CLUSA OPG : technical assistance to the NDDB"s oilseed growers" cooperative project (grant AID-386-2144)

PES covers the period 8/79-10/84 and summarizes an attached final special evaluation (XD-AAR-455-A). Please refer to the special evaluation abstract for discussion of the project"s implementation problems and achievements. Project experience has shown that: (1) key NDDB and Cooperative Oilseed Growers" Federation personnel need to undergo advanced training in the United States to benefit the OGCP and enhance technology transfer; (2) the Senior Advisor should be fielded to make appropriate changes in OGCP design and implementation; and (3) the OGCP needs 3 to 5 years of TA to encourage efficient management in the planning and construction of new processing units. It is recommended that: (1) consultants with operations and management experience be provided to the OGCP to assist in the planning, erection, and operation of new oilseed processing plants over the next 2-3 years; (2) consultancies be for short periods (3-6 weeks), but repeated after appropriate intervals by the same consultants to provide continuity over the 2-3 year period; (3) five key NDDB personnel be nominated for training in the United States. Action on Recommendation 3 is already in progress and trainees have been cleared by the Government of India. As the OGCP has now entered into the very important stage of planning and constructing processing units, USAID/I considers that there is an urgent need for follow up TA as urged in Recommendations 1 and 2.