Agricultural Development Associates Program(Krusi Unnat sahajogi) is one of its kind apprenticeship program in the country, which aims to leverage the final year undergraduate students in improving the extension activities in the focus blocks of the state. The students were employed as an agent of change on the ground.

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INTRODUCTION
The role of agricultural extension has become more crucial
overtime. There have been multi-fold advances in the farming
practices which need quick dissemination on ground. Along
with this, there is an increasing need of creating awareness
about multiple schemes and services that the government
provides to the farmers. To reduce the information of
asymmetry and bridge the gap between lab and land,
Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment has
conceptualised Agriculture Development Associate Program
in association with 4 agricultural universities of Odisha.
Agricultural Development Associates Program(Krusi Unnat
sahajogi) is one of its kind apprenticeship program in the
country, which aims to leverage the final year undergraduate
students in improving the extension activities in the focus
blocks of the state. The students were employed as an agent
of change on the ground.
INAUGURAL CEREMONY
A virtual inaugural ceremony was streamed live on Youtube on
5th
November, 2020 by Departement of Agriculture and
Farmers’ Empowerment which was attended by Honourable
Minister of DAFE, FARD and HE, Dr. Arun Sahoo. Among other
dignitaries were Manmath Pani, Additional Secretary (DAFE),
Suresh Kumar V Ashish, Special Secretary agriculture, Dr.
Saurabh Garg, Principal Secretary AFE, Raj K Sharma,
Agriculture Production Commissioner, R.Raghuprasad,

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Commissioner cum secretary, Fisheries and Animal
Resources, Dr. P.K. Agrawal, Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Dr. Ashok
Mahapatra, Vice Chancellor, SOA university.
Everyone agreed on the need of agriculture and its ability to
bring in another revolution in India. Their words for the KUS
associates were encouraging and motivating. This marked the
beginning of the KUS programme.
VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSION
The KUS associates were divided into 3 batches and each batch
was assigned slots for the virtual training sessions by experts
from ADAPT team. The link to the sessions were shared by
whatsapp groups formed by the ADAPT Team.
I was in the batch 3 of the training. The training was an
overview about the activities needed to be performed during
the programme. The session also trained us about functioning

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of various apps like KUS associate app, agri extension app, e
pest app. It also taught us about the different components of
the DSS portal. We were also informed about the BALARAM,
MKUY scheme and farm pond initiative. The PDFs and PPTs of
the training session were also shared to the associates for
future reference.
ACTIVITIES PERFOMED
There were daily activities given to us which has to be
completed within the same week. The weekly schedule was
communicated to us in advance. Following are the activities
conducted in the programme .
1.Reporting to AAO at the block office
On 18th
November, 2020 I reported at to the FIAC Begunia
Block Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agricultural Officer at
the block office at 10AM at Begunia , Begunia Block Khordha.

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BLOCK AT A GLANCE
Name of the Block : Begunia
Total Geographical Area : 29,905 ha.
Forest Area : 639 ha.
Total Cultivable Area : 17,112 ha.

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Total cultivated area : 17,046 ha .
(a) High land : 6,326 ha.
(b) Medium Land : 5,205 ha
(c) Low Land : 5,505 ha.
Total Paddy Grown Area : 14,514 ha
Non Paddy area : 2,532 ha.
Irrigation Potential : 17% (2,865 ha )
No. of AAO circles : 2
No. of VAW circles : 14
No. of gram Panchayats (2017) : 21
No. of villages : 173

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Population By 09:12:2011
(A) General : 81,591
(B) SC : 9,845
(C) ST : 11,818
Farm families : 14,013
(A)Big Farmers : 1,125
(B)Small farmer : 3,508
(C)Marginal Farmer : 9,380
2.The attendance was marked using the KUS
app at sharp 10AM.

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3.The BAO allotted me a GRAM PANCHAYAT
and gave me the complete details of the VAW, Krushak saathis
of the Gram panchayat. The Gp allotted to me was BEGUNIA .
4.SURVEYS OF BLOCK OFFICERS OF EACH
DIRECTORATE
(A) On Dakshyata :
Dakshyata is an employee incentive program designed under
Hon’ble Chief Minister’s 5T vision- Technology, Teamwork,
Transparency, Time, and Transformation. It was rolled out on
18th
June, 2020. It is implemented across agriculture and
horticulture directorates.
The program aims to build robust performance management
system for identification and recognition of top employees.
The KUS associates were asked to survey the block officers of
each directorate on Dakshyata and ask them their opinions.

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(B) On Decision Support System (DSS portal) :
Since the existing scheme delivery module had loopholes, the
DSS portal by ADAPT developed a way for online self-reporting
by the block officers. Target setting and scheme progress
reporting can be done through DSS. Beneficiary numbers can
also be reported at an aggregate level.
As there can be a resistance of senior officials for a new
concept, as KUS associates we tried to survey them about the
functionality and difficulty of about different components in
DSS and filled forms in the KUS app regarding same.
(Interaction with the AHO of BEGUNIA, Mr.Hrusikesh Dash Sir)
(C) On Agri extension app (V2.2.2) :
The achievements can be recorded by the GP officers on agri
extension app. This helps in capturing geotagged

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achievements in real time. Farmer verification is done at
transactions level.
Therefore a survey was conducted with the block officers to
take their opinions about the functioning of the app and its
components.
(D) On Farm Pond :
Since the farm pond initiative comes under the department of
soil conservation, the survey was conducted with the ASCO of
the block.
(Interaction with the AAO regarding schemes, apps and farm pond)
The objectives of the farm pond are :
1.Drought proofing .
2.Increase cropping intensity .
3.Integrated farming system to
multiply farm profits .
4.Ground water recharge .

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5.Mitigate adverse effect of water
stress condition .
6.Create employment .
(E) On irrigated area of the block :
Irrigation plays a significant role in poverty reduction and
economic growth. State government is giving high priority to
irrigation development. Hence the KUS associates were asked
to fill in the quantity of irrigated area in their block in the KUS
app. The total irrigated area in Begunia is 2865 ha.
5.PEST SURVEILLANCE IN THE E-PEST APP
The E-pest app is a pest surveillance app. The objectives of
pest surveillance are-
❖To know existing natural enemies and new pest
species(invasion) .
❖To estimate crop losses .

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❖To assess pest population and damage at different growth
stage of crop.
❖To study the influence of weather parameters on pest.
❖To study changing pest status (minor to major).
❖To monitor development of biotypes, resistance,
resurgence etc.
❖To assess natural enemies and their influence on pests.
❖Effect of new cropping pattern and varieties on pest.
❖The types of surveys done for the pest surveillance are-
quantitative survey, qualitative survey.
❖Roving survey and fixed plot survey .
I did roving survey for the major part of my programme to
cover large areas in a short period. The e pest app activity had
to be done every Monday and Thursday of the week. The user
ID and password was of my GP’S VAW, Purna Chandra Pal .
(Interaction with the VAW)

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( Pest Surveillance at Village Basudevapur with Begunia FIAC Officials )
6.FARMER SURVEYS
(A)On input availability :
Inputs in agriculture include seeds, fertilizers, pesticides. The
easy procurement of all of these is crucial for a seamless
farming.
KUS associates were to survey the farmer about the
availability of each input and enquire about their procurement
cost and availability with the dealers.
A total of 10 farmers for each input were
surveyed with their name, mobile number. Being an
agriculture student, interacting with them was one of my
biggest privileges.
I surveyed a total of 70 farmers of my allotted GP,Kantabada .

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(B)On Farm Pond :
Every willing farmer can apply for a farm pond. KUS associates
were asked to survey farmers about the awareness of the farm
pond initiative and why they think they can’t opt for it. This
also helped us to know the ground reality on some schemes.
A total of 10 farmers were surveyed each week.
FARMER SURVEYS

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(Farm pond)
(3) On MKUY :
Mukhya Mantri Krushi Udyog Yojana or Promotion of agri-
preneurship in Odisha shows a new light for self employment
and encourages farmers and people interested in agriculture
to employ themselves and others. Therefore the MKUY was
launched on 01.06.2018. One can enroll in it through
apicol.nic.in and mobile app of MKUY.
The scheme covers subsidy for a list of agri
enterprises @40% for male, 50% for women, SC, ST and agri
graduates. Subsidy capping is done for some individual
enterprises and upper cap of Rs. 50 Lakh.
The role of KUS associates was to spread the word about
MKUY among the farming community and we were asked to
fill forms after the survey. A total of 10 farmers every week
were surveyed.

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7.KRUSHAK SAATHI INTERACTION
(A) On BALARAM:
BALARAM stands for Bhoomihina Agriculturist Loan and
Resources Augementation Model. It aims to provide
institutional credit to 5 lakh landless farmers by leveraging the
social capital through formation of Joint Liability Groups
(JLGs). Banks would provide collateral free loans (upto
1.6lakhs per JLG).
The krushak saathi is enabled for the formation of the JLGs in
their GPs. Therefore the Krushak saathi was surveyed on the
scheme by the KUS associates and a form was filled.

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(B) On queries about BALARAM :
In the later days of the programme the KUS associates were
asked to solve the queries about the BALARAM scheme, if any.
A form was filled mentioning their queries.
8.SURVEY OF EXTENSION OFFICERS OF
EACH DIRECTORATE
(A)On Dakshyata .
(B)On agri extension app was done.
Their opinions were asked and forms were filled after the
surveys were conducted. The VAWs, HEWs, SCEWs were
surveyed in the process.
(FIAC OFFICIALS BEGUNIA BLOCK )
a) Training of block officers of each directorate:
i. On DSS portal

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ii. On agri-extension app
The KUS associates were asked to train the officers if they
were unaware about any component regarding the DSS or agri
extension app which includes schemes, farmer database, form
submission and GP sitting. Forms were filled after the training
was done.
( Srabani Moharana, the AAO of Begunia Block interaction Session )
b) Training of extension officers of each directorate regarding
the functions and components of agri extension app. KUS
associates were asked to aware them about the different
components of the app and how to use them.
c) Survey of fertiliser dealers .
The KUS associates were asked to survey fertiliser dealers in
their respective blocks every week.
d) In the survey the KUS associates were asked to update the
PoS machine of the fertiliser dealers to version 3.1. They

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were also asked to install UPI QR code for transactions and
a govt price details at their shops.
(Pos machine)
e) Attending BTT meetings :
At block level, Block Technology Centre (BTC) a multi-
disciplinary technology team has been assigned to organise
and implement extension programmes within the block.
This centre would become the common meeting point for
extension personnel from the line departments to prepare
integrated work plans (WPs) and co-ordinate their
implementation.
The BTT meeting was held every fornightly and KUS associates
were also asked to attend the BTT meetings and give feedback
regarding the same in the KUS app.

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[BTT Meeting]
I also attended a biweekly meeting with the BAO. AAO, VAWs,
BTM and ATM. In this meeting the progress of various
schemes were discussed and problems were critically
analysed.
(Problem Analysis Session,BTT Meeting )

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f) Attending Seed Treatment Campaigns (STCs) :
The block officers also involved us in the STCs which included
demonstration of the seed treatment techniques in pulses and
paddy to the farmers in various villages. The seed treating
chemicals were also distributed after the process. It was
learning experience for me.
g) Interaction with the CDAO,Khordha :
The KUS associates of Puri had a meeting with CDAO regarding
the objective and impact of the KUS programme. They also
gave us a brief on the on going schemes and asked us to act as

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change agents on the ground and enjoy the process of
learning.
MISCELLANIOUS WORK PERFORMED
(A) JLG(Joint Liability Group) FORMATION BY ATMA :
Jlg Were Formed For Farmer Like Marginal,Small And Land Less
So That They Can Opt Out Different Loan From Bank And Also To
Get Benefited Form Different Schemes. Generally Under
Supervision Of Atma,The Beneficiaries Get Identified.
[Some of the session by ATMA]
(B) BGREI (Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India):
Bringing Green Revoluion To Eastern India A Sub-Scheme Of
RKVY(Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana) Which Was Introduced By
Central Government In Collaboration With State
Government(60:40).Through This Subscheme, A Total No Of
300 Ha Of Beneficiaries Were Benefited With Thius Scheme
And Inputs Like Herbicide,Seed, Micronutrients, Herbicides,
Insecticides , Fungicide And Dhaincha Were Provided To The

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Farmers Free Of Cost, and also with a Incentive of Rupees
12000 for two Seasons.
(C) SWEETCORN TRAINING SESSION :
There was a traing session about cultivation of sweet corn
Verities -SUGAR 75
-NS8601
-GOLDEN COB
-SUGAR CANDY
- SWEET HONEY
TRAINER -DR. AJAYA KUMAR DASH
-DR.SURENDRA SINGH
SEED PRICE RANGE - RUPEES 2200 -3000
METHOD OF SOWING - STAGARD TYPE

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SEED RATE -(3-4)KG/ ACRE
FERTILIZER DOSE- ( 40:16:16 )Kg N,P2O5 & K2O/ ac
GROWING TIME- JUNE- JULY (OR) SEPT- JAN
[Training session on Sweet Corn By DR. AJAYA KUMAR DASH]
Leaf Colour Chart For Maize :

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(D) Farmer Field Visit :
1
2

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3
4
5

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6
7
8

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10
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12
13
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( Honey Bee Box Demonstration By Krushak Sathi OF Basudevapur Village )
AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES
On 5th
of January, the KUS journey came to an end. The CDAO,
Khordha awarded the associates with certificates and also
rewarded us with his hospitality and encouraged us to work in
the field of agriculture which has the power to transform a
million lives.

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KEY OBSERVATIONS
Being an active and passive employee for 45 days, I found
observed some key things-
❖Extension is crucial at the field level for the introduction
and adaptation of various schemes and technologies. The
lack of it would result in an uninformed farming
community.
❖Agriculture is the only science which can transform the
rural India which constitutes a major part of the
population.
EXPERIENCE GAINED
The experience I gained through this programme cannot be
put into words. The experience made me humble as a human
being and as a student. It taught me the ground realities in the
farming sector and what needs to be done exactly to cover the
gaps in the dissemination of knowledge. This experience also
introduced me to different initiatives that the govt is taking at
the state and centre for the welfare of the farmers and how
the officers and extension workers are initiating it at the micro
level.I am so glad that I got to work with cooperation of the
block officers.

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Thank You…
LAST DAY WITH FIAC OFFICIALS BEGUNIA , KHORDHA