Project assistance completion report : agricultural research project (386-0470)

The project has promoted the development and transfer of agricultural technologies through collaborative research between Indian and U.S. scientists, and strengthened Indian agricultural research institutions. However, a concise assessment of the progress of the project's subprojects and pre-projects is difficult due to their wide range. Nine subprojects were completed. Those with the most significant impact in terms of improved research infrastructure, technology transfer, and some commercial use of agricultural technologies include Post Harvest Technology and Soybean Processing and Utilization. Others have improved researchers' capabilities and enhance scientific information output, including Intra-cellular Blood Protista, Embryo Transplant Technology, Conversion of Biodegradable Animal Wastes, Agrometeorology, and Agroforestry. Seven pre-projects did not reach full implementation, but nonetheless enhanced the capabilities of research institutions and resulted in priority research plans. One of them, the Plant Genetic Resources pre-project, has evolved into a separate A.I.D.-funded project. Training included U.S. courses of various lengths for over 300 scientists, who, upon returning to India, often conducted similar but condensed courses for local scientists. Over 100 U.S. consultants (115 person-months) provided Indian agricultural professionals with courses and seminars, demonstrated the use of modern research equipment, and served as mentors. The project thus promoted collaborative research and linkages between Indian and U.S. agricultural professionals, resulting, inter alia, in the development of forestry faculties at 14 Indian universities. In addition, Indian researchers were provided with state-of-the-art laboratory and field equipment, ranging from relatively simple measuring devices to automated, computer-monitored weather stations and sophisticated analytical laboratory equipment. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) developed 5 new research laboratories, remodeled one laboratory, and developed over 400 agricultural professional positions, including scientist, technician and support staff positions. The most obvious sign of the project's success may be that the GOI exceeded its funding commitment and included all project components in its 5-year plan beginning, which begins in 1992. The following lessons were learned. (1) Recognizing a host country's priorities and integrating project activities into its infrastructure is one of the best ways to ensure sustainability. (2) Projects that require large amounts of procurement, training, and consultancy or management expertise should include a contractor-run management support services component. (3) An umbrella project provides its subprojects flexibility and ensures them funding. However, the subprojects require the same degree of scrutiny as stand-alone projects. (4) Because activities were selected by both the GOI and A.I.D., implementation was smoother than it would have been without pre-planning. (5) Intensive interaction between Indian and U.S. counterparts promotes a greater involvement in the training process, involvement which extends well beyond the training course itself.