical and important role in agriculture, including horticulture. Efforts need to be made to

conserve populations of natural enemies and pollinators.

Conservation and use of fish genetic resources: Conservation of fish genetic resources is different from other components of agro-biodiversity. Domestication of fish species is very marginal. There is a need for developing legal and regulatory instruments related to commercialisation of biological resources or indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) related to fishery resources, with provisions for benefit sharing.

Workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation, 3- 5 August 2010, Chennai

Resource persons from ASK, New Delhi, facilitated this three-day workshop for the entire Food Security team. In addition to detailed lectures on results-based monitoring and evaluation, group exercises were given with the purpose of guiding participants to design monitoring systems for their projects. As a result of this workshop, the Food Security team developed a monitoring system for its major field-based interventions.

International Conference on Eliminating Hunger & Poverty: Priorities in Global Agricultural Research & Development Agenda in an Era of Climate Change and Rising Prices, 7-9 August 2010, Chennai

This three-day conference was held to commemorate the 85th birthday of Professor m. S. Swaminathan at the Chennai Trade Centre. The Conference was inaugurated by the Chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

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mSSRF played host to eminent speakers and panelists, scientists and policy makers from India and abroad, including representatives of IDRC, FAO, SDC, Global Crop Diversity Trust, World Food Programme, and many CGIAR Institutes.

There were as many as 19 sessions comprising both parallel and plenary sessions. The Conference had a total of over 800 delegates including students, scientists, and representatives from the communities working with mSSRF in different States. The discussions centered on the issues related to natural resource management, bioresource conservation, food and nutrition security, sustainable livelihoods, gender and development, new technology options and knowledge connectivity. The recommendation from the Conference was summarised and presented on the last day. The Proceedings of the Conference will be brought out as a publication.

Session on Biodiversity and Biotechnology, 7-9 August 2010, Chennai

This session on biodiversity and biotechnology was organised as part of the Conference on the Elimination of hunger and Poverty at the Chennai Trade Centre.

Regional Training Course on Applying Project Cycle Tools to Support Integrated Coastal Management, 4-10 October 2010, Kovalam

A regional training course on applying project cycle tools to support integrated coastal management was conducted with the support

of the Bay of Bengal Large marine Ecosystem project (BOBLmE) and mangroves for the Future (mFF). The course was hosted by the ministry of Environment and Forests (moEF) and organised by mFF India, together with mSSRF and the mFF Regional Secretariat. The training course was aimed at building skills and strengthening the capacity of national coordinators, project holders and members of the National Coordinating Bodies (NCB) of mFF for whom project management is an important responsibility.

A total of 3� participants from the mFF focal countries — India, Indonesia, the maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam — and representatives from three BOBLmE- supported countries — Bangladesh, malaysia, and myanmar — were trained on project cycle management tools and methods applicable at the project level. The training course focused on lectures related to the understanding and application of the logical framework approach, which serves as the integrating tool in designing project proposals. In addition, training was also provided on tools and methods such as sustainable livelihood approach, community participation, coastal climate change considerations and disaster risk reduction, and gender considerations and communication needs.

The participants visited Pichavaram mangrove wetlands and developed 5 project proposals based on the information gathered during the field visit and community interaction as part of the training exercise. The interventions of

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mSSRF in Pichavaram formed the base for building most of the project proposals.

Consul ta t ion on Convergence of Provisions of NREGA for Strengthening Water Conservation Efforts for Use in the Agriculture Sector, and Establishment of Integrated Agro-Aqua Farms in Coastal Areas for Productive Use of Degraded Lands, 11-12 October 2010, Chennai

Organised with the support of the Department of Science and Technology, this consultation was attended by 4� participants representing national research centres, universities, grass-root organisations, government departments and international institutions. The consultation recommended that a consortium of institutions could identify agro-eco-region specific watersheds and undertake pilot projects for demonstrating the convergence of the various provisions in the watershed areas. These pilot initiatives should ideally cover a block or taluk in the region and should include participatory action plans developed in intensive discussions with government departments, PRIs, and knowledge institutions of the locality. The second theme of the consultation was on the establishment of integrated agro-aqua farms in coastal areas for productive use of degraded coastal land. After detailed deliberations the group recommended that a pilot programme on seawater farming could be undertaken to demonstrate the use of seawater as a resource which could be effectively used for agriculture, aquaculture and integrated farming systems. Basic data on geospatial information, analysis of aquifers,

current land-use status, nature and extent of salinity and water quality, current water use, etc. should be generated. Detailed analysis on the biophysical resources, including the diversity of flora, fauna and microorganisms, should be made and documented. The consultation recommended setting up of a national resource centre for halophytes.

Workshop on Food Security Entitlements, 19 October 2010, Amala, Maharashtra

In this village, twenty-six women participated in the workshop in which they were made aware of the various schemes they were entitled to with regard to their food security.

Regional Training Programme on Plant Genetic Resources and Seeds: Policies, Conservation and Use, 1-19 November 2010, Chennai

A regional training programme on plant genetic resources with the funding support of Wageningen University Centre for Development Innovation (CDI) and the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands was held for project co-ordinators, senior staff, managers, trainers, programme leaders and other professionals who aim to promote the conservation and use of PGR for agriculture from a policy, research, education or development perspective. Twenty-two participants drawn from Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Sudan, yemen and Zimbabwe attended this training programme. Special attention was paid to participatory approaches in genetic resources management and relevant related policies. Participants and facilitators

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exchanged their experiences and worked together to explore practical approaches towards the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources in agriculture and to better understand the functioning of different agro-ecosystems, including seed supply systems.

National Training Programme for Women Scientists and Technologists, 15-19 November 2010, Chennai

This programme was the second in a series of national training programmes for women scientists and technologists working in the government sector. The topic covered was “Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, Biovillage as a Delivery model” and there were 19 participants. The programme included classroom sessions and a field trip. The classroom sessions were interactive and covered topics such as:

• issues and challenges in sustainable agriculture and rural development

• biovillages for sustainable development

• framework, assessment and planning

• access to technology and adoption and dissemination

• community mobil isation and social inclusion

• role of local-level governance in natural resource management

• rain-fed farming development programme – a case study

• f inancial services and insti tut ional mechanisms for livelihoods

• gender and development

• impact analysis for sustainable agriculture and rural development

• monitoring and evaluation in a project cycle

Key learnings were taken as feedback at the end of every day. A two-day trip was organised to Kannivadi where the participants could relate to the various topics dealt with while interacting with the two grass-root institutions there. The resource people included Dr Ajay Parida, Executive Director, mSSRF who welcomed the gathering; Professor P. C. Kesavan, ms. Nancy Annabel, Dr. Rengalakshmi, ms. Sophia from mSSRF; ms Vijayanthi independent hR consultant; Dr.V. Raghupathy, Gandhigram University; ms. Raghini, DhAN Foundation; ms Rama, BASIX; Dr Geetha Kutty, Professor, Centre for Women Development & Gender Studies, National Institute of Rural Development, hyderabad, and the community members at Kannivadi.

N a t i o n a l Wo r k s h o p o n D y n a m i c Conservation of India’s Agricultural Heritage Systems, 23 November 2010, Jeypore

Globally Important Agricultural heritage Systems (GIAHS) are defined as “remarkable land-use systems and landscapes which are rich in globally significant biological diversity evolving from the co-adaptation of a community with its environment and its needs and aspirations for sustainable development”. The conservation of India’s agricultural heritage systems under GIAhS

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was discussed at a workshop chaired by Dr. Ajay Parida, Executive Director, mSSRF and attended by 30 delegates belonging to various disciplines. Presentations were made by Dr. Varapasad, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Regional Station, hyderabad; Dr. Bala Ravi, Advisor, mSSRF, Chennai; Dr. P. K. Singh, Registrar, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority PPV&FRA, New Delhi; Dr. m.m. Panda, Dean (Research), Orissa University of Agricultural Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneshwar; Dr. B. C. Patra, Principal Scientist, Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack and Dr.K.U.K.Nampoothiri, Director, mSSRF, Jeypore. Based on detailed discussions, criteria for identifying a heritage system were identified and steps were taken on the preparation of a document to be submitted to FAO.

Participatory Knowledge Management Workshop for Grass-Roots Social Workers, 24-25 November 2010, Mumbai

During 2010, 226 (m: 160; F: 66) NVA Fellows were selected from 10 States and one Union Territory. For the newly-elected Fellows, the purpose of the participatory knowledge management workshop was to find out the specific areas of their expertise, gaps to be addressed, the limitations that they face in addressing those gaps, the kind of information and training programmes needed to improve their livelihood security, the methods they prefer for receiving content and capacity building, stakeholder analysis based on the needs, etc. The Fellows were grouped into different

thematic areas based on their expertise and their regional language. These groups were facilitated by subject matter specialists. Other than those from mSSRF, experts from the Xavier Institute of Social Sciences, Action for Food Production (AFPRO), CARDS, Savitri Jothirao College of Social Work, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, NABARD, and ITC-eChoupal as well as several individuals acted as facilitators, while students from the College of Agriculture, Nagpur acted as rapporteurs.

Seventh Convocation of NVA Fellows, 26 November 2010, Mumbai

The convocation was conducted at the Cowasjee Jehangir Convocation hall, University of mumbai. Dr Rajan m Welukar, Vice Chancellor, University of mumbai, Dr Basheerhamad Shadrach, Executive Director, telecentre.org Foundation, Dr S Parasuraman, Director, Tata Institute of Social Studies (TISS), Shri Digambar Kamat, Chief minister, Goa, Shri Shivraj Patil, Governor of the Punjab, Dr Sanjay V. Deshmukh, Professor of Life Sciences, University of mumbai, and Dr. Ajay K. Parida, Executive Director, mSSRF, participated in the convocation.

The 226 Fellows, selected through 32 regional peer-review committees consisting of 68 members from 8 States, were categorised into three broad groups: knowledge workers (35), social workers (185) and holders of traditional knowledge and innovative practices (2). Volume IV of the NVA Fellows Directory, released during the Convocation, lists their profiles and competencies.

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Seventh Convention of Grameen Gyan Abhiyan, 27-28 November 2010, Mumbai

The event took place at the Gurdev Auditorium, Pherozeshah mehta Bhavan and Research Centre, Department of Political Sciences, University of mumbai. The theme for the convention was “Information Communication Technology and Food, health and Livelihood Security in an Era of Climate Change”. During the discussions, it was felt that enabling policy environment and political will are the primary needs in India to make ICT programmes work on the ground; that mobile phones can act as effective tools to reach the last mile village communities and they can complement telecentres; open and distance learning systems can play a major role in building the capacity of grass-roots knowledge workers; and in order to mitigate hunger and poverty, it was necessary to have 10 or 12 mission-mode programmes with innovative and out-of-the-box thinking. Further, there was high demand for convergence of data and content from different domains like health, education, agriculture, livelihoods, etc. The participants wanted that a special task force be set-up to co-ordinate and channelise the efforts of the Central and State governments and that the Government of India should make significant investment on knowledge infrastructure.

During the convention, the GGA secretariat organised a Technology Partners pavilion, to showcase technology applications and design solutions and their potential for supporting inclusive growth. The latest technology solutions for rural communities were presented

by Qualcomm, India Development Gateway (InDG), media Lab Asia, Novatium Solutions Pvt. Ltd., etc. Demonstrations, education sessions, and exhibits focused on innovative solutions to meet the needs of the rural communities were hosted.

Orientation Programme on Telecentre.org Foundation and IGNOU certificate course on “Telecentre Management”, 29-30 November 2010, Mumbai

The workshop was organised at Rambhau mhalgi Prabodhini, mumbai, to introduce the Telecentre management certificate course and to motivate and enlist participants to become Telecentre.org academy counsellors (TACs). Forty-six persons (m: 36, F: 10) from 10 States and 2 Union Territories participated in this workshop.

On the first day of the workshop, the participants were introduced to the Certificate in Telecentre/ VKC management course developed by the Telecentre.org Foundation and implemented through IGNOU using the speed-geeking methodology. At the end of the day, the participants were divided into four groups and asked to study the course material and present their learnings using multimedia techniques.

On the second day, the participants presented their understanding of the curriculum through videos, PowerPoint presentations, skits, role plays, etc., completely covering the course material through their excellent work. most of them expressed interest in becoming TACs and mentors for those enrolling for the course in January 2011.

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Workshop on Food Security Entitlements, 28 December 2010, Vihirgaon, Maharashtra

Fifteen women attended the workshop here on their entitlements with respect to food security.

Training Programme on the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, 6-7 January 2011, Chennai

The biodiversity team invited stakeholders in Tamil Nadu such as community-based and civil society organisations working on plant genetic resources for sharing their experiences and views about local issues during this training programme.

Annual Dia logue on Reaping the Demographic Dividend in Agriculture and Rural Development, 19-21 February 2011, Chennai

With participation from several universities, NGOs and government institutions, the dialogue was inaugurated by Shri Ajay maken, minister of State for youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. The distinguished speakers included Dr. Edwin Price, Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, USA; Dr. Dennis P. Garrity, Director General, World Agro-forestry Centre (ICRAF); Dr. K.G. Karmakar, managing Director, NABARD; mr. Parvesh Sharma, managing Director, Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium; Dr. Partha R. Das Gupta, Principal Advisor-Agronomy, Syngenta Foundat ion for Sustainable Agriculture; Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, Environmental Scientist, himalayan

Environmental Studies & Conservation Organisation; mr. D.K. manavalan, Executive Director, Action for Food Production (AFPRO); Dr. Anuj Sinha, honorary Director, Vigyan Prasar; Dr. Sheela Ramachandran, Vice Chancellor, Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore, and Dr. V.P. Singh, Regional Representative, ICRAF. A total of 100 students and NGOs participated in the highly interactive dialogue and came up with constructive recommendations.

Participatory Need Assessment Workshop for Mahi la K isan Sashakth ikaran Pariyojana Members, 25-27 February 2011, Sewagram

The three-day workshop for mKSP members was essentially to understand their needs to help plan suitable interventions on a crop-cycle basis. The workshop was carried out in collaboration with the Informatics division of mSSRF. A total of 183 women farmers, including some non-samiti members, participated in the exercise. The needs that were articulated by the women farmers were broadly classified based on the level of intervention required to address them and suitable interventions have been planned.

A process document on mKSP titled Many Lives of Women Farmers – Empowering Women Farmers in Vidarbha was developed. As part of this documentation, 3 workshops were organised, 2 for group members and 1 for children under the education support programme. The group members were asked to write about their life and their experience

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as members of mKSP. Children were asked to write about their perception of the support received through the education support programme.

Indo-US Workshop on the Critical Global Challenge: Managing Water Resources for Food Security and Sustainability, 4-6 March 2011, Chennai

With support from the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, this workshop was organised jointly by the University of Nebraska and mSSRF. Eminent scientists and decision-makers from US and Indian institutions and the private sector addressed the issues and challenges surrounding water and food productivity, an area of critical interest to both countries. The workshop deliberated on research priorities related to managing water quantity and quality for food production; increasing water productivity in agriculture; grass root initiatives and best practices from the field; innovative technologies to increase yields while decreasing water use; climate challenges to agriculture and water; policy issues and implications; and partnerships and the way forward. The deliberations helped in identifying key areas for interventions and developing programmes for implementation in different agro-ecosystems to improve productivity in agriculture through effective water management and improved agronomic practices. The workshop also discussed partnerships among the participating Indian and US institutions which has resulted in the development of joint research and education proposals. The workshop was attended by

over 60 participants from US universities (University of Nebraska, michigan State University, Iowa State University) and Indian academic institutions.

Vacation Training Programme, April-May 2011, Wayanad

As many as 31 students from different parts of Kerala took part in the programme, which was inaugurated by Shri. Binoy Viswam, former minister for housing and Forests, Government of Kerala.

The comprehensive methodology adopted included classroom lectures, debates, discussions, preparation of working models, field visits, exposure visits to the organisations working in the f ie ld of b iodivers i ty /biotechnology, project work, etc. Apart from the regular academic exercises, efforts were paid to integrate physical training (yoga), team dynamics and leadership development. Eminent scientists, academicians, activists and others handled the classes. As part of the field trips, students visited different forest types, agricultural landscapes, water bodies, etc., to understand the functioning of the ecosystems and their conservation relevance. Trekking inside Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was a new experience for them, and interaction with forest officials helped them to understand the issues related to the protection of forest and wildlife. They also got the opportunity to study different forest types like shola forests, dry deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and grasslands. They visited the Centre for Water Resource

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Development and management (CWRDm), Kozhikode, to understand water conservation and management issues pertaining to Kerala. The visit to the Zoological Survey of India and the malabar Botanical Garden, both in Kozhikode, helped them to understand issues about the conservation of the faunal diversity of Kerala as well as learn about the various strategies adopted for the conservation of our plant genetic resources. Kadalundi Community Reserve provided them with a different experience, where the Forest Department is attempting to conserve mangrove ecosystems with the active involvement and support of the local community.

Classroom lectures focused on biodiversity, its conservation and sustainable utilisation, floral and faunal diversity, agro-biodiversity and food security, climate change, biotechnology and its application in conservation, application of space technology in natural resource management, etc. Eminent experts like Professor m.K. Prasad, Professor Kunhikrishnan, Dr. Jafer Palot, Dr. Jiby Kuriakose, Dr. T.R. Vinod, Dr. A. Sabu, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sukumaran, and Dr. Anil Zachariah interacted with the students on different disciplines of their interest.

The students, divided into five groups under specific supervisors, undertook project work on the tree communities, the diversity of spiders, the soil diversity, the diversity of grasses in the conservation garden of CAbC Kalpetta, as well as on the evolution of an effective bio-control agent against the philosphere pathogen affecting Justecia jenderussa.

Vacation Training Programme, 18 April-8 May 2011, Jeypore

A three-week vacation training programme on bioresources and biotechnology was conducted for 35 students (19 boys & 16 girls) belonging to 25 schools from 24 districts of Odisha. The programme was inaugurated by Professor m. S. Swaminathan, with ms. Vicky Corbett (Australia) and the Executive Director of mSSRF being the other important guests.

The first week was spent in classroom teaching on biodiversity, biotechnology, natural resource management, horticulture, floriculture, rice, millets, medicinal plants, orchids and plantation crops, facilitated by experts from various institutes of Odisha. Three days were spent on practical experiments on mushroom spawn production, tissue culture, microbial culture, seed germination, nursery bed preparation, vermicomposting, etc.

The second week was utilised for exposure visits to Jeypore College of Pharmacy, BILT paper mill, Jeypore; cashew factory, rice mill, Central Cattle Breeding Farm, KVKs, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Koraput; sericulture nursery, NALCO, forest nursery, Gupteswar Reserve Forest, tribal villages in Kundura block and many other places. The students documented the traditional knowledge of the Duraua tribe on food, forest, agriculture & culture.

World Earth Day was celebrated on 22 April, when children cleaned 3 villages of makaput panchayat, and took out an awareness rally and a signature campaign to spread the

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message. Different competitions like essay writing, debate, poster preparation, drawing, drama, and quiz were conducted.

The last week of the programme was devoted for preparation of a project based on their exposure and classroom learning. The 35 students were divided into � groups. Each group was named after an endangered animal, viz., Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, Olive Ridley turtle, crocodile, black buck deer, one-horned rhino and panda. The project subjects were: natural resource management, nutrition, medicinal plants, climate change, mushroom spawn production, rice diversity and kitchen gardens.

Vacation Training Programme, April-May 2011, Chennai

Thirty-two students, 18 boys and 14 girls, from different districts of Andhra Pradesh visited the Coringa wildlife sanctuary, a largely mangrove forest near Kakinada, spread across the Godavari delta. They interacted with an aqua-farm owner and visited his farm of around 16 ha with about 15 ponds, practising mixed culture and mono culture of tiger prawns. The students also visited the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) at Kakinada. They visited the maridinemalli forest to understand forest dynamics and forest produce and visited a tribal population within the forest. They visited a school where they practise integrated dairy farming over 50 hectares with 400 buffaloes and generate enough biogas to meet 60 per cent of the energy requirements. They visited Kadiyam nurseries where there are 600 nurseries

spread over 2000 acres of land – the largest concentration of nurseries supplying saplings to many parts of India and abroad. They also visited the Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajamundhry, and learnt about the various aspects to research in tobacco. In Chennai, the students saw the Crocodile Bank and learnt about the conservation efforts of crocodiles and also went to the Snake Park. They visited the Theosophical Society which is a treasure house for many different tree species, endemic and exotic. The students visited a unique library, the Roja muthiah Library where they had information on preservation and digitisation of libraries.

The students had numerous experts interacting with them including Dr. D. Narasimhan of madras Christian College, Dr. Saranya Narayan (Jeevan Blood Bank, Chennai), mr. P.S. Raghavaiah IFS, (DFO Kakinada), Professor y. Venkateswara Rao Andhra University), Dr. A.R.K.Sastry, (former Joint Director, Botanical Survey of India), apart from in-house interactions with mSSRF scientists on various topics ranging from climate change to biodiversity conservation to modern biotechnology.

The students had hands-on exposure to some simple experiments in the laboratories like DNA isolation, DNA electrophoresis, bacterial streaking, lichen identification, soil analysis, plant tissue culture, thin layer chromatography. They were shown demonstrations of sensitive equipment like the Automated DNA sequencer, high performance liquid chromatography (hPLC), gene gun, etc. All the students

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prepared projects using these tools and presented them before the staff of mSSRF.

National Workshop for Women Scientists on Application of Molecular Techniques for Diversity Assessment and Polyphasic Characterisation of PGPRs from Different Ecosystems, 16-25 May 2011, Chennai

Fourteen participants inclusive of research scholars, post-doctorals, scientists, and assistant professors drawn from central/state/universities and other research institutions from Assam in the northeast to madurai down south attended this programme sponsored by DBT. Experts from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai, Central Institute of Brackish Water and Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai, University of Saarland, Germany, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA, along with the staff from the microbiology department of mSSRF served as resource persons in delivering lectures in the fields related to microbiology in general and molecular aspects of PGPRs in particular. Importantly, hands-on training on different molecular techniques, viz., identification and characterisation of bacteria using 16S rDNA, housekeeping genes, functional genes (nifh; nirS; nosZ and hCN) was provided. microbial diversity assessment using BOX-PCR, rep-PCR, Eric-PCR, ARDRA, RAPD, RFLP and AFLP techniques was taught. The standardised protocols in the laboratory were followed during the training programme and the hands-on training was given by in-house resource persons. A special

lecture on IPR and microbes was delivered by Dr. m.D. Nair, consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, Chennai.

A manual on all the techniques was prepared and distributed to the participants. The manual and the training programme will help the participants to become skilled researchers in the field of molecular microbiology and thereby equip themselves to work on diverse research areas like bioremediation, bioprospecting and bioengineering using microbes.

Sub Programme Area �02

Special Projects 702.1 Empowering the rural poor by strengthening their identity, income opportunities and nutritional security through the improved use and marketing of neglected and underutilised nutritious millets in India.

Revival of interest in millets and other underutilised crops due to their ability to provide nutritional security to the rural poor led to a project involving mSSRF. This project (200� to 2010) was supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Rome, and internationally coordinated by the Bioversity International, Rome. In India, this project has been coordinated by mSSRF with three partners: the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad and UAS Bangalore and the hill campus (Ranichauri) of the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT-Ranichauri), Uttarakhand. The

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Central Food Technology Research Institute, mysore, has been a partner supporting on technology aspects. In addition, mSSRF has directly implemented the project in five villages each in Kolli hills, Tamil Nadu and Kundra in Orissa. Altogether, 24 villages in four States were covered.

The focus of the project was on five important neglected and underutilised species (NUS) comprising four small (nutritious) millets — finger millet (Eleucine coracana), little millet (Panicum sumatrense), foxtail millet (Setaria itallica), and barnyard millet (Echinochloa colona) — and grain amaranth (Amarathus cruentus). Nutritional security arising from the NUS was addressed through improved productivity, building value chain from farm to market, increased income generation and building capacity of the small farmers and other stakeholders of the project areas. The capacity building was undertaken in multiple ways for strengthening ability to absorb technology, diversify from production to value addition, skill development in a variety of new areas, reduction of drudgery of women in production and processing of these grains and promotion of their consumption at household level.

Assessment and enhancement of income generation from the cultivation of NUS

One of the measures chosen for increasing the food security and income of farm households was yield enhancement. This was undertaken in view of the low productivity and associated poor production practices traditionally followed by farmers, who grow these crops either as monocrop or mixed crop with a few other

species. They usually do not apply either organic manure or chemical fertilisers and broadcast the seeds with high seed rate and neither do they regulate plant population with thinning or weeding and intercultivation. Therefore, the crop productivity is very low.

The agronomic interventions to improve productivity were identified in participatory rural appraisals with farmers. These included use of quality seeds, application of at least a minimum level of farmyard manure or chemical fertilisers as per farmer’s choice, row planting using decreased seed rate, timely planting, weeding and intercultivation. Along with these interventions, a farmer participatory seed selection was conducted in project villages by growing all local varieties and a few “improved” varieties in replicated trials and making farmers select the best variety they would like to grow. This seed selection resulted in farmers largely preferring the varieties which offered higher yields and food quality. Farmers were trained to produce quality seeds of the selected varieties to meet the local demand.

Training programmes on using these seeds with identified agronomic practices were conducted and the “improved method” was demonstrated together with the “traditional method” in farmer- participatory demonstrations. During the 2010 rainy season, 262 such demonstrations were conducted in project villages in Kolli hills, Kundra, BR hills (Karnataka) and Ranichauri (Uttarkhand). About 60 per cent of these demonstrations used intercrops along with nutritious millets, mainly finger, little and barnyard millets. The choice of intercrops was

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location specific. For example, the common intercrops in Kolli hills are little millet, pigeon pea, mustard, Dolichos and maize, while those in BR hills are maize and grain amaranth, and in Kundra are little millets, blackgram, pigeon pea. The project initiated intercropping of finger millet with tapioca in Kolli Hills and conducted � such demonstrations here.

The yield comparisons between pure crop and intercrop and across different intercrops in different regions were made by converting the intercrop yield to equivalent small millet (finger millet) grain yield. Across the 63 demonstrations conducted in six villages in Kundra, the yield from the improved method varied from 860 to 1�18 kg/ha with a mean of 1315 kg/ha, while the same in the traditional method ranged between 294 to ��4 kg/ha with a mean of 529 kg/ha. Therefore, the improved practices offered a mean increased yield of 686 kg/ha. The cost-benefit analysis of these two methods of production showed that, on an average, the net income increase on grain yield alone from the improved method was Rs 8232/ha. The fodder of these millets is not used by farmers in Kundra and therefore it was not valued.

The results from 135 demonstrations conducted in Ganigamangala village in BR hills showed the mean yield in plots which followed farmers’ practice was 628 kg/ha, while that in improved method was 11�3 kg/ha. The enhanced economic benefit from the improved method was found to be Rs �085/ha.

Productivity enhancement participatory demonstrations in Ranichauri were conducted

separately for finger millet, barnyard millet and grain amaranth, all of them invariably being grown as pure crop. however, soyabean was introduced as intercrop with finger and barnyard millets in a few trials. These crops in this location are largely grown and promoted under organic cultivation. Therefore, the comparison was made between farmers’ organic practice and “improved” organic practice. Improved organic practice involved application of scientifically-recommended levels of organic manure including vermicompost, apart from other improved management practices. Demonstrations on pure crops of finger and barnyard millets were conducted in 24 farmers’ fields. The average yield of farmers’ organic practice in finger millet in ten trials varied from 412 kg to 648 kg/ha with a mean of 566 kg/ha, while that from trials on improved organic practice varied from 630 kg to 1212 kg/ha with a mean of 988 kg/ha. Cost benefit analysis of these trials showed a net economic gain of Rs 4860/ha from the improved organic practice. The results from 12 trials on barnyard millets showed that the improved organic practice may offer additional net economic gain to the tune of Rs 6452/ha. Additional 6 demonstrations each were conducted on the intercrop of finger millet and barnyard millet with soyabean. The average net income from finger millet-based intercrop under improved organic practice was found to be Rs.13�35/ha, while that from the traditional organic farming practices was Rs �39�/ha. Thus, the net economic gain from the improved organic practice was Rs 6338. The results from intercropped barnyard millet also followed a similar trend, although the net

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income from the improved organic practice was less at Rs 5362.

In the case of grain amaranth, which is a high value crop, the differences in net income between the improved and traditional organic farming methods were substantially high. While the mean net income from improved practice was Rs 31,112/ha, that from the traditional organic practice was Rs 20,525/ha, the difference being Rs. 1058�/ha. Similar high net incomes were realised in 8 demonstrations where grain amaranth was intercropped with French beans. The mean net economic gain between the improved and traditional organic farming methods was Rs. 253�5/ha.

In the villages of Kundra, which had the lowest finger millet yield across all project locations, a productivity enhancement incentive was provided to millet farmers. A prize of Rs 1000 was offered to each farmer who achieved the highest grain yield in finger or little millet during that crop season. Five farmers won the prizes, which were given away by Professor Swaminathan at a public function. The highest yield achieved was 1�18 kg/ha.

Promotion of consumption of nutritious millets

Production and consumption of nutritious millets have been undergoing a downward trend for two major reasons. One, the traditional processing of these grains for consumption demanded more time and meant great drudgery to women. There was no locally accessible mechanical processing facility in many villages, where these grains are produced and traditionally

consumed. Two, the government policies on procurement and subsidised supply of rice and wheat through the public distribution system rendered ready access to alternate grains which offered drudgery-free processing. While the millet grains were commanding Rs 10-12/kg in village markets, the availability of PDS rice and wheat at far lower prices either promoted sale of all produced millet grain or diversion of millet-producing land to high-value crop production, and switching over to rice even by the traditional millet consumers. hence promotion of millet consumption was a concurrent step for promotion of their cultivation and conservation. As these crops have not received enough attention in research, their cultivation and processing involve activities which are tedious and time consuming. This drudgery which is faced particularly by women in weeding, threshing and processing is one of the reasons discouraging their cultivation and consumption. Therefore, this project explored technologies suited to reduce the drudgery in weeding and threshing and innovated village-level low-cost processing machinery for drudgery-free grain processing. Eleven processing mills were established under the supervision of Women Self-help Groups in all project villages for grinding finger millet, which is the major nutritious millet grown in most of the project areas. This single step, along with large-scale awareness generation on the nutritional benefits of millet and the traditional preference that some of the communities have been attaching to millets, contributed to the enhanced consumption of these grains in all project villages. In addition, women were trained in

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a number of millet-based recipes to add taste and better acceptability to home-made food among children. A quick post-training survey on �9 households on the use of knowledge on new recipes for preparation of unconventional novel foods for family consumption showed that 16.6 per cent of the families had adopted the new learning for making products such as malt, pakodi, halva, laddu, etc., at home.

According to the project impact assessment completed in Kolli hills and Kundra, the promotional activities undertaken by the project had increased the consumption of nutritious millets among the households. Prior to the project, 30 per cent of the households were consuming nutritious millets and it constituted 4 per cent of the total grain consumed. At the end of the project, �4 per cent of the households consumed these grains and its share among grain consumed rose to 6.4 per cent. In the case of Kundra, all households were consuming these grains during the beginning and end of the project, but the percentage of this grain increased from 5� to 60.4 per cent.

Value chain development for enhanced income generation

While the minimum support price fixed by the government provides lowest price for nutritious millet grains, their open market price is higher than that of unhusked rice (paddy). Nevertheless, the profitability to producer is lower from these crops in view of their lower productivity. These grains are less competitive to rice and wheat in view of the high-risk arid and fragile conditions in which

they are cultivated. The processing industry has also not been developed around these grains to create commercial importance to them. This project, therefore, conducted studies together with the Rural home Science Colleges of UAS-Bangalore and Dharwad to develop value-added products and train village women in value addition and product development. At village level, cadres of women and men trained well in value addition were established within ShGs, which were provided with milling machinery and other tools and devices required for processing and product development. They were also specially trained on product quality and hygiene, importance of maintaining similar quality standards in every batch of production, packaging and labeling, account keeping and basics on marketing. In the haveri district of northern Karnataka, where little millet is largely produced, suitable machinery could not be introduced due to lack of suitable technology. Women in Jekinkatti had to resort to hand pounding to dehull and produce the rice of this millet for sale and subsequent value addition.

The products developed for commercialisation included finger-millet malt, finger-millet flour, foxtail-millet flour, little-millet flour, finger-millet chakkli (murukku), rices of little, foxtail and barnyard millets, finger-millet nippittu, finger-millet hurihittu, uppuma mix from little, foxtail and barnyard millets, little-millet bajji mix, little millet and foxtail millet idli and dosa mix, laddu of little, foxtail and barnyard millets, finger-millet vermicelli, little or foxtail-millet based cookies and muffins, little-millet papad, little-millet paddu, payasam mix of little, foxtail

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and barnyard millets, millet diabetic mix, barnyard-millet crispies, and amaranth laddu. Finger millet has an excellent malting property which is next only to barley and this malt is an excellent health food or drink for toddlers as well as adults of all ages; farmers of Kolli hills and Jeypore regularly produce this malt. Some of these products are successfully marketed through outlets of ShGs in Kolli hills and the retail chains in Tamil Nadu and Jeypore. While the net profitability in the production of every kilogram of finger millet grain is to the tune of Rs 3 to 6, depending on productivity and cost of production, the same from every kilogram of malt is Rs 22 to 25. The profitability from chakkli, laddus from all millets, finger-millet hurihittu, finger-millet vermicelli, the different grain mixes listed above, including payasam mix and diabetic mix and little-millet papad, is quite promising (Table 7. 1). These products have fairly good shelf life for commercial venturing. mSSRF is currently working on enlarging the market network for production expansion by the ShGs.

The products with no or short shelf life, but attractive for successful commercialisation

in ready-to-eat form food are millet pakodi, barnyard-millet crispies, little-millet paddu and bisibelebath, to list a few. Some of these ready-to-eat millet-based preparations developed by UAS-Dharwad have the double advantage of low cost (Rs 2 to Rs 6) and good energy content from 220 to 585 calories and 6.0 to 16.0 g protein in every 50 g (one serving).

Assessment of nutritional values of nutritious millets

A two-pronged approach was used for this study. The available literature on the nutritional composition of millets cites only one data set which is useful for comparative nutrition study with other grains. There is total lack of understanding on the diversity in the nutritional composition possible in these millets. Therefore, a detailed biochemical analytical study was undertaken to assess the variation in nutritional composition among important local and improved varieties of the four millet species. The analysis was outsourced to the madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai. Analysis for macro

Products Net income Packaging details

Finger millet (Fm) malt 22500 Packed in carton, K.hillsFm malt 25680 Packed in polybag, KundraFm hurihittu 18800 Packed in polybag, KundraFm Flour 5000 Packed in polybag, KundraLittle/Italian millet rice 16500 Packed in polybag, K.hillsItalian millet dosa mix 15000 Packed in polybag, K.hillsItalian millet payasam mix 18600 Packed in polybag, K.hillsLittle millet uppuma rawa 14950 Packed in polybag, K.hills

Table �.1 Net income estimated from value-added products (Rs/tonne)

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and micronutrients were performed on 11 varieties of finger millet, five varieties of little millet, three varieties of foxtail millet and one variety of barnyard millet. The results showed major intra-specific variation in total dietary fibre, phytate, iron, calcium and magnesium, particularly in finger millet, which was analysed for more varieties.

The second approach used for developing strategies for enhanced use of millets in nutrition programmes was conducting millet-based feeding studies to assess its cost-effectiveness and efficacy as a nutritious food for growing children. Two such studies were undertaken by the Rural home Science Colleges of the Universities of Agricultural Sciences at Dharwad and Bangalore.

One of the intervention studies conducted by UAS-Dharwad assessed the acceptability and nutritional benefits of foxtail millet as a substitute for rice in school mid-day meal programmes. The study used 60 schoolboys in the age group 11-13 years, with 30 of them serving as the intervention group (IG), who received the intervention feeding and the other 30 serving as the no intervention group (NIG). All the selected children were de-wormed a week before the study. The IG children were given different preparations made from foxtail millet ad libitum in stead of the usual rice-based food, while the NIG children were given the regular rice-based school food ad libitum, both served in the school premises under supervision. Children were monitored for the quantity of food consumed, their response and enthusiasm in accepting the millet-based food,

reactions like vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, and overall health. The study was conducted for 90 days. Initial and final data on height, weight and haemoglobin levels were recorded and analysed for mean, standard deviation and test of significance using t-test. It was seen that the differences between the NIG and IG with respect to body weight and hb levels were significant (P<0.01), suggesting that intervention with foxtail millet in lieu of rice in school mid-day meal programmes is more effective.

Another study was similarly conducted by UAS-Bangalore on a batch of 60 boys and girls in the age group of 12-13 years, who are resident at the government hostel in Chintamani, Chikaballapur district. The intervention group (IG) comprising 30 girls and boys was fed with different food made from finger millet, while the no intervention group (NIG) comprising 30 girls and boys was fed with normal hostel food made from rice and rice products. The study completed in 90 days collected initial and final data on BmI and hb. This study concluded that the children who received finger millet-based recipes, in comparison with those from NIG, showed better overall health, physical strength and better attention in their studies.

Capacity building for technology adoption, mechanisation, value chain, marketing, etc

Capacity building of farm women and men in project villages using the local ShGs and Farmers’ Clubs (FCs) as platform was an important intervention under this study. many themes were chosen for training.

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These included improved crop management, quality seed production, participatory variety selection, intercropping systems, soil health management, vermicompost production, value addition of millet grains, product quality and hygiene, packaging, labeling and marketing, management of accounts of the ShGs, awareness on the role of millets in nutrition, etc. Some of these training programmes were on-farm with practical exercises as was in the case of quality seed production, variety selection, crop management, soil health management, product development, etc, while others were the classroom type at the community gatherings. Overall, the training sessions were conducted on about 1� topics, extending over 46 training days. The �64 trainees included 416 farm women and 348 men. Improved cultivation practices and value addition and marketing were the topics more frequently demanded across villages. All these contributed substantially to the knowledge of farmers, influenced their outlook on agricultural practices and increased their overall self-confidence and esteem, particularly for the women. The trainees also included a substantial number of youth.

Leveraging SHGs and Farmers’ Clubs for popularising multiple activities for enhanced income

All ShGs and four FCs, established during the first year of the project, were fully engaged in all project activities, including capacity building on technology applications and income- generation activities. most of the women ShGs and two FCs were engaged in value addition and marketing of millet products. Two other

FCs were engaged in practising and promoting improved agronomic management, production of quality seed, vermicompost, etc. Some women ShGs were linked to the Village Seed Bank for its management. Twenty-six ShGs were engaged in the 24 project villages in multiple roles.

Awareness generation on the unique role of nutritious millets

At all project locations, partners were encouraged to undertake awareness on the nutritional and nutraceutical importance of nutritious millets through different activities. Some of these activities were: observation of World Food Day on 16 October, World Biodiversity Day on 22 may, World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October, and World Diabetes Day on 14 November. On these special occasions, meetings with appropriate stakeholders, exhibition of millets and their value-added products and millet-based recipe competitions were conducted along with distribution of simple literature on them. Elocution competition on millets in the schools provided exposure of students to the nutritional importance of these grains. Urban as well as farm women were involved in food diversity fairs and recipe competitions with prizes for the best preparations. Diabetes Day was organised in hospitals and nursing colleges to sensitise the medical and paramedical staff on the virtues of millets as nutraceutical foods.

Awareness on nutritious millets among school and college students

An extensive awareness programme was organised for the schools and junior colleges

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located in all the project areas. Students took part in three competitive events on the theme”Nutritious millets” — essay writing, drawing and quiz. A total of 1368 students from all locations and from 3� schools participated in these competitions. huge interest on these crops was generated among students and the selected essays written by students were published by the project. Two prize winners from the first two events and one prize winner from the quiz event were selected from each project region and prizes were given away by Professor m.S. Swaminathan on 4 December 2010 at mSSRF, Chennai. This day also marked the final review meeting of this project.

Production of recipe books

Food is an important signature of the cultural identity of every community. This is stronger in the case of traditional communities. Food culture is essentially derived from the raw material used to make the food, the culinary practices and the consumption style. Nutritious millets have an indelible role in the cultural identity of several Indian communities, in

particular the several tribal groups. The culinary practices of these communities were compiled during PRA sessions, interviews and competitions on traditional recipes. Some of these recipes were value added, standardised and evaluated for wider organoleptic qualities during intervention feeding programmes mentioned earlier. Such evaluations also factored the preference and taste of urban population including adults, women and children. These traditional recipes as well as the novel recipes innovated by the home Science faculties of partner institutions are being published.

Survey and documentation of indigenous knowledge

A survey involving �8 households in Kundra was conducted in all the 6 villages with regard to indigenous knowledge associated with finger millet cultivation and use. Finger millet is cultivated exclusively under rain-fed conditions in uplands using traditional methods. It involves three to four ploughings to prepare the field for sowing. Sowing, usually starting from June and extending up to end-July, is by

Project area Participating students Essay Writing Quiz Drawing Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Total

haveri (10) 28 25 53 38 51 89 22 2� 49Chintamani (11) �4 100 1�4 159 231 390 �6 98 1�4Kolli hills (�) 38 26 64 54 34 88 39 31 �0Kundra (9) 32 46 �8 44 �6 120 1 18 19Total 172 197 369 295 392 687 138 174 312

Table �.2 Participation of school students in competitions on nutritious millets (no. of schools in parenthesis)

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broadcasting of sole millet seed (pure crop) or millet seed mixed with one or two other crop species (mixed cropping), often using heavy seed rate (6-10 kg/acre), with rare application of farmyard manure or chemical fertilisers. The crop is rarely thinned to regulate plant population, or weeded or intercultivated. The common mixed crops with finger millet are little millet, blackgram, pigeon pea, sorghum, and oilseeds like niger. Usually one-fourth of the seed rate of the main crop is used for intercrops. All cultivars used are local landraces. The project area has 7 landraces of finger millets. Each variety is identified largely on the basis of its maturity duration and the companion crop with which it is usually sown. Thus there is Bodomandia with longest duration (120-130 days) and higher yield; Baunsaganthimandia, another long duration variety (120-130 days) and higher yield; Sanomandia with short maturity duration (90 days) and lower yield; Desaramandia, which has medium maturity period (100-110 days) and medium yield and becomes ready for harvest during the Dussera season; Janhamandia, a medium duration variety (100-110days) commonly intercropped with sorghum; Birimandia, another medium duration variety more commonly preferred for intercropping with blackgram (biri); and Telugumandia, a variety considered to have been brought by Telugu speaking migrants from Andhra Preadesh, which is also medium in maturity with fairly high yield.

The Kolli Hills region has 21 landraces of five millet species.

Promoting on-farm conservation through Village Gene-Seed Banks

Conservation of traditional varieties is an important component of the project which has been taken up meticulously. All the local varieties are being conserved at farm level as well as in the small farm around the mSSRF centre in Jeypore. At farm level, Village Gene-Seed Banks are established in different villages where not only conservation of the varieties, but also production and distribution of seeds of all varieties are undertaken by trained members of the ShG. Seeds of some of these varieties are also deposited in the Community Gene Bank of mSSRF at Chennai.

702.2 Appraisal of occupational hazards, entrepreneurial capacity and decision-making role of women in coastal communities of India

Introduction

Fishery is one of the powerful income- and employment-generating sectors and forms a major source of livelihood for millions of people around the globe and more specifically in Asian countries. The Fishery statistics of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) 2009 indicate that India stands second in the world in total fish production (both freshwater and saltwater fish), after China, with a production of �.3 million tons in 200�. According to the Central marine Fisheries Research Institute (CmFRI) Census 2005, 48 per cent of the marine-dependent fisher folk population are women. Women play important roles in capture as well as culture fisheries, either

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as paid or unpaid workers. There is a clear division of labour: men do marine fishing while women market the catch. For a few women, fishing is confined to intertidal areas, mangroves, backwaters and estuarine areas through hand-picking or using small traditional boats. Significantly, women play a wide range of other important roles in several post-harvest activities, especially in fish and dry fish marketing and other fishing- and non-fishing-related entrepreneurial activities. Concurrently, women are solely responsible for domestic chores in rearing and producing current and future labour force for productive purposes. At times, on behalf of their husbands, women also liaison with financial institutions for credit and deal with officials of the fishery sector.

Despite these significant contributions, women’s roles are gradually being displaced due to diffusion of modern pre- and post-harvest technologies and other factors. There is no concerted effort taken towards capturing the multidimensional nature of their work and the challenges faced by them. Instead, their active involvement is underestimated and overlooked. At this juncture, realising the need for disaggregated information for better understanding and improving women’s well-being, the Government of India; ministry of Environment and Forests, has taken up an initiative with the support of the World Bank to strengthen gender mainstreaming into the national project, Integrated Coastal Zone management (ICZm). Besides focusing on a range of environment-related challenges, it includes investment in livelihood initiatives for

the coastal communities. The mSSRF study was undertaken to identify opportunities for improving participation of women in decision-making and management of the ICZm project in general and of livelihood activities by addressing specific issues that affect women in coastal communities.

The overall goal of the study was to understand the livelihood challenges and opportunities of women among the fishing communities in coastal India. The specific objectives were to:

• Elicit the occupational hazards that women face while working in the fishing sector and determine how these can be addressed

• Assess entrepreneurial capacity in women and how it can be tapped and;

• Enumerate the changes in household dynamics due to shift in occupational patterns among men in fishing communities

Methods and materials

The study covered 8 coastal states in India of which mSSRF is implementing the study in � states except West Bengal. In 3 States along the east coast, viz., Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, mSSRF directly undertook the study. In the west coast States, viz., Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka and maharashtra, other NGOs were involved such as Utthan Trust in Gujarat, FishmARC in Kerala and Karnataka, and Rural Communes in maharashtra. Total villages and sample respondents of the study number 210 and 10500, respectively. Generic sampling framework was used

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across the study States and its applicability and suitability was validated during the pilot testing of data collection tools with required customisation based on State-specific context. The observed population of women is highly heterogeneous by socio-economic and cultural factors, ethnicity, institutional and technological interventions, geographical and climatic factors. hence, the sample villages and respondents were drawn by devising multi-stage sampling techniques combining different sampling methods.

Sampling

The first stage involved categorising the �0�6 km coastline into east and west coast States using cluster sampling. In the second stage, each State was further divided into different regions based on three major criteria: geo-physical features, technological intervention and social characteristics, especially caste and religion. These three criteria, either in isolation or in interface with other factors, have very important consequences for fishing women. Using criteria such as social characteristics, traditional fishing, mechanised fishing and the migration pattern in the third stage, sample villages were selected from each region proportionate to the number of marine-based villages using simple random sampling process. households dependent on marine fishing were the units from which the sample respondents (women actively involved in fishing) were selected at the fourth stage. Based on the type of fishing activities that women undertake, the sample category was defined as

1. women-headed households (de facto and de jure)

2. women involved in small-scale fishing

3. women involved in wet and dry fish vending

4. women involved fish auctioning

5. women owning crafts and gears

6. women involved as agriculture labourers

Data collection methods and tools

The study relied upon primary data directly generated from the respondents and secondary data collected from relevant records and documents. To investigate the set objectives, a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection tools were used. Quantitative tools like village profile format and interview schedule were used. Since these tools cannot fully elucidate the behavioural aspects relating to how women cope with issues and problems they face, qualitative tools like life-story formulation, work routine exercise and focus group discussions were used by devising checklists. Tools were field tested and translated into vernacular languages before administering them for data collection.

Data collection process and quality checking

Exclusive data collection process were adopted both at State and village levels. At the State level, as the magnitude of study required qualified persons for data collection, 20 to 25 field investigators per State were selected and trained on data collection tools.

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Survey teams were formed comprising five experienced and fresher field investigators. An experienced person in the group was assigned as cluster coordinator for leading the team and to ensure quality data collection. Necessary data collection and documentation equipment, viz., weighing machine, measuring tape, camera and voice recorder, were purchased and distributed to the respective clusters.

At village level, each team spent about five days in a village to complete the data collection for all the tools; the process was uniformly followed across the States. On day one, field investigators with the help of village leaders established rapport with the community and held meetings with key men and women informants to share the purpose and process of the study. With their help, sample categories were identified in the village and volunteers interested in assisting the team were enlisted. The team walked across the village and observed the living conditions and collected data for the village profile. On days two and three, collection of data was continued for the village profile and household surveys were initiated with the sample respondents. On the fourth day, other than the household survey document, the life story and work routine of 10 respondents was collected. On the final day, with good understanding about the issues and problems of women, the focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted and recorded. Before leaving the village, the cluster coordinator ensured that the data collection was fully completed and quality checking done at three levels. Each cluster, as mentioned

earlier, comprised five members with one cluster coordinator and four field investigators. S/he supervised the whole data collection process and ensured the needed quality of data and information collected on a daily basis. These cluster coordinators reported to the State/survey coordinator. The core team and the national coordinator at mSSRF duly supported the State/survey coordinators as well the cluster coordinators in ensuring the quality of data. The World Bank checked the data quality through a mid-term review.

Data processing and data analysis

Quantitative data serves to identify the seriousness and size of the issues and problems faced by fishing women and qualitative data substantiates it by in-depth information and providing strategies to overcome issues and problems in form of needs and suggestions. Two different procedures were followed for processing the quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data generated were first processed (sorting, coding, master tabulating, data cleaning and validating), variables for inclusion in the analysis were selected and transmitted into raw data files, and finally arranged into SPSS files for statistical analysis, which in fact proved to be a cumbersome part of the research. Various steps like description, classification, making connections, coding and processing were adopted in compiling the qualitative data. Data analysis was done based on the objectives and the results presented in simple frequency, percentage table and cross tables, including graphs and charts.

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Major l i ve l ihood cha l lenges and opportunities of fishing women in Tamil Nadu

Livelihoods of fishing communities are shaped by a multitude of forces and factors. Analyses of their vulnerability and structures and processes relating to livelihood capitals throws light on how these capitals can be converted into more sustainable livelihood options and outcomes. Depending on the socio-economic strata, women possess a combination of assets, abilities and activities for sustaining their livelihoods.

Livelihood assets of fisherwomen

human assets such as knowledge, skills, ability to work and good health enable a person to pursue different livelihood strategies. Among 2045 households, 50 per cent of the labour is shared by women in the productive age group of 26 to 55 years. Though 60 per cent are illiterate, fishing women are content with traditional knowledge in performing diverse activities like fishing, fish processing, resource conservation and management; however, they are not fully exposed to, and equipped with, modern technologies. Involvement in fish vending, auctioning and other entrepreneurial activities demonstrates their marketing, communication and bargaining/negotiation skills. Marine fish resources are the major natural assets women depend on highly for livelihoods. The sea is predominantly accessed by men but other coastal ecosystems like the sandy shore (drying fish), near-shore intertidal areas, backwaters, estuarine and mangrove areas are accessed by women for

collecting sea shells, crabs, prawns and other fish resources. Women are either denied or personally resist the opportunity to fish out in the sea due to socio-cultural taboos, fear, and structural and technological factors. however, around 290 women in the survey were involved in fishing by themselves or with their husbands in the near-shore areas and other fishing grounds. Other common property resources like small water bodies as well as natural and manmade forests are accessed by women for both productive and domestic purposes.

Physical infrastructure like fish-landing centres, market places, ice factories, fish storage facilities and factors related to quality of life such as water and sanitation, transportation and communication are the physical assets on which fishing women rely upon for their livelihoods. In spite of having road connectivity and frequency of transportation access to them is highly challenging for fisherwomen, who often face social stigma and harassment. Not even 5 per cent of women have access to craft, gear and other fishing equipment. The case is worst among the poorest, single or women-headed families. however, most of them perform diversified pre- and post-harvest activities and contribute 50 per cent of the financial assets of the household. Though �5 per cent of the households have the practice of saving, 90 per cent of the households access credit as a livelihood strategy to overcome the lean season and unemployment problems. Local moneylenders including other women, chit funds, middlemen and traders, SHGs, fishing societies and cooperatives are accessed for

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managing household expenditure, including celebrations like marriages, health, education, boat and net maintenance, and purchase of fishing equipment during the lean season. By and large, the Tamil Nadu fishing villages are homogeneous in nature despite economic differences. Social cohesion and control is highly expressed through the traditional fishers. Women have established good networking and connectedness by increasing trustworthiness among the middlemen, traders, exporters, local moneylenders and other support service providers; they also prove to be good in horizontal networking with members of other households of similar interest. Also as members of SHGs, federations, fishermen’s societies, trade unions and other community-level organisations, women are able to access benefits and influence other institutions as a collective.

Livelihood strategy

Women have diversified their livelihood strategies across the coastlines, combining available assets and prevailing vulnerability contexts, and transforming structures. Women endowed with poor human, natural, physical, social and financial livelihood assets largely depend on a single activity compared to those with ample assets performing multiple activities. The daily work routine reflects that women spend more than 10 hours a day in fishing in ecosystems other than the sea, using boats as well as the traditional hand-picking method. more than 12 hours a day is spent in post-harvest activities like fish and dry fish vending; collecting and selling shrimp; auctioning, sorting, cleaning, peeling, salting

and drying; mending, lending and making nets; collecting seaweed; working in processing units, salt pans and ice plants; small-scale fish trading; and marketing to export agencies/traders.

A wide range of entrepreneurial activities, within both the fishing and the non-fishing sectors, is also carried out by women as livelihood strategies. These include prawn and shrimp farming, value-added products, preparation of fish meal as poultry feed, making seashell ornaments, etc. Other than fishing they are also involved in petty businesses like tailoring and garment making, paper crafts, honeybee cultivation, etc. migration in search of work as well as accessing credit are the other forms of livelihood strategies adopted, especially during lean and unemployment seasons. many government and non-government organisations have imparted training on fisheries and non-fisheries related income-generating activities, but they could not be sustained due to poor forward and backward linkages.

Transforming structures and processes

Generation after generation, men among the fishing communities have dominated marine fishing; however, over the years, varied structures, systems and processes have intruded, gradually transforming traditional subsistence fishing into commercial fishing. As a consequence, more and more women have been displaced from pre-harvesting activities like making and mending nets. The introduction of mechanised craft has not only depleted fishery resources, it has also brought

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in conflicts within the fishing communities and introduced many new players from the non-fishing community like middlemen, traders, exporters, craft owners, etc, thus strongly affecting women’s traditional roles like auctioning, processing and vending. Credit institutions are of course supportive to women but the interest rates and repayment procedures keep them in a continuous debt trap. however, ShGs are considered lifesavers as they render credit support to the needy women as and when required. Development interventions as in the case of Korraikuppam village, i.e., establishment of desalinisation plant and construction of dykes, restricts seashells collection by women, which is the sole livelihood strategy for some. Similarly, inadequate infrastructure facilities like fish-landing centres, ice factories, storage facilities, market places, etc., affect their livelihoods as do lack of basic facilities like drinking water and sanitation, and health facilities. To tackle some of these livelihood issues, government and non-government organisations have introduced schemes and entitlements, but the reach is not as significant as was envisaged.

Vulnerability context

The well-being of fishing women is moderate as they are exposed to economic, psychological, physiological, and socio-environmental vulnerabilities such as financial fluctuations due to seasonal unemployment, occupational hazards, socio-cultural marginalisation and related obstacles, among others. Irrespective of economic strata, all households remain unemployed during the monsoon months from October to December and banned period

between April and may. migration and availing credit are the coping strategies adopted but both these have great impact on women. Due to climate variability, sea accidents become a frequent event resulting in loss of life and causing damage to assets; river mouth closures also occur. This, in turn, affect women and the family members psychologically. Craft and gear are heavily damaged due to natural events like cyclones and floods and to replace or repair them, women borrow money from different sources. Women encounter numerous occupational hazards while fishing through traditional hand-picking methods — for example, hits by venomous catfish cause severe health problems, at times affecting their livelihoods for more than 3 months. Poor water and sanitation facilities, inadequate nutrition, and lack of proper health services cause a variety of health problems. Auctioning is a critical activity; women auctioneers failing to create a win-win situation between seller and buyer results in conflict and negates further opportunities for auctioning. Similarly, trends like decreasing resources, changing local governance structures and technological interventions affect women’s productive roles. The prevailing gender relationship either denies membership or is tokenistic for women in the village development institutions and local governance, which hinders sharing of their views and participation in decision making. however, on the whole, the psychological state of women denotes that they are capable of community management, which has been already demonstrated through their participation in community-based organisations.

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Conclusion

The study unveiled that despite 60 per cent of women being illiterate, they are involved in diversified pre- and post-harvest entrepreneurial activities in the fisheries and non-fisheries sectors. They contribute 50 per cent of the household income. however, numerous challenges are faced by women in the private and public spheres. Occupational hazards, health problems, poor infrastructural facilities, auctioning and other entrepreneurial related activities, all of which have been already described, affect their capacity to perform livelihood activities. Various government and NGO interventions have not been sustainable due to poor forward and backward linkages. Despite changes in household occupations within the fishing sector, gender relations at intra- and inter-household levels remain the same, leaving less space for community management.

702.3 A socio-economic impact analysis of bauxite mining in the Koraput region of odishaA socio-economic impact analysis of bauxite mining in the Koraput region of Odisha is being supported by the Centre for Economic and Social Studies, hyderabad. The study area is Panchapatmali mines of Koraput district in Odisha, because it bears the largest single deposit of bauxite in the world. This study has been taken up to understand the externalities, both positive and negative, of bauxite mining on economic development, focusing mainly on livelihoods. Given the relatively long and extensive mining history of the State, this study

could provide important information about the surrounding vicinity from a multi-dimensional perspective, including gender-specific impacts of mining.

Odisha is endowed with a variety of vast mineral deposits and therefore occupies a prominent place in the mineral map of India. Among all the minerals, bauxite is an important one with 51 per cent of Indian deposit being in Odisha alone. Koraput is the major bauxite bearing district and produces 98.82 per cent of the State’s total production, followed by Rayagada and. National Aluminium Company (NALCO), a company fully owned by the Government of India, has developed a mechanised open cast mine for annual production of more than 4.5 million tonnes in Panchapatmali village.

It is a primary concern as to whether or not bauxite mining operations can produce net sustainable benefits to local communities, and, if so, whether there are policies or processes that can increase positive impacts as well as negative ones. It is reported that local tribal communities complain about air and dust pollution, noise emission, unpleasant odour and discharge of untreated effluent. It is also reported that the displacement in the NALCO area changed the occupational pattern and led to marginalisation. Women’s economic status deteriorated as they were forced to stay at home and could no longer generate income for the family.

The objectives of the study are:

• To assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts and challenges of

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bauxite mining: possible impact on financial capital (household income), physical capital (land, house, livestock and other physical assets), human capital (health, literacy), social capital (displacement, social network) and natural capital (water, air, noise)

• To study the gendered-specific impacts of mining

• To disseminate the results of the pilot study on various aspects of the livelihoods of the communities affected by bauxite mining

702.4 Enhancing food security of rural families through production, processing and value addition of regional staple foodgrains in India

This project initiated in December 2010 is being supported by the International Development Research Centre, Canada through the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF), and implemented

by mSSRF in collaboration with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and mcGill University, Canada. mSSRF also coordinates the project implementation by another partner, the himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (hESCO), Dehradun. The project is being implemented among about �00 small farm families (below the poverty line) in 19 villages in Kolli hills (Tamil Nadu), Kundra (Orissa), haveri in northern Karnataka and upper Uttarkhand, which represent distinct arid and fragile agro-ecological regions.

Apart from following the major implementation strategies adopted in the earlier project on nutritious millets under the support received from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, this project seeks to scale up the value chain and give central focus to the empowerment of women farmers in income generation, drudgery reduction, and improved home nutrition. The approach

Sl.No. Zone Village No. of hh surveyed1 mining-Core zone Kapsiput 1422 mining-Buffer zone Kardiguda �93 mining-Control Putraghat 2014 (a) Refinery/Plant-Core zone Amalabadi 637 (b) Refinery/Plant-Core zone Ambogam 1345 Refinery/Plant-Buffer zone Mujang 2596 Refinery/Plant-Control Marchmal 77� Ash Pond / Red mud Pond-Core zone Goudaguda �38 Ash Pond / Red mud Pond-Buffer zone Charanguda �2Total 1674

Table �.3 Details of information collected in Koraput

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involves productivity increase in locally important underutilised crops (four species of small millets and grain amaranth) and the associated legumes grown in the traditional cropping system. The process underlines farmer participatory approach in identification and application of improved, environment friendly and sustainable production practices, introduction of women-friendly technologies to remove drudgery and increase efficiency.

The Canadian component of this project is led by mcGill University, and it will conduct research for designing and developing efficient grain-processing machinery (suited to process hard seed-coated millets) and development

of diversified products from millets. Capacity building of women and men farmers on several aspects, including the nutritional literacy of women and children, are embedded in the project as cross-cutting activities to impart sustainability.

Benchmark survey of villages in Kolli hills and Kundra has been completed. A study on the gender dimensions of nutritious millet production, processing and value addition has been undertaken with the help of a gender consultant. Part of the initial survey on the nutritional literacy of the households with regard to nutritious millets has also been completed.

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PublicationsBooks/Monographs/Manuals/ Electronic Material

Assis, Ana Luiza, Sofia Zank, Temesgen Deselegn and Uttam Khanal, Oliver King, Saujanendra Swain and Vasudeva Ramesh. 2010. Global Study on CBM and Empowerment - India Exchange Report. Wageningen University and Research Centre/Centre for Development Innovation. Wageningen. 35 pp.

Bhag mal, S. Padulosi, and S. Bala Ravi (eds). 2010. Minor Millets in South Asia. Rome: Bioversity International and Chennai: m.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 185 pp.

King, Israel Oliver, Bharat Bhandari, Sergio Guilherme de Azevedo and Kumar Natarajan, Genene Gezu, Samson Gashu and Temesgen Desalegn. 2010. Global Study on CBM and Empowerment - Ethiopia Exchange Report. Wageningen University and Research Centre/Centre for Development Innovation. Wageningen. 42 pp.

mishra, Smita. 2010. Photo Story – Equator Init iat ive Award to Community-Based Agrobiodiversity Conservation and Use in Koraput. Digital Presentation on supply chain management of agricultural products from tribal locations: experiences from Koraput. Odisha: mSSRF.

m. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 2010. Report on the State of Food Insecurity in Urban India. Research Report No.2�. Chennai: mSSRF. 133 pp.

m. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 2010. Many Lives of Women Farmers: Empowering Women Farmers in Vidarbha. manual No. 48. Chennai: mSSRF. 40 pp.

m.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 2010. Directory of NVA Fellows: Profiles and Core Competencies. Volume 4. November 2010. Chennai: mSSRF. 280 pp.

m. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 2011. Bioenergy Resource Status of India. Working Paper, PISCES Research Consortium. London: Department for International Development. 16 pp.

m. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 2010. Status Report on Use of Fuelwood in India. Working Paper, PISCES Research Consortium. London: Department for International Development. 11pp.

Nair, Sudha and V.R. Prabavathy. 2011. Application of Molecular Techniques for Diversity Assessment and Polyphasic Characterization of PGPRs from Different Ecosystems. Laboratory manual presented at the DBT-sponsored National Workshop for Women Scientists. Chennai: mSSRF. 53 pp.

Parasuraman, N. 2011. Attracting and Retaining Youth in Farming. ERP Tool Kit: Education and Training Planning Tools. Rome: FAO. 9 pp.

Ratheesh Narayanan, m. K. 2010. Ecological Fragile Land (EFL) Study Report of Vythiri and Banasura Sagar Forest EFL Areas, Kerala. Research Report No.13. Wayanad: CAbC. 80 pp.

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P U B L I C A T I O N S

Ratheesh Narayanan, m. K., mithun Lal and N. Anil Kumar. 2010. Trees of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Research Report No.14. Wayanad: CAbC. 130 pp.

Rukmani, R and m. manjula. 2010. Designing Rural Technology Delivery Systems for Mitigating Agricultural Distress: A Study of Wardha District. Research Report No. 28. (in marathi) Chennai: mSSRF. 9� pp.

Rukmani, R and m. manjula. 2011. Designing Rural Technology Delivery Systems for Mitigating Agricultural Distress: A Study of Anantapur District. Research Report No. 29. (in Telugu) Chennai: mSSRF. 96 pp.

Sujanapal. P., N. Anil Kumar and m.K. Ratheesh Narayanan. 2009. Environmental Impact Assessment of Diversion of Wariyat Coffee Estate at Muttil, Wayanad, Kerala. Research Report No. 9. Wayanad: CAbC 60 pp.

Swaminathan, m. S. 2010. From Green to Evergreen Revolution: Indian Agriculture: Performance and Challenges. New Delhi: Academic Foundation. 410 pp.

Swaminathan, m. S. 2011. Towards an Era of Biohappiness: Biodiversity and Food, Health and Livelihood Security. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pvt Ltd. 170 pp.

Vedavalli L. 2011. Evolution of a Village Knowledge Centre under Extraordinary Conditions: Case Study of Tsunami-Affected Akkaraipettai Village. monograph No. 31. Chennai: mSSRF. 116 pp.

Thesis

Divya, S. 2010. Structure of Narratives: A p p l y i n g P r o p p ’ s F o l k t a l e M o r p h o l o g y t o E n t e r t a i n m e n t -Education Films. Thesis submitted to the University of New mexico, United States of America, in partial fulfillment of requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Degree awarded.

Sadasivam, S. 2010. Introgression of Transgenes to Develop Location-specific Rice Varieties for Salinity Stress Tolerance and Enhanced Iron Content. Thesis submitted to the University of madras, Chennai, in partial fulfillment of requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Degree awarded.

Usha, B. 2009. Molecular and Functional Characterization of Metallothienein Genes from Prosopis Juliflora and Over-expression in Transgenic System. Thesis submitted to the University of madras, Chennai in partial fulfillment of requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Degree awarded.

Vinod, m.S. 2010. Development of a Male-specific Marker in Dioecious Pandanus fascicularis L. and Functional Characterization of Male-specific Genes. Thesis submitted to the University of madras, Chennai, in partial fulfillment of requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Articles in Journals / Books

Appunu, Chinnaswamy., Govindan Ganesan, Michał Kalita, Raghavan Kaushik, Saranya Balamurugan, Vaiyapuri Ramalingam

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Prabavathy, and Sudha Nai r. 2010. “Phylogenetic diversity of Rhizobia associated with horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] grown in South India based on glnII, recA and 16S-23S intergenic sequence analyses”. Curr. Microbiol. DOI 10.100�/s00284-010-9823-y.

Bala Ravi, S. 2010. “Fault lines in the 2010 Seeds Bill”. Economic and Political Weekly 32: 12-16.

Bala Ravi, S. 2011. “Farmers’ Rights: Principles leading to legal and practical implications with focus on Farmers’ Rights in India”. In Walter de Boef, A. Subedi, N. Peroni and m. Thijssen (eds). Farmers, Biodiversity and Resilience. CBm books (in press).

Bala Ravi, S., T.K. hrideek, A.T. Kishore Kumar, T.R. Prabhakaran, Bhag mal and S. Padulosi. 2010. “mobilizing neglected and underutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviate poverty in India”. Indian J.Plant Genet Resour. 23 (01): 110-16.

Bala Ravi, S., S. Swain, D. Sengotuvel and N.R. Parida. 2010. “Promoting nutritious millets for enhancing income and improved nutrition: A case study from Tamil Nadu and Orissa”. In Minor Millets in South Asia. Bhag mal et al (eds). Rome: Bioversity International and Chennai: m.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. pp 19-46.

Bergamini, N., S. Padulosi, S. Bala Ravi, and N. yenagi. 2011. “minor millets in India: neglected crops go mainstream”. In J. mitchell and C. Coles (eds). Markets and Rural

Poverty: Upgrading in Value Chains. Oxford: Earthscan (in press).

Das, A., Vigya Kesari, m. S. Vinod, A. Parida and L. Rangan. 2010. “Genetic relationship of curcuma species from Northeast India using PCR-based markers”. Mol Biotechnol DOI 10.100�/s12033-011-93�9-5.

George Suja., Gayatri Venkataraman and Ajay Parida. 2010. “A chloroplast-localized and auxin-induced glutathione S-transferase from phreatophyte Prosopis juliflora confer drought tolerance on tobacco”. Journal of Plant Physiology 16�: 311-18.

George, Suja and Ajay Parida. 2011. “Over-expression of a Rab family GTPase from phreatophyte Prosopis juliflora confers tolerance to salt stress on transgenic tobacco”. Molecular Biology Reports 38:1669-�4.

George, Suja., Ajay Parida and m. S. Swaminathan. 2011. “Wheat and rice crops: Omics approaches for abiotic stress tolerance”. In Tuteja et al (eds) Improving crop resistance to abiotic stress – Omics approaches. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons (in press).

Gnanapazham, L and V. Selvam. 2011 “The dynamics in the distribution of mangrove forest in Pichavaram, South India – perception by user community and remote sensing”. Geocarto International .(in press) ‏

Kavi Kumar, K., S. Priya Shyamsundar and A. Arivudai Nambi. 2010. “Economics of climate change adaptation in India”. Economic and Political Weekly 45 (18): 25-29.

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Kesari, V., V. madurai Sathyanarayana, A. Parida, and L. Rangan . 2010. “molecular marker-based characterization in candidate plus trees of Pongamia pinnata, a potential biodiesel legume”. AoB PLANTS doi:10.1093/aobpla/plq01�.

Kesavan, P.C., and S. malarvannan. 2010. “Green to evergreen revolution: ecological and evolutionary perspectives in pest management”. Current Science 99 (�), 908-14.

Kesavan, P.C., and S Senthilkumaran, 2011. “Livelihood with ecological integrity.” Geospatial World 1 (6):40-43.

Kumaresan, K., Usha Balasundaram , Suja George, Gayatri Venkataraman, and Ajay Parida. 2010. “molecular characterization of a salt-inducible monodehydroascorbate reductase from the halophyte Avicennia marina”. International Journal of Plant Sciences 1�1: 45�-65.

Kumaresan, K, Suja George, V. Gayatri and Ajay Parida. 2010. “A salt-inducible chloroplastic monodehydroascorbate reductase from halophyte Avicennia marina confers salt stress tolerance on transgenic plants”. Biochimie 92:1321-29.

malarvannan, S. , G. Sujaikumar, D. Purushothaman, S. P. Shanthakumar, V. R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. 2010. “Laboratory efficacy of Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmermann) against different stages of Helicoverpa armigera and its biosafety on Trichogramma sp.” Hexapoda 1� (1): 49-58.

malarvannan, S . , P.D. mura l i , S .P. Shanthakumar, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. 2010. “Laboratory evaluation of the entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana against the Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)”. Journal of Biopesticides 3 (1): 126-31.

mishra S. and S.S. Chaudhury. 2010. “Landraces of rice: traditional and participatory conservation systems in the Jeypore tract of Orissa”. In S.D. Sharma (ed). Genetic Resources of Rice in India – Past and Present. Delhi: Today & Tomorrow’s Printers and Publishers. pp 557-85.

mishra, S. and S.S. Chaudhury. 2011. “Traditional agricultural practices by tribal communities of Koraput district, Odisha, India”. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Traditional Practices in Conservation Agriculture, Udaipur. pp 52-60.

Narayanan, Rama and A K. Panda. 2011. “Vegetable cultivation in home gardens – a study in three tribal villages of Odisha” Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics (in press).

Parasuraman, N. 2010. “A view about food and livelihood security in developing countries. ” Thittam 42 (2): 28-34.

Parida A., K. Kavitha and Suja George. 2011. “molecular breeding for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance using halophytes”. In Tuteja et al (eds): Improving crop resistance to abiotic stress – Omics approaches. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons (in press).

Patnaik, Santosh Kumar and A. Arivudai Nambi. 2011. “Use of agricultural biomass in

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competing value chains – malwa Power Plant, mukstar, Punjab”. South-Asia Energy Network - E-net Magazine �: 6-9.

Ratheesh Narayanan, m.K., P. Sujanapal, N. Sasidharan, N. Anil Kumar and m. Sivadasan. 2010. “Miliusa wayanadica (Annonaceae), a new species from Western Ghats, India”. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 4 (1): 63-6�.

Ratheesh Narayanan, m. K., K. m. manudev, P. Sujanapal, N. Anil Kumar, m. Sivadasan and A. h. Alfarhan. 2010. “A new species of Oberonia (Orchidaceae) from Kerala, India”. Nordic Journal of Botany 28 (3): �13-15.

Ratheesh Narayanan, m. K., P. Sujanapal, C.S. Dhanya and N. Anil Kumar. 2010. “Rediscovery of Eugenia argentea Beddome (myrtaceae) with notes on its extended distribution”. Jour. Econ. Tax. Bot. 34 (3):501-04.

Ratheesh Narayanan, m. K., mithun Lal, P. Sujanapal, N. Anil Kumar, m. Sivadasan, Ahmed h. Alfarhan and A. A. Alatar. 2011. “Ethnobotanically important trees and their uses by Kattunaikka tribe in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India”. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 5 (4): 604-12.

Sathyanathan, R., D. Thattai and V. Selvam. 2010. “Assessment of environmental flow for a mangrove swamp ecosystem in Tamilnadu”. Journal of Environmental Research and Development 3 (4): 1099-110�.

Shanthakumar, G., Bhag mal, S. Padulosi, and S. Bala Ravi. 2010. “Participatory varietal selection: A case study on small millets in

Karnataka”. Indian J. Plant Genet. Resour. 23(1): 11�-21.

Shan thakumar, S . P. , P.D . mura l i , S.malarvannan, V.R.Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. 2010. “Laboratory evaluation on the potential of entomopathogenic fungi, Nomuraea rileyi against tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) and its safety to Trichogramma sp”. Journal of Biopesticides 3 (1): 132-3�.

Swain, S. 2010. “Involving tribal communities in plant conservation”. Roots (Botanic Gardens Conservation International Education Review) � (2): 20-23.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2010. “Achieving food security in times of crisis”. New Biotechnology 2� (5): 453-60.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2010. “Biodiversity, food security and poverty alleviation”. RITES Journal 12 (2): 5.1-5.6.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2010. “Sustainable food security.” Thittam 42 (2):4-8.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2010. “Safeguarding national food security – in an era of climate change”. Monthly Economic Review 9:2-5.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2010. “Future belongs to nations who have grains, not guns”. Civil Society � (9): 6-8.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2011. “Wheat mountains of the Punjab — ecstasy and agony”. Barricade 39 (2): 10-12.

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Swaminathan, m.S. 2011. “The wheat mountains of the Punjab”. Kisan World 38 (6): 13-15.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2011. “harnessing the demographic dividend for agricultural rejuvenation”. Yojana 55 (1): 12-15.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2011. “Agriculture in the Union Budget”.Yojana 55 (3): 1�-20.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2011. “Conservation of agro-biodiversity: Looking back and looking ahead”. Ind.Jour.Plan.Gen.Resources 24 (2): 15�-62.

Swaminathan, m.S. and S. Balaravi. 2010. “Agiculture”. In h.y.mohan Ram and P.N.Tandon (eds). Science in India: Achievements and Aspirations. New Delhi: Indian National Science Academy. pp 104-31.

Vijayalakshmi, D., K. Geetha, Jayarame Gowda, S. Bala Ravi, S. Padulosi and Bhag mal. 2010. “Empowerment of women farmers through value addition on minor millets genetic resources: A case study in Karnataka”. Indian J. Plant Genet. Resour. 23(1): 132-35

yenagi, N B., J.A. handigo, S. Bala Ravi, Bhag mal and S. Padulosi. 2010. “Nutritional and technological advancements in the promotion of ethnic and novel foods using the genetic diversity of minor millets in India”. Indian J. Plant Genet. Resour. 23(1): 82-86.

Papers Presented in Conferences/Symposia/Workshops

Anabel, Nancy J. “Role of ICT in building climate resilience livelihood path”. Asia

Regional Conference on Building Livelihood Resilience in Climate Change. Kuala Lampur, malaysia. 3-5 march 2011.

Anand, Jay. “Biomass status in India – A glimpse”. Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, Dimapur, Nagaland. 16 November 2010.

Anand, Jay. “Biomass status in India – A glimpse”. Tezpur University, Assam. 22 November 2010.

Ananth, A. “mobile-based extension service for information and knowledge dissemination in the changing scenario”. National Workshop on Inclusive Growth in India – A Relook into the Service Delivery System in Rural Areas. Department of Rural Development, Gandhigram Rural Institute. Gandhigram, Dindigul. 21-22 November 2011.

Anantha Krishnan, R.K., S. V. Ramana, Dayabati Kiro. “Implications of northeast monsoon in southern Orissa: A study on rainfall pattern in Koraput district”. Seminar on Indian Northeast monsoon – Recent Advances and Evolving Concepts, INEmREC-2011. Chennai. 24-25 February 2011.

Arivudai Nambi, A. and T.N. Balasubramanian. “Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change: towards enriching National missions on climate change – key lessons and experiences from semi-arid areas”. SDC and mSSRF. India habitat Centre, New Delhi. 10 June 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. “Climate change and agriculture”. Symposium on Our Lives, Our Climate – Climate Change and its Impact.

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Goethe-Institute, max mueller Bhavan, Chennai. 22 June 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. “Climate change and the future”. Dr. meera Paul and Dr. hannah John Endowment Lecture. Stella maris College, Chennai. 13 August 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. “Innovative ideas”. SJIRS Third National Conference on E for Energy. St. John’s International Residential School, Palanjur, Nazarathpet, Chennai. 2-4 January 2011.

Arivuudai Nambi, A. “Living with climate change: Lessons from community-based adaptation in water”. International Conference cum Workshop on Water Partnerships towards meeting the Climate Challenge, Centre of Excellence for Change (CEC) and UNICEF India. Chennai. 6-� January 2011.

Arivudai Nambi, A. “Responding to climate change: Adopting a landscape perspective”. Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, The Energy and Resource Institute. India habitat Centre, Delhi. 2 February 2011.

Arivudai Nambi, A. “Climate change and adaptation” Seminar in Planning Commission, Ezhilagam. Chennai. 28 February 2011.

Arivudai Nambi, A. “Panel on the role of national level policies and institutions in enabling and helping scale up community-based adaptation approaches and activities”. 5th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change – Scaling Up: Beyond Pilots. World Resources Institute, International Institute of Environment and

Development (IIED) and Bangladesh Centre for Advance Studies (BCAS). Dhaka. 24-31 march 2011.

Arivudai Nambi, V. “management of genetic resources - Role of farmers, society, livestock keepers”. Civil Society Lead Lecture. National Consultation on Agro-biodiversity, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). New Delhi. 2� may 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, V. “Sacred groves: need for field level action”. National Conference on Conservation of Sacred Groves to Protect Local Biodiversity, C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation. Chennai. 12-14 February 2011.

Badoghar, A.K, Sehnaz Ara, S. Chaudhury, P.K. Parida, “yield enhancement of rice landraces through SRI technology in rain-fed agro ecosystems”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Baskaran, V., S.Jegan, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. “Diversity of denitrifying bacteria harboring nitrous oxide reductase gene from mangrove ecosystem”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Baskaran, V., S. Jegan, V.R. Prabavathy. and Sudha Nair. “Diversity of denitrifiers from mangrove ecosystems”. 51st Annual Conference 2010, Association of microbiologists of India. Birla Institute of Technology, mesra, Ranchi. 14-1� December 2010.

Chattopadhyay, Rumana., Girigan Gopi, Parameswaran Prajeesh and N. Ani l

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Kumar. “Conservation and equitable use of agrobiodiversity in Wayanad – An inter- and trans-disciplinary research approach”. Indian Biodiversity Congress. Thiruvananthapuram. 2�-31 December 2010.

Chaudhury, S.S and Sehnaz Ara, “Role of tribal women in agricultural development”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Deepika N., P. Eganathan, P. Sujanapal and Ajay Parida. “Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC. - An endangered tree species.” National Level Technical Symposium – BioConCorrenza’11. Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore. 28 February-1 march 2011.

Devaraj, m and R. Rengalakshmi, “Learning content generat ion for mobi le-based learning”. Workshop on mobile Learning and Communities. Vidiyal, Theni. 6 September 2010.

Dhanya, C.S and N. Anil Kumar. “On conserving a critically-endangered tree species of southern Western Ghats of India”. National Symposium on Biodiversity and Bio-resources: Curiosities and Concerns at XXXIII Indian Social Science Congress. Indian Academy of Social Sciences, New Delhi. 10-14 march 2010.

Dhanya, C.S and N. Anil Kumar. “Recovery of endangered tree species for large-scale restoration in the Western Ghats of India”. 4th Global Botanic Garden Congress: Addressing Global Change - A New Agenda for Botanic Gardens. National Botanic Garden, Ireland. 13-18 June 2010.

Geetha Rani, m. 2010. “Rice and diversity in India and farmers’ rights under the theme on harnessing biodiversity”. International Rice Research Congress (IRC 2010). hanoi, Vietnam. 8-12 November 2010.

Gupta, R.K. “Organic way of dry land agriculture”. Seminar on Organic Agriculture – Looking Forward. Development Policy Research Centre (DPRC). Nagercoil Chapter, Kanyakumari. 28-29 October 2010.

hopper, R.S. Shantha Kumar. “Bioindustrial watersheds - Experiences from mSSRF”. TN Water Summit 2010 - Achieving Universal and Sustainable Access, Confederation of Indian Industry. Chennai. 21-22 September 2010.

hopper, R.S. Shantha Kumar. “Promotion o f w a t e r s h e d - b a s e d l i v e l i h o o d s ” . Entrepreneurship Development in Agriculture – Challenges and Opportunities, Confederation of Indian Industry. Chennai. 30 December 2010.

hopper, R.S. Shantha Kumar. “Bioindustrial watershed – lessons for the national water policy”. Consultation meeting with Non-Governmental Organizations on Review of National Water Policy, ministry of Water Resources. New Delhi. 11-12 January 2011.

hopper, R.S. Shantha Kumar. “Basics of watershed development.” Training Programme on Planning and Implementation of Watershed Programmes, National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD). hyderabad. �-12 march 2011.

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Kathiravan, R., S. Jegan, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. “Functional diversity of actinomycetes from mangrove ecosystem”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Kathiravan, R., S. Jegan, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. “Diversity of Micromonospora isolated from rhizosphere region of Avecennia marina and Rhizhophora Mucronata from mangrove ecosystem”. 51st Annual Conference 2010, Association of microbiologists of India. Birla Institute of Technology, mesra, Ranchi. 14-1� December 2010.

King, E.D. Israel Oliver. “Kolli malai makkalin Valkkai”. Sitrilai. Deveneya Pavanar Library, Chennai. 2� Aug 2010.

King, E.D. Israel Oliver . “Community biodiversity management and empowerment in Kolli hills”. Seminar on Global Study on Community Biodiversity management and Empowerment. Forestry College, Sirsi, Karnataka. 28 October 2010.

mahalakshmi, R., P. Eganathan and Ajay Parida. “Sythetic seed technology of Jatropha curcas”. 2nd youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

mahalakshmi, R., P. Eganathan and Ajay Parida. 2010. “Embryo culture of Jatropha curcas”. International Conference on the Key Role of Life Sciences for Sustainable Development in the World. hindustan College of Arts and Science, Chennai. 30-31 August 2010.

manjula, m. “Agricultural distress and farmer suicides in Vidarbha: A study of Wardha district”. International Seminar on Farmer Suicides in India. ICSSR-Pondicherry University. 10-11 February 2011.

manjula, m. “Climate change adaptation strategy and food security: millets as drivers of food security in changing climate”. International Conference on the Impact of Climate Change on Food Security. Bishop moore College, mavelikkara, Kerala. 3-5 march 2011.

manjula, m. and Kishor Jagtap. “Women farmers’ empowerment programme in Vidarbha – A pathway for the spread of science to society”. International Conference on Science and Technology for Empowering Grass-roots Women, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for youth Development (RGNIyD). Sriperumbudur. 8-10 march 2011.

manjula, m. “ICT for development - Innovation of rural information systems: The Indian experience”. Seminar on ICT for Development, Wageningen University and Research/Centre for Development Innovation. Wageningen, the Netherlands. 18 may 2011.

manjulaxmi, A.S., P.K. Sahu, and S. Swain, “Anti-malarial campaign and its effects in the tribal area of Koraput district”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

mishra, Smita. “Biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization in an era of climate change”. Invited Lecture, ONGC. Chennai. 4 June 2010.

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mishra, Smita and S. S. Chaudhury. “

maintaining diversity of traditional agricultural crops – a case study from Koraput district in Odisha”. Indian Biodiversity Congress. Kerala University Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 2�-31 December 2010.

Nair, Sudha. “Changing mindsets to promote women and girls in science”. U.S. State Department Conference: Faci l i tat ing Participation of Women in Science and Engineering. National Academies , US Department of State, Washington DC. 12-14 June 2011.

Namita, P. “The culture of the tribes hinders the arrest of prevailing malnutrition among 0-3 year-old children in the tribal region of Koraput district, Odisha”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Nampoothiri, K.U.K. “Natural resource management init iat ives of mSSRF in Odisha State”. Consultation on Bioresource Governance, Regional Centre for Development Cooperation. Bhubaneswar, April 2010.

Nayak, Tusar Ranjan, “Addressing poverty and hidden hunger in the tribal region of Koraput district in Odisha through Community Grain Banks – A culturally-adopted community-managed mechanism”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Parasuraman, N. “New technologies in attracting and retaining youth in farming”.

Annual youth Assembly at the UN. New york. 20-21 January 2011.

Parida P. K. and Jagannath Naik. “Ensuring livelihood security of tribal youth through ICT”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Patnaik, Santosh Kumar and A. Arivudai Nambi. “Sustainability in energy production and consumption: A case of adaptation to climate change in muktsar, Punjab”. Fifth Annual Conference on Community Based Adaptation. Dhaka. 24-31 march 2011.

Prabavathy, V. R. “Soil microbial diversity assessment: Genetic and functional diversity using molecular tools”. Academic Staff College. Centre for Advanced Study (CAS) in Botany, University of madras, Chennai. 26 may 2010.

Prabavathy, V. R. “Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for sustainable agriculture: Current perspective and future challenges”. Second National Workshop on Entrepreneurship Development Program for Biotechnology Graduates (EDP-2011). KSR College of Technology, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu. 1-5 march 2011.

Prabavathy, V. R. “The scope of agriculture biotechnology research for sustainable future”. National Level Student’s Seminar on Biotechnology in Daily Life. AmET University, Chennai.10 march 2011.

Prabavathy, V. R., Ananthi Jeyaraman and Sudha Nair. “Genetic and functional diversity assessment of rhizobacteria from different

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ecological niches”. Indo-German Workshop in the framework of DFG’s programme for Initiation and Intensification of Bilateral Cooperation. Amity University, Noida. 22-24 march 2011.

Ramana, S. V., R. K. Anantha Krishnan and Dayabati Kiro. “Augmenting biodiversity in agriculture in an era of climate change: a watershed approach”. 2nd youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Ramana S. V. and T.K. hrideek, “Livelihood opportunities through spices cultivation in Koraput district of Orissa.” 2nd youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Rengalakshmi, R., B. Selvamukilan and Sudha Nair. “Access to science and technology for rural women and rural livelihoods: Case studies from three Women ShGs engaged in the production of bio-products (biofertilizers and biopesticides) for sustainable agriculture”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Rengalakshmi, R. “Crop genetic diversity and resilience in marginal coastal agro-ecosystem”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Rengalakshmi, R. “Ethnopedology and sustainable soil health management”. International Conference on Traditional Practices in Conservation Agriculture, Asian Agri-history Foundation (AAhF). Udaipur. 18-20 October 2010.

Rengalakshmi, R and m. Devaraj. “An experience of promoting life-long learning among farmers through use of modern Information and Communication Technologies”. Sixth Pan Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF 6). Cochin. 26-29 November 2010.

Rengalakshmi, R. “Access and success in learning: Global development perspectives”. Sixth Pan Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF 6). Cochin. 26-29 November 2010.

Rengalakshmi , R, B. Selvamuki lan, R.Seenivasan and Sudha Nair. “Enhancing women’s capacities through science and technology-led rural entrepreneurship”. International Conference on Science and Technology for Empowering Women, RGIyD. Chennai. 8-10 march 2011.

Rengalakshmi, R, m. Devaraj and B. Selvamukilan. “Enhancing learning through Open and Distance Learning. Case study of print-based learning among small and marginal farmers”. 16th Annual Conference, Indian Distance Education Association. Kakatiya University, Warangal. 26-2� march 2011.

Rukmani, R. “Chal lenges in rain-fed agriculture”. 13th All India People’s Science Congress. Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad, Thrissur. 29 December 2010.

Rukmani, R. “State of food security in India: mSSRF’s interventions to improve food security”. 13th All India People’s Science Congress. Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad. Thrissur. 29 December 2010.

20�


Rukmani, R. “School Feeding Programme in India” Conference on Scaling Up Sustainability: Linking School Feeding with Agriculture Development to maximize Food Security. Global Child Nutrition Forum, Nairobi. 3-� may 2011.

Sahu, A. and A.K. Badoghar. “Empowerment of tribal women through ShGs: A case study”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Saranya J., P. Eganathan, P. Sujanapal and Ajay Parida. “Bioprospecting of Syzygium stocksii (Duthie) Gamble. An endemic and endangered tree species in India”. National Level Technical Symposium- BioConCorrenza 11. Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore. 28 February-1 march 2011.

Seenivasan R. , S. malarvannan R. Rengalakshmi and Sudha Nair. “Integrated pest management of coffee berry borer: an effective tool for sustainable agriculture”. National Seminar on Integrated Rural Development: Issues, Strategies and Policy Options. Ramakrishna mission Vivekananda University. Narendrapur, Kolkata. 1�-18 December 2010.

Selvamukilan, B., R. Rengalakshmi, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. “Farm level production of biocontrol agents – a viable alternative for sustainable agriculture”. National Seminar on Integrated Rural Development and management: Issues, Strategies and Policy Options. Ramakrishna mission Vivekananda University. Narendrapur, Kolkata. 1�-18 December 2010.

Senthilkumaran, S. “mobile connectivity and ICT-related livelihood skills for women ShGs”. DoT-USOF’s Gender Budget Programme. New Delhi, 16 June 2010.

Senthilkumaran, S. “Rural digital inclusion”. 3rd Global Forum on Telecentres: Employability, Productivity and Empowerment at the Grassroots. Santiago, Chile. 5-� April 2011.

Shanthakumar, S. P., h. Prathibha, S. malarvannan, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. “Identification of pesticide tolerant stain of Trichogramma chilonis”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Shanthakumar, S.P., S. malarvannan, V. R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. 2010. “Insect diversity on Morinda citrifolia L. in west coast of Kerala”. Proceedings of the First World Noni Congress. Chennai. 1-3 October 2010.

Subhangi, S. “maternity entitlements – A safeguard measure for women”. UGC-Sponsored National Seminar on maternal and Child health – A Challenge of the millennium Development Goals. Berhampur University, Odisha. 4-5 may 2011.

Swain S., R. R. Tripathy, K.C. Lenka and N.R. Parida. “Bioresource- based entrepreneurship development for tribal youth”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Swain S., A.K. Panda and N.R. Parida. “Knowledge empowerment of tribal youth on forest-derived food”. 2nd Indian youth Science

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Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Thirunavukkarasu, P., A. Abhinaya, S. Sekar, S. malarvannan, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. 2010. “microbial population and soil enzymatic activity in rhizosphere soils of rice cultivated by SRI method”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Vedhamoorthy, A. “Creating awareness and facilitation on household entitlements: A case study in Kolli hills, Tamil Nadu”. International Symposium on System Intensification towards Food and Environmental Security. Crop and Weed Science Society and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya. Kolkata. 24-2� February 2011.

Vishwanath, Ganga., S. Jegan, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. “Diversity of gram negative AhL producers and its PGPR activities from the mangrove ecological niches”. 2nd Indian youth Science Congress. SRm University, Chennai. 26-28 June 2010.

Vishwanath, Ganga., S. Jegan, V.R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. “Isolation and characterization of N-acyl homoserine lactone producing bacteria from the mangrove ecosystem”. International Conference on Genomic Sciences (ICGS). madurai-Kamaraj University, madurai. 12-14 November 2010.

Participation in Training Programmes/Workshops

Anabel, Nancy J. Indo-UK Collaborative Workshop on Bridging the Urban & Rural Divide. Department of Science and Technology,

Government of India (DST) and Research Councils, UK (RCUK), Wardha, maharashtra. 19- 21 October 2010.

Anabel, Nancy J. South Asia Evaluation Conclave 2010: making Evaluation matter. New Delhi. 25-29 October 2010.

Anantha Krishnan R.K. Workshop on Regenerating Natural Resources and Rural Livelihoods in Rain-fed Areas of India – Priorities for 12th Five year Plan. Water Support Services and Activities Network, hyderabad. 15-16 December 2010.

Anuradha, G. TISS-EPW Workshop on Exploratory Data Analysis. Internet for Research in Social Sciences, mumbai. 6-11 December 2010.

Anuradha, G. International Visitors Leadership Programme on Food Security and Sustainable Development. Department of State, Washington DC. 2-20 may 2011.

Ara , Sehnaz and A.S. man ju laxmi . I nd ian B iod i ves i t y Congress -2010 , Thiruvananthapuram. 28-31 December 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. Scenario Planning Workshop Concerning Knowledge and Innovation in Climate Change Adaptation, malaysia. 26-28 June 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. Low Carbon-Climate Resilient (LC-CR) Development Prospects for India, Delhi. 26 August 2010.

Ar ivudai Nambi , A. Development of methodology for Vulnerability and Risk

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Assessment of moEF-GTZ Project on CCA-RAI. Centre for Climate Change Research and Adaptation Research, Chennai. 29 September 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. Climate Change: Low Carbon & Sustainable Urbanisation. Workshop on Building Livable Cities 2010 – EcoCities: Driving India towards the Age of Sustainability. The Urban Vision, Chennai. 22 October 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. Workshop on UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Annex I Reporting Guidelines for Inventories. Bonn. 3-4 November 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. Second International Workshop on mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change – managing Adaptation Processes. New Delhi. 10-11 November 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. National Policy Dialogue on Climate Change Actions. New Delhi. 12 November 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. National Workshop on Natural Resource management and human Development Paradigms in Climate Change Perspective –Adaptive Strategy Options for Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram. 15-16 December 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, A. Planning meeting of the Agricultural Low Carbon Development Project. The German marshall Fund of the United States, Brussels. �-8 march 2011.

Arivudai Nambi, A. Resource Group meeting. Climate Change Solution Exchange. UNDP, Delhi. 11 April 2011.

Arivudai Nambi, A. Planning Workshop on Peri-Urban Agriculture. System for Analysis, Research and Training, Kathmandu. 1�-19 April 2011.

Arivudai Nambi, V. National Consultation on Access and Benefit Sharing/ Traditional Knowledge/Biodiversi ty Act. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Chennai. 23 April 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, V. meeting of Task Force (Expert Committee) for Preparation of Guidelines on Creating Structures. Running Administration and maintaining of Accounts and other Related matters Pertaining to Biodiversity management Committee. National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai. 28-29 June 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, V. LIFE Network Preparatory meeting for the CBD COP-10. Kuttapalayam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu. 13-15 August 2010.

Arivudai Nambi, V. Workshop on Scoping Study on the Impact of Climate Change and Food Insecurity on Poverty. New Delhi. 11 January 2011.

Badoghar, A.K. Training on methods and Techniques of Project Planning and management. XImB, Bhubaneswar. 14-16 February 2011.

Baskaran, V. Workshop on rRNA Sequencing, Phylogeny and Next Generation Genome

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Sequencing. 51st Annual Conference. Association of microbiologists of India. Birla Institute of Technology, mesra, Ranchi. 14-1� December 2010.

Bhilal, A. mohamed. TOT on Fish Quality management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS. Kr ishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

Chaudhury, S.S. International Conference on Traditional Practices in Conservation Agriculture. Udaipur. 18-20 September 2010.

Elangovan, R. TOT on F ish Qual i ty management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS. Kr ishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

Geetha Rani, m. Second International Seminar on medicinal Plants and herbal Products. Tirupati. 2�-29 December 2010.

Geetha Rani, m. Review meeting of DUS Centres. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA). New Delhi. 25 Feb 2011.

Girija, D.S. TOT on Fish Quality management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

Gupta, R.K. Concepts and Debates on Pe rspec t i ves on Env i ronmen t and Development. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, 9-16 march 2011.

hrideek, T.K. and K. C. Lenka. Training on Contemporary Approaches in Genetic Resources Conservation and Use. Wagenigen International, the Netherlands. 12-30 April 2010.

hopper, R.S. Shantha Kumar. Workshop on Building Partnerships. United States-India Educational Foundation, (USIEF) and U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, 24-25 February 2011.

hopper, R.S. Shantha Kumar. Workshop on Role of NGOs in the Implementation of Integrated Watershed management Programme. New Delhi. 25 April 2011.

Jayakrishnan, G. TOT on Fish Quality management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS. Kr ishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

Ka th i ravan , R . Workshop on rRNA Sequencing, Phylogeny and Next Generation Genome Sequencing. 51st Annual Conference. Association of microbiologists of India. Birla Institute of Technology, mesra, Ranchi. 14-1� December 2010.

Kevikumar, J. Arockia. TOT on Fish Quality management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS. Kr ishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

King, E.D. Israel Ol iver. Biocul tura l Community Protocol Workshop. Foundation for Revitalization of Local health Traditions (FRLhT). Bangalore. 2-4 June 2010.

211


King, E.D. Israel Oliver. Exchange Visit to Ethiopia as part of the Global Study on Community Biodiversity management. 22 September-12 October 2010.

Kiro, Dayabati. National Workshop on Declining Sex Ratio in Koraput. National Alliance of Women, Koraput. 18 October 2010.

Kumar, N. Training Course on Integrated and Participated Approaches in Agro-biodiversity management and Training Programme on Contemporary Approaches to Genetic Resources Conservation and Use. Wageningen International, the Net\herlands. 12-30 April 2010.

Kumar, N. Exchange visit to Ethiopia as part of the Global Study on Community Biodiversity management. 22 September-12 October 2010.

Lakshmana Rao, A. Training on Livelihoods Analysis and Developing Strategies for Livelihood Securities in Disaster Risk Reduction and management Context. Xavier Institute of management, Bhubaneswar. 11-13 April 2011.

Lenka, K.C. Training on Global Community Biodiversity management Study. Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD), Pokhra, Nepal. 22 August-13 September 2010.

Lenka, K.C. Training on methods and Techniques of Project Planning and management. XImB, Bhubaneswar. 14-16 February 2011.

maity, B.K. Workshop on Citizens’ Rights – Budget Session. Centre for youth and Social Development (CySD), Bhubaneswar. 11 June 2010.

maity, B.K . District Level Exhibition cum Workshop in horticulture. Kendrapara horticulture Department, Odisha. 30 October 2010.

maity, B.K. Workshop on Alternate Livelihood Options in Ecologically Fragile Areas. NABARD and Bankers Institute Of Rural Development (BIRD). Puri. 21 march 2011.

maity, B.K. District Level Workshop on Declining Female Sex Ratio in Kendrapara District. Project Swarajya, Cuttack. 30 April 2011.

manjula, m. Seminar on Proposed Caste-Based Enumeration in Census 2011: A Debate on the Challenges. madras Institute of Development Studies, Chennai. 5 June 2010.

manjula, m. Workshop on Assessing Sustainability of Small Farms in Karnataka. ATREE, Bangalore. 23 march 2011.

m a n j u l a , m . S o u t h A s i a R e g i o n a l Stakeholder Workshop on Climate Change – Urban Agriculture Knowledge Assessment. Kathmandu, Nepal. 18-19 April 2011.

manjula, m. Short Course on Agriculture in Transition: Analysis, Design and management of Sustainable Farming Systems. Wageningen University and Research Centre/Centre for Development Innovation, Wageningen, Netherlands. 9-20 may 2011.

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mishra, Smita. International Conference on Traditional Practices in Conservation Agriculture, AAhF. Udaipur 18-20 September 2010.

mishra, Smita. International Refresher Training Course on Enhancing Agrobiodiversity Use: Development of Demand-Oriented Value Chains. Chiang Rai, Thailand. 8 -1� December 2010.

mugi lni lavan, P. TOT on Fish Qual i ty management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS. Kr ishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

Nageswaran, m. Workshop on Regenerating Natural Resources and Rural Livelihoods in Rain-fed Areas of India – Priorities for 12th Five year Plan. Water Support Services and Activities Network, hyderabad. 15-16 December 2010.

Naik, J. Training on Training of Trainers (TOT) on Strengthening Civil Society Organizations: A Step Forward in Decentralized Planning and management. XImB, Bhubaneswar. �-9 February 2011.

Nair, Sudha. Gender Parity from Tokenism into Totalism. Inter Academy Panel, Third World Organisation for Women in Science

(TWOWS) Fourth General Assembly and International Conference. Beijing, China. 2�-30 June 2010.

Nair, Sudha. Indo-US Panel on Changing mindsets: New Approaches to Advance Women and Girls in Science. Side event at

the 55th meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women, US mission to the United States, New york. 23 Feb 2011.

Nair, Sudha. Executive Board meeting of the Organization of Women Scientists for the Development World. Kuwait Institute for Science and Research, Kuwait. 30 may-1 June 2011.

Nayak, T.R. Training on TOT on Strengthening Civil Society Organizations: A Step Forward in Decentralized Planning and management. XImB, Bhubaneswar. �-9 February 2011.

Padhan, Bandana. Training on mushroom Spawn Production. Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar. 24-2� February 2011.

Panda, A.K. Training on methods and Techniques of Project Planning and management. XImB, Bhubaneswar. 14-16 February 2011.

Panigrahi, Namita. Training on methods and Techniques of Project Planning and management. XImB, Bhubaneswar. 14-16 February 2011.

Parasuraman, N. 3rd Agriculture Leadership Summit. IARI, New Delhi. 29-30 September 2010.

Parasuraman, N. 6th meeting of ADhOC Advisory Committee on the Funding Strategy, FAO. Rome. 13-15 October 2010.

Parasuraman, N. 36th Session of the Committee on World Food Security: Food for the Cities. FAO, Rome. 16 October 2010.

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Parasuraman, N. Workshop on Agro-forestry Plantation Crops, Coconut Research Institute. Colombo. 15 march 2011.

Parasuraman, N. Third Annual International Water for Food Conference. Water for Food Institute, University of Nebraska. Lincoln, USA, 1-4 may 2011.

Parida, A. CGIAR Discussion on mega Programme 4. Addis Ababa, 18- 21 August 2010.

Parida, A. IDRC Project Formulation meeting at University of Alberta, Canada, 1-� September 2010.

Parida, A. First Global meet on metropolitan Agriculture. Rotterdam. 28 September-3 October 2010.

Parida, A, Crop World 2010 Conference; Plenary Speaker. London. 1-3 November 2010.

Parida, A. Global Conference on Bio-fortification. Washington DC. 8-13 November 2010.

Parida, A. World Water Forum. Colombo. 23-26 February 2011.

Parida, A. Third Annual International Water for Food Conference. Water for Food Institute, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA. 1-4 may 2011.

Parida, P.K. Training on TOT on Strengthening Civil Society Organizations: A Step Forward in Decentralized Planning and management. XImB, Bhubaneswar. �-9 February 2011.

Patro, N.C. Training on methods and Techniques of Project Planning and management. XImB, Bhubaneswar. 14-16 February 2011.

Philip, maria. Training Program on Sustainable Livelihood Interventions for Rural Areas and Weaker Sections – New Paradigms. Amm murugappa Chettiar Research Institute, Chennai. 4 December 2010.

Philip, maria. South Asia Training Program on managing Information Resources in the Digital Age. Centre for Environment Sciences, New Delhi. 6-11 December 2010.

Prabavathy, V. R. International Symposium on Omics Approach to microbes. National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI), Nagpur. 1�-18 February 2011.

Rajkumar, R. TOT on Fish Quality management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

Ramana, S.V. Training on SC/ST Rights, Society for Advancement in Tribes, health, Education, Environment. Koraput. 29-30 November 2010.

Ramasubramanian, R. BOBLmE India - National Inception Workshop. Bay of Bengal Large marine Ecosystem (BOBLmE), Visakhapatnam. 6-� may 2010.

Ramasubramanian, R. National Consultation on Ecosystem Indicators in Bay of Bengal Large marine Ecosystem (BOBLmE). Kochi. 26-2� April 2011.

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Ramasubramanian, R. Project monitoring meeting: Geo-Spatial Technologies and Restoration of Kolleru Lake Ecosystem. DST- Natural Resources Data management System (NRDmS) Division. Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. 6-� may 2011.

Rath, S.K. Training on Procurement Related matters and Financial management System. National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP), ICAR. Patna. 1�-18 August 2010.

Rath, S.K. Training on Basic Accounting and Financial management. Access Livelihoods Consulting India Private Limited, Bhubaneswar. 8-11 march 2011.

Rengalakshmi, R. Workshop on Farmer Producer Company. Action for Social Initiative. Bhopal. 26 June-2 July 2010.

Rengalakshmi.R. International Training of Trainers Programme on Development of Biocultural Community Protocols as well as Community Knowledge Service. Sri Lanka Coordination meeting. Avissawella, Sri Lanka. 26-31 July 2010.

Rengalakshmi. R. Implementat ion of Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land-based Observations (FASAL). India meteorological Department (ImD), Pune. 15-16 September 2010.

Rengalakshmi, R. International Conference on Ethical Framework for a Sustainable World. Earth Charter International Secretariat and Centre for Environmental Education. Ahmedabad. 1-3 November 2010.

Rengalakshmi, R. Fourth Annual Review meeting of Integrated Agro Advisory Services. Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), hyderabad. 21-23 December 2010.

Rukmani, R. Workshop on United Nations Development Assistance Framework. United Nations, India. New Delhi. 18-20 may 2011.

Sahu, P.K. Training on medicinal Plants. Swayam Krishi Sangam (SKS), Boipariguda, Odisha. 3 August 2010.

Selvam, V. Regional Workshop on Climate Change, Food and Water Security. Global Water Partnership, Colombo. 24-25 February 2011.

Selvam, V. Third Annual International Water for Food Conference. Water for Food Institute, University of Nebraska. Lincoln, USA. 1-4 may 2011.

Sivakumar, A. TOT Programme on Eco-restoration of mangroves and Local Livelihood Development. Indian Institute of Forest management, Bhopal and KIIT School of Rural management, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. �-10 April 2010.

Sivakumar, A. National Conference on marine Biodiversity – Present Status and Prospectus. Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli.16-18 September 2010.

Sreeki rupa, R. TOT on Fish Qual i ty management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS.

215


Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

Subbiah, Vijay R. International Renewable Energy Expo and Conference. Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA), Chennai. 14-16 January 2011.

Subhangi, S. International Workshop on Integrated Approaches to Foods, Diet and health: Indian and European Perspectives. Anna University, Chennai, 8-9 February 2011.

Swain, S. Global Study on Community Empowerment for In situ Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Federal University of Santa Caterina, Brazil. 6-30 July 2010.

Swain, S. Training Course on Enhancing Agro-biodiversity Use: Development of Demand-Oriented Value Chain. Rice Department, ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Bangkok. 8-1� December 2010.

Swain, S. TOT on Farmers’ Rights. Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI). Cuttack, 16-1� march 2011.

Velvizhi, S. National Conference on marine Biodiversity – Present Status and Prospects (mABPSAP 2010) . mar ine Sc ience Department, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli. 16-18 September 2010.

Velvizhi, S. TOT on Fish Quality management, Conservation and Sustainable Fishing. NETFISh-mPEDA and TANUVAS. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram. 2�-28 January 2011.

Viswanath, Ganga. International Symposium on Omics Approach to microbes (ISOAm-2011). NEERI, Nagpur.1�-18 February 2011.

Awards/Honours

Arivudai Nambi, A. 2010. member of Indian Delegation, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Conference of Parties (COP)-16, Cancun, mexico.

Arivudai Nambi, A. 2011. Bishop Rajkumar Fifth memorial Teachers’ Popularisation Award, St. John’s Educational Trust, Palanjur Nazarathpet, Chennai.

Badoghar A. K. 2010. Best Poster Presentation Award, 2nd Indian youth Science Congress, SRm University, Chennai.

Geetha Rani, m. 2010. Talented Scientist Award, Second International Seminar on medicinal Plants and herbal Products, Sri Venkateswara University. Andhra Pradesh medicinal and Aromatic Board, Tirupati.

Geetha Rani, m. 2011. Secretary & South Zone Coordinator for Indian Cultural and Biological Diversity Network (INCBD), Chennai.

Geetha Rani, m. 2011. Executive member in Indian Biodiversity Network (IBNet), India.

Jegan, S. Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) [German Academic Exchange Service) Fellowship, Department for Terrestrial Ecogenetics, helmholtz Center, munich, Germany. June 2011 to September 2012.

Parida, A. 2011. President, Agriculture and Forestry Session, 99th Session of the Indian Science Congress Association, New Delhi.

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Parida, A. 2011. Tata Innovation Fellowship, Dept. of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

Parida, A. 2011. member of the Research Advisory Committee, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, ICAR, Coimbatore.

Parida, A. 2011. member of the Research Advisory Committee, National Centre for Plant molecular Biology, ICAR, New Delhi.

Senthi lkumaran, S. 2010. Agriculture Leadership Award under the Extension Category, New Delhi.

Senthilkumaran, S. 2011. Executive Director’s Choice Award for most Outstanding man of the Telecentre movement. Telecentre.org

Foundation, 3rd Global Forum on Telecentres, Santiago, Chile.

Senthilkumaran, S. 2011. B. C. Deb memorial Award for Popularization of Science, Indian Science Congress Association, Chennai.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2010. honorary Doctorate Award, University of Alberta, Canada.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2011. honorary Doctorate Award, Padmashri Dr. D. y. Patil University, mumbai.

Swaminathan, m.S. 2011. honorary Doctorate Award, mcmaster University, Canada.

Velvizhi, S. 2011. Dr B. R. Ambedkar Award for Popularizing and Streamlining marine-based Livelihood Options to Rural Communities, Indian Science monitor, Chennai.

Dr. Ajay Parida, Executive Director, mSSRF (Secretary to the Board)

Board of Trustees

About the FoundationThe M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) was registered in 1988 as a non-profit Trust, recognised by the Government of India, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, and by the Director General of Income Tax Exemptions, for the purpose of exemption of contributions from Income Tax under Section 80G and sections 35(1)(ii) of Income Tax Act, 1961, read with Rule 6 of Income Tax Rules, 1962. The ministry of home Affairs, Government of India, has recognised the Foundation for receiving funds from sources abroad under the provisions of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 19�6.

21�

Centre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (CRSARD)

Professor m.S. Swaminathan Chairman M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation 3rd Cross Road Taramani, Chennai 600 113

Dr. S. RajagopalanSecretary – CRSARD M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation 3rd Cross Road Taramani, Chennai 600 113

ms. mina Swaminathan11 Ratna Nagar Teynampet, Chennai 600 018

Dr. Ajay ParidaExecutive Director M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation 3rd Cross Road Taramani, Chennai 600 113

Professor P.C. KesavanDistinguished Fellow and Honorary Principal, Jamsetji Tata Training School M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation 3rd Cross Road Taramani, Chennai 600 113

mr. B.S. Raghavan, IAS (Retd.)Ex-Policy Advisor to Tamil Nadu No. 4, Second Street, Nehru Nagar Adyar, Chennai 600 020

Professor m.S. Swaminathan (Chairman)

mr. N. Ram

Dr. Suman Sahai

Dr. madhura Swaminathan

mr. V. Namasivayam

mr. Vijay mahajan

Dr. Tushaar Shah

ms. Rita Sarin

mr. K. Rajiv

Dr. Uma Lele

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ms. malavika Vinod Kumar Technical Director M/s. Sundar Chemicals (P) Ltd No. 560-562, 6-G, Century Plaza Teynampet, Chennai 600 018

Dr. K.V. RamanApartment 3-A, ’Shreyas’ 4th Seaward Road, Valmiki Nagar Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600 041

Dr. T.N. AnanthakrishnanFormer Director Entomology Research Institute Flat 6, ‘Dwaraka’, 42 Kamdar Nagar Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034

mr. A.m. mahmood hussain, IFS (Retd.)29, 1st Main Road, Kapaleeswarar Nagar Neelankarai, Chennai 600 041

mr. G. Venkataramani51, Journalists Colony, Srinivasapuram Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600 041

Rtn. S.S. Rajasekhar‘River View’ Kotturpuram, Chennai 600 085

Dr. P. murugesa BoopathiVice Chancellor Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore 641 003

Dr. P. ThangarajuVice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University Madhavaram, Chennai 600 051

Professor R. RadhakrishnaChairperson Madras Institute of Development Studies 79 Second Main Road, Gandhi Nagar Adyar, Chennai 600 020

Dr. P. mannar JawaharVice Chancellor, Anna University Chennai 600 025

Col. Dr. G. ThiruvasagamVice Chancellor University of Madras Chepauk, Chennai 600 005

mr. S. SanthanakrishnanManaging Partner, M/s. P.K.F. Sridhar & Santhanam Chartered Accountants 98-A Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai Mylapore, Chennai 600 004

Auditor

m/s. P.K.F. Sridhar & Santhanam Chartered Accountants, Chennai

PROGRAMME ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Biodiversity – Conservation, Enhancement and Use

Professor m.S. Swaminathan (Chairman)Chairman, MSSRF

Members

Dr. S. Nagarajan‘Shiwalik’ 8/49, 16th Cross Street, New Colony Chromepet, Chennai 600 044

219

A B O U T T h E F O U N D A T I O N

Dr. P.L. GautamChairman, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Authority Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Co-operation New Delhi

Dr. m. SanjappaDirector, Botanical Survey of India Kolkata

Dr. Renu SwarupAdvisor, Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science & Technology New Delhi

Dr. B. harigopalAdviser & Head, SERC Division Department of Science & Technology New Delhi

Dr. G.V. SubrahmanyamAdvisor (RE) Ministry of Environment & Forests New Delhi

Dr. S.S. SanjwanChief Executive Officer National Medicinal Plants Board Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare New Delhi

Dr. A.K. SrivastavaDirector Ministry of Tribal Affairs New Delhi

ms. Upma ChaudhryMission Director National Horticulture Mission New Delhi

Dr. Swapan DattaDeputy Director General (Crop Science) Indian Council of Agricultural Research Krishi Bhavan New Delhi

Natural Resources Management and Climate Change

Dr. Tushaar Shah (Chairman)Senior Advisor to the DG/Principal Scientist International Water Management Institute Mangalpura, Anand Gujarat

Members

Dr. Sunita NarainDirector Centre for Science and Environment New Delhi

Dr. J.S. SamraCEO and Chairman National Rainfed Authority, Ministry of Agriculture New Delhi

Dr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal National Professor, Division of Environmental Sciences Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi

Dr. Subodh SharmaAdvisor Ministry of Environment & Forests New Delhi

Dr. K.R. ViswanathanTeam Leader, Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation New Delhi

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Dr. mohan KandaMember National Disaster Management Authority New Delhi

Dr. Akhilesh GuptaAdviser / Scientist-G Coordinator - Climate Change Programme Department of Science & Technology New Delhi

mr. Vincent DarlongActing Country Coordinator IFAD India Country Office New Delhi

Information, Education and Communi-cation


Members

ms. Ankhi DasDirector - Public Policy, Legal & Corporate Affairs Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd Haryana

Dr. Basheerhamad ShadrachExecutive Director Telecenter.org Foundation Manila, the Philippines

Professor V.N. Rajasekharan PillaiVice-Chancellor Indira Gandhi National Open University New Delhi

Dr. V.S. hegdeDirector (Applications) EOS, Programme Coordinator, VRC Indian Space Research Organisation HQ Bangalore

Dr. Phet SayoSenior Program Officer PAN Asia Networking International Development Research Centre Regional Office for South Asia New Delhi

Dr. Gerolf WeigelDeputy Country Director Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Embassy of Switzerland New Delhi

Dr. L.S. RathoreAdvisor, Ministry of Earth Sciences & Head, Agromet Division India Meteorological Department New Delhi

mr. S.N. GoswamiMD & Chief Executive Officer Media Lab Asia New Delhi

mr. S. SrinivasanChief Executive Officer Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Ltd New Delhi

mr. Sanjay K. ShawBusiness Head - Rural and Retail SI HCL Info Systems Ltd Noida

221

A B O U T T h E F O U N D A T I O N

mr. Parag KarDirector GA (India & SAARC) Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd New Delhi

Dr. Aruna SundararajanChief Executive Officer – CSC Project Department of Information Technology New Delhi

Community Agro-biodiversity Centre, Kalpetta, Wayanad District, Kerala

Professor m. K. Prasad ‘Pratheeksha’, Near College of Engineering Pangappara PO Thiruvananthapuram 695 581

Dr. y R SharmaFormer Director IISR ‘Aramam’, M 10-5 , KSHB Colony Kozhikode 673 009

Dr.S. EdisonFormer Director CTCRI ‘Srinidhi’ Pattom PO, Kesavadasapuram Thiruvananthapuram 695 004

mr. A. RatnamRatnakottaram Kalpetta 673 121

Dr. Kamalam JosephHead, Training Education & Extension Division Centre for Water Resources Development and Management Kunnamangalam, Kozhikode 673 571

Dr. Ajay ParidaExecutive Director MSSRF

Dr. N. Anil KumarDirector (Biodiversity) & Head, CAbC, MSSRF, Kalpetta Wayanad (Member Secretary)

PROJECT / MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

Institutional Bio-Safety Committee


Members

Dr. K. BhuvaneshwariProfessor Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore (DBT nominee)

Dr. h. DevarajDirector University of Madras Guindy Campus Chennai

Dr. Ajit yadavHead of the Department, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Global Hospitals and Health City Chennai

Dr. Ajay ParidaDirector (Biotechnology) & Executive Director, MSSRF (Member Secretary)

Foundation StaffDr. Ajay Parida

Executive Director and Director, Biotechnology

* left during the year

Programme Area 100: Coastal Systems Research

Dr. V. Selvam Senior Director

Coastal Wetlands Project

Chennai

Dr. N. ParasuramanPrincipal Scientist

Dr. J.D. SophiaPrincipal Scientist

mr. K. JayakumarScientist

ms. S. PunithaScientist

mr. R. NagarajanScientist

ms. R. Kalpana DuttResearcher

Chidambaram

mr. K.K. RavichandranProject Coordinator

mr. A. VedhamoorthyScientist

mr. V. Sivanesan*Project Associate

Vedaranyam

Dr. Sivakumar ArunachalamSenior Scientist

Dr. K. R. Saravanan Scientist

mr. R. JayakumarTechnical Assistant

Kakinada

Dr. R. RamasubramanianSenior Scientist

mr. P. Suvarnaraju*Scientist

mr. N. Chittibabu Project Associate

Nuclear and Biotechnological Tools for Coastal Systems Research

Kudankulam

Dr. Ravi Kumar GuptaScientist

Kalpakkam

mr. R. KalaimaniScientist

222

mr. R. SankarTechnical Assistant

Programme Area 200: Biodiversity

Dr. N. Anil Kumar Director & Head CAbC, Kalpetta

Chennai

Dr. V. Arivudai NambiPrincipal Scientist

Dr. m. Geetha RaniPrincipal Scientist

Dr. Smita mishraSenior Scientist

mr. T.R. Prabhakaran*Economist

mr. N.N. KalaiselvanJunior Research Fellow (Economics)

mr. P.I. maria PhilipFellow

ms. A. UmaSecretary

mr. R.K. VinuResearch Assistant

Community Biodiversity Programme, Kolli Hills, Namakkal

Dr. E.D. Israel Oliver KingPrincipal Scientist

ms. R.m. NagalakshmiSenior Research Fellow

mr. N. KumarJunior Research Fellow

mr. m.N. Sivakumar*Fellow

mr. R. GowrisankarField Technician

mr. S. ChinnathambiField Technician

mr. R. BaskarAssistant (Accounts)

mr. m. Vijayaraghavan***Project Assistant

mr. A. AnnaduraiField Assistant

mr. K. SivakumarField Assistant

mr. P. ThangavelAttendant

Community Agrobiodiversity Centre, Kalpetta, Kerala

mr. Joseph JohnProject Coordinator

ms. N.T. SupriyaProject Coordinator


*** demised

223

F O U N D A T I O N S T A F F

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mr. P. RamakrishnanTraining Coordinator

mr. G. GiriganSenior Scientist

mr. m.K. Ratheesh NarayananSenior Scientist

ms. Elsy mathewAssistant Manager

mr. T. manoj KumarAssistant Manager

mr. V. V. SivanScientist

mr. P. PrajeeshScientist

mr. N. GopalakrishnanAdministrator

Dr. P. Sujanapal*Research Fellow

ms. C.S. DhanyaResearch Fellow

ms. Smitha S. Nair*Research Fellow

ms. K.A. SujanaResearch Fellow

ms. T.R. SumaResearch Fellow

mr. m.m. JithinFellow

mr. R. meera RajFellow

mr. mithun LalFellow

ms. V.R. VolgaFellow

mr. Jaison m. Varghese*Fellow

ms. V. miniFellow

mr. K. RasheedDriver

ms. K.N. ShyjaTechnical Assistant

mr. m.K. BineeshTechnical Assistant

mr. T. Raveendran*Technical Assistant

mr. P.T. ShajahanTechnical Assistant

mr. P.m. SalimTechnical Assistant

mr. K.T. Satheesh Technical Assistant

mr. K.V. Shaji*Technical Assistant

ms. K. SaraswathyAttendant


225


mr. A. AnoopGarden Assistant

Biju Patnaik Medicinal Plants Garden & Research Centre, Jeypore, Orissa

Dr. K.U.K. Nampoothiri Director BPMPGRC, Jeypore

Biodiversity Conservation and Enhancement

mr. Susanta Sekhar ChaudhrySenior Scientist

mr. Alok Kumar BadogharScientist

ms. Seema TiggaScientist

mr. Kartik Charan LenkaResearch Associate

ms. Sehnaz AraSenior Research Fellow

mr. Biswa Sankar DasJunior Research Fellow

mr. Suresh Kumar BebartaField Technician

mr. Trinath TaraputiaField Technician

ms. Sushri Sangeeta RoutResearch Assistant

mr. Pramod Kumar SahuTechnical Assistant

mr. Nilamadhab NandaTechnical Assistant

mr. Tapan PradhanTechnical Assistant

mr. Anirudh BarikField Assistant

mr. Antaryami BisoiField Assistant

mr. Govinda Chandra NagField Assistant

Medicinal Plants Garden and Biotechnology Programme

mr. Saujanendra SwainSenior Scientist

mr. Navjot SinghJunior Research Fellow

ms. Annapurna Sahu*Research Fellow

mr. A. Lakshmana RaoTechnical Assistant

mr. Ram Ranjan Tripathy*Technical Assistant

mr. Sibaram Patra*Technical Assistant

mr. Jaganath NaikTechnical Assistant


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ms. Bandana PadhanTechnical Assistant

mr. Naresh Chandra PatroProject Assistant

mr. Lambodar JenaField Assistant

Bio-Industrial Watershed

mr. S.V. RamanaCoordinator

mr. Bhaskar Chandra AdhikariConsultant

ms. mary Dayabati KiroScientist

mr. R.K. AnanthakrishnanScientist

mr. Neeranjan GaudaTechnical Assistant

mr. Pratap Chandra JenaTechnical Assistant

Food Security

mr. Tusar Ranjan NayakSenior Scientist

mr. Akshaya Kumar PandaScientist

mr. T.K. hrideek*Scientist

mr. Rabindra Kumar Padhy*Technical Assistant

ms. Namita PanigrahiTechnical Assistant

Information Communication Technology

Dr. Antarjyami RathaPrincipal, Community College

mr. Prasantha Kumar ParidaScientist

mr. Ashish TripathyOffice Assistant

Administration / Finance / Estate

mr. Nihar Ranjan ParidaSenior Technical Assistant

mr. Suresh Kumar RathAccounts Assistant

ms. Sulochana PadhiAdministrative Assistant

Programme Area 300: Biotechnology

Chennai

Dr. G.N. hariharanPrincipal Coordinator

Dr. Rajalakshmi SwaminathanPrincipal Scientist

Dr. Gayathri VenkataramanPrincipal Scientist

Dr. P. EganathanPrincipal Scientist

Dr. h.m. SankararamasubramanianSenior Scientist


22�


Dr. Suja GeorgeSenior Scientist

Dr. Sujatha JoseResearch Associate

mr. V. SadhasivamSenior Research Fellow

ms. Trupti mohapatraSenior Research Fellow

ms. C. RajalakshmiSenior Research Fellow

ms. Keerthi Chandana RebalaSenior Research Fellow

mr. G. GanesanSenior Research Fellow

ms. Deepanwita Purohit Senior Research Fellow

ms. Sindhu KuttanSenior Research Fellow

ms. R. mahalakshmiSenior Research Fellow

mr. m. harikrishnanSenior Research Fellow

ms. Divya ChandranSenior Research Fellow

ms. R. Valarmathi*Senior Research Fellow

mr. m.S. Vinod*Senior Research Fellow

ms. A.S. manjulaxmiResearch Fellow

mr. m. Ashok KumarResearch Fellow

ms. J. JeniferResearch Fellow

mr. G.K. DayanandhamSecretary

ms. Nisha S. KeeranProject Assistant

ms. S. SujiResearch Assistant

ms. J. VidyaResearch Assistant

ms. R. ChithraTechnical Assistant

mr. m.m. SaravananTechnical Assistant

mr. E. SivaAttendant

mr. m. KannanAttendant

mr. R. KathiravanAttendant

ms. m. KousalyaAttendant

New Delhi

mr. Varinder SinghProject Assistant


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Microbiology

Dr. V.R. PrabavathyPrincipal Scientist

Dr. J. AnanthiResearch Associate

mr. S. JeganSenior Research Fellow

mr. R. KathiravanJunior Research Fellow

mr. A. Saravanakumar*Junior Research Fellow

mr. V. BhaskaranJunior Research Fellow

ms. Ganga ViswanathJunior Research Fellow

mr. G. NiyasAttendant

Programme Area 400: Ecotechnology

Dr. Sudha Nair Senior Director & Head, Microbiology

Chennai

Dr. A. Arivudai NambiPrincipal Coordinator

Dr. R.S. Shantha Kumar hopperPrincipal Coordinator

Dr. R. RengalakshmiPrincipal Scientist

ms. Shanti Duraisamy*Principal Scientist

Dr. C. manjulaPrincipal Scientist

Dr. S. malarvannanSenior Scientist

Dr. Vijay R. SubbiahSenior Scientist

mr. Jay AnandConsultant

ms. Abhilasha RajanConsultant

ms. S. GeethaAssistant Manager

mr. K. Sunder VadiveluAssistant Manager

ms. m. Pudhumalar hemavathyScientist

mr. Santhosh Kumar PatnaikScientist

mr. S. SekarScientist

mr. S.P. ShanthakumarSenior Research Fellow

ms. Santhilatha S. KumarSecretary

ms. D. LathaProject Assistant


229


ms. N. DhanalakshmiProject Assistant

mr. P. Thirunavukkarasu*Project Assistant

mr. S. mohanAttendant

mr. S. KarthikAttendant

Kannivadi

mr. m. DevarajScientist

mr. R. SeenivasanScientist

mr. B. SelvamukilanScientist

mr. V. SakthivelAnimator

mr. S. SanthiveeranAttendant

Pudukottai

Dr. m. NageswaranPrincipal Scientist

mr. Shylet moniConsultant

mr. m.K. SubramaniyanScientist

mr. R. JeevaScientist

ms. R.P. Parimala DeviScientist

mr. T. Senthil KumarSocial Mobiliser

mr. C. GanesanTechnical Assistant

mr. P. Senthil KumarTechnical Assistant

ms. T. BhuvaneswariAssistant (Administration & Accounts)

Poompuhar

Dr. G. Sanjeeviraj*Principal Coordinator

Dr. L. KrishnanHead, Fish for All Centre

Dr. V.m. KarunagaranConsultant

mr. L.V. VellaiappanPlant Manager (Fish Processing Unit)

mr. C. NagarajaScientist

mr. T. SelvarasuScientist

mr. P. Gopalakrishnan Plant Operator

mr. S. Saravanakumar*Assistant (Accounts)


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A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

mr. E. SelvaganapathyTechnical Assistant

mr. R. mosesCaretaker

mr. S. AnanthanAttendant (Gardener)

ms. S. ParimalaAttendant (Cleaner)

ms. S. KavithaAttendant (Cleaner)

Puducherry

mr. D. Rosario*Principal Scientist

Dr. Vidyaa RamkumarCoordinator

mr. P. SanthamurthySenior Scientist

mr. P. NandeesaConsultant

mr. V. Jagadeesh PandianConsultant

mr. R. SanjeevScientist

Dr. S. Sudarkodi*Scientist

mr. J. Suresh*Scientist

mr. m. BabuDriver

ms. m. mangayarkarasiAttendant

mr. V. PanduranganAttendant

ms. R. RaniAttendant

Kendrapara

Dr. B.K. maitySite Coordinator

mr. Pradeep Kumar NayakAssistant (Administration)

ms. Gitishree NayakTechnical Assistant

mr. Amulya Kumar ChoudhuryTechnical Assistant

Programme Area 500: Food Security

Dr. R. Rukmani Director-In-charge

ms. R.V. Bhavani** Director

Chennai

Dr. Rama NarayananFord Foundation Chair

ms. G. AnuradhaSenior Scientist


** on sabbatical leave

231


ms. manjula menonSenior Scientist

ms. Subhangi SahooScientist

mr. A. Sakthi VelanSecretary

Vidarbha

mr. Kishor Purushottamrao JagtapSenior Scientist

ms. Charushila ThakareScientist

ms. Jyotsna Bhimrav RautScientist

ms. manda m. Bhondawe*Scientist

ms. Nalu ShambharkarProject Associate

Programme Area 600: Information, Education and Communication

mr. S. Senthilkumaran Director

Chennai

Professor P.C. KesavanDistinguished Fellow

ms. Nancy J. AnabelPrincipal Scientist

mr. J. SrinathPrincipal Scientist

mr. P. SivakumarSenior Scientist

mr. K. RameswaranSenior Scientist

mr. R. RajamanikkamSenior Scientist

ms. T. ArunaSenior Trainer

Dr. L. VedavalliConsultant

mr. S. Jegan KaruppiahScientist

ms. J. RojaraniScientist

ms. m. SumathiScientist

mr. R. VijayScientist

mr. N. SurendranScientist

ms. D. Suvitha Scientist

ms. m. Krithika*Project Associate

mr. P. Senthamil*Technical Staff

mr. m. SelvarajTechnical Staff


232

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

ms. N. Sharmila*Technical Staff

mr. R. Kolappa DhasTechnical Staff

mr. P. BalajiDriver

ms. A. Arokia mary EddolinResearch Intern

Puducherry

ms. D.S. GirijaScientist

mr. G. JayakrishnanTechnical Staff

mr. C. Lourdessamy maleappaneTechnical Staff

Chidambaram

mr. R. ElangovanScientist

mr. D. Veera Raj*Technical Staff

Dindigul

mr. A. AnanthScientist

mr. C.A.S. Britto Technical Staff

ms. P. KalaivaniResearch Intern

Nagapattinam

ms. S. VelvizhiSenior Scientist

mr. P. mugilnilavanScientist

mr. R. SaravananTechnical Staff

mr. T. maikandanResearch Intern

Nagercoil

mr. A. mohamed BhilalScientist

mr. m. yesudasTechnical Assistant

mr. A. mubarak AliResearch Intern

Pudukottai / Annavasal

mr. Rajkumar RamasamySenior Scientist

mr. S. GurumurthyScientist

mr. S. murugesanScientist

Thangachimadam

ms. R. Sreekirupa Scientist

mr. J. Arockia KevikumarTechnical Staff


233


mr. K. Abdul SalamTechnical Staff

mr. S. Antony Arun maria Jerome Research Intern

Thiruvaiyaru

mr. m. muthukumarScientist

mr. G. muruganTechnical Staff

mr. P. SilambarasanTechnical Staff

mr. V. ChandrasekaranTechnical Staff

mr. A. KarthikeyanDriver

Kakinada

mr. N. Chitti BabuProject Associate

mr. N. Veerabhadra RaoTechnical Staff

Jasapur

mr. Vilas Vishnuji Sawane Project Associate

Karda

mr. Ravi Dilip mahalankarTechnical Staff

Waifad

mr. manish KawadeProject Associate

Wardha

mr. Deepak S. KekanScientist

mr. Praful J. BansodScientist

mr. Pravin Khumbalkar*Technical Staff

The Hindu Media Resource Centre

ms. Lourdes Vimal Silveira*Coordinator

Dr. Divya SreenivasCommunication Specialist

Library and Information Services

mr. A. JanakiramanSenior Scientist

mr. m. KuppuswamyScientist

mr. G. Suresh KumarSenior Technical Assistant

State Bank of India-Youth for India Fellows

mr. Ankit Walia

ms. Anu Elizabeth Jacob

mr. Arun Purushothaman

mr. Bharath Vineeth Patapati


234

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

mr. m.C. Karthikeyan Iyer

mr. Kesari Bala Krishna Reddy

mr. midhun Rajagopal

mr. Pankaj Omprakash Khela*

mr. C. C. Pruthvi Raj

mr. Santosh Choudhary

mr. Shuvajit Payne

ms. Soumyashree Omprakash Sahoo

ms. Suhasini Vavilala

World Food Prize Intern

ms. moriah morgan

Technical Advisors of MSSRF

ms. mina Swaminathan (IEC and Gender)

Dr. S. Bala Ravi (Biodiversity and Food Security)

Professor V.B. Athreya (Food Security)

Dr. S. Nagarajan (Biodiversity)

Dr. B.S. Nagarajan(IEC)

Dr. A.R. Thiagarajan(IEC)

mr. V. Palaniappan(IEC)

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Personnel and Administration

mr. P.N. SubramanianManager (P&A)

mr. C.V. ParthasarathyManager

ms. R. malathySenior Secretary

ms. y. Dilhara BegumSecretary

mr. B. AnandakumarAssistant (P&A)

mr. m. RajakumaranAssistant

mr. K. SureshAssistant

Accounts

mr. S. NandakumarManager

ms. Udaya Sathyamurthy*Associate Manager

mr. K. SaravananAssistant

ms. R. KavithaAssistant

ms. Nalina muthukumaranAssistant


235


ms. Syed habi Banu BegumAssistant

mr. R. Suban Assistant

Support Service

mr. E. ThiruvengadamElectrician

mr. B. SivakumarElectrician

mr. P. muthukumarElectrician

mr. S. GopalakrishnanDriver

ms. V. Vijaya LakshmiCleaner

ms. S. SanthiCleaner

ms. Soundari SundaramCleaner

mr. C.h. VenkateswarluCleaner

235

LIST oF DoNoRS 2010-11Institutional Donors - National

Diana World Travels Pvt Ltd, Chennai

hDFC Ltd, Chennai

m/s. Pratiksha Trust, Bangalore

Nagarjuna Agro Chemicals Pvt Ltd, hyderabad

Padma & Lt. General N.R. Krishnan Trust, Bangalore

State Bank of Travancore, Chennai

Institutional Donors - International

Les Presses de l’Université Laval, Canada

m/s. Sella Servizi Bancari, Italy

Individual Donors - National

ms. Amiya Kesavan, Chennai ms. Amrita Gupta, mumbai

Dr. Bala Ravi Sekhara Pillai, Chennai Professor P.C.Kesavan, Chennai

mr. B.S. Nagarajan, Chennai Professor m.S. Swaminathan, Chennai

mr. Varadharajan, Trichy

Endowment Funds

All India Poultry Development and Services Pvt Ltd, Pune

236

Friends of MSSRF - Asia Initiatives, Japan

Dr. Geeta mehta mr. Krishen mehta

mr. Stephen Tootell Bob & marianne Clyde

Peter and Roxana Davor massion mr. John Flannery

ms. Kylie Schuyler mr. & mrs. Kenji hosokawa

mr. & mrs. Kit Blamey and Jack Londen mr. Cyrus Daboo

mr. Royanne Doi mr. yumiko Usui

ms. Tomoko Takeba mr. Charles martin

ms. Smrithi Krishnan

EToSE, Germany

Dr. Ursula Eisele Dr. mayuri odedra – Straub

Friends of Swaminathan, Australia (FoSA)organised by

ms. Vicki Corbett & ms. Barbara Wolveridge

The Netherlandsms. W. S. Fransen Ririassa

Australiams. Debra hazelton

United Kingdommr. Julian Edward Gerald Swindell

23�

L I S T O F D O N O R S

Sources of Project SupportProgramme Area 100: Coastal Systems Research

National

Department of Science & Technology, Government of India

Ikebana International, hyderabad

ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India

Reliance Industries Ltd, mumbai

International

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

International Union Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources, Thailand

World Bank, New Delhi

Programme Area 200: BiodiversityAcademy of Tribal Languages and Culture, Government of Orissa

Department of Science & Technology, Government of India

Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Development, Government of India

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi

Jamsetji Tata Trust, mumbai

ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

National Biodiversity Board

National medicinal Plants Board, Department of Ayush, Government of India

Asha for Education, Cincinnati

Canadian International Development Agency

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome

Gottfr ied Wilhelm Leibniz University, hannover

International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Government of Canada

International Fund for Agricultural Development, Rome

International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome

mitsubishi Corporation, New Delhi

Wageningen International, the Netherlands

World Agroforestry Centre, New Delhi

238

Programme Area 400: Ecotechnology

Agharkhar Research Institute, Pune

Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

India meteorological Department Government of India

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Jamsetji Tata Trust, mumbai

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chennai

National Bioresources Development Board, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India

World Noni Research Foundation, Chennai

BIOFORSK, Norway

Department for International Development (DFID), Government of UK

Friends of mSSRF - Asia Initiatives, Japan

I n te rna t i ona l Fund f o r Ag r i cu l t u re Development

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

UNESCO, France

Programme Area 300: BiotechnologyAshoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)

Department of Biotechnology, Government of India


Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

International Rice Research Institute, the Philippines

Wageningen International, the Netherlands

National International

Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority

State medicinal Plants Board, Kerala

Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu

239

S O U R C E S O F P R O J E C T S U P P O R T

240

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

Programme Area 500: Food Security

Canadian International Development Agency

Friends of mSSRF – Asia Initiatives, Japan

International Development Research Centre Government of Canada

Neuberger Berman, New york

Telecentre.org Foundation, New Delhi

Qualcomm Inc, San Diego, USA

Programme Area 600: Information, Education and Communication

Action for Food Production (AFPRO), New Delhi

All India Poultry Development & Services Pvt Ltd, Pune

Department of Information Technology, Government of India


Department of Space, Government of India

Educomp Solution Ltd, New Delhi

Glorimex Pvt Ltd, mumbai

Godrej Industries Ltd, mumbai

IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Ltd, New Delhi

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, hyderabad

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, mumbai

maharashtra hybrid Seeds Co Ltd, mumbai


B V Rao Endowment

Uttara Devi Endowment

Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India

Ford Foundation Chair Endowment

UN World Food Programme

Imperial College of Science, London

Friends of Swaminathan, Australia (FOSA)

241

S O U R C E S O F P R O J E C T S U P P O R T

media Lab Asia, New Delhi

ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India

National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development

National Biodiversity Authority

National Fisheries Development Board, Government of India

Novatium Solution Pvt. Ltd

S a i n t - G o b a i n G l a s s I n d i a L t d , Sriperumbudur

Tata Sons Ltd, mumbai


Programme Area 700: Special ProjectsAll India Poultry Development & Services Pvt Ltd, Pune

Department of Space, New Delhi

Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, New Delhi

ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India

ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India

Global youth Action Network, Canada

Ford Foundation


National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development

National Biodiversity Authority

Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, New Delhi

Rotary Club of madras, Chennai

State Bank of India, Chennai

State Bank of Travancore, Chennai

242

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

List of AcronymsAAhF Asian Agri-history Foundation AAU Anand Agricultural UniversityAAy Antyodaya Anna yojana AGR Animal Genetic Resources ANGRAU Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University ANm Auxiliary Nurse midwifeAPEDA Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development AuthorityAqIFS Aquaculture-based Integrated Farming System ARI Agharkar Research InstituteATmA Agricultural Technology management Agency ATREE Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment BCAS Bangladesh Centre for Advanced StudiesBmC Biodiversity management CommitteeBmI Body mass IndexBOBLmE Bay of Bengal Large marine Ecosystem CBm Community Biodiversity managementCCShAU Chaudhary Charan Singh haryana Agricultural UniversityCD Community DevelopmentCDI Centre for Development Innovation CD&IC Capacity Building and Institutional Change CDmA Code Division multiple AccessCEC Centre of Excellence for Change CFB Community Foodgrain BankCGB Community Gene BankCGN Centre for Genetic Resources ChF Community hunger FighterCIBA Central Institute of Brackish Water AquacultureCIDA Canadian International Development AgencyCIFSRF Canadian International Food Security Research FundCmFRI Central marine Fisheries Research Institute CPCRI Central Plantation Crops Research InstituteCPDO Central Poultry Development OrganisationCPHC Certificate in Propagation and Cultivation of Horticultural CropsCPLIS Community Participatory Land Information System

243

244

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

CRm Climate Risk managers CRRI Central Rice Research InstituteCSRTI Central Sericultural Research and Training InstituteCVC Central Village Committee CWRDm Centre for Water Resource Development and management CySD Centre for youth and Social Development DBT Department of BiotechnologyDCNAhS Dynamic Conservation of National Agricultural heritage SystemsDFID Department for International Development DmmAS Dr.muthulakshmi Reddy maternity Assistance SchemeDPRC Development Policy Research Centre DRDA District Rural Development AgencyDRR Disaster Risk Reduction DST Department of Science & TechnologyDSTL District Soil Testing LaboratoryEDC Eco-development CommitteeEFL Ecological Fragile Land EUFCC European Union Fish Catch CertificationFAO Food and Agriculture Organization of UNFC Farmers’ ClubFD Forest DepartmentFFA Fish for AllFFS Farmers’ Field School FGB Field Gene BankFIP Full Implementation PhaseFRLhT Foundation for Revitalisation of Local health Traditions Fym Farm yard manureGBPUAT G.B Pant University of Agricultural Sciences and TechnologyGGA Grameen Gyan AbhiyanGIAhS Globally Important Agricultural heritage SiteGIS Geographic Information SystemGPS Global Positioning SystemGSP Global Soil PartnershiphACCP hazard Analysis Critical Control PointhESCO himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation hh household

245

L I S T O F A C R O N y m S

hITS high Infectivity Throughput ScreeninghLEC high Level External CommitteeIAmWARm Irrigated Agriculture modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration and managementIARI Indian Agricultural Research InstituteICAR Indian Council of Agricultural ResearchICDS Integrated Child Development ServicesICm Integrated Coastal managementICmR Indian Council of medical ResearchICRAF World Agroforestry Centre ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid TropicsICT Information and Communication TechnologyICZm Integrated Coastal Zone managementIDRC International Development Research CentreIFAD International Fund for Agricultural DevelopmentIFFCO Indian Farmers’ Fertiliser Cooperative LimitedIGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open UniversityIIED International Institute of Environment and DevelopmentIIhR Indian Institute of horticultural ResearchIISR Indian Institute of Spices ResearchIIT Indian Institute of TechnologyIKSL IFFCO Kisan Sanchar LimitedImD India meteorological DepartmentImFFS Integrated mangrove Fishery Farming SystemINCBD Indian Cultural and Biological Diversity Network INCOIS Indian National Centre for Ocean Information ServicesINm Integrated Nutrient managementIPm Integrated Pest managementIPR Intellectual Property RightsIRS LISS Indian Remote Sensing Satellite Linear Imaging Self Scanning SystemISmE International Society for mangrove EcosystemsISRO Indian Space Research OrganisationITDA Integrated Tribal Development AgencyITK Indigenous Technical Knowledge IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JNKVV Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi VishwavidyalayaJNNURm Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal mission

246

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

KAU Kerala Agricultural UniversityKFRI Kerala Forest Research InstituteKIIT-SRm Kalinga Institute of Information Technology School of Rural managementKKRGCS Kalinga Kalajeera Rice Growers’ Cooperative SocietyKLPC Kulumai Livelihood Promotion CellKmS Knowledge management SystemKVK Krishi Vigyan KendraLFA Logical Framework Approach LI-BIRD Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development LIC Life Insurance Corporation of IndiamCCC microbial Culture Collection CentremDB malabar Devaswom BoardmEDP market Enterprise Development PlanmFF mangroves for the Future mGNREGA mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act mIC minimum Inhibitory ConcentrationmIDS madras Institute of Development StudiesmIS management Information SystemmKF mahila Kisan FederationmKSP mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran PariyojanamKU madurai-Kamaraj UniversitymNRE ministry for New and Renewable EnergymoEF ministry of Environment and ForestsmoES ministry of Earth SciencesmoRD ministry of Rural DevelopmentmPEDA marine Products Export Development Authority mPWCCISL manamadurai Pottery Workers Cooperative Cottage Industrial Society LimitedmWS malabar Wildlife SanctuaryNAA Naphthalene Acetic AcidNABARD National Bank for Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentNAC National Advisory CouncilNADP National Agriculture Development ProgrammeNAIP National Agricultural Innovation ProjectNBA National Biodiversity AuthorityNBPGR National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources

24�


NBRI National Botanical Research InstituteNCAER National Council of Applied Economic ResearchNCBI National Centre for Biotechnology InformationNCCS National Centre for Cell ScienceNCI National Cancer InstituteNCL National Chemical LaboratoryNCSA National Centre for Sustainable AquacultureNEERI National Environmental Engineering Institute NETFISh Network for Fish Quality management and Sustainable FishingNFhS National Family health SurveyNFSB National Food Security BillNGO Non-Governmental OrganisationNhm National horticulture missionNIRD National Institute of Rural DevelopmentNIVh National Institute for the Visually handicappedNNP National Network ProgrammeNPEPV National Programme for the Establishment of Pulses VillagesNRDmS Natural Resources Data management System NREGA National Rural Employment Guarantee ActNRLm National Rural Livelihoods mission NRSC National Remote Sensing CentreNSWCP National Soil and Water Care ProgrammeNUhm National Urban health missionNVA National Virtual AcademyOAA Open Access Archives ODL Open Distance LearningOREDA Orissa Rural Energy Department AgencyORF Open Reading FrameORmAS Orissa Rural Development and marketing SocietyOUAT Orissa University of Agriculture and TechnologyPA Programme AreaPASIC Pondicherry Agro Service and Industries Corporation LimitedPCS Participatory Conservation SystemPDS Public Distribution SystemPFZ Potential Fishing ZonePGUS Panchabati Grama Unnayan Samiti

248

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

PhRN Public health Resource NetworkPIC Polymorphic Information ContentPISCES Policy Innovation Systems for Clean Energy SecurityPmB Private member’s BillPmFmS Participatory mangrove Forest management SystemPmRC Project monitoring Review CommitteePONLAIT Pondicherry Cooperative milk Producers’ Union PPV&FRA Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights AuthorityPPVFRA Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights ActPRA Participatory Rural AppraisalPRI Panchayat Raj InstitutionPTD Participatory Technology DevelopmentPTG Primitive Tribal GroupPVP Pulses Village ProgrammeREAP Renewable Energy Agency Pondicherry RET Rare, Endangered and ThreatenedRGNIyD Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for youth Development RIF Rural Infrastructure FundRING Really Interesting New GenesRLm Rural Livelihood missionRS Remote Sensing RSAPCOL Reddiyarchatram Sustainable Agriculture Producers Company LtdRTC Regional Training CentreSDC Swiss Agency for Development and CooperationShG Self-help GroupSKS Swayam Krishi Sangam SLA Sustainable Livelihood Approach SmPB State medicinal Plant BoardSNP Single Nucleotide PolymorphismSRI System of Rice IntensificationSRTm Shuttle Radar Topography missionSSR Simple Sequence RepeatST SiruthottamSWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats TANUVAS Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityTEDA Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency

249


TERI The Energy and Resources InstituteTHmRC The Hindu media Resource CentreTNAU Tamil Nadu Agricultural UniversityTNBB Tamil Nadu Biodiversity BoardTNFCCS Tamil Nadu Forum for Creche and Childcare ServicesTNOU Tamil Nadu Open UniversityTOT Training of TrainersTWC Tsunami Warning CentreTWOWS Third World Organisation for Women in ScienceUAS-B University of Agricultural Sciences, BengaluruUAS-D University of Agricultural Sciences, DharwadUNCED UN Conference on Environment and DevelopmentUNDP United Nations Development ProgrammeUNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationUNFCCC UN Framework Convention on Climate ChangeUNICEF United Nations International Children’s Emergency FundUNmDG UN millennium Development GoalUNWFP United Nation’s World Food ProgrammeUPGmA Unweighted Pair Group method with Arithmetic meanUSIEF United States-India Educational Foundation USOF Universal Service Obligation FundVDF Village Development FundVDmC Village Development and management CouncilVDP Village Development Plan VhC Village health CommitteeVKC Village Knowledge CentreVRC Village Resource CentreVSB Village Seed BankVSGB Village Seed Gene BankVWC Village Watershed CommitteeWAR Winning, Augmentation and RenovationWFEB Women Farmers’ Entitlements BillWFP World Food ProgrammeWShG Women’s Self-help GroupXImB Xavier Institute of management BhubaneswarXmL Extensible markup Language

FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2010-11

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M. S. SWAMINATHANRESEARCH FOUNDATION

Address:M. S. SwaminathanResearch FoundationIII Cross Road Institutional AreaTaramaniChennai 600 113, India

2010-2011twenty-firstannual reportCentre for researCh on sustainable agriCulturaland rural development,Chennai

AR_Cover_2010-11.indd 2 7/23/2011 9:56:32 AM

M. S. SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION

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