Implementation of World Bank aided national agricultural research project in India: A case study

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) had added a new dimension to agricultural research in India by launching in 1979 the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) with World Bank assistance to strengthen the research capabilities of the State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) to conduct need-based, location-specific and production-oriented research. This paper examines the operational aspects of two such NARP sub-projects undertaken by the Haryana Agricultural University at its Regional Research Station, Bawal and the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University at its Regional Research Station, Tirupathi during the first phase of the project from 1979 to 1983. Different farming situations with specific production constraints identified in the agro-climatic zones served by the two stations on aspects relevant to the first phase of the project were well considered by the two sub-projects. The prioritisation of experiments was in accordance with the importance of the problems of the zones. Most of the ideas for experimentation emanated from the Zonal Workshops in both the sub-projects. Since the first phase of NARP does not cover horticultural and vegetable crops and animals, the experiments were controlled by the scientists of the main campus which led to some administrative problems. Both the sub-projects made an attempt to follow the multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving under the NARP, but shortage of manpower and physical facilities led to the premature termination of some experiments during the project period. However, the research achievements during the project period were substantial. The sub-projects established excellent linkages with extension agencies as emphasised in NARP and the mechanism for the transfer of technology functioned smoothly. Delay in positioning of staff, frequent staff transfers and lengthy administrative procedures in executing the civil works greatly hampered the progress of the sub-projects.