Linking research institute with post offices for dissemination of agricultural technologies: an action research

Abstract

Action research on establishing linkages with post office in dissemination of agricultural technology was conducted. In the first phase of the study, the post offices and their personnel (n=50) at district, block and villages levels in the district of Sitapur of Uttar Pradesh were contacted to explore the linkage possibility. The trend analysis of post office works showed that during last 10 years (since the popularization of mobile phone), there was sharp decline (about 50%) in the mail and delivery of ordinary post. Similarly, the sale of postal stamp and revenue stamp had declined to the same extent. However, the collaborative activities and tie-up with other agencies like bank, investment agency, insurance departments, etc had increased (15–20%) considerably which was the opportunity for establishing linkage. The major possible linkage activities as felt by the post office personnel was dissemination of quality seed and related package of practices of IARI. Based on the findings of first phase, up to rabi 2011–12, 1 014 farmers under seven post offices in two blocks namely Sidhauli and Kasmanda covering 30 villages were reached through this approach. The major crops included in the programme are wheat, paddy, pigeonpea, bajra, mustard, bottle gourd, pumpkin and okra. It was observed that more than 90% of the farmers received the seed of above crops sent through post office within 4–6 days of despatch from IARI. With a particular case of wheat, total 780 kg seed of IARI wheat varieties (HD 2733 and HD 2824) was sent by post to the farmers of the study area during rabi 2009–10. Survey was conducted with the identified farmers (n=200) to analyse the feedback of the farmers regarding IARI seeds, seed sending mechanism and related issues. The performance of IARI crop variety was found superior as compared to prevailing popular varieties. Farmers as well as village post office personnel found this approach very effective and successful means for making the improved agricultural technologies available in the rural areas in relatively lesser time and cost. The economic viability of this approach was found superior for low volume-high value crops than high volume crops. Capacity building of farmers and post office personnel was done to enhance their level of agricultural knowledge; and cost sharing for high volume crops further helped to improve the sustainability dimension of this approach. Based on the findings, empirical model was emanated.