Final evaluation report : Indo/US agricultural research project, project number 386-0470

The overall goal of the project -- to increase agricultural productivity, production, employment, and income -- was too ambitious. However, the project was certainly successful in achieving its purpose, to strengthen the capacity of the Indian agricultural research system in selected key areas, through its investments in 8 subprojects and 7 preprojects. Particularly impressive were: (1) training of Indian scientists; (2) inputs of U.S. consultants; (3) procurement and installation of modern equipment; and (4) Government of India (GOI) contributions of staff, land, and facilities. Tremendous strides were made in training and updating Indian scientists in the various agricultural fields associated with subprojects. Altogether, more than 300 scientists spent from 2 weeks to 18 months in the United States, for a total of 1,600 person-months of specialized training, research experience, and interaction with scientists in their areas of interest. U.S. consultants added invaluable expertise to the project; 51 of them provided 115 person-months of consultation, training, and direct contact with their Indian colleagues. Essentially all of the equipment purchases and installations that were planned under the subprojects were carried out. State-of- the-art laboratory and field equipment from the United States has given Indian scientists the capability to conduct agricultural research at the cutting edge of their specialties. The research results and possible commercialization of any developed products varied greatly among programs. The Forestry Faculty Training (FTT) subproject trained a record number of scientists to establish forestry research and education capabilities at 14 agricultural universities. The Soybean Processing and Utilization, Post-Harvest Technology, Blood Protista, and Conversion of Biodegradable Animal Wastes subprojects hold considerable commercial potential. Although the project contributed only limited support to the 7 preprojects, the preproject on plant germplasm has led to a major stand-alone project. On the negative side, there are serious questions about the sustainability of some of the Forestry Departments established under the FTT subproject, and true commercialization of most research results is still a long way off. The GOI demonstrated great enthusiasm for the project, providing personnel, living up to commitments to provide up-to-date facilities to house the ongoing programs, and including in its 5- year plan funding to sustain all the project's programs. However, Indian counterparts repeatedly voiced concern over the total cessation of U.S. support, particularly in the areas of consultant services and foreign exchange to purchase spare parts for imported equipment. USAID is urged to reconsider its decision to terminate all financial assistance beyond the current agreement.