Contribution of cropping systems program research and extension to the rural poor : a case study of Ratnanagar cropping systems site

The program aimed at increasing land use intensity (multiple cropping) and the yield of individual crops by making better use of available resources. The paper first describes the Ratnanagar site (where rice, mustard, and maize are major crops) and the research methods used in the present study. Data analysis was both quantitative and qualitative. The paper provides information on the existing cropping systems at the Ratnanagar site and describes the extent to which farmers have adopted recommended technologies, as well as differences in yields between participating and nonparticipating farmers. Specific areas discussed include: farmers" socioeconomic characteristics; crop production practices (use of improved varieties, fertilizers, and plant protection measures) and cropping patterns relative to the three major categories of land in the research area (lowland irrigated, lowland rainfed, and upland rainfed); increases in cropping intensity, also relative to land type; animal husbandry practices; and farmers" response to the research program. Conclusions regarding program usefulness are drawn, and recommendations as to future research and policy needs are given.