University of Agricultural Sciences,
GKVK, Bangalore
Department of Agricultural Extension
Course : Participatory methods for Technology Development and Transfer
AEX- 509 (1+1)
Presented By
Sanganagouda Biradar
Sr [Link] (Agri)
PAMB 1151
FSRE
G S YS TEM RES EARCH
FARMI N
EXTENSION
Farming systems
Farming system is a complex inter-related matrix of soils,
plants, animals, implements, labour and capital, inter-dependent
farming enterprises.
The farm is viewed in a holistic manner. (multi-disciplinary
approach)
Concept
Biggs (1985) explained the concept of FSA as follows:
FSA requires commonly homogenous type of farmers
It is an inter-disciplinary approach
It is a participatory and bottom-up planning
It is an approach to developing farm household systems
It is built on the principles of productivity, profitability, stability and sustainability
It is component oriented approach to development
Objectives of Farming System Approaches
To develop farm - household systems of rural communities on a
sustainable basis
To improve efficiency in farm production
To raise farm and family income
To increase welfare of farm families and satisfy basic needs
Farming System Research Extension
The term FSRE in the broadest sense refers to “Any research and extension that
views the farm in a holistic manner and considers interactions in a system”.
(CGIAR, 1978)
FSR is an approach to agricultural research and development that views the
whole farm as a system and focuses on
(i) The interdependencies between the components under the control of
members of the household, and
(ii) How these components interact with the physical, biological and
socioeconomic factors not under the household’s control.
Features of FSRE
Some of the essential features of FSRE are as follows (Shaneret al 1982) :
It is holistic
It is farmer participatory
It is problem solving
It is gender sensitive
It is interdisciplinary
It is interactive
It emphasizes extensive on farm activities
It complements experiment station research
It acknowledges the location specificity of technical solutions
It recognizes interdependencies among multiple clients
It emphasizes feedback
Difference between FSRE and FSBE
FSRE FSBE
Farming System Research Extension Farming Situation Based Extension
Provide farmers with facilities of transfer Provide advisory services based on crop
of technology situation
Overall technology recommendation crop specific technology recommendation
Activities involved in FSR
FSR is a process which involves a set of interrelated activities , which according to
[Link] (1982) are as follows
Target and research area selection
Problem diagnosis and development of research agenda
Planning and designing of on-farm research
Farmer participatory on-farm research and its analysis
Extension of research results.
Farming Systems Strategies
• Agriculture alone with different crop combinations
• Agriculture + Livestock
• Agriculture + Livestock + poultry
• Agriculture +Horticulture + Sericulture
• Agro-forestry + Silvipasture
• Agriculture (Rice) + Fish culture
• Agriculture (Rice) + Fish + Mushroom cultivation
• Floriculture + Apiary (beekeeping)
• Fishery + Duckery + poultry
Main steps in FSR
1) Diagnosis
The major objectives at this stage are to describe and understand the
current production system, to identify and analyse the key farmer
problems.
2) Planning and design stage
Planning begins with the analysis of the priority problems identified.
3) Experimentation or testing stage
This deals with the actual implementation and management of trials.
4) Evaluation
Experimental results are assessed using formal statistical, agronomic
and socio-economic criteria as well as being reviewed to assure that
the conclusions are compatible with farmers concern and the
characteristics of the FS.
5) Recommendations and wider dissemination or extension
The ultimate objective of agricultural and natural resources research
is to develop suitable recommendations for the target group of
farmers.
Issues in implementation of FSRE
There are certain issues which must be considered while implementing the FSRE
approach in Rural areas. They are:
1) Institutional problems: Research and extension are at present handled
separately and needs suitable integration through cooperation and coordination.
2) Conflict: since it is an inter-disciplinary approach, conflict bound to arise
between the agencies involved.
3) Clientele selection: Defining a specific relatively homogenous client groups in
a heterogeneous environment like Rural areas is a major problem.
4) Resource flexibility: lack of resource flexibility in the development
departments of the rural areas.
5) Qualified staff: Suitable persons in sufficient numbers especially
technology managers and Extension scientist may not be available
6) Cost factor: Since it emphasis working with farmers in their fields, it
involves more money. At that time, it appears to be costly and taxing.
7) Collaboration: Effective collaboration of all the organizations closely
associated with the needs of small farmers is very important and essential
Institution for FSR
Project Directorate for Farming Systems
Research, Modipuram, INDIA
During XI plan period the Project Directorate
for Farming Systems Research (PDFSR) was
established with focus on farming systems research
after re-naming the Project Directorate for Cropping
Systems Research (PDCSR) which became operational
during 2009.
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