Integrated Technology Dissemination System (ITDS) for Market-Integrated Technology Dissemination to Enhance Quality and Productivity of Vegetable Crops

Abstract

Many changes are taking place in development, refinement and dissemination of technologies suitable for enhancing production, productivity and quality of the vegetable crops. Integration of production with the market demand ensures better-quality produce, stable supply of different types of vegetables in required quantity and better post-harvest management of the produce to suit market standards. A large number of improved technologies are developed by various research and development (R and D) organisations to meet the requirements of the farmers and the market standards of vegetable crops. Still, there is a wide gap between technology development and its adoption in field due to their poor adaptability in different micro-climatic situations and production systems. Present technology dissemination system involves the dissemination of bits of information to the farmers on different components of the technologies, more so in the vegetable production. It lacks integrated approach. Hence, the holistic package needs to be disseminated using a suitable combination of extension and communication methods. A participatory model was developed for dissemination of improved technologies through a holistic and field-based approach with 160 farmers of six selected districts of Karnataka state. The programme was designed to provide the market-driven, holistic package for quality vegetable production. Efforts of all the stakeholders, such as farmers, R and D organisations, marketing companies and agencies, financial institutions, developmental departments and other partners of vegetable business were integrated. The system was designed and implemented for its inherent multiple advantages and for its combined efforts of all consortia of stakeholders of vegetable industry. The ITDS combined all the available technologies and information from research institutions, extension organisations, inputs dealers, corporate R and D companies and marketing agencies to identify and meet the needs and demands of farmers. It also uses accurate time schedule for all the activities to increase the work efficiency of every partner to get the best results. ITDS model works harmoniously with all the partners, it is highly economical and convenient. Hence, this model can be adopted in promotion of all horticultural crops as an effective business mode.