table: 1 important dates · and inm) and responsible environmental behavior vrps aug 15th (starting...
TRANSCRIPT
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Table: 1
Important Dates
S.No Activity Responsibility Deadline Remarks
1 Notification of Producer Unit (PU) RCI-C with
Director-ASA
Mar 31st
2 Notification of RCI-C Director-ASA Mar 31st
3 Establishment of RCI Quality
Assurance Committee (RQAC)
RCI-C with
Director-ASA
Apr 10th
4 Approval of ICT Material by RQAC RCI-C to initiate Apr 15th
5 Approval of Training Modules and
Location-wise PoP by RQAC
RCI-C to initiate Apr 20th
6 Approval of PVSP design for RCI-PU
by RQAC
RCI-C to initiate Apr 30th
7 PoP Sharing and ToT of RCI-M and
RCI-S
RCI-C Apr 30th
8 ToT of VRPs RCI-M and RCI-S May 05th
9 Starting Awareness Campaign in
Project Villages
RCI-S and VRPs
with RCI-M
May 05th
10 Farmer’s Registration, Data Entry RCI-S and VRPs
with RCI-M
May 25th
11 Formation of RPG, Selection of Lead
Farmer and Distribution of FFB
RCI-S and VRPs
with RCI-M
May 30th
12 ToT of VRPs on Pre-transplanting
Practices and Record Keeping and
Responsible Social Behavior
RCI-S/RCI-M May 30th
13 RCI-PG’s Training on Pre-sowing
Practices, Nursery raising and Record
Keeping and Responsible Social
Behavior
VRPs Jun 07th
14 TOT of VRPs on Sowing to Spike
formation (Weed Management, IPM
and INM) and Responsible
Environmental Behavior
RCI-S/RCI-M Jul 15th (starting
from June
15th)
15 RCI-PG’s Training on Sowing to Spike
formation (Weed Management, IPM
and INM) and Responsible
Environmental Behavior
VRPs Aug 15th (starting
from June
15th)
16 ToT of RCI-M and RCI-S on Internal
Audit and documentation
RCI-C Aug 30th (starting
from July
15th)
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Important Dates
S.No Activity Responsibility Deadline Remarks
17 ToT of VRPs on Internal Audit and
documentation
RCI-M and RCI-S Sept 5th
18 TOT of VRPs on Plant protection to
harvesting, sharing of yield data
RCI-S/RCI-M Aug 30th (starting
from Aug
15th)
19 RCI-PG’s Training on plant protection
to harvesting, sharing of yield data
VRPs Aug 30th (starting
from Aug
15th)
20 2nd Party Assessment and document
completion check
RCI-M with TL (in
consultation with
RCI-C)
Oct 20th
21 3rd Party Assessment RCI-C with
Director-ASA
Oct 30th
22 RCI- Progress Evaluation and Final
Report
RCI-C with
Director-ASA
Nov 30th
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1. Introduction
The climate change debate and the linked issue of global population expansion
have raised the public’s awareness of global warming and the allocation of scarce
resources for food and energy production. Promotion of Good Agricultural Practices
(GAP) or sustainable agriculture is key words and several experiments are going on to
produce food and energy in a safer way, sustainable way. Regulations on food and
environmental safety are being adopted by the Governments, in both developed and
developing countries. The industry, development community are also concerned about
these emerging challenges. The producers too are concerned about the rising cost of
cultivation and declining productivity. The Government of India has initiated several
measures for sustainable agriculture including a National Mission for Sustainable
Agriculture (NMSA), which is one of the eight missions of the Prime Minister’s Council on
Climate Change. An expanding domestic market demanding quality food and diversified
food basket is also driving the element of sustainability in Indian agriculture. More so,
for the very reason to sustain the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers
who depend on agriculture for income and employment, the sustaining agriculture is the
key focus in the agriculture development policies.
ASA, a Non-Governmental Organisation working since 1996 for the promotion of
agriculture based livelihoods for the small and marginal farmers across hundreds of
villages in India. It specifically works on land and water resources development,
sustainable agriculture and integration of farmers with the value chain. ASA strongly
believes in promotion of sustainable agriculture through adoption of responsible
agriculture practices combining with responsible social and environmental practices.
Responsible Crop Initiatives (RCI) is a package of practices of Good Agriculture Practices
(GAP) and socially and environmentally responsible behavior adopted in the production
system. The RCI document is the set of guidelines and standard operating procedures to
facilitate its staff and farmers to achieve these objectives. These guidelines are purely
used for internal purpose of training and evaluate the programme performance against
standards as set out in the document.
2. The Crop – CHILLI
Chilli cultivation originated in South America. The Portuguese introduced the
plant into India in the fifteenth century. The Chilli plant (capsicum annum L) is an
important member of the family Solanaceae. It is a spice crop, valued for its diverse
commercial uses. Only a few perennial Chilli varieties, characterized by small-sized pods
& high pungency, which are rarely cultivated commercially, belong to C. frutescens. India
is a major producer, consumer & exporter of Chilli. India Chilli reaches over 90 countries
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in the World including, Bahrain, Canada, Italy, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands,
Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, USA & UAE.
In India, Chilli is growing in almost all the states. Andhra Pradesh is the largest chilli growing state & accounts for 32 percent of the country’s total chilli cultivation area. Next in importance are Karnataka & Maharashtra. As per statistics of 2002-03, the total area of chilli cultivation was 758000 hectares, annual yield 1287000 tons, i.e., with a productivity of 16.98 quintals/ha. Despite large area under chilli cultivation productivity of the state is low. The most pertinent issues restricting small and marginal farmers is not only lack of awareness on improved & sustainable agricultural practices but also along with absence of appropriate, viable and competitive marketing facilities. Farmers are not aware about the optimum levels of agricultural inputs use and also not conscious about the hazards and side effects of dangerous chemical pesticides & herbicides. Due to absence of agriculture extension delivery systems local money lender/ small traders and agri. - vendors are the main source of agricultural information. Presently most of the farmers are exploited at the both ends. Hence the Responsible Chilli Cultivation initiative is an attempt to guide and support producers to enhance productivity in one hand and ensuring sustainability of agriculture on the other. This guide is essential to use for implementing the Responsible Chilli Production, as it provides the common framework & core activities that must be done for producers to grow Chilli in a responsible way for their livelihoods sustainability.
3. Good Agriculture Practices /Responsible practices of Production System:
Good Agricultural Practices are "practices that address environmental, economic
and social sustainability for on-farm processes, and result in safe and quality food and
non-food agricultural products" (FAO COAG 2003 GAP paper).
3.1 Socially Responsible Practices
Meaning that that the producers have the knowledge and they practice the following:
a. Knowledge of existing National, State and local laws related to Land, revenue and
forest
b. Ownership document/ Rental agreement (formal and informal) / Court or Panchayat
order of the land under cultivation
c. Child labour, forced labour, discrimination and harassment are not practiced or
supported and working hours in alignment with the laws of the country. The ILO
standards are given in the (Table -2 below )
d. Children and minor, pregnant woman are not given hazardous work.
e. In case of Family small holding, children may help on their family’s farm provided
that the work is not liable to damage their health, safety, well-being, education or
development (as per law).
f. Minimum legal wage as per law is given and recorded.
g. Workers, sharecroppers, contractors, etc. should have written agreement or
informal agreement as per local custom
h. Before engaging into any task, proper training is imparted
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i. Labourers and farmers have legal right to form association, union or join any such
body of their choice (Right to freedom of Association) and collective bargaining.
j. A safe and healthy workplace is provided for all workers
k. Adequate and appropriate protective measures, equipments and clothing are
provided for potentially hazardous tasks (eg. safe use of Agro-chemicals).
l. Deduction from wages for disciplinary purposes is not made, unless legally
permitted. For instance, if the labour & employer have come to an agreement for
task base payment, in such case, the employer should not deduct wages if the labour
has completed the task as agreed.
m. Salaried workers have all entitlements and protection in national law and practices
with respect to maternity
n. The complaint and grievance mechanism is made known and accessible to
communities and dealt with a timely manner
o. Fair opportunities for employment and provision for goods and services are given to
the local population.
Table -2: The International Labour Organization Standards
Parameters The minimum age at which children can start work
Possible exceptions for developing countries
Hazardous work Any work which is likely to jeopardize children’s physical, mental or moral health, safety or morals should not be done by anyone under the age of 18
18 (16 under strict conditions)
18 (16 under strict conditions)
Basic Minimum Age The minimum age for work should not be below the age for finishing compulsory schooling, which is generally 15.
15 14
Light work Children between the ages of 13 and 15 years old may do light work, as long as it does not threaten their health and safety, or hinder their education or vocational orientation and training.
13-15 12-14
3.2. Responsible Environmental Practices:
a. No burning of crop residues, waste or as a part of vegetation clearance unless in
the case of endemic disease outbreak (as per scientific recommendation)
b. The crop residue to be used as animal feed, preparation of compost or
incorporation in to soil
c. Efforts are made to reduce pollution and emission of Green House Gasses (GHGs)
and increase carbon sequestration on the farm
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d. Consumption record for fossil fuel (viz. Diesel, Kerosene, etc.) is maintained
e. Cultivation is not done in the encroached Government owned Forest or Revenue
or any common land for which the cultivator does not have any Patta (legal
permission).
f. On-farm biodiversity is maintained and safeguarded through the preservation of
native vegetation.
g. Use of safe agro-chemicals (as per Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions). A list
of banned pesticides is given in Annex -2
Table 3: Shows Compulsory and Optional category of Social and Environmental practices
Responsible Social Practices Responsible Environmental Practices
Optional Mandatory Optional Mandatory
Written agreement
between Labour
and Land Owner
No Child Labour Use of Homemade
pesticide and bio
pesticides
No crop residue
burning
Labour working
hours
Equal Wage for
equal work
Use of Compost
using crop residues
Use of Safe agro
chemicals
No use of Bonded
Labour
Minimum tillage
practices
Use of protection
gears while using
chemicals
Record of labour
days
Chemical use only
after ETL of pest
population
Woman not
engaged in
chemical spray
Proper land
document
Record of fossil
fuel
Proper disposal of
agro-chemical
container
3.3. Good Agricultural Practices (recommended agronomic practices):
a. The quality of surface and ground water is maintained or improved
b. Natural vegetation are maintained or improved
c. Soil quality is maintained or improved and erosion is avoided by good soil
management practices like field bund, across the slope ploughing, etc.
d. Application of agrochemicals is strictly monitored along with safe handling,
storage and disposal of chemical waste and empty container is done as per
scientific recommendation.
e. Inorganic fertilizers are used as per scientific/ professional recommendation and
methods
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f. Practices of Integrated Weed Management (IWM), Integrated Nutrient
Management (INM), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a part of
Integrated Crop management (ICM) are followed and preference is given to
biological and physical measures.
g. Due care is taken to prevent drifting of agrochemicals to neighboring areas,
water bodies, animals and residential areas.
h. Appropriate measures are implemented to allow for coexistence of different
production systems
i. All purchased seeds must have an authentic source.
j. Scientifically appropriate Package of Practices (PoP) adapted as per local socio-
economic conditions is followed (Annex-3).
Note: The PoP’s for crop is understood to be different from location to location. Therefore the RCI Coordinator would have to approve the location specific PoP well in advance to the location/ RCI Manger. See later for specific actions needed for the approval of the location specific PoPs by the RCI Coordinator.
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4. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY : STEP BY STEP
RCI CYCLE
1. ToT of RCI-M/-S
2. Awareness Campaign 3. Farmer’s
Application
4. Farmer’s Registration &
Data entry
5. RPG Formation
& LF Selection
6. TOT of VRP,
RCI-S, RCI-M
7. On field demo. & training to VRPs
8. Training & CB of RPGs
9. Exposure visits of RPG, VRPs on FLD & PVSP10. Monthly Meeting
of RCI-M, RCI-S & TL
11. Self Assessment of RCI Unit
12. Training on
Internal Audit
13. Internal Audit (2nd Party)
14. Finalization of Certification Agency
15. 3rd Party Visit and Assessment
16. Certification of the
Process and Produce
17. Market Linkage for Produce and Certificate
18. Submission of Final
Report
PLATE-1: RCI Cycle of key activities
4.1. Key Functionaries in RCI System
Original Designation in Organization Functional Designation in RCI
1. Project Coordinator Responsible Crop Initiative- Coordinator (RCI-C)
2. Project Executives/ DMTs Responsible Crop Initiative- Manager (RCI-M)
3. Development Assistants Responsible Crop Initiative- Supervisor (RCI-S)
4. Village Resource Person Village Resource Person (VRP)
4.1.1. Prototype Coverage of Farmer households by each functionary
(May differ by crops & experience)
Functionary Coverage of Farmer Households
1. VRP 100 Farmer Households
2. RCI-S 500 Farmer Households
3. RCI-M 1000 Farmer Households
4. RCI-C 2000 Farmer Households Note: Household coverage per RCI staff (Prototype), will vary from crop to crop due to intensity
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4.1.2 Operational Area/ Number of Farmers
Crop with a coverage of less than 10% of the area coverage in the ASA’s project
area will not be taken under RCI program.
It is desirable that for each Producer unit a minimum of 2000 farmers should be
ready to join the programme for the operational ease and cost efficiency.
4.2. Selection of Village: 4.2.1. The criteria are:
a. It should be a village within ASA’s current operational area OR a village which
ASA has decided to take up under its programme from the current year.
b. Villages with majority of small and marginal farmers / tribal / SC
c. Villages selected should be in a Cluster. Minimum five villages and maximum of
20 villages in a cluster. This is required for operational convenience.
d. There should be a minimum of fifty (50) farmers per village willing to join the
programme. In case, there is less than 50 farmers/ village in such case 100
farmers in two adjacent villages may be considered.
e. Neighbouring villages within min. of 5-10 km radius should also be paddy
growing villages to ensure dissemination effect and expansion of the programme
f. Villagers are ready to work in Groups and follow the participatory method of
working
g. Communal harmony in the village
4.2.2. Responsibility for Village selection
The RCI Manager (RCI-M) following the above criteria shall identify the villages
and give a list to the TL
The TL in consultation with the RCI-M & other team members shall finalize the
villages. The villages shall be plotted on the Mazbuli Map.
The list with information as per format (Annex –4) to be sent to the RCI
Coordinator (RCI-C). The RCI-C is the final authority for the approval of the
villages & will send approval through a letter to the RCI-M and TL as per Annex –
5. Once finalised the villages cannot be changed without written approval by the
RCI Coordinator. The justification of change needs to be duly mentioned.
4.2.3. Awareness Generation (Preparation) :
a. Concept Seeding and Mass Awareness Campaign shall be done by the RCI-M &
his/her team.
b. Standard ICT Materials as approved in the programme such as leaflets, posters,
wall writing, videos, local folk shall be used for the awareness campaign. All the
ICT materials should be in “Ready to Use” form by mid of April for Kharif Chilli
(Responsibility – RCI-C).
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c. Approval of the ICT materials shall be given by the RCI Quality Assurance
Committee (RQAC) comprising of all RCI-C, all TMs and the Director. The
Concerned crop RCI-C shall be the Member Secretary of the RQAC. The Member
Secretary shall circulate the agenda one week before the meeting of the RQAC
and present all ICT materials including videos for review and approval. The
minutes shall be written in a Register maintained by the concerned RCI-C. The
RQAC will be formed through a notification by the Director by 10th April. The RCI-
C will take initiative for the formation of RQAC.
Table – 4: Training Calendar for use of ICT Materials
Type of
Training
Subject Trainee Main
Trainer
Co-Trainer When
ToT Use of ICT
Materials
RCI-M
RCI-S
RCI-C Communication
Expert
Before Apr
30
ToT -do- VRP RCI-S RCI-M Before
May 05
4.2.4. Awareness Generation in the villages
a. What is the objective of the awareness generation?
The awareness generation is required to inform the prospective producers about
every details of RCI of Chilli, their obligations, responsibility of the programme staff,
etc. so the producers can take informed decision to join or decline to join the RCI
Chilli programme.
b. How the awareness campaign will be conducted in the villages?
In meetings of all SHGs and ABGs with the help of ICT materials.
The village / hamlet level meeting shall be conducted to explain RCI of Chilli
4.2.4.1. Responsibility:
The VRP shall be primarily responsible for the awareness programme
The VRP shall have written action plan approved by the RCI-S for the awareness
programme. The plan must include the place, target group, date and time of
meeting, etc. so that the VRPs progress can be monitored
All VRPs must have a Daily Diary (Annex-6) where he should note his daily
activity in the prescribed format with all required details as mentioned
The RCI-S shall provide support and monitor VRPs in conducting awareness
programme on a day to day basis. He/she must visit at least 70% of the villages
during the awareness programme and write in his/her Daily Diary (Annex-7)
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The RCI-M must visit at least 40% of the villages during the conduct of awareness
programme and write in his/her Daily Diary (Annex-8)
4.2.5. Producer Unit (PU):
A group of 2000 farmers of a cluster of 20-25 villages registered for a crop in a
district can be called as a Producer Unit. The head of the PU will be the Team
Leader.
In one district, there can be more than one producer unit but in some cases, farmers
of two adjoining districts can also form one producer unit and in such cases, the TL,
whose jurisdiction the PU falls, will head the PU.
4.2.6. Approval Committee (PU Level):
a. This body will have TL, RCI-M and 2 Representatives Farmers from SHG/ABG
b. This body will have all rights for approval/rejection of the Farmers/RPGs
c. This body will meet at the time of Farmer’s Registration/RPG formation, for
approval of all the assessment results.
d. RCI-M shall be the Member Secretary of the Committee.
4.2.7. Selection of Producers:
4.2.7.1. Criteria for selection:
All chilli producing farmers meet the following criteria are eligible for the
registration in RCI Chilli Programme.
a. Member of any community institutions promoted by ASA viz.SHG, ABG, FPC.
b. Preferably small & marginal farmers. Tenant farmers, sharecroppers are also
eligible.
c. Preferably woman farmer
d. Agreed to practice the Principle & Criteria of Responsible Crop Production
system of RCI.
e. Ready to give token contribution
f. Clear/fair track record in ASA’s programme
g. Should not have registered for the same programme with another agency for
the same year.
h. One member per family (Chullah/ Kitchen)
4.2.7.2. Application by Producers:
a. Applications are invited by the interested producers in the prescribed format
(Annex-10). Small and Marginal farmers (SMF) must be encouraged to apply
b. All the applications must be received by May 1
c. Responsibility: VRP shall be responsible to help Producers to fill the Application
Form and its Collection under the overall supervision by the RCI-S and RCI-M.
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4.2.7.3. Membership Approval Process :
a. A committee shall be formed in each village comprising of the concerned VRP &
four members from the ASA promoted SHGs, ABGs and FPCs.
b. This committee shall be formed by the VRP under the supervision of RCI-S,
before 25th May
c. The committee will scrutinize the application forms, complete data in case of
incomplete application & recommend / reject application & forward the
applications to the concerned RCI-S.
d. The farmers who have been rejected shall be informed by the concerned VRP
verbally & the rejected form shall be returned to the producer.
e. However, the producer rejected may choose to appeal to the RCI Approval
Committee (RAC) for reconsideration. The VRP will facilitate this process of
appeal.
f. The RCI-S shall scrutinize the forms further, rectify information if needed, sign
the application forms & submit to the RCI-M.
g. The RCI-M shall do a compliance check and put up a list of qualified producers to
the RCI Approval Committee (RAC) comprising of the Team Leader, one of the
BODs of the concerned FPC & two farmers’ representatives of that RCI Producer
Unit for approval. The RCI-M shall be the Member Secretary of the committee.
The Team Leader shall be the Chairperson of the RMAC and shall select two
representative farmers in consultation with the team members.
h. The RMAC shall be the final authority for approval or rejection & which shall be
binding to all.
i. The cases of appeal shall be disposed off by the RMAC and the concerned
Producer/s shall be informed through proper channel of RCI-M to RCI-S to VRP
within seven days of the RMAC meeting. The village committee shall also be
informed simultaneously.
j. There shall be a meeting register duly certified by the TL maintained at the RCI-M
level for the recordings of all meeting of the RMAC (Format of the Register in
Annex-11)
4.2.8. Registration of Producers:
a. The RCI-M shall ensure entry of each of the approved list of producers in the RCI
Software maintained at the Team level / RCI Producer Unit Level1 (see footnote
for the definition of Producer Unit).
1 Producer Unit is the field implementation unit of the RCI programme of about 2000 producers. It could be
more or less as decided before the beginning of the season. In most cases this will be identical with the Team’s
Head quarter, but there could be exceptions also. In any case this will fall within the jurisdiction in one of the
Team’s and the respective Team Leader will be the administrative head of the PU. Before each cropping
season begins the location of PU will be officially notified.
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b. Thereafter, computerized code shall be generated for each Responsible
Producers Group (RPG) & Producers
c. Farmer Field Book (FFB) shall be issued to the Producer in the first meeting of the
RPG
d. The RCI-M shall certify the completion of computerised registration process &
inform RCI-C by 30th May (Format in Annex-12).
4.2.9. Formation of Responsible Producer Groups (RPG’s), Size, Meeting, Training, etc.
a. RPG is a group of average 20 (min.15 & max.25) registered Producers from a
village. This will be a common platform to organise all activities related to the
crop under RCI in that village. RPG is an ABG as per ASA definition.
b. They are grouped for activities which are knowledge based / technical support
related to adoption of GAP and practices which are Socially and Environmentally
responsible for the production system; & integration with other services such as
agriculture inputs, storage , marketing, credit, etc.
c. Every RPG can demand training for its members and facilitate its group for
proper documentation
d. There will be a Lead Farmer (LF) selected from every RPG by the group. This
should be done in the first meeting of the RPG itself by the members facilitated
by the VRP.
e. RPG will maintain Training Register, Meeting register, etc. (Table-6 )
f. The RPG shall be conducting fortnightly meeting to discuss about the recent
activities, learning, further action plan, etc. The meeting will be led by the Lead
Farmer. The concerned VRP shall facilitate the meeting & fulfil all
documentations as per Annexe-13. Every meeting of the RPG must be clubbed
with the visit of few farms including the Demonstration Farms at the beginning
of the meeting. The discussion in the meeting shall be around the learning of the
visit of the farms.
4.2.10. The RPG and SHG relationship
a. The RPGs and SHGs are one and the same body. All SHGs will therefore be
automatically be called RPG as in most cases all the members of the SHGs do the
same cropping for a particular season.
b. Those families which are not part of any SHGs but would like to join the RCI shall
be formed into SHGs and RPG simultaneously.
c. While forming the SHGs/RPGs, care has to be taken that at least 50% of the RPGs
are women and rest 50% or less are men.
d. Both male & female household head shall be eligible to become member of the
RPG. However, the RPG shall be of either male or female group not as mixed
group.
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e. In cases of BCI and SOYPSI where the RPG are already formed mostly with men
and continuing there we face the constraints of including women in the RPG
(LG/PG) as the same members need to continue. It will be also difficult to start
saving activity with the men LGs/PGs as their wives have been or being included
in the SHGs. The decisions are therefore: (a) for new members under Soypsi and
BCI form RPG with women members only; and (b) all these new RPGs have to be
SHGs also as mentioned above.
4.2.11. Coordination of SHG work:
a. The VRP, RCI-S, RCI-M are responsible to do the SHG work as the RPG and SHG
are same entity. So, the SHG formation, training, bank linkage, internal loaning,
book maintenance, etc. are done as part of the RCI work
b. Data Entry in SHE: The data entry in SHE is an established process. The VRP will
collect all documents from SHGs after meeting and send it to the RCI-M through
proper channel. RCI-M will give this document to the DEO who will enter and file
it in the SHG file as per the present system.
c. In some locations, an exclusive DA or PE is provided to coordinate the SHG
formation. He/She will work in coordination with RCI-VRPs.
4.2.11.1. Responsibility
a. Responsibility of RPG/SHG formation shall be with the RCI-M who shall carry this
function with the support of RCI-S and VRPs. The formation of RPGs/SHG shall be
completed by 30th May and be certified by the RCI-M to the RCI-C by generating
list of RPG/ SHG from the RCI Software which shall clearly mention the details of :
o Dist., Block, Panchayats, Village, etc.
o RPG code, Members’ name & Code, date of formation
b. The SHG saving and credit information will be maintained in SHE software which
is done after the first grading as per SHG guideline
c. The RCI-C shall visit the RCI Producer Unit and do sample verification and review
the RCI implementation progress. He/she must note this verification in the Daily
diary
4.2.12. Producers’ Contribution – collection, deposit and expenditure:
A producer needs to give a token contribution of Rs.100 for each crop that
he/she has chosen to take part in the RCI for that season. Normally, to train a
producer under RCI approximately Rs.2000/- is incurred as cost annually. The
producer’s contribution is actually for the purpose of inculcating ownership of the
training given to him/her and also to bring dignity in him/her realising that he/she is
not receiving training completely free. .
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4.2.12.1. How the contribution will be collected and spent?
a. In the first meeting of the RPG/ SHG, each producer needs to pay the
contribution to the VRP
b. This will be noted down member wise in the Meeting register of the RPG
c. The VRP shall have a Software generated list of Selected Producers, their code
and RPG code. He/she will write the contribution amount in this Chart, total the
amount below, and give it to the RCI-S. The RCI-S Supervisor must give a
temporary receipt to the VRPs after receiving the money. The RCI-S shall give this
to the RCI-M who in turn deposit with the concerned FPC. The FPC shall issue
RPG wise receipt which is then passed on to the RPG/ SHG through proper
channel.
d. The FPC shall account for this contribution in a separate Ledger head.
e. At the same time this information should be entered in the RCI software
(photocopy of the list which was provided by the VRP). RCI-M is responsible for
the entry.
f. The amount shall be spent by the FPC for the part honorarium of the VRPs as per
decision taken by the RCI-M and TL and communicated the same to the FPC.
g. Places where FPC is not formed yet the contribution shall be kept with the RPG/
SHG and be deposited to the FPC when formed
h. Immediately after the first meeting of the RPG/ SHG the RCI-M shall inform the
RCI-C about the status of the contribution collection by sending the Software
generated report clearly showing that contribution against each RPG/ SHG.
5. Recommended Package of Practices of the Crop Note : The PoP mentioned below is generic applied for Chilli cultivation. However, the PoP may vary from location to location due to variations in the Agro-climatic and cultural conditions. Hence, a location specific PoPs shall be developed by the RCI Coordinator and share with each location by April every year. This PoPs should be first approved by the RCI Quality Assurance Committee (RQAC) and then officially notified by the RCI Coordinator.
This practice is based on six principles which are as follows:
1. Healthy & quality seedlings should be raised with the help of Plug trays.
2. Transplanting of the seedlings within 20-25 days after seed germination.
3. Transplanting should be done on raised beds.
4. Plant to Plant & Row to Row spacing will be 90 cm x 30 cm.
5. Balance Nutrient management.
6. Use of Organic manures or Vermi-compost.
7. Periodic use of Bio-pesticides and Handmade Bio-pesticides.
5.1. POP of the Crop: An approved (by RCI-C) document of Package of Practices (PoP) is attached as an
Annexure 3 in this document
Draft for Internal Use Only
Pag
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6. Skill development of producers/VRPs/ RCI Supervisors/ RCI Managers :
Training is an integral part of the RCI system. For the effective understanding of RCI
and active participation in the programme, training to the producers is important. The
training should include all aspects of responsible farming practices.
The RCI-C holds the responsibility to plan and organize the trainings for the entire
programme. He / she is the main trainer in the RCI system. He/she will train RCI-M and
RCI-S on all aspects of RCI. For the RPG Level training VRP is responsible for the capacity
building of the producers and the RPG with the help and guidance of the RCI-S & RCI-M.
The following Table -5 describes the training content, target group, timeline, main
trainer, Co-trainer and responsibility of conduction.
7. Documentation of Training records and Agronomic data
Table below describes the recording systems of Training conducted for the RCI staff
Table-5: Recording systems of Training conducted for RCI staff
Training
Target Group
Training
Responsibility
Training documentation
Training to be recorded in By whom By When
RCI Manager &
RCI Supervisor
RCI
Coordinator
Training Register
(Annex-13)
RCI-C Immediate
VRPs RCI-S & RCI-M Training Register
(Annex-13)
RCI
Manager
Immediate
Draft for Internal Use Only
The documents to be maintained at each level are presented in the following table
Table: 6 System of Maintaining RCI Documents in a PU
Level Document name Particulars of documents Type of
document
Who will
maintain
Who will supervise Kept
with
Reference
(Specimen)
Producer Farmer Field Book All info. related to land,
resources, inputs use, etc. .
Booklet Producer
with help
of VRP
RCI-S to
check 100%
FFB in all
stages
RCI-M to
check
25% FFB
in all
stages
Producer
-do- Land Patta, Labour
agreement (in case
of permanent
Labour); Wage and
working hour record,
etc.
As mentioned Papers in a
file
-do- -do- -do- -do- -do-
-do- Purchase Receipts Purchase receipts of
agriculture related inputs
Papers -do- VRP (all) RCI-S
(25%)
RCI-M
(10%)
-do-
-do- Fossil Fuel
consumption record
Entry of date and quantity
of fuel consumption
information
Register -do- VRP (all) RCI-S
(25%)
RCI-M
(10%)
-do-
-do- Labour and Wage
Record
Information of labour hired,
wage paid, record of
working hours
Register -do- VRP (all) RCI-S
(25%)
RCI-M
(10%)
-do-
RPG Training Register,
Meeting Register
All info. about the capacity
building activities, Meeting
at RPG level
Register Lead
farmer
VRP (all) RCI-S
(25%)
RCI-M
(10%)
Lead
Farmer
Draft for Internal Use Only
Level Document name Particulars of documents Type of
document
Who will
maintain
Who will
supervise
Kept
with
Reference
(Specimen)
RPG Complaint Register All the Producer, group and
program related complaint
and their redressal
statements
Register Lead
farmer
VRP (all) RCI-S
(25%)
RCI-M
(10%)
-do-
VRP Daily Diary Daily task calendar
including famer’s list and
tasks accomplished
Register VRP RCI-S
(100%)
RCI-M
(25%)
TL (10%)
RCI-S Daily Diary Daily task calendar
including VRP’s list and
tasks accomplished
Register RCI-S RCI-M
(100%)
TL (25%) RCI-C
(10%)
RCI-M Basic Documents Framer’s Information (RPG
wise), Training Calendar,
Cluster map, Training
Register (of RCI-M and RCI-
S), Complete RCI SOP with
all annexure, Fortnight
progress report
In File RCI-M TL (100%) RCI-C
(75%)
Daily Diary Daily task calendar
including RCI-S and VRP list
and tasks accomplished
Register TL (100%) RCI-C
(100%)
Complaint Register Any complaint related to
program, conflict with in
RPG, etc
Register
Draft for Internal Use Only
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7.1. RCI Software and the Data entry, Report Generation:
a. There will be a Data Entry Operator at every PU level or this work can be
designated to the existing staff
b. In the following table 7 the protocol of Data entry is given which should be
followed
c. For the entry of the GAP the Farmers’ Field Book is the main source of data.
Hence each farmer’s FFB needs to be brought once in a month to the PU level for
the entry of data and verification. The PU may plan in different manner to ensure
that all FFBs are entered during the month. This can be done by VRP wise or RCI-
S wise (viz. each RCI-S & his VRPs are given a particular days in a month to bring
the FFBs for entry). See the table below for the routing of the FFB and return.
d. The DEO should accept the FFBs through the entry in the Inward Register of the
Team/Location office. The number of FFBs, from whom, etc. must be mentioned
in the Inward Register. Similarly while returning it should be mentioned in the
Outward Register of the Team/Location and the concerned VRP/RCI-S should
sign in the Register.
Draft for Internal Use Only
Table: 7 Showing Data, its source, timeline of Data Entry in the software and responsibility
Data type Source When How it will
reach to the
Operator
Who will
authorize
entry
Who will
verify &
when
Reports to
be
generated
Where to keep
the hard copy
after entry
Remarks
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Producer’s
Baseline
Application Form During
Registrati
on
VRP-RCIS-RCIM-
DEO
RCI-M TL when
complete
d the data
entry
All details of
Producers
RPG file duly
stamped by DEO
as “ENTERED”
Akhilesh/Atul –chk
registration form is
alignment with
Software-baseline data
Data of control
Producers (50
farmers per RCI
PU)
Random selection
of farmers other
than registered
one
During
Registrati
on
VRP-RCIS-RCIM-
DEO
RCI-M TL when
complete
d the data
entry
All details of
Producers
Check software has such
provision or not
Producer
contribution
Form in which
contributions
confirmed
Within 10
days of
1st. RPG
meeting
VRP-RCIS-RCIM-
DEO
RCI-M -do- Details of
contribution
RPG file duly
stamped by DEO
as “ENTERED”
Please mention the
Annex-no. for column -2
RPG Training
(all Modules)
RPG Training
Register
(duplicate copy)
Within
three
days of
RPG
training
VRP-RCIS-RCIM-
DEO
RCI-M -do- Details of
training
RPG file duly
stamped by DEO
as “ENTERED”
Please ensure that RPG
Trng. Register is made
with a duplicate copy
Use of GAP FFB Monthly VRP-RCIS-RCIM-
DEO
RCI-M -do- All reports Not required
Self Assessment
Report
Monthly Meeting
Report
In the
month of
August
RCI-M – TL –
RCI-C
RCI-C RCI-C Self
Assessment
report
At RCI-Unit level
(with RCI-M)
Draft for Internal Use Only
Data type Source When How it will
reach to the
Operator
Who will
authorize
entry
Who will
verify &
when
Reports to
be
generated
Where to keep
the hard copy
after entry
Remarks
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2nd Party
Assessment
Report
Internal Audit
Report
In the
month of
Sept.
VRP-RCIS-RCIM-
TL-RCI-C
RCI-C RCI-C Internal
Audit Report
At RCI-Unit level
(with RCI-M)
3rd. Party
Assessment
Report
Approved
Farmer’s list
based on 2nd
party
First week
of Oct
RCI-C and
Director
RCI-C Director-
ASA
List of
Famers
certified (3rd.
Party
Assessment
Report)
At HO Level
with RCI-C
Crop Cutting
data
List of FLD Last week
of Sept
RCI-M in
presence of
some
authorized/Govt
official
RCI-M RCI-C Yield
Certificate
At RCI Unit level
with RCI-M
PVSP data List of PVSP Field Last week
of Sept
RCI-M in
presence of
some
authorized/Govt
official
RCI-M RCI-C Yield and
Preference
report of
RPGS
At RCI Unit level
with RCI-M
Social Audit Training and
meeting Register
In the
month of
Nov
RCI-S and RCI-M RCI-M TL Social Audit
Report
At RCI Unit level
with RCI-M
Draft for Internal Use Only
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Note: Since RPG and SHG are same body, the documents related to RPG and SHG shall be kept in one
file at the Team office/ PU level. The file shall have plastic Jacket and for each of the type of
document each Jacket can be used. For example, one Jacket for Registration Forms, one for
Contribution of Producers etc. Each section should be titled with a Separator or by Flag by the side of
the Jacket. This is exactly how the SHG file is maintained.
8. Role and Responsibilities of the Project Professional
8.1. RCI Coordinator:
He/she is the overall in-charge of the programme and fully accountable for the
success and failure of the programme.
Programme management is his/her one of the key responsibility and to ensure
that plans executed with logical conclusion. He/she will coordinate with RCI
Manager and Team Leaders and take every steps for the success of the
programme
All reporting to the donor, 3rd. party evaluator, etc.
Linkage with Training & Resource Organizations like Zonal Agriculture Research
Station (ZARS), KVKs and NRCI-S for RCI level trainings of Staff and RPGs
To communicate, coordinate with the Third Party Certification body for timely
and smooth external audit and certification.
Managing budget for the programme
To prepare reports and participate in meetings, share experiences with
stakeholders in Government and non-government bodies/ platforms.
Communication with stakeholders like market players for linkage with the supply
chain through the route of FPC.
Any other functions that deem necessary for the success of the programme and
required in the interest of the organisation.
He / She review the performance of the RCI Manager including annual appraisal
jointly with the TL
He/she will report to the Director
8.2. RCI Manager (RCI-M): (Project Executive would be ICS Manager)
The role and responsibilities of RCI Manager would be as under:
He/she is fully responsible for the RCI Program implementation, quality and
results of the RCI Program of that location
He/she will directly supervise the function of RCI-Supervisor and VRPs engaged in
that RCI Program. RCI-Supervisor will be directly controlled administratively and
functionally by the RCI
Manager. In other words, for the RCI Supervisor the RCI Manager will be the
reporting Officer & all administrative related matters such as leave application,
movement outside the project area, monthly attendance, program & tour
Draft for Internal Use Only
Pag
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advances shall be routed thru’ him/her to the Team Leader. To clarify further
that the RCI Manager therefore have the authority to recommend or otherwise
of all the above mentioned requests.
He/she will prepare all progress report & any other report as required, shall
consult with the TL & send to RCI –C thru’ TL.
H/she will participate in the weekly, fortnightly, monthly or any other review
meeting/s as decided by the TL & shall update the TL about the progress in
his/her RCI Program.
H/she will organise 2nd. & 3rd. Party evaluation of his/her RCI Program in
consultation & with coordination support of the TL and RCI Coordinator.
H/she will always in written communication with the RCI-C & mark a copy to the
TL.
H/she will in his/her verbal communication with RCI-C shall update about the
same to the TL formally or informally.
H/she will always for administrative purposes such as reporting to duty, leave,
movement in the project area and outside, seeking approval of budget and any
other such administrative functions shall be responsible to the TL.
For all programmatic purposes he/she will be responsible to the RCI Coordinator
H/she will review the performance of the RCI-Supervisor & VRPs jointly with the
TL. Review also includes the yearly performance appraisal of the RC Supervisors
and the VRPs
8.3. Team Leader:
Specific roles in the RCI programme are:
He/she is the Admin. & finance Head of the Team, hence shall have the
responsibility to ensure smooth operation of the RCI programme.
He/she shall play a bridge role between the RCI Manager and the RCI
Coordinator, for better communication & smooth operation.
He will have administrative control over the RCI Manager, RCI Supervisor and
staff under the RCI programme. However, for the functioning of the RCI
programme, the RCI Manager shall be the responsible person. The TL shall :
o Sanction PDOs of the RCI Manager, Tour and programme advance, leave,
movement, mileage, performance appraisal (jointly with RCI-Coordinator)
and any other matter comes under the purview of administrative control.
o Will have role in selection of programme village, beneficiaries, participate
in the Membership Approval Committee meetings, and review progress in
periodic manner as per Team’s systems and procedures.
o Help RCI Manager in planning and implementation of visit of external
evaluators, donors, visitors, etc.
o Will maintain liaison with the District officials to facilitate effective
implementation of programme.
Draft for Internal Use Only
Pag
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o Will be actively involved in the selection of VRPs – short listing, scrutiny,
selection, etc.
o The Software which will be maintained for the RCI programme shall be
meant for all RCI programmes and programmes which are not within the
RCI viz. LWRD. This will be also meant for administrative purposes
gradually. Hence, the TL shall be responsible for the overall security of the
data and maintenance of the system. The Data Entry Operator shall be
under his/her direct control. The RCI Manager shall be responsible for the
entry and maintaining quality of the data for his/her programme.
8.3.1. The TL will be obliged for:
o Not to withdraw RCI Supervisor and VRPs and engage them in other
programme without consulting the RCI Manager and Coordinator
o Not to sanction leave or sanction official tour of staff under the RCI
Programme or sanction tour or programme advance without the
recommendation of the RCI Manager
o Not to approve the claims of RCI Supervisor and VRPs under the RCI
programme without the recommendations of the RCI manager
o Not to sanction leave for RCI Manager without consulting the RCI Coordinator
for the leave upto three days. For more than three days the existing rule will
remain.
8.4. RCI Supervisor (RCI-S):
He/she is responsible for planning with VRPs, Supervise implementation of VRP’s
progress and reporting progress as per systems to the RCI Manager.
He/she is responsible for all results – positives and negatives for the RCI
programme under his / her jurisdiction
Specifically he / she will :
o Ensure awareness generation
o Selection of village and producers
o training of VRPs and Lead farmers
o Ensure that all trainings meant for producers are conducted as per
calendar
o Ensure all documentations are completed as per RCI requirement
o Ensure that self assessment, 2nd. & 3rd. evaluation is done timely and
appropriately
o Play role of internal inspector for the cluster, not comes under his/her
purview/ responsibility
o Insures conduction of all demonstrations & trainings on Seed
Germination Test, Seed Treatment, IMP, INM, safe use of agrochemicals,
etc with help of Senior VRPs/ VRPs.
o Any other as prescribed by the RCI-M
Draft for Internal Use Only
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8.4.1 Administrative Role of RCI-S
o Prepare timesheets of VRPs and submit to the RCI-M
o Plan and Monitoring field movement of the VRPs
o He/she will recommend the leave for VRPs to the RCI-M
o He/she will appraise the performance of the VRP jointly with the RCI-M. The
RCI-M will initiate this task.
o Attend min. 60 % of the RPG training
o He/she will at least visit 50 Farms & Check 50 Farmer’s Field Book per week,
and record observations in his/her Field Diary (Annex-6 should have
duplicate, second copy to RCI-M)
o He/she will ensure collect all data thru. VRP and send to the RCI-M for the
computer entry
8.5. VRPs:
The VRPs are responsible for all RCI compliance for the number of Producers
and RPGs he/she has been assigned.
Specific roles are :
o Training Producers, Lead Farmers as per Training module and calendar
o Help Producers and RPG to maintain all documents viz. FFB, RPG
Training Registers
o Ensure that the producers/ RPGs follow the RCI manual
o Check the fields and documentation of the producers frequently to
verify the crop conditions and document maintenance.
o Inform and provide support to the producers, if found any non
compliance during the inspections and help the producer to rectify
the same
o SHG related functions as per SHG guidelines
8.6. Who can be the Lead farmer?
a) Acceptable to the RPG
b) Ready to give time to promote acquired knowledge to fellow farmers,
mobilising farmers for RPG meeting, visit to other locations for exposure
c) Knowledgeable for that particular crop and producers accept him/her as
knowledgeable (Jankar)
d) He/she will actively participate in the RPG meeting and also is expected that
he/she will take lead in the evaluation and representing RPG in different
forum.
e) He/she will be holding the Demonstration plot. But, the same farmer cannot
be the Lead Farmer in the next season, some other person should be given
chance.
Draft for Internal Use Only
Pag
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9. The Complaint Redressal mechanism:
Any complaint related to labour and producer (Producer related issues) will have to
be noted in the Complaint Register (Annex-1) maintained at the RPG Level. The Lead
farmer should take this matter to discuss at the RPG meeting and resolve them in
the presence of VRP. Final decision should be mentioned in the register against
complaint. Within 15 working days this should be resolved.
Any compliant related to programme (viz. efficiency, insincerity of programme staff,
etc.), the complainant may register his/ her complaint at the RPG Complaint
Register. The VRP should bring this into the notice of RCI-S. In the immediate
following meeting or in a special meeting the RCI-S and RCI-M should attend the RPG
meeting and resolve the matter. This must be mentioned in the Complaint Register
against the complaint.
10. Monitoring and Program Assessment
Besides routine monitoring there will be three types of Structured Assessment of the
RCI programme in each location. They are:
Self Assessment by the RPG
2nd. Party Assessment
3rd. Party Assessment
Draft for Internal Use Only
Table - 8: Calendar of Assessment of the RCI Producer Unit
Activity Paddy Cotton Soy Pigeon Pea
Maize Minor millet
Kh. Chilli Wheat Gram Rb. Veg Rb. Chilli
Int. Assessment
Mid Sep
July-Aug (rri.) Agu-Sep (rain-fed)
Mid Sep End Oct Mid Aug
End Aug Mid Sep Mid Jan End Dec End Jan Mar
2nd Party Sept August & Sept.
Sept Nov End of Aug
Sept Mid Oct End Jan. Jan Mid of Feb
Apr
3rd Party 1st week Oct
Oct 1st week Oct
Jan. Sept End Sept.
End Oct Feb Feb End of Feb
Apr
RCI-S & RCI-M to document observation in the Field diary as mentioned before
Draft for Internal Use Only
Pag
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10.1. Self Assessment:
Based on the data up-dation in FFB, and data collection at VRP/RCI-S level, RCI-M
shall prepare fortnightly report and share the same with RCI-C. The data shared in
the report should be verified 25% by RCI-S, 10 % by RCI-M and 5 % by RCI-C. Based
on the fortnightly report and verification, RCI-M shall draft a Self Assessment Report
and share the same with RAC and RCI-C. This should be done just before crop
maturation stage (15th Sept). RAC shall approve the report and recommend for 2nd
Assessment.
10.2. 2nd Party Assessment:
This is a basic requirement of this initiative & all producers have to qualify in 2nd
Party Assessment and then only, qualified producers are eligible for 3rd Party
Assessment. This process should follow steps:
Every Producer will have to be inspected by the internal inspectors for the
assessment.
VRP of the one cluster will be Internal Inspector for the other Cluster
Internal Inspector verifies all the document and field during inspection
according to Annexure 17.
Results of Cluster must be evaluated and summarized by the Approval
Committee RAC and then committee shall prepare the approval farmer list.
Responsibility of the designating Internal Inspector and the cluster along with
dates of 2nd party Assessment lies with RCI-M
This activity should end by 15th October.
10.3. 3rd Party Verification (External Audit):
This is a process of verification for PU under Responsible Crop Initiative (RCI) on the
basis of SOP. This must be done by independent and authorized Certification Agency.
The main objective of the external inspection is certification of process and product,
and get certificate for selling the produce.
External Inspector will inspect RCI PU office and verify all necessary
document available at RCI PU office, verify the process on the basis of RCI
SOP
External inspector will inspect the Producers/ PGs on random basis (Square
root) and inspect Responsible Producer’s field & house using Annexure 17.
External Inspector will prepare the duly signed approved producers list.
External inspection should be done by 30th October.
Certificates are issued by the Certification agency only when they are
satisfied by the compliance of the laid principles of RCI as per SOP
The responsibility of facilitation with RCI-M with consultation of RCI-C
Draft for Internal Use Only
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11. Review of the programme
11.1. PU-wise Review:
The TL, RCI-M, RCI-S and VRP shall have routine weekly review of the
progress and update in the respective Daily Diary (Annexure 6,7,8)
RCI-C will have routine review of the programme (Annexure 9)
11.2. Mid Season Progress Review and Report
a. The RCI-C shall organize a mid season review workshop with the
participation of RCI-M, RCI-S and TL of all PU locations for cross learning
and feedback for further improvement
b. He/She will prepare a Mid Season Progress Report-PU Wise, for this
review.
c. The progress report format is given in the Annexure 20
11.3. End Season Review and Report (+ RIR):
This review report should cover following aspect with detail information and
explanation
Number of Producer Trained (Planned Vs. Target)
Planned area for registration under ICS ( in hectares) Target Vs.
Achievement
Activity wise information (Planned Vs. Target) on aspect covered in different
trainings
Impact on Cost of Cultivation
Impact on Production (per Ha.)
Number of Certified farmers (Planned Vs. Target)
Information of Backward and forward linkages established and benefit drawn
out of it
Planning for the next season and expected outcomes