Frontline Demonstration on Farmers–Scientist Interface through WhatsApp Group(2021)
| Particulars | Details |
| Technology | 1. Formation of WhatsApp groups for real-time farmer–scientist interaction.2. Timely dissemination of crop, pest, disease, weather, animal husbandry and fishery-related information.3. Mediator system: queries from farmers → sent to experts → compiled advice shared back.4. Inclusion of input dealers & plant protection scientists for effective problem-solving. |
| No. of Demonstrations | 6 |
| No. of Farmers / Members | 80 |
| Area / Unit size | Entire Malda district (online mode) |
| Season | All round the year |
| Demonstration Cost | ₹15,000/- |
| Monitoring Indicators | Knowledge Gain, skill development, attitude, status |
| Outcome | Ø Quick, low-cost dissemination of information.
Ø Pest & disease problems addressed most effectively (Rank 1, 33.33% queries). Ø Crop management & nutrient problems ranked 2nd (26.67%). Ø Weather forecasting ranked 3rd (14.44%) Ø .- Fishery & animal husbandry queries addressed (14.16% & 11.39%) Ø .- Strengthened linkage between farmers, scientists & extension staff Ø .- Increased farmer satisfaction & timely decision-making. |
| Location | Malda district |
| Recommendation-WhatsApp-based networking is a cost-effective and farmer-friendly extension tool for timely knowledge sharing. It ensures context-specific, quick solutions, particularly for pest and disease management. To improve efficiency, more plant protection scientists should be attached, and active involvement of input dealers should be encouraged. Considering rural connectivity challenges, this model should be scaled up as a supplementary extension system in districts with shortage of extension staff and remote farmer locations.
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Frontline Demonstration on Farmers–Scientist Interface through WhatsApp Group(2021)
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Adoption of mushroom cultivation for income generation of rural youth (2021)
| Particulars | Details |
| Technology | 1. Mushroom cultivation as a profitable enterprise within small area.2. Use of locally available resources (paddy straw, wheat husk, agri-waste) for low-cost production.3. Vocational training for skill development in spawn preparation, pest/disease management, and value addition.4. Demonstration of compost making from mushroom by-products and post-harvest management. |
| No. of Demonstrations | 1 |
| No. of Farmers / Members | 40 rural youth |
| Area / Unit size | 20 units across Malda district |
| Season | All round the year |
| Demonstration Cost | ₹12,000/- |
| Monitoring Indicators | Adoption rate, knowledge, skill, income |
| Outcome | Ø Only 15% adoption observed; 85% discontinued due to constraints.
Ø 80% improved knowledge in identification of edible mushrooms Ø .- 75% used by-products for compost making. Ø 70% gained skill in pest/disease management. Ø Constraints: marketing facility (92.5%), subsidy (90%), perishability (85%), spawn availability (82.5%) Ø Suggestions: market linkage (97.5%), storage facility (95%), subsidy (90%). |
| Location | Malda district |
| Recommendation-Mushroom cultivation is a profitable enterprise suitable for rural youth due to low land requirement, less investment, and year-round feasibility. However, the adoption rate was limited to 15% because of major constraints like lack of marketing facility (92.5%), non-availability of subsidy (90%), high perishability (85%), and unavailability of quality spawn (82.5%). Skill training significantly improved knowledge (80%) and promoted use of by-products as compost (75%), but sustainability requires strong institutional support. Therefore, provision of organized marketing channels, post-harvest storage facilities, timely supply of spawn, and access to credit/subsidy are essential. With these interventions, mushroom cultivation can be promoted as a viable micro-enterprise for unemployed rural youth in Malda and similar districts. |
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| Pic(3)- Adoption of mushroom cultivation for income generation of rural youth. | ||
Assessing the effectiveness of CFLD on black gram cultivation and its socio-economic impact on farmers in Malda (2022)
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| Recommendation- CFLDs on black gram effectively increased yield and profitability in Malda district by promoting YVM resistant varieties, scientific sowing methods, balanced nutrient management, and IPM practices. At the micro level, these technologies should be scaled up through regular demonstrations, training, and door-to-door extension to bridge technology and extension gaps. Strengthening input supply (quality seeds, bio-fertilizers) and providing post-harvest support will further enhance adoption. CFLDs should be expanded across pulse-growing areas to ensure sustainable production, better farmer income, and improved soil fertility., |
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| Pic(3)- Assessing the effectiveness of CFLD on black gram cultivation and its socio-economic impact on farmers in Malda | ||
Impact of Multi-layer horticulture for income generation of marginal farmers .(2022)
| Particulars | Details |
| Problem area | Impact of Multi-layer horticulture for income generation of marginal farmers |
| Important cause | Secondary income source, unemployment, crop failure, nutritional security |
| Farming situation | a) Marginal and small farmers b) Requires less investment c) Flood-prone area d) Mono cropping & undulated topography |
| Technology demonstrated | Multi-layer horticulture system: fruits, vegetables, tubers, creepers, and medicinal plants in vertical & horizontal layers to maximize land use and profit |
| Season | All round the year |
| No. of Demonstrations | 4 |
| Unit size of Demonstration | 10 Katha |
| Total area of Demonstration | 2 Bigha |
| Type of Demonstration | Result demonstration |
| Demonstration cost | ₹12,000/- |
| Monitoring indicators | Adoption, knowledge, skill, income generation |
| Outcome | Ø Majority respondents: middle (31.7%) & old age group (43.3%).
Ø Low education status (58.3%).- Ø Agriculture as primary occupation (66.7%). Ø Medium landholding (53.4%).- Training & demonstration strongly correlated with adoption (r=1.000**, r=0.863**). Ø – Improved land use efficiency, higher productivity, family nutrition & per unit income compared to monocropping. |
| Location | Malda district |
| Final Recommendation (Micro level) | Multilayer horticulture is highly suitable for marginal and small farmers. It optimizes land, water, and solar energy use, ensures food & nutrition security, and provides higher income. Adoption improves significantly with training & field demonstrations. Recommended to scale up multilayer farming with capacity building, storage, and market linkage support for sustainable livelihood. |
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| Pic(3)- Impact of Multi-layer horticulture for income generation of marginal farmers | ||
Assessing the effectiveness of CFLD on black gram cultivation and its socio-economic impact on farmers in Malda (2022)
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| Recommendation- CFLDs on black gram effectively increased yield and profitability in Malda district by promoting YVM resistant varieties, scientific sowing methods, balanced nutrient management, and IPM practices. At the micro level, these technologies should be scaled up through regular demonstrations, training, and door-to-door extension to bridge technology and extension gaps. Strengthening input supply (quality seeds, bio-fertilizers) and providing post-harvest support will further enhance adoption. CFLDs should be expanded across pulse-growing areas to ensure sustainable production, better farmer income, and improved soil fertility., |
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| Pic(3)- Assessing the effectiveness of CFLD on black gram cultivation and its socio-economic impact on farmers in Malda | ||
Impact of Multi-layer horticulture for income generation of marginal farmers .(2022)
| Particulars | Details |
| Problem area | Impact of Multi-layer horticulture for income generation of marginal farmers |
| Important cause | Secondary income source, unemployment, crop failure, nutritional security |
| Farming situation | a) Marginal and small farmers b) Requires less investment c) Flood-prone area d) Mono cropping & undulated topography |
| Technology demonstrated | Multi-layer horticulture system: fruits, vegetables, tubers, creepers, and medicinal plants in vertical & horizontal layers to maximize land use and profit |
| Season | All round the year |
| No. of Demonstrations | 4 |
| Unit size of Demonstration | 10 Katha |
| Total area of Demonstration | 2 Bigha |
| Type of Demonstration | Result demonstration |
| Demonstration cost | ₹12,000/- |
| Monitoring indicators | Adoption, knowledge, skill, income generation |
| Outcome | Ø Majority respondents: middle (31.7%) & old age group (43.3%).
Ø Low education status (58.3%).- Ø Agriculture as primary occupation (66.7%). Ø Medium landholding (53.4%).- Training & demonstration strongly correlated with adoption (r=1.000**, r=0.863**). Ø – Improved land use efficiency, higher productivity, family nutrition & per unit income compared to monocropping. |
| Location | Malda district |
| Final Recommendation (Micro level) | Multilayer horticulture is highly suitable for marginal and small farmers. It optimizes land, water, and solar energy use, ensures food & nutrition security, and provides higher income. Adoption improves significantly with training & field demonstrations. Recommended to scale up multilayer farming with capacity building, storage, and market linkage support for sustainable livelihood. |
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| Pic(3)- Impact of Multi-layer horticulture for income generation of marginal farmers | ||
FLD- (2023) Perception study on the impact of the DAESI program on trained agricultural input dealers of Malda District
| Particulars | Details |
| Title | Perception study on the impact of the DAESI program on trained agricultural input dealers of Malda District |
| Problem diagnosed | Input dealers are the first advisory contact for farmers but lacked scientific knowledge, training, and confidence to deliver technical services. |
| Objective | To assess perception, skill gain, and impact of DAESI training on input dealers regarding knowledge, business growth, and extension role. |
| Technology / Intervention | DAESI (Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers) – one-year structured training with classroom sessions, field visits, demonstrations, exposure visits, ICT use, record-keeping, and practical exercises. |
| Respondents | 80 trained input dealers (two batches: 2022–23 & 2023–24) |
| Season / Duration | One year (batch-wise) |
| Monitoring Indicators | Knowledge, skill, adoption, confidence, customer base, business growth, field problem-solving capacity |
| Key Outcomes | Ø 92.5% gained confidence in disseminating technology.
Ø 95% observed increase in customer base (16–50%) Ø .- 95% reported business growth (41–100%).- Ø 80–92% improved field problem-solving by consulting experts, soil tests, bio-inputs Ø .- 57.5% demanded refresher training (pest management, ICT, soil health). |
| Constraints identified | – Seasonal fluctuation in demand (77.5%)- High transportation cost (75%)- Lack of need-based refresher training (65%)- Delay in license renewal (32.5%) |
| Feedback for Research | Revise DAESI course duration.- Add more practical and ICT-based modules.- Regular refresher training (pest, soil, ICT, marketing). |
| Final Recommendation (Micro level) | DAESI-trained input dealers act as para-extension professionals bridging farmers and scientists. To sustain impact, refresher modules, ICT adoption, and stronger institutional linkages are essential. Scale-up recommended in Malda and similar districts. |
| Location | Malda District, West Bengal |
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| Pic(3)- Perception study on the impact of the DAESI program on trained agricultural input dealers of Malda District
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FLD- (2024) Assessing the adoption patterns of recommended maize production technology among maize growers in Malda district
| Particulars | Details |
| Title | Assessing the adoption patterns of recommended maize production technology among maize growers in Malda district |
| Problem Diagnosed | Low productivity of maize due to reliance on traditional practices, poor awareness of recommended technologies, limited IPM adoption, weak mechanization, and poor access to inputs/extension services. |
| Technology Assessed | Adoption of recommended maize production practices: 1. Improved/Hybrid seeds 2. Recommended sowing time & spacing 3. Soil testing before fertilizer use 4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 5. Mechanization 6. Digital/mobile advisory services |
| Sample Size & Location | 70 maize farmers from Mahendra Tola village, Malda district |
| Farming Situation | – Small, marginal & big farmers (15.7%, 50%, 34.3%) – Predominantly dependent on shallow well irrigation (74.3%) – Mixed annual incomes (42.9% low, 31.4% medium, 25.7% high). |
| No. of Demonstrations | 4 result demonstrations (recommended package of practices) |
| Season | Kharif season |
| Monitoring Indicators | Knowledge, training participation, adoption of hybrid seeds, soil testing, sowing practices, IPM, mechanization, use of digital advisories, yield improvement, cost reduction, income changes. |
| Outcome |
The study revealed that while 62.9% of farmers adopted hybrid maize seeds and over half practiced soil testing and recommended sowing, awareness of complete technology packages remained very low (12.9%). Integrated Pest Management was least adopted (12.9%), showing a critical gap in sustainable practices. Mechanization (38.6%) and digital advisory use (30%) were limited by cost and accessibility. Despite these challenges, 80% reported yield improvement and 73% reduced costs, though income gains were uneven due to market fluctuations and input constraints. |
| Constraints Identified | – Poor awareness & training coverage – Weak adoption of IPM – Limited access to quality seeds/fertilizers – High cost of mechanization – Dependence on shallow wells – Market price fluctuation & weak linkages |
| Micro-level Recommendation | – Expand farmer training & demonstrations, especially on soil testing & IPM. – Develop farmer custom-hiring centres for mechanization. – Ensure access to certified seeds & fertilizers. – Promote digital/mobile advisories. – Strengthen collective farmer groups for market linkage & bargaining. – Provide targeted subsidies/credit to encourage full adoption of technologies. |
| Source of Technology | SAU BCKV/ Recommended Maize Production Technologies |
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| Pic(3)- Assessing the adoption patterns of recommended maize production technology among maize growers in Malda district | ||
FLD- (2024) Challenges of Women Self Help Group Members towards Marketing
| Particulars | Details |
| Technology / Intervention | Capacity-building training for SHG members in entrepreneurship, product diversification, branding, packaging, and modern/digital marketing skills. Promotion of institutional linkages with banks, NGOs, and cooperative outlets for financial and marketing support. |
| Problem Area | Challenges of women SHG members in marketing their products effectively. |
| Important Causes | Lack of market awareness, financial constraints, poor branding and packaging, weak modern marketing skills, limited digital knowledge, inadequate logistics, unstable pricing, and low government promotional support. |
| Farming / Social Situation | A. Rural, economically weaker womenB. Limited formal education (47.5% up to Class VIII)C. Low income group (70% earning below ₹5,000/month)D. Dependence on small-scale, home-based enterprises. |
| Technology for Demonstration | – Entrepreneurship skill training- Training on product development (pickles, mango by-products, tailoring, goatry, etc.)- Exposure visits to fairs, exhibitions, and retail outlets- Branding and digital marketing skill-building- Financial literacy and bookkeeping training. |
| No. of Demonstrations | 4 (training cum demonstration programmes across SHG clusters). |
| No. of Participants | 40 SHG women members (Paschim Narayanpur village, Malda). |
| Area / Unit size | Entire SHG cluster in selected village (40 members). |
| Season | All year (based on enterprise activity cycle). |
| Demonstration Cost | ₹20,000/- |
| Monitoring Indicators | – Adoption of modern marketing skills- Improved branding and packaging- Increased participation in fairs/exhibitions- Use of digital platforms- Income enhancement and savings- Empowerment indicators (psychological, social, cultural, economic, political). |
| Outcome | Fairs and exhibitions proved to be the most effective marketing channel for SHG members, with 40% relying on them, followed by 25% using retail outlets. Most women were engaged in food-based enterprises, particularly pickle making (27.5%), mango by-products, and gur production (25% each). Membership in SHGs led to remarkable improvements in self-confidence, self-reliance, and ambition, with all respondents reporting positive changes. Economic empowerment also increased significantly, with freedom to start a business rising from 12.5% to 90%, personal savings from 20% to 97.5%, and authority in marketing decisions from 20% to 90%. Despite these gains, members continued to face challenges such as lack of market awareness, limited financial support, weak branding and packaging, and competition from established brands. |
| Location | Paschim Narayanpur village, Malda district, West Bengal. |
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| Pic(3)- Challenges of Women Self Help Group Members towards Marketing
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