Project Implementation Status Report

As on 31st March 2021

Maharashtra Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture

(Project of Government of Maharashtra in partnership with the World Bank)

Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp

Project Management Unit

MUMBAI

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Project Implementation Status Report As on 31st March 2021

Maharashtra Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (Project of Government of Maharashtra in partnership with the World Bank)

Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani Prakalp

Project Management Unit 30 B, Arcade, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai Ph. 022-22163351/52 Email: [email protected], Website: www.mahapocra.gov.in

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table of Contents List of Tables iv List of Figures v Abbreviations vii Executive summary 1 1.Context and Background 8 2. Component A: Promoting Climate Resilient Agricultural Systems 13 2.3 A3: Promoting efficient and sustainable use of water for agriculture 43 2.4 A4: Support to Farmers for farm-level investment through DBT mode 55 3. Component B: Post-harvest Management and Value Chain Promotion 65 3.1 B.1. Promoting Farmer Producer Companies 69 3.2 B2. Strengthening Emerging Value Chains for Climate Resilient Commodities 74 3.3. B.3. Improving the performance of the Seed Supply Chain 77 4.Component C: Institutional Development, Knowledge and Policies for a Climate-resilient Agriculture 81 4.1 Capacity Enhancement & Need Assessment (CENA) 81 4.2 Capacity Enhancement of Project Stakeholders 81 4.3 Strategic Partnerships 89 4.5 Safeguards 96 4.6 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 102 4.7 Geographic Information System (GIS) 105 4.8 Agro-met Advisory Services: 109 5. Component D: Project Management Support 111 5.1 D.1 Project Management and Support 111 5.2 D-2 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) 111 5.3 D.3 Information, Education & Communication (IEC): 117 5.4 Procurement Status 121 5.5 Financial Management 125 Annexures 1. Village Profile Sample (Gram Krushi Sanjeevani Vikas Darshika) 131

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 List of Tables TABLE 1: STATUS OF VCRMC FORMED AT GRAM PANCHAYAT LEVEL ...... 16 TABLE 2: CROP WISE FFS PLOTS IN 2020-21 ...... 19 TABLE 3: PARTICIPATION OF HOST AND GUEST FARMERS IN FFS (KHARIP & RABI) ...... 22 TABLE 4: CROP WISE AVERAGE YIELD FFS PLOTS VS CONTROL PLOTS ...... 24 TABLE 5: STATUS OF AGROFORESTRY AND HORTICULTURE PLANTATION ...... 29 TABLE 6:INDIVIDUAL BENEFICIARIES OF FARM PONDS, SPRINKLERS, AND WATER PUMPS (KHARPAN VILLAGES) ...... 32 TABLE 7: NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES AND DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT FOR PROTECTIVE CULTIVATION ...... 33 TABLE 8: STATUS OF BENEFICIARIES AND DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT FOR INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM ...... 37 TABLE 9: IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH USE OF ORGANIC INPUTS AND VERMICOMPOST PROMOTED...... 42 TABLE 10: PROGRESS OF SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION WORKS COMPLETED ...... 45 TABLE 11: ACTIVITY WISE STATUS OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION WORKS ...... 46 TABLE 12: CONSTRUCTION OF NEW WATER HARVESTING STRUCTURES ...... 47 TABLE 13: NUMBER OF WELLS CONSTRUCTED AND RECHARGED ...... 51 TABLE 14: PROGRESS OF DRIP AND SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS...... 52 TABLE 15: PROGRESS OF ACTIVITIES UNDER PROTECTIVE IRRIGATION SUPPORTED ...... 55 TABLE 16: DISTRICT-WISE IMPLEMENTATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES ( AS OF 31ST MARCH 2021)...... 57 TABLE 17: DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND BENEFITS ( AS OF 31ST MARCH 2021) ...... 58 TABLE 18: AVERAGE DISBURSEMENT PERIOD IN DAYS (FROM PAYMENT OF REQUEST BY FARMERS) ...... 63 TABLE 19: PARAMETERS USED AND MAXIMUM SCORE ...... 66 TABLE 20: NUMBER OF CUSTOM HIRING CENTRES (CHCS) ESTABLISHED ...... 70 TABLE 21: NUMBER OF BUSINESS PROPOSALS OF FPOS DISBURSED ...... 74 TABLE 22: BUSINESS ACTIVITY OF DISBURSED PROPOSALS OF FPOS...... 75 TABLE 23: SEED PRODUCTION OF CLIMATE RESILIENCE VARIETIES IN KHARIP SEASON (2018 TO 2020) ...... 77 TABLE 24: SEED PRODUCTION OF CLIMATE RESILIENCE VARIETIES IN RABI SEASON (2018-20) ...... 78 TABLE 25: SEED PRODUCTION IN 2020 AND ITS SUFFICIENCY ...... 78 TABLE 26: CAPACITY BUILDING EVENTS DURING THE PERIOD 1 APRIL 2020 TO 31 MARCH 2021 ...... 83 TABLE 27: STATUS OF TRAINING OF VCRMC MEMBERS AND KRUSHI TAI’S ...... 84 TABLE 28: EXPOSURE VISITS CONDUCTED AND PARTICIPANTS ...... 87 TABLE 29: STATUS OF ATTENDEES DURING WEBINARS ...... 89 TABLE 30: STATUS OF STAFF POSITION (MARCH 2021) ...... 111 TABLE 31: LIST OF CONTRACTS AWARDED (UP TO MARCH 2021) ...... 122 TABLE 32: NUMBER OF CONTRACTS AT DISTRICT LEVEL – APRIL 1, 2020 - MARCH 31, 2021 (INR LAKH) ...... 124 TABLE 33: COMPONENT WISE PROJECT EXPENDITURE (AS OF 31ST MARCH 2021)...... 125 TABLE 34: PROVISION OF BUDGET (AMT IN INR CR.) ...... 125 TABLE 35: BUDGET RELEASED TO PMU DDO AND 15 DISTRICTS DURING FY 2020-21 ...... 126 TABLE 36: DETAILS OF FUND GIVEN TO VCRMCS TILL 31ST MARCH 2021...... 127 TABLE 37: STATUS OF THE IUFRS AND CLAIMS SUBMITTED TILL 31ST MARCH 2021 ...... 128 TABLE 38: THE COMPONENT &SUB COMPONENT-WISE EXPENDITURE OF THE PROJECT ...... 129 TABLE 39: FM STAFF POSITION AT PMU LEVEL ...... 130 TABLE 40: FM STAFF POSITION AT DPIU LEVEL ...... 130

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 List of Figures FIGURE 1 :PROJECT COMPONENTS AND SUB-COMPONENTS ...... 9 FIGURE 2: STRATEGIC OVERVIEW, THEMATIC LINKAGES, AND EXPECTED ACHIEVEMENTS ...... 10 FIGURE 3: PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION VILLAGES ...... 10 FIGURE 4: MICRO PLANNING PROCESS AND STATUS OF MLP ...... 14 FIGURE 5: PHOTOGRAPHS – MICRO-PLANNING ...... 15 FIGURE 6: PARTICIPATION OF KRUSHI TAI ...... 17 FIGURE 7: FFS IMPLEMENTATION STEPS /PROCESS ...... 18 FIGURE 8: DISSEMINATION OF BBF TECHNOLOGY ...... 20 FIGURE 9: TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCED IN FFS ...... 21 FIGURE 10: FARMERS FIELD SCHOOL CONDUCTED – KHARIP & RABI ...... 22 FIGURE 11: DISTRICT WISE WOMEN FFS CONDUCTED (2020-21 ...... 23 FIGURE 12: WOMEN FFS ...... 23 FIGURE 13 :SAGUNA RICE TECHNIQUE...... 27 FIGURE 14: CRA TECHNIQUE ...... 28 FIGURE 15: PROGRESS OF HORTICULTURE PLANTATION & AGRO-FORESTRY ...... 29 FIGURE 16: HORTICULTURE PLANTATION ...... 30 FIGURE 17:: FFS CONDUCTED IN SODIC AND SALINE VILLAGES ...... 32 FIGURE 18: NUMBER OF FARMERS RECEIVED BENEFITS UNDER PROTECTED CULTIVATION ...... 33 FIGURE 19: POLYHOUSE AND SHADE NET BENEFICIARIES ...... 35 FIGURE 20: NUMBER OF FARMERS BENEFITED UNDER INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM ...... 37 FIGURE 21: ACTIVITIES UNDER INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM ...... 38 FIGURE 22: APICULTURE ...... 39 FIGURE 23: SOIL NUTRIENT STATUS (GIS MAPS) ...... 41 FIGURE 24: VERMI- COMPOST AND NADEP UNITS ...... 42 FIGURE 25:ON-FARM PRODUCTION OF BIOFERTILIZERS ...... 43 FIGURE 26: VILLAGE COMMUNITY PORTAL PROCESS FLOW ...... 44 FIGURE 27: SELECT PHOTOGRAPHS OF NRM WORKS ...... 46 FIGURE 28: CONSTRUCTION OF NEW WATER HARVESTING STRUCTURES (FARM PONDS) ...... 48 FIGURE 29: NUMBER OF FARMERS BENEFITED UNDER MICRO-IRRIGATION ACTIVITY ...... 52 FIGURE 30: DRIP AND SPRINKLER IRRIGATIONS ...... 53 FIGURE 31: PROTECTIVE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS (PIPES AND WATER PUMPS) ...... 55 FIGURE 32: DBT PORTAL PROCESS FLOW- INDIVIDUAL FARMER ...... 57 FIGURE 33: SUB-DIVISION WISE NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS ...... 59 FIGURE 34:SUB-DIVISION WISE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ...... 60 FIGURE 35: SUB-DIVISION WISE NO. OF APPLICATIONS PER VILLAGES ...... 60 FIGURE 36: SUB-DIVISION WISE SUBSIDY DISBURSED AMOUNT ...... 61 FIGURE 37: DISTRICT WISE GENDER REPRESENTATION OF DISBURSED APPLICATIONS ...... 61 FIGURE 38: DISTRICT WISE SOCIAL CATEGORY REPRESENTATION OF DISBURSED APPLICATIONS ...... 62 FIGURE 39: FPO-DBT PROCESS FLOW CHART ...... 65 FIGURE 40: FPC EVALUATION REPORT ...... 67 FIGURE 41: SOYBEAN CLUSTERS ...... 68 FIGURE 42: PIGEON PEA CLUSTERS ...... 69 FIGURE 43:NUMBER OF PROPOSALS OF CHCS DISBURSED...... 70 FIGURE 44: FARM EQUIPMENT IN CUSTOM HIRING CENTRE ...... 71 FIGURE 45: CUSTOM HIRING CENTER RUN BY WOMEN SHGS IN BHIDI VILLAGE, WARDHA ...... 73 FIGURE 46: BUSINESS ACTIVITIES OF FPOS ...... 75 FIGURE 47: SEED PRODUCTION ACTIVITY PHOTOS ...... 79 FIGURE 48: TRAINING OF VCRMC AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ...... 85 FIGURE 49: EXPOSURE VISITS ...... 87 FIGURE 50:GLIMPSES OF WEBINARS ...... 89

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 FIGURE 51: THEMATIC MAPS BASED ON SOIL PROFILE ANALYSIS ...... 91 FIGURE 52: DISPLAY OF WATER BALANCE CHARTS IN THE VILLAGES AND VALIDATION OF RUNOFF AND WATER BALANCE ...... 95 FIGURE 53: INTERACTIONS WITH TRIBAL PEOPLE DURING PREPARATION TRIBAL PLANS ...... 99 FIGURE 54: APPLICATIONS AND PORTAL DEVELOPED UNDER THE PROJECT ...... 104 FIGURE 55: GIS DASHBOARD ...... 106 FIGURE 56: KHARIP SEASON 2020 ( SATSURE) ...... 107 FIGURE 57:: DISTRICT WISE WEEKLY WEATHER FORECASTS...... 109 FIGURE 58:: ONLINE EVENTS FOR NEW INITIATIVES ...... 118 FIGURE 59:USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ...... 119 FIGURE 60:LIVE STREAMING SILAGE WORKSHOP ...... 121

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Abbreviations AESA Agro-ecological Situation Analysis BBF Broad Bed Furrow CAAA Controller Aid Accounts & Audit CCT Continuous Contour Trench CENA Capacity Enhancement & Need Assessment CHC Custom Hiring Centre CRA Climate-Resilient Agriculture CRT Climate Resilient Technology CRIDA Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture DBT Direct Benefit Transfer DPA Drought Prone Area DPR Detailed Project Report FFS Farmer Field Schools FPC Farmers Producer Company FPOs Farmers Producer Organizations GSDA Groundwater Survey and Development Agency GoM Government of Maharashtra ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research IITB Indian Institute of Technology Bombay INM Integrated Nutrient Management IPM Integrated Pest Management IUFR Interim Unaudited Financial Report KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra NBSSLUP National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning NICRA National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture PDO Project Development Objective PoCRA Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture SAU State Agriculture University SC Scheduled Caste SHC Soil Health Card SHG Self Help Groups SOC Soil Organic Carbon SRT Saguna Rice Technique ST Scheduled Tribes VCRMC Village Climate Resilient Agriculture Management Committee

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Executive summary The Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA) has been initiated by the Government of Maharashtra (GoM) in Partnership with the World Bank. The date of the effectiveness of the project is 18th May 2018. The project is expected to contribute to increasing climate resilience in the agriculture sector in selected districts of Maharashtra by enhancing the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers, developing the absorptive capacity of stakeholders in the selected value chains, and enhancing the transformative capacity of institutions and stakeholders. This report presents the current implementation status of the project as of 31st March 2021.

The project has four components, namely- Component A: Promoting Climate Resilient Agriculture Systems; Component B: Post-harvest management and value chain promotion; Component C: Institutional Development, Knowledge and policies for a Climate-resilient Agriculture D: Project Management.

The total cost of the project is INR 4,000 crores out of which the share of the Government of Maharashtra is INR 1,200 Crore (30%) and that of the World Bank is INR 2,800 crore (70 %).

Project Highlights/Achievements

Component A: Promoting Climate Resilient Agriculture Systems

Component A has three sub-components, viz. Participatory development of Mini Watershed plans, Climate Smart Agriculture and resilient farming systems, and Promotion and Sustainable use of water for agriculture.

A1. Participatory development of mini-watershed plans

The participatory micro-planning process is a key feature of this project. As of 31st Match 2021, micro-planning has been completed in 3835 villages. VCRMCs have been constituted in 3830 out of 3919 GPs. Krushi Tais (Female Mobilizers) have been designated to reach out to vulnerable farmers, especially female farmers. As of 31st March 2021, 1738 Tai’s were in place.

A.2 Climate-smart agriculture and resilient farming systems The project has implemented a farmer field school (FFS) approach to transfer climate-resilient technology. In 2020-21, a total of 11556 Farmer Field Schools were conducted, out of which 7534 were conducted in Kharip and 4022 in Rabi. The number of host farmers participated in FFS, out of which 10.73 % (1240) were female. The participation of female host farmers has been increase

from 4.66 % in 2018-19 to 10.73 % in 2020-21. There were a total of 7534 host farmers and 1,64,435 guest farmers in Kharip (2020-21).

The guest farmers who attended FFS in the season of 2020-21 is 2,29,193, of which 15.52% were female farmers. The female guest farmers’ participation has increased from 2.95% in 2018-19 to 15.52 percent in 2020-21. The project has taken a conscious effort to increase women participation in FFS and other project activities.

There were a total of 4022 host farmers and 76,310 guest farmers in Rabi (2020-21). The FFS helped to enhance the adoption of climate-resilient technologies among the farmers. Also, a total of 677 women FFS were conducted in 2020-21. The participation and attendance of women farmers in FFS were significant.

The average percentage change in yield in the FFS plot versus control plot in Kharip and Rabi during 2020-21 was 30 % for Green Gram, followed by Turmeric (22%), Bajra (21%), and Black Gram (18%) in the Kharip season. The yield of Rabi crops also increased i.e. Gram (12%) and Rabi Jowar (14%).

Carbon sequestration Carbon sequestration is a key objective of the project for which support is provided to agroforestry and horticulture plantation. As of March 2021, a total of 10,451 farmers have benefited from a matching grant of INR 4905.9 lakh. 5937 Farmers benefited from the plantation of Citrus, followed by Guava (1977) and Custard apple (1480). The area under horticulture plantation as of 31st March 2021 is reported to be more than 7000 ha (provisional).

Improvement of saline and sodic lands

2099 Farmer Field Schools were conducted in Kharpan villages (villages having saline and sodic soils) in 2020-21 to demonstrate and disseminate appropriate climate-resilient technologies. The project is supporting the farmers to enhance water use efficiency through micro-irrigation systems, water pumps for application of water for protective irrigation, and farm ponds for increased water availability in the saline and sodic soil affected villages. As of March 2021, 3781 farmers benefited from a matching grant of INR 3731.8 lakh. The major activities in these interventions were Farm Pond (20), Sprinkler Irrigation (3164), Water Pumps (519), water pumps including sprinkler (33), and diesel engine (45).

Protected Cultivation

The project supports protected cultivation under polyhouses, polytunnels, and shadenets using the planting material. 1237 farmers have benefited from a matching grant worth INR 11,297 lakhs under this initiative. 85 Farmers benefited from planting material for flowers and vegetable production, 32 Farmers from polyhouse (climate control or open vent). 1120 farmers received assistance for shade-net and poly houses.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Integrated farming system

Under the integrated farming system, activities such as rearing small ruminants, backyard poultry, fishery, sericulture, and apiculture have been promoted. 6081 families have benefited from these activities with a matching grant of INR 2400 lakh. The number of farmers who took up rearing of Small ruminants is 5130. Other activities are apiculture (18), Inland Fisheries (392), and Sericulture (526).

Soil Health Improvement

The use of organic inputs during production such as organic pesticides, fertilizers, and other non- chemical inputs can revive soil health. Towards this end, the project has introduced an organic input production unit and vermicompost unit. As of March 2021, 102 farmers benefited from a matching grant of INR 6.89 lakh., out of which 92 started Vermi Compost and NADEP units.

A3. Promoting efficient and sustainable use of water for agriculture

Under the third sub-component of promoting efficient and sustainable use of water for agriculture, the focus is on interventions that are aimed at achieving on-farm water security by maximizing the use of surface water for agriculture, sustainably managing groundwater resources, retaining and enhancing soil moisture and enhancing water use efficiency and water productivity. To achieve these objectives, this component encompasses activities for in-situ water conservation, catchment area treatment, drainage treatment, construction of new water harvesting structures, rejuvenation of existing water harvesting structures, recharging groundwater, micro-irrigation systems, and protective irrigation. 555 soil and water conservation works were completed costing INR 1113 lakhs as of 31st March 2021. 19597 ha catchment area has been treated through Compartment Bunding, Graded Bund, Continuous Contour Trenches (CCT), and Deep CCT.

Construction of new water harvesting structures

The project is making conscious efforts to enhance surface water storage by promoting climate- resilient structures such as Farm ponds and Open dug wells. The farmers in the project villages were supported to construct the individual and community farm ponds. As of 31st March 2021, the project has constructed 2556 community farm ponds, 899 individual farm ponds, and 1489 farm pond linings. The additional water storage capacity created from farm ponds is 15233 m3. 83 new dug wells were constructed and 59 wells recharged during the reporting period.

Micro Irrigation

To use the available water judiciously, the project is promoting the adoption of Micro-irrigation systems for all crops with the objectives to save water, to fulfil crop water requirements optimally, to bring more area under protective irrigation, and to increase the yield. This intervention is helping the farmers in achieving more crop per drop. As of March 2021, 38881 farmers have installed drip irrigation systems and 54581 farmers have installed sprinkler irrigation systems. The area covered under micro-irrigation is 1,03,061 ha.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Protective Irrigation

PoCRA also supports farmers to procure protective irrigation systems which would help to increase their access to irrigation especially during dry spells in the monsoon, leading to saving the crop at critical growth stages. A total of 54564 beneficiaries have benefitted by procuring protective irrigation systems procured with project support.

Response of farmers to farm-level investments through the DBT mode PoCRA supports farmers to adopt climate-resilient technologies, practices, and livelihood systems by ensuring that farmers can make the necessary investment in their farms. The project provides matching grants to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. For this, the project has developed a portal and mobile application to facilitate easy registration and application by the farmers and seamless, end-to-end automation of the benefit transaction process. The portal has been live since February 2019. Till 31st March 2021, INR 757.96 Cr. has been successfully transferred to the bank accounts of 1,39,552 farmers as a matching grant.

Component B: Post Harvest Management & Value Chain Promotion

The objective of Component B is to support the participation of smallholders in the Farmers Producer Organization and integration of these FPOs in the value chains of major crops and to strengthen the supply chain for the climate-resilient crop varieties in the project area.

Under this component, 1442 existing Farmer Producer Companies have been assessed. As of 31st March 2021, 138 FPOs have been given matching grants of INR 1483.79 lakhs for implementing their business proposals.

B.1 Promoting Farmer Producer Companies Establishment of Custom Hiring Centers As of March 2021, 192 business proposals of FPCs and SHGs have been given pre-sanctions to establish Custom Hiring Centers (CHC). 117 FPOs have been given matching grants after completing the work of Custom Hiring Centers (CHC). The total value of the disbursed amount for CHCs is INR 1050.53 lakh.

B2. Strengthening Emerging Value Chains for Climate Resilient Commodities

The project has given matching grants to 22 business plans of FPOs till March 2021 and amounts of matching grants disbursed INR 443.22 lakhs till March 2021. The project has given financial support to activities such as godowns, vegetables, pulses and grain processing units, silage making units, neem extraction units etc.

B.3. Improving the performance of the Seed Supply Chain

The project is promoting the creation of a supply chain of seeds with climate resilience features like short duration, drought-resistant, and salinity-tolerant. The project is leveraging the network of seed grower farmers connected with Maharashtra State Seed Corporation (Mahabeej) and FPCs for the production of foundation and certified seeds with such characteristics. The project plans

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 to develop a seed hub in project clusters covering a range of operations, including seed production, seed processing, storage, and certification.

The total number of farmers who participated in this activity is 12689. 87538 quintal of climate- resilient variety seeds were produced, sufficient to cultivate more than 1,80,000 ha. area.

Component C: Institution Development, Knowledge & Policies

Under this component, the project aims to build the capacities of the stakeholders to promote and pursue climate-resilient agriculture practices, fill up the knowledge gap with the help of strategic partners, and take up action research activities. Based on the Capacity Enhancement & Need Assessment (CENA) study conducted, different training programs were organized during the period. These include training and capacity building of VCRMC members through classroom training, workshops, and exposure visits.

From 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 a total of 23133 events were organized. 270438 beneficiaries participated in these capacity-building events organized at various levels. The male participation was 75.10% and female participation was 24.73%. 49790 VCRMC members and 1738 Krishi Tai’s participated in the training programs specifically designed for them. 68 exposure visits were organized with 674 members participating, out of which 84.87% were male and 15.13% were female.

Strategic Partnerships The project signed MoUs with reputed state and national level institutions including IIT Mumbai, and SAUs. These strategic partnerships have been found to be effective for collaborative, evidence-based work to provide the analytical underpinnings in support of the design of policies on climate-resilient agriculture. Start-ups like SatSure and Wadhawani AI were engaged by the project on a pilot basis to deliver technological solutions for crop monitoring.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) The project has deployed innovative ICT-based solutions for planning, implementing, and monitoring project activities. The project has established a Digital Innovation Lab for this purpose.

Agro met Advisory Services

The district-wise weekly weather forecast is made available on the project website. The weather forecasts and advisories are being disseminated through various channels including WhatsApp.

Component D: Project Management

A Project Management Unit (PMU) has been established in Mumbai. The project is being implemented through the district, sub-division, and cluster-level field functionaries. The project has appointed consulting firms for the Marathwada region and the rest of the project area to conduct the M&E activities for PoCRA. The project is using social media tools including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to enhance its reach.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Covid-19 Pandemic and the Project

During the financial year 2020-21, the Covid-19 pandemic has posed many challenges before the farming community right from availing the timely inputs, managing crops and marketing of the produce. The farmers in the project villages too were stressed due to the unexpected crisis. The project took various measures to support the farmers to cope with the situation. a. Farmer engagement The lockdown conditions put restrictions on the movement of project officials affecting extension activities through face to face interactions with the farmers in the villages. Considering the constraints, the project used alternative approaches including virtual engagements which got encouraging response from the farmers and the project officials. The social media platforms and communication platforms were used for effective communication with the farmers. Innovative use of platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Youtube proved to be the very effective mode of engagement with all types of project stakeholders. The village- level officials identified the strength of mobile technology and educated the farmers to use it for participating in live online programmes. During the year, 270438 farmers and project officials participated in the webinars and training programmes which were aimed to disseminate important messages about project benefits and climate-resilient technologies. b. Engaging the Institutions Apart from the individual farmers, village-level institutions viz. VCRMCs and farmer collectives in the form of Farmer Producer Companies (FPC) and women farmers’ Self Help Groups (SHG) are important stakeholders in the project. The members of more than 3800 VCRMCs including Krishitais, 1000 FPCs and more than 10000 SHGs were engaged through virtual mode during the year. The project ensured that there will not be a disconnect with the stakeholders for whom the project is being implemented. Besides, there was a conscious effort to receive and respond to the feedback or queries of the participants as promptly as possible. c. Most assets verified During the year, the project officials toured rigorously to provide assistance and support to the farmers. The verification of the farmers’ sites prior to and post completion of the work was going on continuously to ensure speedy disposal of the farmers’ requests for benefit disbursal. The project officials verified more than 1,30,000 assets during the year and followed Covid appropriate behaviour during such visits. d. Highest disbursement of monetary benefit The pandemic year proved to be the highest disbursement year since the beginning of the project in 2018-19. In spite of the financial strain on state exchequer, the state government released funds in excess to the original outlay. The project disbursed INR 664.77 Cr during the year which is 262% higher than the previous year. The project disbursed INR 553.38 Cr in the accounts of 103790 farmers as support to individual investments. These investments helped the farmers and the communities during the pandemic year. e. Farmers’ efforts to attain water and economic security While bracing the challenges posed by the pandemic, the farming community adopted technological interventions available under the project to cope with situation. Majority of the farmers who saught project support opted for interventions leading to secure water for agriculture followed by plantation of lucrative horticulture crops. The project helped them explore new avenues of income generation like sericulture and fishery. While making efforts to reduce the adverse impact of pandemic, project is continuously educating the farmers and farm labour to adopt Covid related safety measures during farm operations.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Context and Background

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 1. Context and Background The agriculture sector of Maharashtra is the largest provider of employment to the rural people of the State. The growth of the sector is critical in the state as more than 50 percent of the population is directly dependent on farm income. The farmers in Maharashtra have been facing irregular & inadequate rainfall, temperature variation, soil salinity, low fertility leading to low yield and crop loss. The state needs a major transformation in the agriculture sector to ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers. The transformation needs to include the adoption of climate-smart technologies and enhance the profitability of smallholder farming systems.

The project on climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA) is an iniative undertaken by the Government of Maharashtra (GoM) in partnership with The World Bank to promote climate-resilient agriculture systems in the state. The project is being implemented in 5142 villages of 15 districts of the state.

PoCRA is a first of its kind climate-resilient project undertaken in the agriculture sector, which is expected to Enhanced water security at the farm level through promoting the adoption of modern technologies by farmers which could enhance the efficient usage of water for agriculture, increase the water storage capacity and improve the water distribution mechanism to increase the availability of water on the farm, Improved soil health through the adoption of good agriculture practices including nutrient management, and Increased farm productivity and crop diversification through promoting the adoption of climate-resilient seed varieties and market-oriented crop which would enhance the income of the farmers and provide security against climatic risks associated with agriculture.

The project development objective (PDO) of PoCRA is ‘to enhance climate resilience and profitability of smallholder farming systems in selected districts in Maharashtra’. This is envisaged to be achieved by promoting climate-resilient agriculture systems, post-harvest management, value chain promotion, and institutional development. The project has four components, namely- Component A: Promoting Climate Resilient Agriculture Systems; Component B: Post-harvest management and value chain promotion; Component C: Institutional Development, Knowledge and policies for a Climate-resilient Agriculture; and Component D: Project Management. The total cost of the project is INR 4,000 crores out of which the share of the Government of Maharashtra is INR 1,200 Crore (30%) and that of the World Bank is INR 2,800 crore (70 %).

The major components of the project are as follows: 1 Component A: Promoting climate-resilient agricultural systems: The key objective of the component is to enhance the climate resilience in agricultural production systems through a series of activities at the farm level. To achieve the objective, the component is focussing on the transfer of technology and climate-resilient agriculture practices at the farm level through FFS. The aim is to improve water utilization for agriculture and promote the adoption of micro irrigation systems in the region. In addition, the component is also focusing on improving soil fertility and micronutrient management at the farm level.

2 Component B: Climate-smart Post-Harvest Management and Value Chain Promotion: This component of the project is designed to increase farmer’s participation in selected value chains and promote practices and technologies in post-harvest management and value addition that supports climate change adaptation or climate risk mitigation. One of the focuses of the component is to provide support to the already functioning FPC’s in the project area and developing these companies into entrepreneurial, market-oriented, financially sustainable

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 companies with the capacity to perform selected value-adding activities and deliver a range of services along the value chain. Another focus of the component is to strengthen emerging value chains of climate-resilient commodities. The component is also focused on developing an efficient supply chain for climate-resilient seeds along with developing linkages of FPC’s with State Agriculture Universities & research Centers for seed distribution and multiplication.

3 Component C: Institutional Development, Knowledge, and Policies for Climate-Resilient Agriculture: The major objective of this component is to promote climate resilience through extensive capacity development of the smallholder farmers as well as project functionaries. This component is supporting the development and implementation of the capacity building program for different stakeholders and promotes knowledge and learning exchanges on climate resilience among different stakeholders.

4 Component D: Project Management, this component of the project is about the effective management and implementation of the project and develop a comprehensive project governance system.

Figure 1 :Project Components and Sub-Components

The strategic overview, thematic linkages, and expected achievements of the project are highlighted in the below schematic.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 2: Strategic overview, thematic linkages, and expected achievements

Figure 3: Project Implementation Villages

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 1.2 Vulnerability Assessment and selection of Project Villages Identification of villages for the project was done based on their climate vulnerability. The climate vulnerability of the villages was assessed based on the approaches taken by Central Dryland Research Institute (ICAR-CRIDA) under National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project and Maharashtra State Adaptation Action Plan for Climate Change (MSAAPCC). The key assessment indicators in this methodology include Climate Exposure with 25% weightage, Climate Sensitivity with 40% weightage, and the remaining 35% weightage to Adaptive Capacity. Sub-indicators under climate sensitivity include frequency of occurrence of drought (12% weightage), groundwater prospects (12% weightage), percentage of small and marginal holder farmers to the total farmers (8%). Similarly, the adaptive capacity sub-indicators include village livestock index (8% weightage), farmers’ suicides (9% weightage), and % of the population having income below INR 5000 (7% weightage) amongst others. The Climate Exposure component has 13 parameters. The assessment indicators viz, Climate Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive Capacity were applied to the mini-watershed in the project districts, and the most vulnerable mini-watersheds in each project Taluka were selected for implementation. These mini-watersheds are termed as ‘Village Clusters’. The above figure 3 highlights the project Implementation Villages.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Component A:

Promoting Climate Resilient

Agricultural Systems

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 2. Component A: Promoting Climate Resilient Agricultural Systems

Objective: The objective of this component is to strengthen the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to adjust and modify their production system to moderate potential future impacts from climate events. This component focuses on: (i) scaling up the adoption by farmers of climate-resilient technologies, and (ii) drainage line and catchment area treatment for water security. This component includes the demonstration of agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices through Farm Field Schools (FFS), improving soil health, enhancing water availability through drainage line and catchment area treatment, enhancing water use efficiency through and micro-irrigation systems. These interventions are aimed to sustain crop productivity under different climate variabilities. The progress of project activities under this component is provided below. 2.1 A1: Participatory Development of Mini Watershed Plans The participatory micro-planning process is a key feature of this project. This activity supports the village community both to understand the risk and vulnerability due to climate change and to plan an adoption strategy at the local level. A project cluster is a group of villages aligned to the hydrological boundaries (Mini watershed). Micro-level watershed planning is a Gram Panchayat- level project planning exercise is carried out with the involvement of the community and institutions. The participatory planning exercise helps in mapping resources, identifying constraints, issues, and possible activities for intervention. Micro planning involves local government functionaries, the inclusion of people’s representatives of local self-government. It is considered as planning based on identified local requirements and gaps. A participatory-led approach at the micro level also ensures the inclusion of marginalized communities. The approach followed under the project identified inter-linkages and synergies amongst the different components related to the agriculture systems. Project Planning is carried out at the village level and Cluster plans are prepared for each selected cluster to provide a roadmap for the implementation of project activities and investment priorities in the field. The project has procured the services of three micro-planning agencies to mobilize the village communities and prepare the village and cluster development plans for Phase I villages. Micro planning has been completed in 3885 villages. The micro-planning process in phase-II &III villages is in progress and the following process is followed to prepare village development plans and cluster development plans.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 4: Micro Planning process and status of MLP

Status of Micro-Planning ● Project Villages :5142 ● Micro-planning completed : 3885 ● Micro-planning in progress : 1257 The long-term sustainability of the interventions is being ensured through the participation and involvement of the community institutions in the planning process. This is achieved through the formation of a village-level institution at each Gram Panchayat and named as Village Climate- Resilient Agriculture Management Committee (VCRMC). Water Balance for Climate Resilient Agriculture The project focuses on increasing the use of surface water (relative to groundwater), increasing rainfall harvesting capacity, more efficient use of soil moisture, higher productivity of water for agriculture, and the recharge of groundwater aquifers. The project has emerged as a frontrunner in promoting an apps-based water balance framework for crop planning The village development plans are prepared to tap the excess runoff available in any year. Excess runoff is calculated based on the village water balance which takes into account the factors like soil type, land use, cropping pattern, existing water harvesting structures, human and animal population, groundwater recharge, and rainfall pattern. The Water Balance Framework and mobile application are developed by the project with technical assistance from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IITB). The village water balance is explained to VCRMCs through a chart displayed in the village and based on the water balance VCRMC is enabled to decide cropping pattern and quantum of water conservation structures.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 5: Photographs – Micro-Planning

Mashal Pheri Group Discussion

Day 1 Activity Shivar Pheri

Well Observation Women meeting

VCRMC meeting MLP Application

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 2.1.2 Village Climate Resilient Agriculture Management Committee (VCRMC) The project has a three-tier implementation structure at the district, sub-division, and village level. VCRMC is responsible for the planning implementation and monitoring of the project activities at the village/Gram panchayat level. This statutory committee is formed under the provisions of Section 49 of the Maharashtra Gram Panchayat Act, 1959. This committee acts as a development committee of the Gram Panchayat. The VCRMC has 13 members. There are 4 officials to support the committee. Two-third of the members of the committee are small landholders, and one-third are members of the Gram Panchayat. At least half of the committee members are women. Table 1: Status of VCRMC Formed at Gram Panchayat Level District Villages Gram Panchayats VCRMC Formed Akola 498 310 309 Amaravati 532 294 294 Aurangabad 406 300 299 Beed 391 320 319 Buldhana 441 331 323 Hingoli 240 196 194 Jalgaon 460 360 346 Jalna 363 310 299 Latur 282 247 244 Nanded 384 346 327 Osmanabad 287 258 254 Parbhani 275 245 241 Wardha 125 65 65 Washim 149 117 109 Yavatmal 309 220 207 Total 5142 3919 3830

A.1.2b Mobilization of farmers through Female Farmer Friend (Krushi Tai) The objective of the mobilization process is to encourage and enable the participation of the key stakeholders to fulfill the project objectives. The mobilization and technical support will help the farming community to enhance adaptation, build resilience, increase environmental awareness, and adopt the latest technologies for improving productive potential and profitability in the farming system without deteriorating the prevailing ecosystem. At the village level, Krushi Tai (Women Farmer’s Friend) acts as an interface between project officials and the village community and helps in mobilization efforts. They work in close coordination with the project’s district mobilization official and cluster assistant and provide an interface between Project, Agriculture Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gram Panchayat, and marginal and small landowners. Krushi Tai is also responsible for ensuring the participation of women farmers in project activities and their representation in various meetings. The project builds the capacities of Krushi Tais through exposure visits and training.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 6: Participation of Krushi Tai

A total of 3563 Krishi Tai were nominated by VCRMCs. Due to Grampanchayat elections the term of VCRMCs got over along with the Krishi Tais. Process of nomination of Krishitais in newly formed Grampanchayats is going on. A total of 1738 Krishi Tais were identified and designated till 31st March 2021. The project has developed a brochure and poster to generate awareness about the roles and responsibilities of Krishi Tai at the village level. 2.2 A2: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Resilient Farming Systems The key objective of this component is to maximize crop productivity by promoting the transfer of climate-smart agricultural technologies at the farm level. This component is focused on the transfer of climate-resilient technologies, the demonstration of carbon sequestration through various carbon enhancement measures, and soil water conservation measures. A2.1- Demonstration of Climate-Resilient Agronomic (CRA) Practices ‘School without Classroom’: Farmers Field School for technology dissemination The project has implemented a farmer field school (FFS) approach to transfer climate-resilient technology to the farmers. Farmer Field Schools are operationalized at the village level. These are conducted up in the field of outstanding or achiever farmers, called as ‘Host Farmers’. Farmer Field Schools provide the vital link between the progressive/achiever farmers and others in a village. The list of Host and Guest farmers having potential for organizing farm schools in the village for conducting FFS for various crops has been identified with help of Cluster Assistant, Agriculture Assistant, and Women Farmer Friend and approved by VCRMC. The plan of FFS for each season has been approved by DPIU.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

In addition to technical support through Farmer Field Schools, the knowledge and skill of selected farmers have also upgraded through training at district/ state level and exposure visits, etc. Also, the FFS Farmers have the responsibility of providing extension support to neighbouring farmers growing the same crops. FFS demonstrations are focused on Integrated Crop Management including field preparation, climate-resilient seed, seed treatment, IPM, INM, mechanization, protective irrigation, harvesting management, etc.

FFS has provided season-long technical backstopping/ training to target farmers by having an interactive session once at least during each of the critical stages in a cropping season. While selecting the trainee farmers, appropriate representation has given to small and marginal farmers. Preference has been given to members of farmers groups, VCRMC members, FPOs members, etc. The knowledge and skills of trainers were upgraded continuously through training. The partner agencies (SAU-KVK) and ATMA is involved in this process to provide a comprehensive model in clusters through the life-cycle of the project. The FFS approach is also followed for saline and sodic soil affected clusters. The FFS implementation Steps /process is presented below fig.7.

Figure 7: FFS implementation Steps /process

The drought and salinity tolerant crop varieties of Cotton, Pigeon pea, chickpea, soybean, and sorghum are being promoted through FFS to enhance farm productivity. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) related practices are also being promoted through FFS. The details of Crops, cropping systems, and technologies demonstrated through FFS activity are provided below.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 2: Crop wise FFS Plots in 2020-21 Kharip Season Crops Cropping Pattern FFS Plot Soybean+Pigeon pea (Tur) 3240 Cotton+Green gram (Mung) 1883 Cotton+ 869 Cotton+Black gram (Udid) 507 Cotton+Pigeon pea (Tur) 236 Soybean + 160 Pigeon pea (Tur)+Green gram (Mung) 147 Bajra+Pigeon pea (Tur) 138 Pigeon pea (Tur)+Black gram (Udid) 96 Turmeric+ 91 Kharip Maize+ 34 Kharip Maize+Green gram (Mung) 32 Kharip Maize+Pigeon pea (Tur) 32 Soybean+Black gram (Udid) 18 Soybean+Green gram (Mung) 12 Cotton+Ground Nut 7 Other Crops including vegetable, fodder etc. 32 Total Plots 7534 Rabi Season Crops Cropping Pattern FFS Plot Gram 3547 Rabi jowar 417 Safflower 47 Wheat 11 Total Plots 4022

The following technologies were demonstrated in the Farmers Field Schools. Broad Bed Furrow Technology Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) method of sowing is the most suitable technology for rainfed agriculture developed by CRIDA and Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) Akola and recommended for the state. Project is making conscious efforts to disseminate BBF technology to the farmers in all project villages through FFS and farmers’ training programmes. The Custom Hiring Centres (CHC) operated by FPOs possess the BBF implements which are given to the farmers on hiring basis during sowing period. FPOs and individual farmers are supported through the project for purchase of BBF machines and for adoption of BBF technology.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 8: Dissemination of BBF technology

1.BBF Technology is demonstrated under FFS 2. BBF is useful both under moisture stress and excess rain conditions. 3. Visit to BBF plot in Latur district by Project Director and other officials

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 9: Technologies introduced in FFS

Demonstration on use of Protection kit while spraying Seed Germination test

Seed treatment Inter cropping

Saline and Sodic land treatment SRT technique

Mulching Gram Crop harvesting: yield calculation

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 FFS provides a link between the farmers and technical institutions through an extension worker. The status of Farmers Field School conducted during the last three years in Kharip and Rabi season is shown in the following figure. A total of 11556 Farmer Field Schools were conducted, out of which 7534 were conducted in Kharip 2020 and 4022 in Rabi 2020-21.

Figure 10: Farmers Field School conducted – Kharip & Rabi

Table 3 below shows total number of Host and Guest farmers participated in FFS during 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21. Table 3: Participation of Host and Guest farmers in FFS (Kharip & Rabi) Participants Year Male % to Female % to Total total total

2018-19 2782 95.34 136 4.66 2918

2019-20 8875 91.10 867 8.90 9742 Host farmers 2020-21 10316 89.27 1240 10.73 11556

2018-19 21432 97.05 652 2.95 22084

Guest farmers 2019-20 211815 93.73 14165 6.27 225980

2020-21 193616 84.48 35577 15.52 229193

The participation of female host farmers has increased from 4.66 % in 2018-19 to 10.73 % in 2020- 21 (Table 3). Also, the female guest farmers’ participation has increased 2.95% to 15.52% in the reporting period. The focus of the project to enhance the participation of women in technology adoption is resulting in increased participation of women.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Farmers Field School for Women From Kharip season 2019, the project has started the women farmers field school in the project villages. In the women FFS, the host and guest farmers are all women. This ensures better adoption of climate resilient technologies by women. The district-wise women FFS conducted during 2020- 21 is shown in the figure 11 below. Figure 11: District Wise Women FFS conducted (2020-21

District Wise Women FFS conducted (2020-21) 120 114

100 86 78 80

60 55 52 52 42 41 35 40 27 25 24 22 17 20 7 0

The maximum number of Women FFS was conducted in Amravati (114), followed by Yavatmal (86) and Nanded (78). The participation of women ensures better understanding of the Agro-ecological situation (AESA) prevailing on the farm. Figure 12: Women FFS

Preparation of AESA chart, . Dist. Dhekari Pest Surveillance by Pheromone Traps village , Tal Tuljapur, Osmanabad b. Yield Observations in FFS and Control Plots One of the objectives of technology demonstration through FFS is to increase crop productivity. The crop-wise percent change in the yield of FFS plots and control plots during the Kharip and Rabi season in 2018-19 to 2020-21 is shown in the following table. As the percentage change in yield in FFS plot versus control plots in case 2020-21, the highest percent change is observed in Green Gram (30%), Followed by Turmeric (19%) and Black gram (18%) in the Kharip season. Also, increase

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 in the yield of Rabi crops i.e. Gram (13%) and Rabi Jowar (13%). However, the percent change in the yield compared to control plots is observed lower than the previous year for all the crops except cotton. In case the yield of both FFS and Control plots is higher than the previous year, it is mainly due to good weather conditions. The cotton yield is observed higher (16%) than control plots as well as the previous year. Temporal decrease in yield of crops during Kharip 2020 is attributed to erratic rainfall during maturity. Table 4: Crop wise Average Yield FFS plots Vs Control Plots

*It is observed that in case of cotton, the FFS plot yield is lower than the control plot in 2019-20. This is due to the introduction of PDKV Hybrid with BT (PKV Hy2) which performed poorly as compared to existing BT hybrids.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Farmer Field School-New approach through Startup BharatAgri :

BharatAgri, a start-up in agriculture extension and Value chain development, was given the opportunity to provide the solution to turmeric farmers and show the advantage of a technology- enabled platform in extension mechanism and information dissemination.

Important aspects of this platform:

1. Use of advanced data science – Use of Soil, Water, and Weather parameter for customized planning for individual Host farmer 2. Educating farmers about advanced techniques – Farmers to be educated about advanced techniques of cultivation from seed, chemical selection to post-harvest processes 3. Conducting Farmer Field Schools (FFS) in an efficient manner - Fixed schedule and dynamic FFSs as per changes of weather for farmer’s farm location and urgency indicated by an algorithm for crop and climate 4. Continuous communication and feedback from Host farmers – Host farmers to be communicated continuously for updates activity updates with and without FFS 5. Continuous communication and feedback from Guest farmers –Guest farmers to be communicated continuously for updates activity updates with and without FFS. 6. Traceability technology – Demonstration of traceability of produce for host farmers 7. Better productivity and lesser cost of production for farmers – Demonstration that using technology-enabled platform of BharatAgri, farmers can reduce input cost by at least 15% and also increase productivity by 30-60% in 1st year of adoption 8. Connect with domestic and export buyers – Host farmers are to be connected with buyers for a better price for products than the local market via BharatAgri.

Outcome: 2020-21

● BharatAgri has managed to reach more than 14000+ farmers during a season long FFS by their innovative methods ● BharatAgri is providing access to its helpline number to not just the host farmers but also to the guest farmers where all the doubts asked by the farmers are being solved. Over the course of the last 8 months, they have attended to more than 1500 calls of guest farmers from the 149 PoCRA villages ● BharatAgri has connected the farmers of each PoCRA village with his/her nearest dealer so as the farmers are not required to travel a greater distance to buy fertilizers. ● BharatAgri has distributed pamphlets to the farmers where solutions of all the pests which the farmers usually face are mentioned along with the dosage and the method of application. ● BharatAgri execuves provided informaon about other crops (other than Turmeric) on need basis for the benefit of the farmers attending the FFS who are growing other crops with Turmeric being the primary point of discussion.

● Average Yield from farmers - 29.71 Qt/Acre (Dry Turmeric) 15% higher than the previous year and saving the cost of cultivation by 10 %.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 A2.2. Enhancement in Carbon Sequestration The project promotes Climate-resilient agricultural technologies and agronomic practices which contribute to carbon sequestration, thereby reducing the GHG emissions of the farming systems.

Agroforestry

& Plantation

Carbon Increase in Soil INM Sequestration Organic Carbon

Conservation

Tillage

Making land green by plantation of horticulture and forest plants To improve soil health through carbon sequestration, the project is promoting afforestation and horticulture plantations on a large scale. The afforestation is being promoted both on community and private lands. The locally acclimatized plants are grown beside the promotion of Bamboo which has the potential to sequester carbon and support livelihoods. Horticulture crops of economic importance are preferred by the farmers on their private lands and plantation of such crops like Mango, Guava, Custard apple, citrus (Orange, Sweet lime & Kagzi lime) is supported by the project. The number of farmers opting for guava, custard apple, and mango orchards has increased. The progress of the Agroforestry and horticulture plantation is shown in following fig 15. Enhancing soil fertility The climate-resilient technologies which help in enhancing soil fertility are being promoted through project interventions. The farmers are made aware of the balanced use of fertilizers and increased use of organic inputs to maintain soil fertility and to address the issue of depleting levels of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). Enhanced use of organic inputs and reducing incorporation of chemical inputs in the farming system is one of the good practices which is disseminated to the farmers through FFS. The farmers are supported for the production of organic inputs and biofertilizers on their farm. The details are mentioned in A 2.6. Promoting conservation agriculture The project has identified the potential of regenerative farming under the climate change scenario. Among the conservation agriculture methods suited to regenerative farming, ‘Zero Till’ technology is identified and is being promoted in the project area. The Zero Tillage practices are developed by a studious progressive farmer from Raigad district, Shri Chandrashekhar Bhadsavale who is practising it for over a decade. He has developed a technique for Rice cultivation and named it ‘Saguna Rice Technique’ (SRT). Project officials with some experimental farmers were exposed to this technique through exposure visits, training and videos followed by a demonstration on their

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 farm through FFS. The farmers have experienced a significant reduction in the cost of cultivation. Aurangabad district is emerging as a pioneer in the adoption of Zero Till technology with 31 farmers growing various types of crops like cotton, soybean, maize and marigold without ploughing or harrowing operations. Figure 13 : Saguna Rice Technique

Bed Preparation for SRT Cultivation of cotton on the beds

Harvesting the first crop by cutting at ground Cultivation of Marigold on the beds of an level and planting the next crop without tilling earlier crop

Similarly, the climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) technique to conserve moisture around the root zone of the fruit plants is promoted in project villages. The fruit growers in Aurangabad and Jalna districts are the early adopters of this technology. Fig. 14 shows a significant increase in the vigour of Guava plants with the CRA technique.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 14: CRA technique

CRA method demo CRA method - Plantation

Growth of the plant using the CRA technique Growth using traditional Method

Figure 14 shows CRA technique for moisture conservation around the root zone of Guava plants in Aurangabad

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 15: Progress of Horticulture Plantation & Agro-forestry

Agroforestry and Horticulture Plantation

10451

7008

1919 1030 106 40

Farmers Area (Ha) Farmers Area (Ha) Farmers Area (Ha) As on 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021

Table 5: Status of Agroforestry and Horticulture plantation

As on 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021 Matc Matc Matchi No. Area hing Area hing Area ng of Grant Grant No. of Grant farm (INR No. of (INR farme (INR Horticulture ers (ha) lakh) farmers (ha) lakh) rs (ha.) lakh) Agroforestry - - - 5 2.14 0.15 51 6.6 4.6 Citrus $ 47 20.25 11.58 128 44.41 52.4 5937 2822.7 1975.9 Custard 322.3 25 8.99 5.94 1056 408.08 1480 787.9 551.6 Apple 9 Guava 14 4.45 7.26 285 140.46 96.92 1977 2682.1 1877.5 265.0 6 3.12 2.77 314 384.18 527 329.4 230.6 Mango 9 Pomegranate 14 3.65 3.39 131 51.15 63.43 476 378.4 264.8 1030.4 800.3 7008.5 106 40.44 30.94 1919 10451 4905.9 Total 3 7 # *All figures are cumulative, $ Citrus includes - Orange, Sweet lime & Kagzi lime, # Figures are provisional As of March 2021, a total of 10,451 farmers have benefited from matching grant INR 4905.9 lakh. 5937 Farmers benefited from the plantation of Citrus, followed by Guava (1977) and Custard apple (1480). The area under horticulture plantation as of 31st March 2021 is reported 7008 ha (provisional).

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 16: Horticulture Plantation

Village-Rui, Tal-Georai, Dist- Beed Santosh Hanmant Gore, Village- Apasinga Tal- Tuljapur Success Story: Horticulture Plantation Change in cropping pattern to reduce the drudgery and increasing income opportunities

Smt. Shivshelabai Bhagwat Lokhande is a woman farmer who owns 1 hectare of land in the Jalgaon Majra village of Georai block of Beed District. She has been practising traditional farming of cotton and soybean as major crop and bajara as the second crop. Her income was hardly up to INR 50000 per year from farming.

Smt. Shivshelabai with a team of officials in her horticulture plantation

Assistance through PoCRA: She planted horticulture plants on 1.25 Acres of land in Kharip 2019 with the help of the project. She decided to change the cropping pattern as she came to know about the market potential for guava and other fruit crops in Aurangabad and Beed. The process of registration and application was done by her son, who further took help from CA and AA in the village. At the same time, she also applied for the drip irrigation system to be used in the horticulture plantation. She received pre-sanction for both applications. She purchased 600 saplings of guava from an approved nursery in Jalna and all 600 plants were planted by her in the

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 field. The layout for pit digging was given to skilled labour. The total cost for the horticulture plantations was about INR 60000 and INR 20000 for the drip. She arranged money from a private money lender at the interest rate of 3% per month.

Benefits received: Shivshelabai received a subsidy of INR 68,000, directly deposited in her bank account. After receiving the money from PoCRA, she cleared all the debts of the moneylender. She expects Guava harvest from November 2021 and a likely income of INR 40-50 K in the first cycle. She adds that currently trees are small, and production will gradually increase and thus improve the yield. She is also expecting an income of INR 20-30 K from the remaining piece of land through soybean. She found the process of application and grant receiving easy and transparent. Overall, she is expecting an approximate increase of 50% in her income in the first year itself with PoCRA’s support.

“Process of grant receiving is very simple and it took less than a month to get the grant in my bank account”- said Smt. Shivshelya

Besides the increase in income, she perceives the benefit of reduction in drudgery of family members especially for cotton crops in which a lot of labour work is involved in weeding, spraying, and cotton picking. She believes that the horticulture crop requires less labour and saves water through drip irrigation system.

Shivselya’s dedication and successful plantation of horticulture made her one of few female farmers with horticulture plantations in the area. Many neighbouring farmers are visiting the orchard to know more about the horticulture plantations done by her. She feels proud as other farmers come to her field for exposure visits. This has also increased her social status among the farmers. (Source: concurrent monitoring report- Marathwada Region)

A2.3. Improvement of saline and sodic lands 932 villages of the project having an area of 7500 km2 have sodic and saline soil. These villages lie in the Purna valley of the Vidarbha region in an east-west elongated basin with slight convexity to the south. It covers the districts of Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, and Jalgaon. The key constraints of these villages include salinity and sodicity of soils. However, the presence of salt inflorescence is hardly seen. Shrinking and swelling of the soil are predominant. The soils have high clay content from 50-70%. The soils also have low hydraulic conductivity and thus become susceptible to poor drainage, severe erosion with the formation and enlargement of gullies. Interventions for Improving soil health in the Purna river basin • Assessment of soil health status, particularly Soil Organic Carbon • Promotion of recommended agronomic practices and climate-resilient technologies through FFS • Support to the production of suitable cultivars of Cotton, Soybean, Red Gram, Chickpea, Sorghum and Wheat • Support to farmers for individual farm investment aimed at improvement of saline/sodic soils. • Promotion of integrated farming systems • Promotion of climate-resilient value chains for major commodities in the saline tract.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 a. Status of FFS conducted in Sodic and Saline villages

The progress of the FFS conducted in the Kharip & Rabi season during 2018-19 and 2020-21 in the sodic and saline villages is shown in the following figure 17. A total of 2099 Farmer Field Schools were conducted in Kharpan villages in 2020-21. A total of 38783 Guest farmers participated in FFS during 2020-21. Figure 17:: FFS conducted in Sodic and Saline villages

2099 2099

484

2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

b. Support to individual farmers in the sodic and saline soil affected villages

The project is supporting the farmers to enhance water use efficiency through micro-irrigation systems, water pumps for application of water for protective irrigation, and farm ponds for increased water availability in the saline and sodic soil affected villages. The status of the number of farmers who benefited and the area covered under protected irrigation through these activities is shown in table 6. Table 6:Individual beneficiaries of Farm ponds, Sprinklers, and Water Pumps (Kharpan villages) 30th June 2019 31st -March2020 31st -March2021 Activit Farm Matchin Area Farm Matching Area Farmer Matching Area ies ers g Grant (ha.) ers Grant (ha.) s Grant (ha.) (INR in lakh) (INR in lakh) (INR in lakh) Farm Pond 3 1.5 3 11 6.79 11 20 11.51 20 Sprinkler 223 29.43 275.81 865 139.21 1116.6 3164 541.54 3114. irrigation 8 Water pumps 18 1.75 --- 186 26.04 --- 519 74.15 -- Water pumps 15 1.64 16.55 30 3.71 30 33 4.16 33 & sprinkler Water pumps 2 0.17 --- 13 1.82 --- 45 6.54 -- (Diesel Engine)-5 HP

total 261 34.49 321.32 1105 177.56 1356.6 3781 637.90 3167 *Figures are cumulative As of March 2021, a total of 3781 farmers benefited worth matching grant INR is 3731.8 lakhs, out of which Farm Pond (20), Sprinkler Irrigation (3164), Water Pumps (519), water pumps with

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 sprinkler (33), and diesel engine (45) were the preferred activities. The area covered under protective irrigation was 3731.8 ha.

A2.4 Protected Cultivation This subcomponent intends to demonstrate the benefit of high-value crops under a controlled environment and address the microclimate variability. This includes support to poly houses, polytunnels and shade nets along with the planting material. The advantages of protective cultivation are higher productivity, providing a better environment for crops and protection from high temperature, pests, and diseases. The number of farmers who benefited under protected cultivation is shown in fig. 18. Figure 18: Number of farmers received benefits under protected cultivation

1237

94 5

Up to 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021

*Figures are cumulative Activities wise details of farmers who benefited and financial assistance disbursed under protective cultivation are shown in the following table. Table 7: Number of beneficiaries and disbursement of grant for protective cultivation Activities Up to 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021 Number Matching Number of Matching Number of Matching of Grant (INR farmers Grant farmers Grant farmers lakh) (INR lakh) (INR lakh)

Planting 4 19.97 39 103.61 85 170.19 material Polyhouse 2 14.1 32 428.71 Shade net 1 2.93 53 368.98 1120 10698.67 house Total 5 22.89 94 486.69 1237 11297.56

As of March 2021, a total of 1237 farmers benefited from a matching grant of INR 11,297 lakh. 85 Farmers benefited from planting material for flowers and vegetables production, 32 Farmers benefited from polyhouse (climate control or open vent). Also, 1120 farmers benefited from the shade-net house.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 The PMU has conducted a study on protected cultivation supported under the project. The data regarding crop production, cost of cultivation, employment generation and income were collected from 100 beneficiaries through a questionnaire and analysed to understand the process of precision farming, benefits from environmentally protected crops as compared to traditional methods of cultivation with the help of Google form. Key Findings of the study: 1. The beneficiaries have used wells as sources of irrigation for cultivation under shade net and polyhouses. 2. The shade net/polyhouse were mainly used for the commercial vegetable production purpose followed by seed production and nursery development. 3. Tomato, Capsicum, Chili and Cucumber are the major crops grown under shade net and polyhouse. Also, some of them have used shade net for seed production and nursery purpose. 4. The beneficiaries have arranged initial funds through loans from the bank, family, or friends. 5. The project has provided training for the establishment of a shade net/polyhouse at the National Institute of Post Harvest Management (NIPHT), Talegaon, Pune. Most of the participants found the training to be useful. 6. The training covered various aspects of the protected cultivation including the management of shade net/ polyhouse, selection of crops and varieties, crop production practices, management of pest and diseases (IPM), Integrated Nutrient Management, Post-harvest Management and Marketing of the produce. 7. The beneficiaries noted an increase in production of the vegetables as compared to open field cultivation and they could adjust the season of the crops also. 8. It is observed that the average annual income of beneficiaries of protected cultivation is increased from INR 1,31,585 to INR 3,13,191. Overall, the range of increase in income was observed to be 40-80 %. 9. The shade nets which are used for seed production has helped women to earn better wages through skilled work like pollination. 10. The beneficiaries pointed out marketing as the primary risk factor.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 19: Polyhouse and Shade Net beneficiaries

Haribhau Dagadu Shirdagar (At- Asola Taluka- Narayan Baburao Sarake, (At- Tupewadi, Badnapur, Dist- Jalna) Taluka-Badnapur, Dist-Jalna)

Women doing skilled work of pollination in shade net for seed production. Project Director observing pollination being carried out.

Success Story: Protected Cultivation Protective cultivation for achieving climate resilience and increased income through vegetable crops and Sericulture Needs and Challenges: Mr Angad Vishvambhar Kakad is a young and innovative farmer from Nipani Jawalka village, Georai Taluka, Beed. He is a postgraduate in Arts and currently pursuing PhD. in modern history. He owns 4.47 acres of land in the village. He, like other farmers in the area, was practising conventional farming. The crops grown by him were the Cotton in Kharip and Jowar in Rabi season. Due to the uncertainty of climate and low income from the traditional crops he decided to try new crops grown in protective cultivation. Action through PoCRA: Being an aspiring PhD candidate, he researched the new technologies used for protective cultivation and he found that the shade net technology will help him in building resilience against climate change. He has constructed a shade net on 1 acre of his land. Mr Angad, being a member of VCRMC in the village, was aware of the benefits that can be availed from PoCRA for protective cultivation. He applied for the activity of Shade net on his own. As soon as he got pre-sanction he started working on the construction of the shade net. The initial cost of investment was quite high for shade net. Angad had to adjust the money from his savings of seven lakhs for the construction of a shade net.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Mr Angad Kakad next to the shade net constructed under PoCRA The total cost as per the estimate was INR 23 lakhs, thus he was still short of INR 15 lakhs. He convinced the contractor to wait for the payment until the grant is received from PoCRA. The contractor got convinced with reference to PoCRA and initiated work. After post-work verification and scrutiny by different officers such as Agri Assistant, Agri Supervisors and Taluka Agri Officer, his work was sanctioned for grant of Rs 15.97 lakhs. As soon as the grant was received, he paid all the pending dues of the contractor. Now he was ready to take new crops in his field and fight against uncertainties of weather and climate. The sources of irrigation for cultivation in his shade net are the Community Farm Pond, Well and Borewell. “I am happy that the grant was received in only 7 days in my bank account after the final visit of officials”- said Angad. Benefits received: He tried the cucumber crop as his first try and was quite successful at it. The total production of cucumber was 15 tons in a short span of 2 months which he sold at the rate of INR 10 per Kg. Cumulatively, he earned INR 1.5 lakhs from cucumber production. “The merchants came at my doorstep to purchase my produce, thus saving my time and money for the transportation of produce,” said Angad. However, he believes that the excessive rain in Kharip 2020 made soil retain more moisture and therefore there was an impact on the crop yield. He then planted bell pepper and this production has also entered the cycle of the first production. He is harvesting 5 quintals of bell pepper every week. Here too the merchants are purchasing his produce on his field saving his valuable time and cost of transportation. He is expecting an income of INR 7-8 lakhs till June 2021. He has also applied for sericulture activity under PoCRA. The shade net of Angad has become an attraction in Georai block and many farmers are interested to know more about the protective cultivation techniques. Angad’s initiative has earned him the crown of a progressive farmer. (Source: Concurrent Monitoring report- Marathwada Region).

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 A2.5 Integrated Farming Systems Under this sub-component, activities such as the rearing of small ruminants, backyard poultry, fishery, sericulture, and apiculture have been promoted. The common interest group of landless farmers, vulnerable group of women farmers, widows and people from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have been supported in accordance with the inclusion criteria of the project. Figure 20: number of farmers benefited under integrated farming system

6081

3601

436

Up to 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021

As of March 2021, a total of 6081 families have benefited from Integrated farming with a matching grant of INR 2400 lakh. The status of activities covered under the integrated farming system is as follows.

Table 8: Status of beneficiaries and disbursement of grant for integrated farming system Activities 30th June 2019 31st March 2020 31st March 2021 Number Matching Number of Matching Number Matching of Grant (INR farmers Grant (INR of Grant (INR farmers lakh) lakh) farmers lakh) Small 430 137.9 3514 1256.6 5130 1885.3 ruminants Sericulture - - 72 25.0 526 357.4

Inland - - 6 0.8 392 127.5 Fisheries Apiculture - - - - 18 28.8 Backyard 6 0.2 9 0.3 15 1.0 poultry Total 436 138.0 3601 1282.7 6081 2400.0

*figures are cumulative

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 21: Activities under Integrated farming system

Small Ruminants beneficiary, Shainazbi Ayyub Shah, Inland Fisheries Village- Chinchadgaon Tal- Vaijapur Dist- Aurangabad

Mulberry plantation, Village- Chinchadgaon, Tal- Vaijapur, Sericulture, Village- Gevarai Dist-Aurangabad

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 22: Apiculture

Ravi kale, Pirola, Tal. Silod, Dist. Aurangabad

Apiculture, Devlali, Tal. Bhum, Dist. Osmanabad

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Success Story: Goat Rearing

Small Ruminant- Resilience building alternate livelihood

Pratibha Nandkishore Gedam is a resident of village Shivadgaon, gram panchayat Alegaon taluka Selu in district Wardha. She belongs to indigenous category and landless. The family is dependent on farm labor for livelihood and other seasonal daily wages opportunity available in the village. She has the responsibility of five members including her husband, very old aged in-laws and two daughters. The couple having family of total 6 members was also worried about their daughter’s marriage as they were already under debt of app. 60- 70 thousand.

The project’s female mobilizer known as Krishi Tai Vaishali Gulabrao discussed about project’s various benefits with her. She suggested her that the family is already rearing four goats so she should avail the Goatry activity as an alternate livelihood. Pratibha disclosed her fear about upfront invest for goatry and in present scenario the family merely get one-time food then how will repay the debt along with existing loan. The Krishi Tai built her confidence that being a member of Self Help Group, she can take loan from the SHG. She referred to her project beneficiaries who received the subsidy with 04 to 20 days after activity completion spot verification. On dated 21 June 2019, Pratibha received the pre sanction for goatry activity. Then she applied Rs. 80,000/- loan from SHG. On dated 14 November 2019 she went to market along with purchasing committee of the project and purchased 10 Goat and 1 Buck worth Rs. 71000/-. Thus-

Goat purchasing Expenditure

Purchasing of 10 goats+1Buck =Rs. 71,000

@Rs.8500 buck+@6500 goat Goat insurance (United India Insurance) =Rs. 5,000/- Transportation charges =Rs. 4,000/- (Including other charges) Total expenditure =Rs. 80,000/- On dated 09 Dec.2019 after spot verification, the beneficiary raised for disbursement and on 05 March 2020 total Rs. 36938/- subsidy amount transferred in the beneficiary’s bank account. (due to pandemic situation the fund disbursement gets delayed) Benefit Matrix (Status on December 2020): Old goat total no. 4+ 10 goat and 1 buck from project =Total no. of unit 15 Repayment of part payment to SHG =Rs. 36,983 (Rs.80, 000-36,983= Rs. 43,062) Expenditure on diseased goat+ travel cost = Rs.200 No stall feeding and open grazing =No fodder expenditure Sold 10 numbers of goat = Rs. 56,000/- (6 goat+4 buck of an average 4-5 months old) Sold Goat Dung organic fertilizer =app.Rs. 5,000/- Presently on Dec.2020 possessing 9 kids = Present cost @Rs. 3,500 each app. Rs. 31,500/- (of which 5 buck and 4 goats of the age of 4-5 months) Presently on Dec.2020 possessing 15 adult Goat =Present cost @Rs. 6,000 each app Rs. 90,000/- = Estimated cost of present stock Rs.1,21,500/- (cost calculated on lower side) Net estimated cost benefit ratio-

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Present value of stock including sold units =app. Rs. Rs.1,82,000 – Self investment Rs.43000 (Rs. 36983 subsidized benefit to beneficiary) +200 medicine expenses= Net profit Rs.1,38,800/- in one year. Resilience against vulnerability: Pratibha happily shares her experience and told that she cleared her old debt of Rs. 60,000/- and paying part payment timely to the SHG. She shared with shying smile that the family arranged the marriage of one of the daughter. During visit, project personnel saw a under construction of a shop in a house corner, she responded that she took a loan of Rs. 10,000/- to open a General Store. One time the four family members received total Rs.4000/- @Rs. 1000/- each under the “KHAVTI SCHEME” (state govt. welfare scheme for indigenous people) which also helped to sustain the livelihood. Thus project’s handholding sustained a family for sustainable alternate livelihood.

2.6 Soil Health Management Building climate resilience at the farm needs proper management of soil health. Soil nutrition status in the first year of FFS is taken as the baseline for the respective plot. The samples from the FFS plots were taken and analyzed during Kharip and Rabi 2020-21 and district wise nutrition status is shown in the maps. The soil organic carbon status of the project districts lie in low to medium range. The organic carbon content in the project area is in the range of low (upto 0.40 %) to medium ( 0.41% to 0.80%). Nitrogen is found low (upto 280kg?ha) to medium (281 kg /ha to 420 kg/ha) in all districts except Latur. Phosphorus content in the soil is less than average (less than 30 kg/ha) in all districts except Wardha and Latur.

Figure 23: Soil Nutrient status (GIS Maps)

The farmers are being made aware of the nutritional status of their soils through FFS where the soil health card of the individual farms is explained to the group of farmers attending the FFS

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 sessions. The facilitators help the farmers choose the combination fertilizers as per the recommendations in SHC. The use of organic input during production such as organic pesticides, fertilizers and other non- chemical inputs can revive soil health. Towards this end, the project has introduced an organic input production unit and vermicompost unit for farmers to avail. As of March 2021, 102 farmers benefited from a matching grant of INR 6.89 lakh, out of which 92 are for Vermicompost and NADEP units. The details of beneficiaries and grant provided are given in the table below: Table 9: Improving soil health use of organic inputs and vermicompost promoted Activities 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021 Number of Matching Number of Matchin Number of Matching beneficiari Grant (INR beneficiari g Grant beneficiari Grant es lakh) es (INR es (INR lakh) lakh) Vermi compost and 1 0.05 10 0.57 92 6.47 NADEP units Organic input 1 0.03 1 0.03 10 0.42 production unit Total 2 0.08 11 0.6 102 6.89

Figure 24: Vermicompost and NADEP Units

Village- Khopada Tal- Morshi Name:Dayaram Ghugale

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 25:On-farm production of Biofertilizers

On-farm production of Bio-fertilizers and Earthworms in Buldhana

2.3 A3: Promoting efficient and sustainable use of water for agriculture

Module for village communities (NRM) on PoCRA DBT

Village level communities of the identified 5142 villages of 15 districts of Maharashtra can register themselves on the portal and upload the approved Village Development Plan (VDP) and apply for various activities for National Resource Management (NRM). Like the farmer module, NRM module also consists of a stepwise procedure to provide approvals at multiple stages. The process for NRM activities is as below:

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 26: Village Community Portal Process Flow

In this component, the focus is given to support activities that are aimed at achieving on-farm water security by maximizing the use of surface water for agriculture, managing groundwater resources in a sustainable manner, retaining and enhancing soil moisture and enhancing water use efficiency and water productivity. To achieve these objectives, this component encompasses activities such as in-situ water conservation, catchment area treatment, drainage treatment, construction of new water harvesting structures, rejuvenation of existing water harvesting structures, recharging groundwater, micro-irrigation systems, and protective irrigation.

For in-situ soil conservation, compartment and graded bunding have been promoted. The district- wise progress of soil and water conservation works is shown in the following table. A total of 555 soil and water conservation works have been completed costing INR 1113 lakhs as of 31st March 2021.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 10: Progress of Soil & Water Conservation Works Completed District Micro As on 31st March As on 31st March As on 31st March Planning 2019 2020 2021 Completed Physical Financial Physical Financial Physical Financial Villages (INR (INR (INR Lakh) (Ph.1) Lakhs) Lakh) Akola 106 0 0 0 0 7 7.62 Amravati 201 0 0 0 0 0 0 Aurangabad 77 36 45.44 60 69.94 64 73.92 Beed 58 0 0 17 30.55 17 30.56 Buldhana 116 5 3.08 5 3.08 17 31.16 Hingoli 39 17 31.38 20 33.06 43 102.83 Jalgaon 123 63 70.41 63 70.41 85 94.54 Jalana 67 0 0 22 53.67 28 73.51 Latur 92 10 24.55 10 24.55 13 36.86 Nanded 70 0 0 6 6.44 23 32.75 Osmanabad 48 15 36.78 27 54.519 60 162.13 Parbhani 82 0 0 4 4.62 43 34.36 Wardha 39 0 0 21 92.02 47 226.26 Washim 29 0 0 8 10.56 30 87.68 Yavatmal 73 0 0 6 6.04 78 118.92 Total 1220 146 211.64 269 459.46 555 1113.1 *The figures for FY 2018-19 and 2019-20 have been revised.

The activity-wise progress of soil and water conservation works are shown in the following table 11. As of 31st March 2021, the area treated through continuous contour trenches (CCT) is 1381 ha. and 295 ha. through deep CCT.

A total of 7 composite gabions, 5 Earthen nala bunds and 28 Cement Nala bunds works have been completed under the drainage line treatment activity. For creating on-farm water security, 12677 rea has been treated under compartment bunding and 6487 ha under the graded bunds. The number of old structure works rejuvenated is 155.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 11: Activity wise status of soil and water conservation works Activities Unit Up to 31th March As on 31st March As on 31st March 2019 2020 2021

Physical Financial Physical Financial Physical Financial (INR (INR (INR Lakhs) Lakhs) Lakhs) A3.1 Catchment Treatment Continuous Contour ha. 13.00 1.71 13.00 1.71 138 5.27 Trenches (CCT) Deep CCT ha. 6.00 5.15 295 11.15

A.3.2 Drainage Line Treatment

Composite Gabion - RC Nos. 7 5.67 Pardi Earthen Nala Bunds Nos. 5 3.97

Cement Nala Bunds Nos. 6.00 64.47 28 288.86

On-Farm Water Security Compartment Bunding ha. 2999.00 109.12 6070.33 230.74 12677 349.01

Graded Bund ha. 599.00 6.91 816.00 22.22 6487 223.73

Rejuvenation of Old Nos. 78.00 93.90 103.00 135.17 155 225.42 Structure Total 211.64 459.46 1113.08

*All figures are cumulative Figure 27: Select photographs of NRM works

Graded Bund Village - Bhangapur , Tal- Cement Nala Bandh: Village - Husnapur , Tal- Sailu , Sub. & Dist - Parbhani Deoli , Sub & Dist- Wardha

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Rejuvenation or desilting of existing water Composite Gabian Structure-RC Pardi, Village - harvesting Structures Village - Durgada , Tal - Bhangapur , Tal- Sailu , Sub. & Dist - Parbhani Deoli , Sub & Dist - Wardha

A3.3 Construction of new water harvesting structures Farm ponds help to provide protective irrigation through water harvesting. As of 31st March 2021, the project has constructed 2556 community farm ponds, 899 individual farm ponds, and 1489 farm pond have been lined. The water storage capacity created from farm ponds by 15233 m3 excluding salinity affected villages. Table 12: Construction of New Water Harvesting Structures

Farm pond 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021 Types Numbe Created Number Created Matching Numb Created Matching r of water of farm water Grant (INR er of water Grant farm Storage ponds Storage lakh) farm Storage (INR lakh) ponds capacity capacity ponds capacity (1000 (1000 (1000 m3) m3) m3) Community 31 98 1286 5339 3511.03 2556 10769 7756.87 farm ponds Individual Farm 210 398 325 667 230.24 756 1340 799.86 pond with lining Individual farm 4 5 31 61 14.2 58 80 26.22 pond without lining Farm Pond 81 127 693 1347 621.24 1489 2892 1396.22 lining Farm pond with 1 2 7 9 3.09 12 15 4.97 inlet & outlet (Black Soil) Farm ponds 13 22 36 65 17.23 73 137 35.08 without inlet and outlet (Black Soil) Total 340 652 2378 7489 4397.03 4944 15233 10019.21

*all the figures are cumulative.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 28: Construction of new water harvesting structures (Farm Ponds)

Farm pond Lining Gitabai Nandkishor Shelke ((Community Farmpond) Village- Malagi, Tal- Chikhli, Dist- Village-Gomalwada Tehsil - Shirur District Buldana - Bid

Vinayak Sapte (Community Farmpond) Village, Malagi, Tal- Chikhli, Dist-Buldana

Village- Muthi, Tal- Tulajapur, Dist- Patil Ravindra Mahadev Osmanabad Village- Kurla, Tal-Beed, Dist- Beed

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Success Story: Water security through pond deepening and indirect benefit through the application of excavated silt

Need and Challenges: The Goregaon village in Sengaon Tehsil of Hingoli district is a representative village of Marathwada where water scarcity has been an issue for decades. A water tank, centrally located in the village, was constructed during the Nizam era and was the main source of water supply to cattle and for other domestic purposes. It was desilted during the scarcity of 1972. The community made a demand for desilting and repair of the tank. The original size of the pond was only 60 X 60 square meters, so it was decided to excavate the adjacent land to increase the water storage capacity.

Actions through PoCRA: The tank deepening, carried out under the component of ‘Rejuvenation of Existing Structures’, has enhanced the groundwater table drastically. In addition to this, the silt excavated from the pond was applied by the farmers in their field which increased production up to 25%.

Rejuvenated farm pond in Sengaon

The new area for excavation was decided to be 120x120 sq m, after discussion amongst the community members. After all the process of scrutiny and meetings, VCRMC approved the application for rejuvenation of pond in the village under PoCRA and the estimate of INR 7,33,000 was approved. The work started in March 2020 and was completed within a span of one and half months. The excavated quantity was 25000 Cubic metres out of which 5000 Cubic metre was only silt. The Murum and rock excavated were used to shape and resize the bunds of the tank.

“The environmental safeguards were strictly followed in the desilting work. Despite a request from some members of the community, we protected an old tree in the middle of the tank and did not allow it to be cut down”- Agri Asst. Mr Kale

Benefits received: The perceived benefits of the deepening and desilting were that the borewells and wells in the village remained fully operational till January 2021 while earlier it used to get dry

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 by January and the yield has also increased from well in the radius of 2 km from the tank. Besides this, the farmers also carried out the silt to their farms themselves. The farmers were aware of the fertile silt which can increase the fertility of their land and support them in carrying out sustainable farming. 17 farmers carried 5000 Cubic metres of the silt to their farm at their own expense.

One of the farmers named Digambar Khillari carried 450 trips to his farms by a tractor. He shared his experience saying that he produced only 8 quintals of soybean per acre in Kharip 2019, but now he produced around 11 quintals of Soybean per acre in his land in Kharip 2020, due to the soil nutrition provided by the silt. He is also expecting the increase in chickpea production to 10 quintals per acre as against 7-8 quintals per acre before application of silt. ( source: concurrent monitoring report IV, Marathwada Region).

Improved climate Resilience by protective irrigation through community Farm Pond

Needs and Challenges: Four farming households with land belonging to Bhaskar Eknath Kafare, Sumanbai Tejrao Ghadge, Anusayabai Karbhari Tupe, Laxmibai Murlidhar Tupe, and Parwatibai Bhaskar Kafre in Village Tupewadi, taluka Jalna, district Jalna sought to take benefit from PoCRA. They have an aggregate of 12.5 acres of land and all four households have been practising traditional rain-fed techniques to pursue their livelihood through farming. Uncertain climate conditions and low income from traditional crops are major issues faced by farmers in this region and quite so by these four farming households. The traditional crops cultivated by them includes cotton. The village has a long history of producing seeds of vegetable crops on large scale. Keeping this thing in mind the farmers came together and sought the benefit of a community farm pond. This was instrumental in addressing their need for protective irrigation. Actions through PoCRA: The son of Bhaskar Eknath Kafre assisted them to apply for community farm pond activity under PoCRA. The application was submitted for a community farm pond of the size 34x34x4.7 meters. After getting pre-sanction from the officials the work was started with the help of an earth mover. Excavation of the soil and lining of the farm pond together took 15 days. Farmers decided and increased the depth of the farm pond when it was under construction. Payments to the Poclain (excavation) machine owner and partial credit to the polythene bought for the pond was given by the family itself. All families gave a proportionate contribution to the contractor on mutual understanding and also decided the usage of water through dialogue.

The farm pond was ready to use in January 2020. Eventually, farmers started filling the water in the farm pond through their well. The total cost of the farm pond was reported to be INR 3,45,000. This included the cost of excavation at approx. INR 1,45000 and the cost of polythene at INR 2,00,000. Apart from this, there were other sundry expenses like the cost of diesel. The money was arranged by the farmers from the profits incurred from selling the cotton produce. The total subsidy as per the PoCRA guideline is INR 3,25,000 which was credited into their accounts in February 2020. Benefits received: The farm pond resulted in enhanced water security for the farmers. Previously, no Rabi crop was taken by the farmers due to the shortage of water, but now 4.5 acres of land has been brought under cultivation. They have introduced crops such as wheat, maize and vegetable seed production. Besides this, Bhaskar Kafre applied for the Shade net activity from PoCRA and completed the construction of the same. In this shade net, he has cultivated tomatoes, sponge Gourd and bell pepper (for seed production only). He is expecting to earn around INR 10 lakhs per

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 year from the shade net, thanks to the availability of sustainable water harvested in the farm pond constructed under PoCRA. Dnyaneshwar Bhaskar Kafare has taken the Shade-net of 0.5 acres for the cultivation of vegetables which is also irrigated by the same farm pond.

“We have invested 12 lakhs rupees in the construction of Shade net only because of the belief in PoCRA and we are thankful to them. We have been able to achieve our dream to become a seed producer due to a sustainable source of irrigation”- said the son of Bhaskar Eknath Kafare. (source: concurrent monitoring report IV, Marathwada Region).

A3.3. Construction of Open dug wells A total number of 83 open dug wells were constructed and 59 open dug wells were recharged. A matching grant of INR 200 lakhs was provided for these activities. The status of construction and recharge of open dug wells are shown in the following table 13. Table 13: Number of wells constructed and Recharged Activities Up to As on As on 30th June 2019 31st March 2020 31st March 2021 Number of Matching Number of Matching Number of Matching beneficiaries Grant (INR beneficiaries Grant (INR beneficiaries Grant (INR lakh) lakh) lakh) Construction 12 20.4 62 145.8 83 194.51 of open dug well Recharge of 2 0.21 32 3.16 59 5.72 Open dug wells Total 14 20.61 95 148.96 142 200.23

*all figures are cumulative

A3.4 Micro Irrigation Systems The project supports increasing water use efficiency at the farm level. Micro Irrigation technology e.g. drip and sprinkler irrigation including drip fertigation to increase the productivity of crops with less water are quite popular among the farmers. The number of farmers who benefited through micro-irrigation activity is shown in fig. 29

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 29: Number of farmers benefited under micro-irrigation activity

93462

14399

1003

Up to 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021

The area covered under micro-irrigation activities was 1778 ha. which increased to 1,03,061 in the current reporting period. A matching Grant of INR 36221 lakhs was provided up to 31 March 2021. The progress of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems is as follows.

Table 14: Progress of Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation systems Micro- As on 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021 irrigation Systems Num Area Match Number Area Match Number Area Matchin ber (ha.) ing of (ha.) ing of (ha.) g grants of grants Farmers grants Farmers (INR Farm (INR (INR lakh) ers lakh) lakh)

Drip 203 387 73 5433 5731 3425 38881 50246 26615 Irrigation Sprinkler 800 1391 107 8966 9199 1551 54581 52815 9606 Irrigation

Total 1003 1778 179 14399 14930 4975 93462 103061 36222

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 30: Drip and Sprinkler Irrigations

Lilabai Kashinath Dorle , Sprinkler Drip Irrigation system installed - Maize Crop Village Raholi Bk. Tal- Hingoli Dist- Hingoli Village- Tarkeda Kr. Tal- Pachora, Dist- Jalgaon

(Anil Kale) Sprinkler, Village- Chichadgaon Tal- (Dilip Charape ) Drip Irrigation Vaijapur Dist- Aurangabad Village- Vishnora, Tal- Morshi, Dist- Amravati

Success Story: Sprinkler Irrigation Satish Arunrao Bobade is a small farmer from Umartek village in the Amravati district. He lives with his wife, two children and his parents. Umartek is a small village, which is a part of Purna Nagar Gat Gram Panchayat of Purna Nagar. Most of the households in the village are engaged in farming. Cotton, soybean and red gram were cultivated as the Kharip crops and wheat and chickpea were cultivated as the Rabi crops. Satish owned 2 acres of land and also cultivated 4 acres of his father. 2 acres of land was under irrigation.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

He had been practising the flood method for irrigation using a Borewell. However, he was facing difficulty in irrigating the entire 6 acres due to inadequate irrigation equipment & water resources. The traditional method of flood irrigation caused salt in the soil to settle on the top that hindered further irrigation. Satish got to know about the PoCRA project during a Gram Panchayat meeting and gathered information on the activities that he could take up. After reaching out to the VCRMC, he applied for Sprinkler Irrigation. The expenses on purchase of the two sets (one for his own farm & another for his father) were INR 56758 for which he received a subsidy amount of INR 26282. Satish could successfully bring the remaining 4 acres of land under irrigation. He said that the use of micro-irrigation has led to optimum water usage and water saving by 25% while his monthly electricity bill has come down to about INR 850 from the earlier INR 1150. He participated in FFS activity as well, in which he was the host farmer for demonstration under cotton and received an honorarium of INR 2800. The variety demonstrated to him was PKV Hybrid- 2. He carried out seed treatment and used pheromone traps as demonstrated in the FFS while his knowledge on land preparation, sowing, spraying & harvesting methods improved. Now Satish has also grown wheat, chickpea in Rabi and vegetables such spinach, fenugreek, brinjal & onion. He also cultivated summer groundnut and got a good yield.

Due to the use of the improved variety of seed, seed treatment, sprinkler irrigation and other benefits provided under the PoCRA project, there has been an increase in the yield of Cotton & other crops. The yield of Cotton increased from 5 quintals per acre to 10 quintals per acre, while the yield of Chickpea increased from 6 quintals per acre to 9 quintals per acre. Altogether, there has been an increase in his agricultural income by 50 %. Now he has plans to apply for drip irrigation for the whole land and take up cultivation of horticulture crops. Satish appreciated the project in terms of quick approvals. (Source: Concurrent monitoring- Rest of project Area).

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 3.5: Protective Irrigation The project is supporting protective irrigation and the effective use of water using water pumps and pipes. Dependency on rainfall makes cultivation in un-irrigated areas a high risk, less productive venture. Empirical evidence suggests that assured or protective irrigation encourages farmers to invest more in farming technology and inputs leading to productivity enhancement and increased farm income. Findings from Concurrent Monitoring Round I survey suggest that activities related to sources of water and means that help to increase the water availability to farmers have heavy demand. These mainly include most importantly pipes and water pumps. As compared to the status of beneficiaries from March 2020, the number of beneficiaries for water pumps (Diesel Engine and Electric Pump) has increased from 1392 to 24855. The total number of farmers who benefited increased from 3513 (June 2019) to 54564 more (March 2021). The increase is in the case of Pipes (2250 to 29709). A matching grant of INR 8974.75 lakhs was provided for protective irrigation. The progress of protective irrigation activities is as follows. Table 15: progress of activities under Protective irrigation supported Activities 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021

The number Matching The number Matching The number Matching of farmers Grant of farmers Grant of farmers Grant who (INR who (INR who (INR benefited lakhs) benefited lakhs) benefited lakhs) Water 1049 104.19 1392 167.23 24855 4726.47 pumps Pipes 2250 292.54 12900 2295.34 29709 4248.29

Total 3513 396.73 29442 4616.28 54564 8974.75 *All figures are cumulative Figure 31: Protective Irrigation Systems (Pipes and Water Pumps)

Pipe Beneficiary Anita Gawande (Electric Motor Pump) Village- Dhamangaon, Tal- Morshi, Dist Amravati

2.4 A4: Support to Farmers for farm-level investment through DBT mode PoCRA has developed Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) portal as an innovative, efficient and effective mechanism to helps farmers to adopt climate-resilient farm practices by making individual farm investments. DBT portal has emerged as a quick and efficient mode of initiating trust among the project beneficiaries. The financial assistance under PoCRA is a partial contribution by the project

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 in meeting the needs of the beneficiaries. The Farmers’ demands are duly endorsed by the community (via VCRMC) towards introducing climate-resilience technologies. The project facilitates marginal landholders (0-1 Ha), small landholders (1-2 Ha), Medium landholders (2-5 ha) and landless families to adopt climate-resilient technologies, practices, and livelihood systems and to make necessary investments on their farms. Such investments are supported by the project both technically as well as financially. The project has developed a portal and mobile application facilitating easy registration and application by the farmers and seamless, end-to-end automation of the decision-making process. Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism To transfer the approved grants directly to the registered bank account or loan account of the applicant/group, PoCRA has adopted the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. Under this functionality, the individual/group registers itself on the DBT application of PoCRA and apply for the available activities from the platform. Each application by the group is processed through the approval mechanism after which payment is processed through the payment gateway of the bank which gets directly credited to the registered bank/loan account of the group.

Benefits of Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism

The Direct Benefit Transfer Mechanism is adopted by PoCRA to provide a hassle-free and easy to track system where the individual/group can track the application status at any stage and can easily connect with the respective PoCRA officials. The DBT mechanism provides the following benefits over the traditional process: ● Paperless process ● Ease of use for the beneficiary as well as PoCRA officials ● Transparent and easy to track mechanism ● Integrated payment gateway avoids payment to false/wrong beneficiary ● Quick & easy disbursement

The PoCRA DBT covers three different user types which are as follows:

• Individual Farmer • Community • Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) / Farmer Producer Company (FPC) / Farmer Interest Groups (FIG)/ Self-help Groups (SHGs) (FPO/FPC/FIG/SHGs) Module for Individual Farmers on PoCRA DBT Farmers can visit the DBT portal or Mobile app at https://dbt.mahapocra.gov.in/ to get themselves registered and apply for the available activities.

After registration and application by the farmer, the following process will be followed:

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 32: DBT Portal Process Flow- Individual Farmer

The portal has been live from February 2019 and till 31st March 2021, the individual benefit of Rs 757.96 Cr. has been successfully transferred to the bank accounts of 1,39,552 farmers. Table 16: District-wise Implementations of individual Activities ( As of 31st March 2021)

District No. of No. of No. of No. of Unique Disbursed Disbursed Registrations Applications Issued Beneficiary Applications Amount (In Pre- Lakh) Sanction Akola 45826 60013 21386 5465 7013 1385 Amravati 67601 51712 16667 6157 7841 1374 Aurangabad 92486 310734 122507 28337 43507 23490 Beed 55909 155938 47434 8050 10856 3519 Buldhana 56540 105521 23649 7759 10746 2957 Hingoli 33374 82859 31635 9095 13300 3496 Jalgaon 57632 113152 51176 14002 18897 9312 Jalna 90215 328369 52544 11854 17594 14100 Latur 43959 91897 40186 10811 13822 3335 Nanded 40806 85205 25135 5239 6694 1856 Osmanabad 53436 124468 60450 14732 19137 5421 Parbhani 45173 126027 45824 8327 10897 3127 Wardha 8027 12799 6572 1850 2558 458 Washim 22256 49228 13423 3548 5054 898 Yavatmal 29324 51187 17239 4116 5454 1069 Grand Total 742564 1749109 575827 139342 193370 75796

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 17: Details of individual investment activities and benefits ( As of 31st March 2021) Sr. No. Activity No. of Disbursed Disbursed Applications Amount (In lakh.) 1 Drip Irrigation 39360 26615.11 2 Shadenet House 1120 10698.67 3 Sprinkler Irrigation 51573 9065.74 4 Community Farm pond 3010 7756.87 5 Horticulture Plantation 10941 4901.33 6 Pipes 24872 4726.47 7 Water Pumps 29116 4163.71 8 Small ruminants 5184 1885.28 9 Farm pond lining 1489 1396.22 10 Seed Production 14683 1340.48 11 Individual Farm Pond 911 864.83 12 Saline & Sodic lands (Farm ponds/ 5276 692.31 Sprinklers / Water pump/ FFS) 13 Polyhouse/ Poly tunnels 32 428.71 14 Sericulture 530 357.39 15 Farm Mechanization 298 233.54 16 Well 97 194.51 17 Planting material in polytunnels / 85 170.18 Polyhouse / Shadenet house 18 FFS Host Farmer Assistance 4122 130.03 19 Inland Fisheries 397 127.54 20 Apiculture 18 28.85 21 Compost (Vermicompost / NADEP / 102 6.89 Organic input production unit)

22 Recharge of open dug wells 59 5.72

23 Agroforestry 57 4.61 24 Backyard Poultry 15 0.97 25 Promotion for BBF Technology 23 0.3

Grand Total 193370 75796.25

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 The spatial distribution of farmers registrations, applications for various project activities, per village application and disbursed amount as of 31st March 2021 on the DBT system across the project administrative units is shown in the following maps.

The figure below highlights the number of registrations, sub-division wise, as of 31st March 2021. The least number of registrations, less than 10000, came from sub-divisions of Yavatmal and Wardha and one subdivision from Buldhana. While on the other end, many sub-districts witnessed registrations higher than 35,000. These sub-districts include Jalna, Partur and Parbhani. Figure 33: Sub-division wise number of registrations

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 34:Sub-division wise number of applications

The highest number of applications, that is, more than 100000 were received from districts of Aurangabad, Jalna and Parbhani.

Figure 35: Sub-division wise no. of applications per villages

The figure below provides insight on sub-division wise subsidy amount disbursed. The maximum amount has been disbursed more than INR 4000 Lakh in the subdivisions of Pachora, Sillod, Jalna,

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Vaijapur, Aurangabad and Partur. On the other side, the sub-division of Arvi, Hinganghat, Pandharkawada and Darvha witnessed a total subsidy disbursed an amount of less than INR 200 lakhs.

Figure 36: sub-division wise subsidy disbursed amount

Figure 37: District wise Gender representation of disbursed applications

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Out of 1,39,342 beneficiaries, the male farmers were 113363 (81.36%) and female beneficiaries were 25879 (18.64% ). Above figure 37 shows the district wise gender representation of disbursed applications, the highest female farmers benefited in Jalgaon (25%), Jalna (21%), Aurangabad (20%), Akola (20%) and Parbhani (19%).

Figure 38: District wise social Category representation of disbursed applications

From the above figure, it is observed that the highest number of Scheduled Caste applications were disbursed in Akola (13%) and Amravati (9%) districts. In the case of Scheduled tribes, the highest number of disbursed applications were observed in Yavatmal (11%) and Wardha district (8%). The percentage of other applications ranged from 83% - 98% across the districts.

Disbursement period The average time taken to disbursement of matching grants to the farmers account shows the effectiveness of the DBT portal. The number of average days calculated from payment of request by farmers to actual disbursement.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 18: Average Disbursement Period in Days (From payment of request by farmers) Period (No. of As on 30th June 2019 As on 31st March 2020 As on 31st March 2021 Days) Disbursement % Disbursement % Disbursement % to no. of to no. of to no. of farmers farmers farmers cases 1 to 10 1,995 19 5190 9 10193 5 11 to 30 5,098 48 19,794 34.4 31056 16 31 to 60 2,484 23 19872 34.5 48560 25 Above 60 1,105 10 12667 22 103561 54 Total 10,682 100 57523 100 193370 100

In 2020-21, during the COVID period, the majority of the disbursements to farmers have been done in a period of more than 60 days (54%) followed by a period of 31 to 60 days ( 25 %). Due to the pandemic related restrictions, there was a delay in the verification of assets by project functionaries. The financial strain on the state also resulted in delayed release of funds which impacted the timely disbursement of subsidies. However, the absolute number of disbursements more than tripled from 57523 to 193370.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Component B-

Post-harvest Management and Value Chain Promotion

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 3. Component B: Post-harvest Management and Value Chain Promotion The objective of this component is to support the participation of smallholders in the Farmers Producer Organization and integration of these FPOs in the value chains of major crops and to strengthen the supply chain for the climate-resilient crop varieties in the project area. The project aims to strengthen the Self-Help Group (SHG), Farmers group, and Farmer Producing Companies (FPCs), PoCRA provides financial assistance to carry out multiple activities to strengthen value chains, storage capacities, create employment opportunities at the village level as well as to increase the production capacity of the participating farmers and groups.

Proposed DBT process flow for FPOs The module for Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)/Farmers Group/Self Help Groups (SHGs) on the PoCRA DBT portal is under development. The FPO-DBT portal process flow is designed as follows. Figure 39: FPO-DBT process flow chart

Assessment of FPCs in Project Area The project districts have more than 1600 registered farmer producer companies till the end of Sept 2020 and thousands of self-help groups with varying capacities and activities. The project is making conscious efforts to support the existing FPOs and farmer/ women groups working in the project area to implement their business plans.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Approach and methodology used for FPC assessment: A comprehensive database of existing FPOs has been compiled to assess their core foundation strength, the control system in place, decision-making process, financial strength, assets and resources, and adaptability to climate risk etc. The questionnaire was prepared and it has been employed through Google form to collect data of selected parameters for FPC assessment. The parameters used and the maximum score given to each parameter are shown in the following table. Table 19: Parameters used and Maximum Score Parameters used Maximum Score Organization and Administration 21 Governance 11 Management 8 Infrastructure 5 Finance 25 Business & Market Linkages 21 Capacity Building 5 Climate Resilience 4 Total 100 The number of FPCs assessed is 1442 (619 in phase 1 and 823 in phase 2) in the project area. The district wise status of FPCs assessed is shown in the table below. Table 23. District wise status of FPCs assessed District Phase 1 Phase 2 Total Akola 23 19 42 Amravati 56 43 99 Aurangabad 57 87 144 Beed 53 78 131 Buldhana 49 75 124 Hingoli 24 34 58 Jalgoan 28 49 77 Jalna 37 71 108 Latur 74 129 203 Nanded 29 72 101 Osmanabad 59 80 139 Parbhani 17 10 27 Wardha 43 12 55 Washim 22 28 50 Yavatmal 48 36 84 Total 619 823 1442

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 40: FPC Evaluation report

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Capacity Building of FPOs : ● Project Initiatives: Organized Training program “Orientation training for Detailed Project Report Preparation” for PS-Agri-business and PS- Procurement fro preparing the business proposals, DPR appraisal and evaluation of proposals. ● An online workshop was conducted on “Commercial Silage Preparation '' in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department, GoM, to promote silage making units under the Vidharbha - Marathawada Dairy Development Program (VMDDP) in 576 project villages. ● Initiated dialogue with Banker’s Institute for Rural Development (BIRD), a subsidiary of NABARD for the purpose of conducting TOT for “Capacity building of FPOs”. 40 functionaries have been selected from the project area who shall be trained as Master trainers in this field. Identification of Commodity clusters for Market Led Production (Vikel te Pikel) The GoM has initiated “Market Led Production” (Vikael te Pikel) programme in the agricultre sector. Aligning to GoM directives and project objective to enhance the profitability of smallholders, the project has taken the following initiatives ● Identification of commodity clusters in project villages ● Village level planning for production of crops considering market demand ● Development value chains for existing as well as newly introduced crops The project has carried out an analysis of cluster wise area under major commodities in project districts. The data of village wise area under 28 crops was collected through the MLP app. The GIS maps for spatial distribution and category wise distribution tools were used for analysis purposes. The results of the analysis of soybean and Pigeon pea crops are shown in figure 41 & 42 below as an example.

Figure 41: Soybean clusters

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 42: Pigeon pea clusters

3.1 B.1. Promoting Farmer Producer Companies

1. Establishment of Custom Hiring Centers

The project component has an objective to establish custom hiring centres to promote farm mechanization for coping up with climate variability in the project area. FPOs and SHGs have been encouraged to establish such Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) for the benefit of the farmers. CHCs rent various tools and equipment for timely inter-culture, harvest, and post-harvest operations in the villages in the project area.

The project is promoting custom hiring centres, so that small and marginal farmers are able to access the costly machines on rent to achieve desired farm productivity without compromising soil health and water use efficiency. This activity supports timely agricultural operations aided by farm mechanization services offered on a custom hiring basis.

As of March 2021, 192 business proposals of FPCs and SHGs have been given pre-sanctions to establish Custom Hiring Centers (CHC), out of which 117 business proposals of FPCs and SHGs have been given matching grants for established Custom Hiring Centers (CHC). The total value of the disbursed amount of CHCs is INR 1050.53 lakh. The status of disbursed proposals of the Custom Hiring Centre (as of 31st March 2021) is shown in table 20.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 20: Number of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) established Number of Custom Hiring Matching Grants Year Centers (Amt) 2019-20 04 36.49

2020-21 113 1014.04

Total 117 1050.53

Figure 43:Number of proposals of CHCs disbursed

The above figure 43 shows that out of 117 CNC s centres, 33 are established by Farmers producers company and 84 by Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 44: Farm Equipment in Custom Hiring Centre

Munjal Brothers, FPC (Village-Mardi, Tal- Chatrapati Shetakari Gat, FPC, (Village-Savana, Tal- Ambad, Dist– Jalana) Shengaon, Dist–Hingoli)

MauliShetakari Gat, FPC, (Village- Vadagaon, Tal- LaturKisan Agro Producer Co. Ltd (Village- Jagalpur Bk. Kalamb, Dist–Osmanabad) Tal-Jalkot, District → Latur)

Hiring charges with concession are offered by CHCs promoted under project

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Success Story – Custom Hiring Center

Driving Tractors.. A path towards women empowerment!

Bhidi is one of the project village in Deoli Block of Wardha district. This village has its own socio-political identity. Bhidi has seen many innovations in the field of agriculture, education and rural development. Owing to its vibrancy in various fields, this village was also included in “ Village Social Transformation Mission” by VST Foundation, a not-for-profit company of Maharashtra . Empowering Bhidi women through an initiative of community business project such as “Custom

Hiring Center” under PoCRA project has turned out to be another notable feature in the socio- economic growth trajectory of this village. Wardha district is known for various women empowerment initiatives such as ‘Wardhini’ , through Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission-UMED. As a part of this mega mission , 65 women’s SHGs have been formed in the village. These groups are active, conduct their monthly meetings regularly as well as actively engage in monthly thrift collections. These SHGs are also connected with Banks for their financial requirements. The SHGs in Bhidi normally undertake small food making enterprise such as PAPAD ,SHEVAI, MASALA making etc. After learning about the agribusiness component of the PoCRA project, especially the Custom Hiring Center, the interest of many Women’s SHGs was piqued. They saw this as a good business opportunity and also a chance to create their own identity in the agricultural landscape of the village and adjoining villages. As a result, today we see 11 different women’s SHGs have established 11 CHCs (Custom Hiring Centers)

at Bhidi. Each group has a membership of 10 to 12 women members. Which means more than 100 women of Bhidi are proud owners of their own group business venture! The establishment of CHCs was not a cake walk for these women members; they had to conduct several internal meetings, build a consensus, build confidence about their decision, approach the PoCRA functionaries for guidance, approach the banks for sanctioning loan. The documentation work was unfamiliar, including the DPR , Lease agreement, Procurement process etc. The CHCs proposed had a tractor and five tractor mounted equipments such as Rotavator, Cultivator (Panja), BBF, 3 bottom hydraulic plough and Furrow Opener ( V Pass). Estimates and designs for CHC sheds were also prepared after leasing out the requisite land. The Project cost was in range of Rs 12.25 Lakhs to Rs 14.25 lakhs. Bank of India, Bhidi was convinced about the credibility of the business proposals and sanctioned a bank loan of Rs. 5 lakhs for each SHGs. The remaining amount was raised by self-contribution from the members. All the procedures were completed by

the month of September 2020 and the CHCs were brought to operation immediately thereafter. All SHGs received PoCRA matching grants of Rs 5.55 lakhs to Rs 7.75 lakhs to the tune of 60 percent of project cost.

The real challenge was to run the business successfully. For this, the hiring rates of the

equipments for group members and non-group members were decided and displayed. Initially an external driver was appointed to operate the tractors and the equipments. One of the women members was accorded the work of keeping the accounts. Later on, Mahindra and Mahindra, the tractor manufacturing company offered to help the SHGs by imparting training about operation and maintenance of these equipments and tractors. Village youth were also trained by M&M.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

“Are you all getting enough business?”, This is the pertinent question that gets asked by everyone (including the PoCRA functionaries) to the women. And they strongly say, Yes! The reason is very simple. Bhidi is a very large village with cultivable area of more than 2425 ha. Bhidi is also well- connected to 12 to 15 villages of Deoli block. Bhidi is a well-known market village in the area. So obviously getting enough business is not a problem for the women.

Additionally the groups have prepared some pragmatic business plans which they execute as a team. For example, If a farmer approaches them for hiring a Plough, two groups send two tractors at a time to the

farm and complete the delegated work within half the required time. No wonder, the farmers are happy! “This is the first year when our sowing activity is completed on time. ”, Gajan Fale, a village member narrates happily. SHGs have been doing great efforts to promote BBF activity in Bhidi and adjoining villages. Approximately 100 acres of BBF plantation of Rabi Gram has been achieved by these CHCs during last Rabi season. The groups have planned to sow 400 acres of soybean in the Kharip season of 2021 . They are getting daily orders from the farmers. “This year I will sow my whole 10 acres plot of Soybean through BBF machine”, says, Satish Kale another villager. 18 villages in a circumference of 15 km around Bhidi have been catered by these women owned CHC centers till date. Not a small feat! Running an equipment hiring center is leading these women’s SHGs on a path towards self-empowerment. PoCRA feels proud to be a small part of this endeavour.

Figure 45: Custom Hiring Center run by Women SHGs in Bhidi village, Wardha

Custom Hiring Centres, Bhidi Village, Wardha

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 3.2 B2. Strengthening Emerging Value Chains for Climate Resilient Commodities 1. Support to FIGs/FPOs/FPs for Product Aggregation, Handling, Transformation & Marketing To build climate resilience beyond the farm gate and provide end-to-end solutions, the project has given pre-sanctions to business plans under the activity of promotion and strengthening the existing farmer's producer companies.

The total 307 business proposals of FPOs had given pre-sanction up to March 2021 worth INR 7992 lakhs. Out of which 15 proposals at PMU level, 193 at PD ATMA, and 99 at Subdivision level have been given pre-sanctions. The status of the number of business plans of FPOs and the amount disbursed is shown in the following table.

Table 21: Number of business proposals of FPOs disbursed Year FPCs Matching SHGs Matching Grand Matching % to Grants Grants total Grants Amt total Amt (INR Amt ( INR ( INR Lakh) lakh) Lakh) 2019-20 1 5.64 2 31.56 3 37.20 8.39 2020-21 9 289.14 10 116.88 19 406.02 91.61 Total 10 294.78 12 148.44 22 443.22 100.00

The type of proposed business activities supported under this component is shown in the following table. The project has given matching grants to 22 business plans of FPOs till March 2021 and amounts of matching grants disbursed INR 443.22 lakhs till March 2021. The project has given financial support to activities such as godowns, vegetables, pulses and grain processing units, silage making units, neem extraction unit (table 22).

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 22: Business Activity of disbursed proposals of FPOs Type of Business FPCs SHGs Total activity No. of Matching No. of Matchin No. of Matchin proposals Grant (INR propos g Grant proposal g Grant Lakh) als (INR s (INR Lakh) Lakh) Agricultural produce 1 51.8 1 8.2 2 60.1 processing unit Animal Feed 1 12.0 1 11.9 2 23.9 Processing Unit Dal Mill - - 1 1.8 1 1.8 Flour Mill 1 12.0 - - 1 12.0 Godown 4 148.7 8 125.1 12 273.8 Grading Center 1 5.3 - - 1 5.3 Neem powder, Neem 1 12.0 - - 1 12.0 oil & Neem cake Silage Making 1 53.0 - - 1 53.0 Vegetable dryer & - - 1 1.4 1 1.4 pulverizer unit Grand Total 10 294.8 12 148.4 22 443.2 Figure 46: Business Activities of FPOs

3 . Cleaning , Grading and Solar Panel

1. Silage Making Unit: Maloji Raje FPC, Sultanpur, Tal. Khultabad, Dist. Aurangabad 2. Neem Oil Unit: Krushimauli FPC, Chanbhai, Tal. Mangrulpir, Dist- Washim 3. Cleaning, Grading Unit and Solar panel: Rajanitai Deshmukh Farmers Producer Co. Ltd., Pathan Wada, Bhadgaon, Taluka Bhadgaon, District Jalgaon

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Success Story- Kumkum Women SHG Kumkum Self Help Group (SHG) in Dabha village of Amravati district is given support under PoCRA. The SHG has 10 women members. The group was formed under the Umed project in 2014. Mrs Rekha Manapure is a Chairman & Mrs Manisha Tawlare is the secretary of the group. Most of the members were educated till standard 9th or 10th and belonged to economically backward background. The monthly savings per member is Rs.100. SHG Group Chairman, Secretary and one of the members attended at KVK, Badnera (10 Kms from Dhaga) for one and half month of training. The decision on taking up income-generating activity was mutually decided. Initially, members had decided to choose a low cost for which raw materials were easily available. The Group had received the ’Hirkani award’ of INR 52,000 from the Umed project.

Initially, the members were mainly involved in the weekly saving and internal lending activities. After learning about the technique & information received during the training and their previous experience of Masala making, the group applied for the Dehydration and Pulverization Unit for Vegetables under PoCRA in Dec-2019. The group has received pre-sanctioned in Jan-2020, Bank of Maharashtra; branch- also sanctioned the loan of Rs. 2.65 Lakh to be paid in 18 months. The group has purchased the machines in Feb-2020. Of the total project cost of Rs.4.04 lakhs, they received the assistance of Rs.1.39 Lakhs under PoCRA Project (34.4%) during Jan-2021. A monthly instalment of Rs.1500 is regularly deposited by the group, the loan should be repaid in 18 months. Using the machine, various products, Tea masala, Curry leaf masala, Green masala, were prepared and Fenugreek, Mint, Drumstick and Green Gram were dehydrated and processed; the daily processing capacity being 30 to 35 Kgs. Currently, they were processing 8 to 10 kgs every day. The members grow Drumstick, Fenugreek, Mint and Grass Tea in their own field, which is used as raw material. Other materials such as Green Gram Dal and packaging material are purchased from the nearby market from Badnera and Amravati. The SHG has been able to market the products to wholesalers and retailers from Badnera, Amravati, Yavatmal and Akola who sell them to end consumers. The members themselves take up all activities and market the products, which has led to improvement in their confidence. Non- members are not engaged in any of the activities. The group sells around 2.5 quintals of the produce for around Rs. 25000 per month. One packet is around 30 to 40 grams and sells for around Rs.40 to Rs.50. While one kilogram of flour wadi sells

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 for Rs.150 to Rs. 170. The group has been able to earn a net profit of Rs.15000 per month after deducting the monthly labour charges of Rs.12000 and electricity charges of Rs.2000. They are eager to expand their business and plan to construct a godown and extension of the current activities on a larger scale. An application has been submitted to Gram Panchayat for allotting the space at the village for constructing the Godown but is yet to be approved. ( source: Concurrent Monitoring Report - Rest of project Area)

3.3. B.3. Improving the performance of the Seed Supply Chain 1. Production of foundation & certified seed of climate-resilient varieties The project is promoting the creation of a supply chain of seeds with climate resilience features like short duration, drought resistant, and salinity tolerant. The project is leveraging the network of seed grower farmers connected with Maharashtra State Seed Corporation (Mahabeej) and FPCs for the production of foundation and certified seeds with such characteristics. The project plans to develop a seed hub in project clusters covering a range of operations, including seed production, seed processing, storage, and certification. The list of climate-resilient varieties of seeds being promoted is provided in the annexure. The status of seed production of climate resilience varieties of Moong, Soybean, Pigeon pea and Udid crops during the Kharip season 2018 to 2021 are shown in the following table. It may be observed that there has been an increase in the number of growers from 1520 to 9303 i.e. an increase by 6.12 time. It may also be noted that the area under seed production increased from 4134 hectares to 19181 hectares i.e. an increase by 4.63 times. Table 23: Seed Production of Climate Resilience Varieties in Kharip season (2018 to 2020) Crop Varieties Number of Growers Area under seed production (Ha) 2018 2019 2020 2018 2019 2020 Moong BM-2002-1, BM-2003-2, 71 222 405 180 569 998 UTKARSHA Soybean DS-228, JS-2029, JS-335, JS- 1322 5673 8328 3693 13014 16952 9305, MACS-1188, MAUS-158, MAUS-162, MAUS-71 Tur BDN-711, BSMR-736, ICP- 54 246 252 133 513 534 (Pigeon 8863, ICPL-87119, PKV TARA, Pea) VIPULA Udid AKU -10-1, AKU-15, TAU-1 73 319 318 128 638 697

TOTAL 1520 6460 9303 4134 14734 19181

Status of seed production of climate resilience varieties of Gram, Sorghum and Wheat crops during Rabi season 2018 and 2020 is shown in the following table. It may be observed that there has been an increase in the number of growers from 648 to 3413 i.e. an increase by 5.2 times. In case of the area under seed production in Rabi season increased from 1508 hectares to 6194 hectares i.e. an increase by 4.10 times.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 24: Seed Production of Climate Resilience Varieties in Rabi Season (2018-20) Crop Varieties Number of Growers Area under seed production (Ha) 2018 2019 2020 2018 2019 2020 Gram DIGVIJAY, JAKI 9218, PHULE 612 1945 2740 1441 3781.7 5118 VIKHRAM, RAJ VIJAY, RAJVIJAY- 202, RAJVIJAY-203, VIJAY, VIRAT, VISHAL Rabi M-35-1, PKV-Kranti, SPV 1411, 36 169 262 67 346.8 465 Sorghum SPV 1595, Revati Wheat MACS-6222, AKAW-4627, - 242 363 - 336.8 542 AKAW-4627 CS, GW-496, HI- 8663, LOK-1, P.SAMADHAN, PDKV SARDAR Safflower PBNS-12 , PBNS-86, PKV-PINK - - 21 - - 52 Onion AFDR, AFLR - - 27 - - 17

TOTAL 648 2356 3413 1508 4465 6194 In total 8839 growers participated in the production of climate-resilient seeds during the period 2020-21. Of the total 12689 growers, 9303 were Kharip seed growers and 3386 were Rabi seed growers. The crop-wise status of seed production in the Kharip and Rabi season (2020-21) are shown in the following table. Table 25: Seed production in 2020 and its sufficiency Sr Crop Growers Area (ha.) Seed Sufficient to No (Nos.) Production cultivate Area (ha.) (Qtl.) Season: Kharip 2020-21 1 Soybean 8328 16952 84760 113013 2 Pigeon Pea 252 534 3418 34176 3 Black Gram 318 697 2091 17425 4 Green Gram 405 998 2994 24950 Total 9303 19181 93263 189564 Season: Rabi 2020-21 1 Gram 2740 5218 66790 111317 2 Rabi Jowar 262 465 5208 52080 3 Wheat 363 542 15176 15176 4 Safflower 21 52 364 3640 Total 3386 6277 87538 182213

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 47: Seed production activity photos

Junoni, Taluka- Osmanabad Ghat Pimpri, Tal- Washi, Crop- Soybean

2. Development of seed hub-infrastructure support Under this sub-activity, a project is being supported to establish/ construct the seed storage godowns. The matching grants provided to create storage facilities to 3 farmers producer companies and 4200 MT capacity has been created.

Dattaprayag SHG, Jamb, Godown Construction Annapurna Farmer Group, Shirgaon, Tal. Gangapur, Dist. Aurangabad

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Component C:

Institutional Development, Knowledge and Policies for a Climate Resilient Agriculture

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 4.Component C: Institutional Development, Knowledge and Policies for a Climate-resilient Agriculture

The objective of this component is to enhance the transformative capacity of institutions and stakeholders to promote and pursue more climate-resilient agriculture, with sector strategies and policies. This helps to ensure the adoption of the approach proposed for building climate resilience through longer-term adaptive management of agriculture, soil, and water resources. The project has focused on capacity development programs for small farmers and other stakeholders in the project area.

4.1 Capacity Enhancement & Need Assessment (CENA) A CENA (Capacity Enhancement & Need Assessment) study was initiated by PMU in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to identify the training and capacity enhancement needs of the stakeholders, including farmers, members of the FPOs, VCRMC members, and project officials. CENA Report Highlights – ● The study was conducted in three regions of the PoCRA project area, namely Osmanabad, Jalgaon and Yavatmal. In these districts, seven agriculture subdivisions were covered by using a purposive sampling method. ● 240 respondents participated in the CENA exercise. Out of these, 180 respondents were either VCRMC members or officers working at the Cluster, subdivision, or district level, and 60 respondents were either male or female farmers including youth. ● 168 participants expected capacity enhancement inputs. ● Based on this, a detailed training module has been designed for various stakeholders including, district-level officials, non-executive VCRMC members, VCRMC members, farmers, women, and youth. A list of training institutions with their expertise has also been suggested.

Recommendations

● The Subdivision and district level stakeholders are expected to guide, direct, and monitor project activities under their jurisdiction. ● VCRMC is a very important community institution and is largely responsible for the overall implementation of project interventions while resolving conflicts and competing interests at the village level. The training needs of the VCRMC members have been assessed accordingly. ● At a broad level, the training proposed for VCRMC members is to improve its functioning. This training needs to be catered to all VCRMC in cascading mode. ● Specialized training modules have been proposed for farmers, women, and youth. Training institutions like KVK, MAVIM, MCED, which have their presence in all the project districts, have been identified. ● Some more institutions need to be identified for delivering certain specialized training.

4.2 Capacity Enhancement of Project Stakeholders Capacity Development is a precursor for the success and sustainability of any development project, community groups and institutions. The capacity building understanding goes beyond 'training' programs and involves a holistic approach that includes human resource development,

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 organization development, system / institutional development and cooperation, and network development. All these processes are a continuous process enabling stakeholders, functionaries, implementers, and policymakers to enhance their knowledge and skills and to develop the required orientation and perspectives thereby becoming more effective in performing their roles and responsibilities. The project acknowledges the need to support and train farmers and village communities responsible for project implementation and execution at the field level so that they can reach their potential capacity. In the project for capacity development and review meetings, various Events (Training /Workshop/Exposure/Meetings) are organized at different levels such as training and exposure visit of VCRMC members, technical and skill development of farmers, capacity building of officials and staff at state, district and subdivision level etc. To manage and monitor the training program, the project has developed a ‘Training Management Application’. Using this application, users can organize events by selecting event type, date, time, participants, and venue along with the coordinator who will conduct the event. The coordinator will capture the attendance of the participants, along with the group photograph. Once the event is closed by the coordinator it gets reflected at the PS HRD/PS Agribusiness dashboard. PSHRD/PS Agribusiness can view/ download the detailed reports of the closed event with consists number of Male /Female participants attending the event. It can also view the number of the event attendant by participant till time. Application Features 1) Schedule Event (Training /Workshops/Exposures/Meetings) 2) Monitor the Participant attendance 3) Track the number of event attendant by the participant 4) Observe the performance of the facilitator in the given time frame 5) Track number of Events organized by District and sub-division 6) Manage the frequency of types of events organized in various districts/locations a. Training and Capacity Development of VCRMC members

Since VCRMC is the most important stakeholder for the project, the project has focused on its training and capacity development. The following activities have been completed during the period. Details are given in each section separately. ● From 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 total of 23133 events were organized. Total 270438 beneficiaries built their capacity under various capacity building events as shown in Table below. ● Out of total participants, the male participants were 203107 (75.10%) and female participants were 66892 (24.73%).

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 26: Capacity Building Events during the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 Districts Project Officials and Farmers Training No of Events Male participants Female Total participants participants Akola 2127 19468 6443 25929 Amaravati 1644 20153 6808 26971 Aurangabad 1664 12977 4131 17132 Beed 2099 17914 6148 24070 Buldhana 1570 12307 3386 15714 Hingoli 997 5960 2338 8311 Jalgaon 2023 15260 5059 20414 Jalna 1995 15015 6421 21488 Latur 1599 12292 3806 16117 Nanded 1303 15910 4689 20622 Osmanabad 1358 12080 4030 16134 Parbhani 1297 8707 1757 10516 Wardha 765 7899 2883 10803 Washim 993 7654 3170 10853 Yavatmal 1699 19511 5823 25364 Total 23133 203107 66892 270438

Training of VCRMC members and Krushi Tai The training was organized on Project Orientation, VCRMC members’ orientation & management for VCRMC members, Agri-allied Enterprise- Sericulture, Farm Mechanization, Farmers Field School, Registration & Management of Producer Companies, Financial Management and Account Keeping, Irrigation & Water Management etc.

As of March 2021, the status of district-wise participation of VCRMC members and Krishi Tais in the training programme is shown in the following table.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Table 27: Status of Training of VCRMC members and Krushi Tai’s Districts No. of VCRMC members Krushi Tai's Akola 4017 148 Amaravati 3822 217 Aurangabad 3887 102 Beed 4147 206 Buldhana 4199 168 Hingoli 2522 28 Jalgaon 4498 148 Jalna 3887 167 Latur 3172 96 Nanded 4251 145 Osmanabad 3302 85 Parbhani 3133 55 Wardha 845 65 Washim 1417 80 Yavatmal 2691 28 Total 49790 1738

A total of 49790 VCRMC members and 1738 Krishi Tai's participated in the training program conducted by the project as of march 2021. (table 29). In addition, workshops were conducted for the VCRMC members along with training programmes. The workshops were organized on the topics Project’s orientation in phase III villages, Demonstration and Implementation of various project activities, farmer’s workshop prior to Rabi & Kharip season etc. A one-day workshop was organized for all female VCRMC members for their orientation and active participation in decision making. Capacity Building Process for VCRMC: The capacity building process for VCRMC members is designed in a series of orientation, refresher, and advance training for their better understanding. Orientation Training The orientation training will be a one-day induction/ orientation of VCRMC members. It will include the role and responsibilities of VCRMC members along with the climate-resilient agriculture: concept, need and approach, micro-planning process, understanding and planning to develop village plan and cluster plans, beneficiaries’ selection criteria, accounting, community procurement plan etc. Refresher Training cum Workshop After orientation, there will be refresher training during which the VCRMC members will share their first-hand experience of implementation of various project activities. The module of refresher is designed to include training on Good practices and issues in the operationalization of committee, ensure effective implementation of IPM strategy, water Budget, the opening of VCRMC account and accounting process, Progress of Budget envelope and implementation of the action plan, best practices of climate-resilient technologies, equity, benefit-sharing, constraints, Gender

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 sensitization, coordination and linkages, allied livelihood activities, safeguard concerns & contingency plan, etc. The refresher training of VCRMC members was also designed to incorporate new inputs and IT- enabled techniques, introduction to the app developed by then along with feedback mechanisms to include the suggestion and inputs. Advance Training cum Workshop After three months of refresher training, the advanced training is designed for the members. The module of advance training will be specifically based on effective implementation of Social Audit mechanism, monitoring, Conflict and Resolution mechanism, sensitizing the stakeholders for Post Project Sustainability and technical strengthening of communities to develop a sense of ownership and responsibilities regarding O&M mechanism, adaptation & replication of climate-resilient technologies and resources in plantations and other conservational activities, handling of contingencies especially in the agriculture sector. This project is implemented and executed in a participatory manner, thus the advanced course module will provide a platform for members to put forth necessary update, change & suggestion for field level implementation strategy to improve & effective implementation mechanism at the field level. Figure 48: Training of VCRMC and Other Stakeholders

Training of VCRMC and Other Stakeholders

Training to Krishi Tai (Digital Literacy- online training) VCRMC Meeting

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 a. Training of Project functionaries The project is building the capacities of the implementing officials working at various levels. New entrants in the project undergo induction training of one week at Vasantrao Naik Agriculture Extension Management Training Institute (VANAMATI), the apex training institute of the Department of Agriculture at Nagpur. Regional training institutes (RAMETI) are engaged in the training programmes on technology dissemination, use of IT, project management etc. The Cluster Assistants, who are an important link between project, VCRMC, and farmers, are exposed to useful IT tools and techniques for the effective functioning of project activities. The FFS Facilitators, who are responsible for disseminating the Climate Resilient Technologies through FFS, are trained on various extension methods and technical aspects of the cropping systems prevailing in the project area. The supervisory officers and nodal officers at District Project Implementation Unit (DPIU) and Sub-divisional Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) are also introduced to various monitoring techniques using IT applications developed by the PMU. Their feedback is also taken while preparing guidelines to carry out project activities and in grievance redressal to make the project more accountable to the community as well as to create a sense of ownership among the project officials. The project functionaries are being oriented and updated regarding ‘Use of Environmental and Social Safeguards’ during regular and special training programmes and workshops. b. Training of Project beneficiaries

The PDO itself creates an urgent need to build capacities of the farming community to build resilience in the farming systems with enhanced profitability. The project promotes the small farmers and the landless families in the project villages to make investments in the adoption of climate-resilient technologies and integrated farming systems as a systematic resilience-building measure. The success of any technology depends more upon its application in regular farming systems. The project, therefore, intends to orient the beneficiary farmers for effective technology adoption. Also, their skills are being enhanced to practice new technologies and to ensure that the investments are utilized properly.

c. Training of FPOs

The farmers' federations in the form of FPOs/ FPCs/ SHGs are major stakeholders under component B and are being oriented to explore feasible enterprises in agriculture and allied sectors. The decision-makers in these federations are exposed to good and robust business plans and environment-friendly business processes.

d. Exposure Visits Exposure visits were organized for VCRMC members and project’s beneficiaries to various centres of excellence under the category within the state and within the district/ division/ sub-division. In the previous period, a total of 68 exposure visits were organized with a total of 674 members participating, out of which 84.87% were males and 15.13% females. The purpose of the exposure visits is to expose the trainees to the best practices in climate-resilient agriculture. Under this activity, the project organizes the exposure visits for the farmers and project implementation staff within the district, within the state and outside the state.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Exposure visits were organized for VCRMC members and project’s beneficiaries to the various centres of excellence under the category within the state and within the district/ division/ subdivision. Table 28: Exposure visits conducted and participants Districts Exposure visits conducted and participants No of Events Male Female Total participants participants participants Akola 1 13 7 20 Amaravati 7 39 16 55 Beed 25 310 22 332 Buldhana 14 15 0 15 Hingoli 1 0 0 0 Nanded 3 11 8 19 Osmanabad 1 0 0 0 Parbhani 3 33 22 55 Wardha 2 18 11 29 Washim 4 59 9 68 Yavatmal 7 74 7 81 Total 68 572 102 674 % to total 84.87 15.13

Figure 49: Exposure Visits

Exposure Visit to KVK , Baramati Pradarshini (19 Jan 2020)

e. Initiatives Taken by PoCRA During Lockdown Period due COVID 19 The world is facing a great challenge during the lockdown period to sustain economic and business activities. Since most of the PoCRA project activities are related to actual and onsite works, it was a real challenge for the PMU and field staff to engage with the stakeholders and ensure that this

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 crucial period is not wasted. Since the physical movement of project staff was not possible, it was decided to use IT tools to reach out to the farmers and other stakeholders and prepare for the upcoming Kharip season. To guide and supervise the project activities, the PMU conducted several rounds of interactive sessions through Zoom / Microsoft Teams with field officials, including DSAOs, SDAOs, project specialists, account officers, taluka agriculture officers (TAO), circle agriculture officer (CAO), agriculture assistant, cluster assistant, and Krishi Tai. In April & May 2020, the PMU and field officials have organized more than 350 online meetings (zoom & team app) with project functionaries to review project implementation status, Kharip season preparation, water balance computation, Micro Level Plans preparation and preparation for webinars etc. WEBINAR CUM TRAINING EVENT: During the month of April & May 2020, 5 major webinars cum training sessions were organized for the targeted stakeholders. ● The first webinar was organized on May 01, 2020, for the directors and members of FPO/ FPC & SHGs. The agenda of the webinar was to discuss how to identify and utilize opportunities available to set up agri-business, access to credit, identify and assess risks, and share some of the success stories from the project area. The event was chaired by Hon. Minister of Agriculture Sh. Dadaji Bhuse & facilitated by Sh. Rafik Naikwadi, Agribusiness Specialist, PMU. The other panellists included Secretary Agriculture, Commissioner Agricultural, MD MSRLM, bankers, and members of successful FPOs. ● The second webinar was organized on May 12, 2020, for Krishi Tais. The agenda of the webinar included the roles & responsibilities of Krushi Tais, utilizing the FFS as a vehicle for extension of climate-resilient farming practices, experience sharing, and performance evaluation. The event was chaired by Hon. Minister of Agriculture Shri Dadaji Bhuse & facilitated by Dr. Rajul Pant, Sociologist, PMU. Some Krishi Tais from project villages, PS-HRD, agri-assistant, cluster assistant, and master trainers shared their experience for the benefit of attendees. Hon. Minister Agriculture interacted with Krishi Tais & assured to provide crucial support during the lockdown period. ● The third webinar cum training was organized on May 16, 2020, on “Computation of Village Water Balance”. The event was facilitated by Vijay Kolekar, Agronomist PMU, and panellists were Prof. Milind Sohni, IIT Mumbai, Hemant Belsare, Shubhada Sali, Nitin Bankar, GIS expert from PMU, and Umesh Jadhav, PS-Agri. All the presentations were followed by a discussion on selected questions. The webinar also attempted to engage the trainees by conducted online polls on specific topics. ● The fourth webinar was organized on May 22, 2020, on “Interaction with Farmers about Farm Field Schools”. The event was facilitated by Vijay Kolekar, Agronomist PMU. The sessions were organized on Zero Tillage, on-farm production of Organic fertilizers, BBF technology, soil test based nutrient management, and formulation of Neem extract. Hon. Minister of Agriculture Shri Dadaji Bhuse also guided the attendees. ● The fifth webinar was organized on May 29, 2020, on ‘Management of Saline Soils’. The event was facilitated by Vijay Kolekar, Agronomist PMU. The panellists included Bhausaheb Barhate, Soil Scientist PMU. Dr S M Taley, former HoD SAU Akola, S M Pundkar, General Manager Mahabeej, and progressive farmers practising climate-resilient farming techniques in saline soils. Hon. Minister of Agriculture Shri Dadaji Bhuse also guided the attendees.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 All the webinars were broadcasted live on the YouTube channel of PoCRA. While the panellists tried to address most of the important questions raised by the attendees during the webinar itself, some of the questions could not be taken up due to paucity of time. Later on, the questions received during sessions were consolidated and responses thereon were prepared & uploaded on the project website. The link to the answers was sent by SMS to the attendees. A feedback form was also developed for every webinar and responses were consolidated for further improvement. Table 29: Status of Attendees during webinars Status of Attendees during webinars* Webinar Topic Duration Zoom YouTube Total Unique (in minutes) Attendees Attendees till Attendees date FPO/FPC & SHGs 174 1122 19323 20445 Interaction with Krishi Tai 202 453 7209 7662 Water Balance 195 1395 1550 2945 Interaction with farmers - 183 971 3154 4125 FFS Management of Saline 164 210 - 210 Soils *The data does not include those viewers who watched in groups, maintaining social distance.

Figure 50:GLIMPSES OF WEBINARS

4.3 Strategic Partnerships This subcomponent seeks to develop long-term strategic partnerships at the state, national and international level for collaborative, evidence-based work to provide the analytical underpinnings in support of the design of policies on climate-resilient agriculture. For effective planning, execution and monitoring of the project, strategic partnerships are being established through

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), New Delhi; Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad; Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal; National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP), Nagpur; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai; State Agriculture Universities (PDKV, VNMAU & MPKV); Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA), Pune; Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS), Mumbai; YASHADA, Pune; and Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics (GIPE), Pune.

1. Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)

MoU between PoCRA & ICAR has been signed on 20/2/2017 and accordingly the exchange of information for project designing has been completed and the technological backstopping by ICAR institutes, SAUs and the KVKs is going on as per the requirement.

2. SAU’s (State Agriculture Universities) MoU between PoCRA and SAU’s has been signed on 17th Jan 2020. This assignment aims with following objectives and Deliverables

Objectives 1. To determine the crop coefficients for the major crops for the State of Maharashtra by Lysimetric studies with the following specific objectives. 2. To estimate water requirement of different field crops for efficient irrigation water management.

3. National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Utilization Planning (NBSS & LUP) MoU between PoCRA and NBSS&LUP, Nagpur has been signed on 24th May 2019 for “High- Resolution Land Resource Inventory and Land Use Planning for Climate Resilient Agriculture”. The duration of the contract is 12 months from the date of signing MoU. The total cost of the contract is INR 49.92 Lakh (excluding applicable taxes). The MoU aims at inventory mapping of land resources of 500 villages in 15 project districts to facilitate optimum utilization of soil and water resources.

Objectives of the Assignment - 1. Characterization and Mapping of soil Resource on 1:10000 scale for their optimum utilization and conservation, 2. Development of abiotic stress management plan to enhance the resilience of farming communities, and 3. Soil database for 500 villages (physical and chemical properties). The database would include soil depth, texture, bulk density, field capacity, permanent wilting point, organic carbon, pH, EC, major and micronutrients contents, thematic maps like nutrients status, inputs for developing an android app for crop advisory based on soil and weather data, etc. Phase II report has been received on 03-06-2020. The report briefs about thematic maps for 50 villages. NBSS is currently in the process of submitting a Soil database for 250 project villages. Database consists of Laboratory Analysis (Physical and chemical properties of collected soil samples) like soil depth, texture, bulk density, field capacity, permanent wilting point, organic carbon, pH, cation exchange capacity, major nutrient contents, salt contents etc, along with Depth & texture maps in GIS file format.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 51: Thematic maps based on soil profile analysis

4. Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA): MoU between PoCRA & GSDA has been signed on 14th June 2019. The duration of the contract is 12 months from the date of signing the MoU. The total cost of the contract is INR 1.91 Crore (excluding applicable taxes). This MoU aims at the Preparation of Cluster Wise Ground Water Recharge Plan for 70 Clusters spread over 15 project districts.

Objectives of the Assignment: 1. To prepare cluster wise groundwater recharge plan for 70 clusters along with plans and estimates 2. To provide technical backstopping including protocol development for the supervision of groundwater recharge works and related training to field staff.

The following information is collected through a detailed field survey by the organization. a. Baseline information like Demographic information, Status of domestic water supply, Agricultural crops and micro-irrigation information, Water conservation structures (Existing) information b. Hydrology and Hydrogeology information like Rainfall analysis, Groundwater Occurrence information, Irrigation status - Surface water, Groundwater use for agriculture c. Groundwater estimation of Cluster for Monsoon Recharge and Non-Monsoon Recharge d. Groundwater Management Action Plan for Runoff estimation, Proposed plan for supply-side interventions, Total estimated cost of Groundwater management plan e. Anticipated Benefits.

Recommendations from the study have been shared by GSDA in the reports submitted. This report consists of Recharge Trenches with Recharge shafts, Recharge shafts, Recharge shafts in existing structures, Recharge Shafts in submergence, Recharge shafts in submergence, and also other NRM activities such as Community Farmpond, Gabions, Hybrid

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Gabion Structures, Desilting of Existing Percolation Tanks, Compartment Bunds, K.T.Weir-New, Repair/ Desilting of KT weirs, CNB New, CNB repairs or desilting as per their survey analysis. So far, a Groundwater recharge plan for a total of 63 clusters has been received. Phase IV report has been received on 10-03-2021. The report briefs about the key areas of this assignment like Hydrogeological Survey, Geophysical survey, preparation of maps and sections, collection and interpretation of cropping and Rainfall data along with specific work recommendations in the study area.

Hydrogeological maps and sections: Based on the geological and hydrogeological observations in the field various maps and sections are prepared as;

Surface hydrogeological map Sub-surface hydrogeological section

Annual water level fluctuation map (WTF) Annual GW level fluctuates between 3 to 5 m. So, an average GW fluctuation is considered as 4 m.

5. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay There are 3 MoUs signed between PoCRA and IITB. They are as follows:

MoU -I (Water Balance for Watershed Plans Under PoCRA) MoU between PoCRA & IIT Bombay has been signed on 16th August 2017 for a period of one year. The total cost of the contract is INR 54,00,000/-

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Objectives of the Assignment: Providing guidance at the village level on the seasonal availability of water so that key decisions on crop choice could be made in a climate-resilient manner. The basic strategy was to promote water budgeting and participatory planning approach at micro watershed and village level. To do this it was envisaged to design a water balance computation procedure and to carry it out at the village and the cluster level. The output of these frameworks enables visualization of current agricultural water balance status at micro watershed zone/village level thereby providing planning support for cropping patterns and new engineering interventions.

Delivery A document describing process and evolution of the hydrological framework, plugin and an easy to use single, multi-crop plugin integrated with the micro-planning app for generation of Village level water budget, technical and handholding support in integration with micro-planning process and training of PMU functionaries, and preparation of Zones for Phase I villages in the Project area. The plugin developed by IITB is used for computing the water budget at the village level. MoU I has been successfully completed.

MoU- II (Water Balance for Watershed Plans) The MoU has been signed on 2nd November 2018. The duration of the contract was 12 months from the date of signing the MoU. The total cost of the contract is INR 72,12,000/- (excluding applicable taxes). Objectives : ● Refinement of Water Balance framework through improvement in input data in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities, Skymet, GSDA, Settlement Commissioner, IMD and NBSS&LUP etc and its integration into the framework. ● Village level outcome measurement framework for water productivity measurement and its operationalization, beneficiary prioritization with respect to water security plans. Incorporation of various indices on the dashboard and MLP app. ● Incorporation of weather parameters in water balance computation. ● Dashboard for monitoring of rainfall, soil moisture, crop stress and other parameters. Demonstration of Concept of suitable datasets on dashboard and query on it.

Delivery ● Analysis of land records data and feasibility of its incorporation into the current process. ● Weather parameters incorporated in the computation of evapotranspiration in water balance. ● Village level outcome measurement framework for water productivity measurement and its operationalization, beneficiary prioritization with respect to water security plans and DPR assessment guidelines. ● Collaboration with GSDA, NBSS&LUP for preparation of groundwater recharge plan and high- resolution soil data sets. ● Dashboard to visualize project area with parameters like rainfall, soil moisture, runoff, crop stress, dry spells, MLP and FFS datasets MoU II has been successfully completed.

MOU-III (Integrating Elements of Climate Resilience in Micro-Watershed Plans): The MoU has been signed on 3rd October 2018. The duration of the contract is 24 months from the commencement of work, i.e., from 31st December 2019. The total cost of the contract is INR 2,04,36,000/- (excluding applicable taxes).

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Objectives ● To attain resource optimization through enhanced energy efficiency. ● To support and assist the technical partners of PoCRA with institutional Knowledge of IIT Bombay and mainstream their inputs. ● To carry out studies and participatory action research activities that will help the project attain the result indicators.

Deliverables ● Mainstreaming of Inputs from external technical agencies for the formalization of Model and Planning Methodology. ● Design and support for the development of Contingency Planning Framework based on inputs from CRIDA & other agencies. ● IT tools: Extending Dashboard for various applications ranging from monitoring of project activities, biophysical parameters, water-related status indicators, contingency planning across a variety of user themes. Development of farm-level applet usable for various purposes such as computing water productivity, marking interventions etc. ● Extension activities and research for better community comprehension. ● Delivery of Models, tools, reports, applications along with source code, training material and manual for scaling up. ● Calculations of water productivity and cost of water/energy in crop production based on protective irrigation measurements and water balance calculations. ● A framework to identify and evaluate risks in access and quality of power to farmers as a constraint to farming and its mitigation. ● Design of an extension program to improve pump selection and water infrastructure thus improving system performance and making energy use more efficient. ● Report on village level irrigation energy infrastructure and its determinants and impacts on access. ● Delivery of framework, tools, reports, and dashboard facility. Calculations of water productivity

Phase IV report has been received on 08-03-2021. The report briefs about the deliverables designed for the Water and Energy part as per MoU. Below is the report description. Water: 1. IT Submission Reports - Report on Smooth Weather Skymet Data, Report on Village Contingency Map, Dashboard Delivery Report 2. IT Handover Documents - List of Interactions with PMU for IT Handover, MLP Script, Farm water Handover Document, Technical Documentation of PoCRA Dashboard, Dashboard Code Description, IT Stack document 3. Non-IT Reports - Report on Rabi Contingency Planning, Note on Community Comprehension, Case Study: Final Closure Field Report, Update note on NBSS, Note on GSDA IITB Collaboration. Energy: Report 1: Pump Selection Practices and Energy & Water Consumption Analysis Report 2: Energy Infrastructure Framework and Latent Demand Analysis

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

Figure 52: Display of Water balance charts in the villages and validation of runoff and water balance

Water budget chart displayed in Gulabwadi, village, Jalgoan Water sensor at Gondala Cluster

Water sensor in Lingdar cluster Water sensor in Mop cluster

6. Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE)

A memorandum of Understanding between PoCRA & GIPE has been signed on 16th August 2017, for the study of FPCs in Osmanabad district, a Case Study of select water interventions, and M&E support for PoCRA. The cost of the contract is INR 54 lakhs. The objectives of the assignment are as follows- 1. GIPE will study FPCs, including those which are successful, and which are not-so-successful. The study will assess the current role played by FPCs, the rate at which the income of the farmer-members has grown since the inception of the same, the bouquet of services offered through the model, time that an FPC takes to scale up its offerings, whether it has successfully created higher market access, quantitatively and qualitatively etc. 2. GIPE will construct a Case Study of Select Water Interventions

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 3. GIPE will engage in creating the M&E framework for PoCRA, bringing out the scope of work to be carried out by the M&E agency. In this regard, GIPE shall specifically deliver the following four components to the PMU at PoCRA 4. Draft of expression of interest (EoI), Terms of Reference (ToR) for the M&E agency, outlining the scope of work, qualifications of the bidders, bidding criteria, and technical and financial evaluation criteria. 5. Result Framework Proposal (RFP) detailing the activities, sampling plan, methodologies, and time frames for delivery 6. Technical scrutiny of the proposals received in response to the aforementioned ToR 7. Definitions and proposed targets for the Result Framework Indicators in consultation with PMU 8. GIPE shall also agree to participate in the pre-bid meetings and handle queries related to the ToR and/or RFP document

The GIPE has submitted the study on FPCs and a Case Study of select water interventions. GIPE has prepared ToR for hiring M&E agency and participated in the pre-bid meeting and handling queries from M&E agencies. GIPE has submitted the technical evaluation of proposals submitted by M&E agencies.

4.5 Safeguards

a. Environmental Management Framework (EMF) To ensure that all the relevant environmental safeguards are addressed in the project, an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) has been prepared. This framework has been bifurcated into two parts. Volume 1 focuses on background aspects such as village micro-level planning, post-harvest, and agri-business. Volume II focuses on integrated pest and nutrient management. Various aspects of the EMF have been implemented, as detailed below.

1. Integration of EMF checklist into the Micro-Level Planning Mobile Application: The EMF has designed a detailed checklist that needs to be integrated into the Micro-Level Planning (MLP) process of the project. The project has now developed a mobile application for MLP activity. The Environmental Checklist for MLP has been translated into the Marathi language and integrated into the MLP app. Designing of the app has been done in such a way that the facilitator will need to mandatorily complete the Environmental Checklist while submitting the MLP forms. 2. Incorporation of IPNM into the Farmer Field School activity: The FFS activity has been structured to ensure that the pest and nutrient-related concerns are incorporated into the FFS schedules. Like the MLP app, a mobile application has been developed for FFS activity wherein the facilitators will input information during the FFS visits. This application captures all the information pertaining to nutrient and pest management of the FFS plots. The FFS guidelines give detailed technical instructions to the facilitators and host farmers regarding the tools for measurements, seed varieties and types of fertilizers and pesticides to be used, technologies to be used for conserving soil carbon and nutrients and so on. Data generated from this application is being used to analyse the level of nutrients in the project villages, which will help in the next phases of the project to take corrective measures.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

3. Environmental Checklist incorporated into the Agri-Business proposals for DBT The EMF provides a list of impacts to be evaluated and mitigation measures to be taken during post-harvest management and value chain promotion activities. Based on this, a checklist has been prepared for the FPOs that they will need to submit as part of their matching grants application. The project scrutinizes the applications on the basis of these guidelines before making a decision on the proposed activity.

4. Training and capacity building As part of the ongoing and proposed project training, a module on environmental safeguards has been developed. This training module outlines the schedule, materials, and topics to be covered during the training. In addition, audio-video materials are being developed for a better understanding of the field level functionaries and target group farmers.

Environmental Compliance achieved through PoCRA activities The project has aligned its activities to the Maharashtra State Adaptation Action Plan on Climate Change. The activities taken up are described below. 1. Seed production The lack of climate-resilient seeds has negative impacts on smallholder farmers. High yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties offer a practical and sustainable way of adapting to harsh environmental conditions that exist in the dryland regions. The Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA) promotes the strengthening of farmers to adapt to the impact of climate change. The climate-resilient crop varieties recommended by the state agriculture universities are encouraged for seed production. 2. Integrated Pest Management

The project is educating the farmers to adopt integrated pest management practices to protect the crop from pest attack and pest epidemic. It is observed that cotton is mostly affected by Pink Bollworm. The project has disseminated bollworm management guidelines and demonstrated recommended technologies during FFS and training. Also the installation of pheromone traps for surveillance of the pest and management of pests in an environmentally friendly manner.3. Skill development training for safe use of pesticides.

The project conducted a skill development campaign for farm labour. In this campaign, the training of agriculture labour about scientific methods of spraying is imparted at village level and continued from 03 August to 22 August 2020. This training helped in cutting down the cost of spraying and ensured the safety of the workers. A pool of 395 progressive farmers with identified skill set has been created as village level resource persons and they were involved in FFS and farmer training programs.

To cover the 940 FFS plots under the technology dissemination to farmers, a total of 3227 events of ‘Spraying Techniques with Safety Measures’ were organized at the village level. Total 79150 farm labourers, farmers and project beneficiaries benefitted through this event. Of the total participants, the male participants were 69537 (75%) and female participants were 9615 (25%).

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 b. Social Management Framework (SMF) and Tribal People Planning Framework (TPPF)

Objectives of the SMF and TPPF The overall objective of social assessment study is “to better understand and address social development issues and ensure accomplishing the outcomes – inclusion, cohesion, equity, security, decentralization and accountability. The objectives of the TPPF are to ensure that (1) The tribal people are adequately consulted and take part in the process of preparation, implementation and monitoring of project activities, (2) Project benefits are equally accessible and they are provided with special assistance as per prevailing laws and policies because of their cultural identities and to minimize further social and economic imbalances within communities, (3) Institutional arrangements especially disclosure mechanisms and grievances redressal mechanism, and (4) Monitoring and reporting arrangements. Social and Tribal Inclusion strategy: The vulnerability and poverty are more than low income, it is also about exclusion, unaccountable institutions, and powerlessness. Thus, the project focuses on the need of the farming community in planning, implementation and monitoring processes and to “put people first” in holistic development processes. Social inclusion Social inclusion is the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged based on their identity. The project acknowledges the United Nations has committed to “leaving no one behind” to promote inclusive growth and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and World Bank Group’s twin goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. The project is focused on the needs of the small and marginal farmers in the project area. In the benefit distribution, inclusiveness and equity are being ensured. The vulnerable sections of the village are given priority while availing benefits under the project. The order of priority is SC, ST, women, and disabled farmers. Project initiative for the special tribal plan: From August 09, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (IDWIP), the project initiated a campaign for the Indigenous People in the project districts. This specific intervention was over and above the implementation of the Tribal People Plan Framework (TPPF) to address tribal issues up-front and providing culturally compatible resolutions that ensure focused and exclusive attention towards tribal/indigenous people. The campaign was carried out in 14 scheduled tehsils in the project districts i.e., Jalgaon district has three tehsils namely Chopda, Yavla and Raver; two in Nanded namely Kinwat and Mahur; two in Amaravati namely Chikhaldhara, and Dharni; and seven tehsils are in Yavatmal district namely Maregaon, Ralegaon, Kelapur, Ghatanji, Vani, Jharijamni and Arni. Among the project districts, of the total rural population, the highest percentage of tribal population is observed in Yavatmal (21.8 %), followed by Amaravati (19.9 %), Jalgaon (18.6 %), Wardha (14.3%), Hingoli (10.7%), Nanded (9.9%), and Washim (7.9%). In the rest of the project districts, it varies from 7.8% to 1.3%. 194 events were organized in tribal villages and 3766 tribal people participated. Male participation was 2839 (75%) and female 918 (25%). As a part of mini micro-planning, a “Special Schedule Tribe Development Plan” (SSTDP) was prepared to cater for the specific need of the indigenous community. Total 384 SSTDP was analyzed and efforts have been made to take up the activities and also incorporate the SSTDP in Village Development Plan (VDP) after the microplanning.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 53: interactions with tribal people during preparation tribal plans

Participation and Ownership The Village Climate Resilient Agriculture Committee (VCRMC) which has been established under the Maharashtra Gram Panchayat Act, 1959, acts as the development committee of the Gram Panchayat. VCRMC consists of 17 members of which 13 members are executive and 4 members are non-executive. Two-thirds of the committee members are small or marginal landholders; one- third of the members are from the respective Gram Panchayat. The representation of women members in the committee is at least 50%. The VCRMC ensures the active participation of the farming community in the project and ownership at the gram panchayat level. Implementation Strategy The project is being implemented in three phases viz Phase-I (1245 villages), Phase II (2889 villages) and Phase- III (1008 villages). Currently, the project is being implemented in all the 5142 villages. The project has designed a three-tier implementation structure at the district, subdivision, and village level. Village Climate Resilient Agriculture Management Committee (VCRMC) is responsible for the planning implementation and monitoring of the project activities at the village / Gram panchayat level. The VCRMC shall (i) prepare participatory village micro-plans, (ii) select beneficiaries for individual benefit activities, (iii) plan and execute community works as per the approved annual action plan, (iv) be responsible for the maintenance of assets, and (v) facilitate a social audit of the project activities.

Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Gender-Sensitive Initiatives

In Maharashtra, the prolonged drought completely devastated the agriculture sector and men migrated to cities in search of livelihood opportunities. Women faced a double burden of risks due to climate change and the responsibility to feed the family.

The Project had taken a gender-sensitive approach to involve the women stakeholders in Agricultural related decision-making and sustainable climate-resilient farming practices. • In the VCRMC (a statutory body of Gram Panchayats) 50 % of members are women. • Deployment of female mobilizer in every project village nomenclature as ‘Krishi Tai’ nominated by VCRMC. • To ensure inclusiveness and justified benefit distribution, priority given to SC, ST, Women, and Divyaang. • Through Capacity Enhancement Need Assessment (CENA) exercise prioritized the women stakeholder's needs and capacity building areas. • Piloted the dedicated climate-resilient Farmer Field Schools of Women and ensured at least five FFS in a subdivision. • The maximum participation of female farmers during FFS is encouraged. • Out of two volunteers to conduct a micro-planning process in the village, preferably one- woman volunteer is ensured. • To ensure inclusiveness, the women beneficiary from landless families are eligible for the agri-allied activity ‘Goat rearing’. Arrangement of Women Mobilizer “Krishi Tai” at VCRMC/GP Level

The objective of the mobilization process is to encourage and enable the participation of the key stakeholders to fulfil the project objectives. The mobilization and technical support will help the farming community to enhance adaptation, build resilience, increase environmental awareness, and the adoption of the latest technologies for improving productive potential and profitability in the farming system without deteriorating the prevailing ecosystem.

At the village level, Krushi Tai (Women Farmer Friend) act as an interface between project officials and the village community and help in mobilization efforts. She will work in close coordination with the project’s district mobilization official and cluster assistant and provide an interface between the project, agriculture department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gram Panchayat and marginal and small landowners. Krushi Tai is also responsible to ensure the participation of women farmers in project activities and their representation in various meetings. The project is building her capacity through exposure visits and training. Transparency, Accountability and Grievance Redressal

The project is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, openness, and disclosure of information to the community.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 1. Transparency: The project is committed to ensuring transparency in the planning and implementation of all the activities of the project. For this, the project has developed a website www.mahapocra.gov.in. The website displays project rationale, approach, manuals, implementation strategy, available fund and expenditure, activities are undertaken etc. This website is updated periodically. The Project Management Unit (PMU) at Mumbai has an administrative unit to ensure proper documentation of all the decisions taken by various branches. All the guidelines and instructions issued to field officials are issued in written form and communicated in digital as well as physical form. At the district level, the office of the District Superintendent Agriculture Office (DSAO) has a dedicated unit for the implementation of the project activities. This unit coordinates the efforts of the subdivision and village level officials. Various registers, including the Inward-outward, are kept documenting the decision taken and instructions issued. At the sub-divisional level, the office of the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office (SDAO) also has a similar dedicated unit for the implementation of the project activities. At the village level, VCRMC ensures disclosure of information about project activities, selection of beneficiaries, village water balance, and composition of VCRMC through banners and wall paintings. The awareness generation campaigns are conducted through the micro-planning process and distribution of project brochures and booklets. Periodic capacity building programs are carried out through training and workshops which are conducted at the district/taluka/village level. RTI Act is applicable at all levels of the implementation structure.

2. Accountability: The task charts have been issued to all the project officials. All the project officials are accountable for carrying out their responsibilities as per their job chart. The governance structure ensures action against erring officials.

3. Grievance Redressal: a. The stakeholders can send their grievances through e-mail to [email protected]. The PMU ensures enquiry and appropriate action on all the grievances received. b. The stakeholders can send their complaints or suggestions through postal correspondence to the Office of the Project Director, Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Prakalp, 30 A/B Arcade, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai Pin: 400005. c. The CM Helpline with toll-free number 1800 120 8040 has been operational since 1st April 2019. This is a centralized call centre initiative to provide information/Support services to citizens on call 24/7. d. The PMU telephone lines no. +91 22 2216 3351, +91 22 2216 3352 are available and open during working days and hours. e. At the district level, the grievances can be presented through email or phone to the office of the District Superintendent Agriculture Officer (DSAO). Similarly, at the subdivision level, the grievances can be presented through email or phone to the office of the Sub-divisional Agricultural Officer (SDAO).

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 f. Grievance Redressal at VCRMC level: (i) For all the conflicts at the village level, every attempt shall be made to resolve all conflicts at that level itself through the VCRMC, failing which, through the Gram Sabha. The social mobiliser, KrishiMitra/ Krishi Tai and cluster assistant will facilitate the villagers in this regard. (ii) If Gram Sabha feels that a formal arbitration is required, a five-member committee will be set up for this purpose. It shall comprise the SDAO, a relevant technical member (preferably from the location and familiar with the dispute) a nominee each from the Gram Sabha concerned. (iii) In case more than one Gram Panchayat is involved in a dispute, the SDAO will try to resolve the conflict among them. (iv) If either party is dissatisfied with the decision of the SDAO, it can appeal to the DSAO. The decision of the DSAO shall be final and binding on all parties. (v) Written grievances at the village level, if any, will be collected in a sealed box kept in a public place in each VCRMC/ Gram Panchayat. This complaint box would be opened once every month on a fixed date in the presence of VCRMC members, cluster assistant and other project functionaries who are present. The specific complaints/ grievances would be discussed, and steps will be taken to resolve them within 15 days. In case the VCRMC members are unable to resolve them, Gram Sabha will resolve the complaint. (vi) The grievances can be sent to VCRMC through mail/post. The complainant can also choose to submit his/her grievance or complaint or suggestions in person during the VCRMC or Gram Sabha meetings. 1. Other statutory mechanisms at village level for grievance redressal: (i) The Provisions the Maharashtra Village Panchayat Act (Bombay Act No. III of 1959) and rules made thereunder would be applicable for redressal of grievances. (ii) All complaints regarding the project shall be acknowledged by the VCRMC & the final reply shall be delivered within 30 days. (iii) All Gram Sewak has been designated as the ‘Public Information Officers’ and The Block Development Officer have been designated as the ‘Appellant Authority’ under RTI act at Gram Panchayat level.

4.6 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) The project seeks to deploy innovative ICT-based solutions as a means of demonstrating the potential benefits of ICT solutions. ICT solutions are expected to emerge as a robust mechanism for completing all project components. ICT based solution aims to continue the process to collect information on the actual implementation of project activities compared to those scheduled in the annual work plans, including the delivery of quality outputs in a timely manner, to identify problems and constraints (technical, human resource, and financial), to make clear

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 recommendations for corrective actions, and identify lessons learned and best practices for scaling up.

1. Digital Innovation Lab

A ‘Digital Innovation Lab’ has been set up to develop applications/website to help in planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project activities.

Following are the objective of the Lab

1. Design, Develop and Manage Mobile application (Bi-Lingual English and Marathi) 2. Hire, Manage and Maintain a dedicated cloud to host application 3. Host, Maintain and Manage the applications on the Cloud 4. Develop Innovation use cases around climate-resilient agriculture and innovative farming 5. Run ‘Community of Practice’ of Agriculture digital solutions as per the requirements of the Project Management Unit, PoCRA 6. Manage and Support training and training manuals on the applications built

Digital Innovation Lab has developed and deployed a host of applications including, Micro-Level Planning, Financial Management System, Farm Field School, Staff Monitoring Training and GIS Dashboard. These applications are helping the Field staff and PMU in Managing and Monitoring the project work.

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Figure 54: Applications and portal developed under the project PoCRA DBT Portal is a pioneering initiative in Maharashtra to facilitate end-to-end automation of

transfer of matching grants to individual farmers MLP app is used for natural resource planning, computation of water balance, engagement with the

community and assist in informed decision making FFS app is used to take observations throughout the crop cycle, monitor dissemination of climate resilient

technologies, yields of FFS and control plots etc. Staff monitoring app tracks day-to-day activities and

progress of tasks assigned of the PoCRA staff. Training management app keeps track of all the capacity building activities.

Financial Management System helps in monitoring and managing financial activities across all the financial centers. It helps to ensure adequate fiduciary controls at all levels and provides information regarding budget and expenditure.

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4.7 Geographic Information System (GIS) GIS acts as an essential tool for the management of the agriculture sector by acquiring and implementing accurate information into a mapping environment. GIS combined with remote sensing is extensively used to produce linked maps on soils, groundwater potential zones, drainage, transport network and settlement, land use and land cover. GIS application in agriculture also helps in the management and control of agriculture resources. In the process of selection of project villages, the climate vulnerability was calculated for the hydrological units (mini watersheds) using a GIS platform. Various layers including the administrative boundaries and groundwater prospects maps were used for the computation of the vulnerability index. An important component of the project is village-level participatory planning for natural resources development and management as well as farm-level interventions to enhance resilience and productivity. This is being done using satellite data and GIS data of land use- land cover, groundwater assessment, soil properties, historical data, and current water storage structures etc., following maps help in the village level planning. 1. Village Base Map- This map gives information about Drainage pattern topography, hydrological units with cadastral boundary and road networks. 2. Village land use-land cover Map- This map gives information about agricultural land and season wise cropland. 3. Village Watershed Potential Treatment Maps- This map gives information about existing structures and suitable location for new structures of soil and water conservation structures.

GIS Dashboard

The project has developed a GIS dashboard. The dashboard provides a single-window solution for visualization, dissemination, Monitor and Decision making for all project activities. GIS dashboard provides geospatial information about near real-time and weather forecast. This dashboard enables project stakeholders to get location-based Weather information, the status of the project activities, Maps, Crop Water- Balance estimates, micro-level planning, FFS information and Soil Health Card (SHC) information which helps in better implementation and also provides analytical information about critical indicators. GIS Dashboard provides functionality to users to create maps based on user requirement. The link to the GIS dashboard is http://gis.mahapocra.gov.in/dashboard/

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Figure 55: GIS Dashboard

Available Soil Moisture GIS dashboard enables to know the moisture stress in the project village

Use of Remote Sensing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) With the help of the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, start-ups like SatSure have been engaged by the project on a pilot basis to deliver technological solutions for the following purpose.

● Sowing Intelligence including sowing period estimation and sowing progress ● Estimation of Crop Acreage ● Crop Health Monitoring ● Productivity of water using ET, NDVI, and CCE data ● Harvest Intelligence including harvest window estimation and harvest progress ● Estimation of Crop Performance ● Yield Estimation ● Drought Trigger The startups demonstrated their capabilities and improved their understanding of corp monitoring and preparing agricultural advisories. The project has piloted these studies in seven districts in a few clusters. 1. Start-up: Satsure Satsure Analytics has delivered the following products for the Kharip season of 2019 for five clusters of the project area using optical remote sensing data: Sowing Window Estimation, Sowing Progress, Crop Acreage, Crop Health Condition, Pest Condition, Agricultural Stress Condition

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Figure 56: Kharip season 2020 ( Satsure)

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 2. Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence Wadhwani Institute has developed an AI-based early warning system, which enables the farmers to determine the right time for spraying pesticides to protect their crop against avoidable crop losses. The AI model which is embedded into the app identifies and detects the pest density based on pest trap images. Based on the pest density (and the action thresholds): a) Real-time alerts are generated for demo plots b) Recommendation (advisory) on the right action to be taken is provided (when the pest density crosses the action threshold). The solution provided both organic and chemical recommendations. c) The recommendation thus provided is shared by the lead farmer to all farmers in the village through Whatsapp groups or Village level meetings, creating a ‘village level alert’. The project is piloting AI technology in cotton-growing areas for the management of Pink Bollworm. The pilot was done in project villages of Wardha district in Kharip, 2020 on the farms of host farmers who took part in FFS.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 4.8 Agro-met Advisory Services: For providing advisory services to farmers, the project has taken an initiative to (i) collect meteorological data, (ii) add 5 day weather forecast and other related parameters (iii) present the relevant information together for easy comprehension. The project is working closely with the KVKs and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The dissemination of agro-met advisory has been started.

Currently, district-level advisories are prepared by Agro-met Field Units of the SAUs and received by PoCRA. The district-wise weekly weather forecast is made available on the project website. Also, the weather forecasts are disseminated through multiple channels including Whatsapp.. The project is working on the development of an IT system that will help the crop scientists in the preparation of Block level agro-met advisories. This will be done by integrating the weather and crop-related data from various sources.

Figure 57:: District wise Weekly Weather Forecasts

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Component D: Project Management

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 5. Component D: Project Management Support This component covers the activities of the Project Management Unit (PMU, Project Monitoring and Evaluation and Information and Communication tools

5.1 D.1 Project Management and Support The status of project manpower deployed at different levels is shown in the following table.

Table 30: Status of Staff Position (March 2021) Level Sanctioned Posts Filled Posts Regular Contractual Total Regular Contractual Total PMU 26 45 71 14 33 47 District 15 75 90 12 66 78 Subdivision 72 72 144 58 67 125 Cluster 500 500 500 500 FFS Facilitators* 509 509 FFS Coordinators* 59 59 Total 113 692 805 84 1234 1318 *These persons are working on an honorarium basis

5.2 D-2 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) As part of Project Management, it is pertinent to have a robust monitoring and evaluation system, which would help to ensure and track if the project is achieving its intended objectives. The specific objectives of M&E activities of PoCRA are: 1. To help the PMU in measuring and assessing the outputs, outcomes, and impacts generated by the project activity qualitatively and quantitatively over the duration of the project. 2. To assess input delivery mechanisms addressing quality, quantity and appropriate timings of such supply 3. To assess whether the activities are reaching the intended beneficiaries and providing recommendation (information) for improving targets as well as the service delivery mechanism. 4. To promote accountability in the allocation and utilization of resources across the project area and activities so as to keep the activities and project implementation in the decided mode of participatory and transparent mechanisms 5. To bring out the gaps, if any, in the implementation of activities and components, so that PMU can create strategies and design tools for effective implementation of the same. 6. To encapsulate the experiences and contribute to learning, document best practices, practices and promote policy dialogue.

The key deliverables as part of the M&E activities to be conducted by external consulting organizations have been mentioned below.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 S.No Deliverables 1 Inception Report 2 Baseline Survey and Submission and acceptance of Data and Baseline Report 3 Mid-Term Survey and Submission of Data and Midterm Report 4 Concurrent Progress Monitoring Across All Project Components and Submission of Data and 12 Concurrent Monitoring Reports 5 Final Impact Assessment for the whole project and Submission and acceptance of Survey Data, Fully merged Datasets, and the End-term Assessment Report 6 Final audit to assess the implementation of the Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of the project and submission of the ESMF Report

The project has appointed two consulting organizations for the Marathwada and for the rest of the project area to conduct the M&E activities for PoCRA. During the pandemic which coincided with the period of concurrent monitoring rounds by the M & E agencies, there were limitations on the free movement of the personnel in the region due to lockdown restrictions. This has impacted the M & E work and the project had to abandon one round of concurrent monitoring by each agency during the reporting year. A- Marathwada Region ( 8 Districts) The project had signed a contract with Sambodhi Research and Communication Pvt. Ltd, Noida in association with TERI, New Delhi, for consultancy services for the M&E assignment of the project in Marathwada Region on 6th March 2019. The Sambodhi & TERI Consortium has submitted and received approval on the inception report followed by the Concurrent Monitoring Round I, II & IV and the baseline survey report has been submitted and the findings were presented to the PMU team. Summary of Key Findings in Concurrent Monitoring Round IV Concurrent monitoring round IV surveys for the period from 1st April 2020 to 30th September 2020 was conducted in eight districts of the Marathwada region of Maharashtra viz. Aurangabad, Beed, Nanded, Hingoli, Latur, Osmanabad, Parbhani and Jalna. Cultivation Practices Though the majority of beneficiaries (Project(P)-91.7%, Comparison(C)-88.2%) have access to irrigation facilities, regular and timely availability of water is still a challenge. The overall percentage of land under certified seed varieties of pigeon pea, chickpea and soybean are higher (66%) as compared to that observed (44%) in project areas in the CM round. Awareness about PoCRA Project beneficiaries were highly aware of the process of registration on the DBT portal (77%) and application for matching grant (66%) but lacked awareness on disbursement of matching grant (50%). Compared to previous rounds, improvement in awareness was observed especially for individual assets (i.e., pumps/pipes/drip/sprinkler/farm pond) and high return activities like shadenet, polyhouse and polytunnels. Awareness of community benefits (i.e., FPO/SHG/Soil/FFS training) was observed to be relatively low and needs attention.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Individual matching grants Under individual matching grants, key reasons for accessing individual benefits are increasing water supply for agriculture (P-82%, C-85%), increasing agriculture production and income (P-90%, C-86%). However, while accessing benefits beneficiaries (P-50%, C-46%) had to incur cost mainly in documentation, transportation, and loss of wages. Farmer Field Schools While 79% of respondents participated in FFS to learn new technologies in agriculture, 73% expects that it will help to increase their agriculture production. Of all the climate-resilient technologies demonstrated in FFS, the highest adoption was for technologies including spraying techniques with safety measure (89%), foliar application of 2% DAP (77%), seed treatment with bio-fertilizers (77%), preparation of pesticide formulations and spraying (73%), intercultural cropping (72%), nipping of apical bud (70%), intercropping (69%) and use of climate-resilient varieties (68%). Community Works – NRM and Community Farm Ponds Community NRM works were implemented in only three of the sampled project villages. Though the majority of beneficiaries (78%) were willing to pay for the maintenance of the structure (40%) and providing labour support (44%), their willingness to be a member of the structural maintenance committee of the assets was low (16%). For the application for community farm pond, they mainly received assistance from e-sewa Kendras (P-84%, C-69%). For the construction of a community farm pond, none have taken loans from formal financial institutions. Lack of availability of funds (56%) and the fact that project benefit has been withdrawn at the district level were the two main reasons reported by beneficiaries who had received pre-sanction but had not started their work. PoCRA supported FPOs and SHGs Key services received by the FPO members include access to equipment/tools for agriculture (62%), marketing support in selling their agriculture produce and purchasing seeds through their FPO (51%). More than half of FPOs members (52%) point out the difficulty faced by their FPO in getting a bank loan and the challenge of lack of guidance in accessing project benefits (36%). SHG respondents acknowledged the support received from the project and did not face any difficulty in applying for its benefits. SHGs (65%) are involved in income-generating activities like custom hiring centre (65%), tractor business (19%), and marketing of agriculture produce (8%). Satisfaction on other project parameters Nearly 86% of project beneficiaries are satisfied with micro-planning process, work of VCRMCs and support received from project staff. PoCRA beneficiaries from an inclusivity lens Though the percentage of female beneficiaries is higher in PoCRA villages, only a few of them are the project’s direct beneficiaries (P:14%, C:10%). The average annual household income is observed to be INR 1,93,002 in the project and INR 1,65,391 in the comparison villages.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Feedback on VCRMC and Krushi Tai functioning Most of the VCRMCs had received initial training but they are eager for refresher training on project guidelines and climate-resilient agriculture practices specifically for women members who were not able to attend the project training sessions. Most of the Krushi Tais need to be provided training on project objectives, components, roles and responsibilities and their performance evaluation criteria. Regular payment of remuneration to Krishi Tai should be ensured. Project progress based on MIS analysis During the period from 1 Oct 2019 – 1 Sept 2020, 36,780 disbursements worth INR 166 crores were made with the highest number of disbursements in Aurangabad (24,307) and lowest in Jalna (10,743). VCRMCs have been formed in 2177 out of 2222 Gram Panchayats. Krishi Tais have been appointed in 70.78% of the villages. Total 5010 FFS in Kharip and Rabi Season of 2019 and 4079 FFS in the Kharip Season of 2020 have been conducted. Total 84 FPOs and 82 SHGs have been provided with pre-sanctions. Key Challenges and Recommendation For the individual farmer matching grant component, financial constraints faced by small and marginal farmers to invest upfront to purchase the assets is a key challenge. Project staff should provide more facilitation support to access institutional finance and adopt innovative methods like providing vouchers for purchasing assets from empanelled suppliers. To ensure applications of most vulnerable farmers get a higher matching grant, compared to the application from semi-medium, medium and large farmers, the project should provide matching grant in proportion to the farmer’s landholding and income. To address the issue of the high workload of project staff it is suggested to have guidelines and limit on the area of CAs/AAs based on criteria like population and accessibility of the villages. Training on the amount of water to be used for irrigation for each crop should be provided to farmers through FFS. To overcome challenges (poor internet connection, lack of option for revision, etc.) in an online application through DBT it is suggested to strengthen the offline module and have provisions in the application to re-upload documents in case of errors and uploading of incorrect documents. It is suggested that some project activities like farm pond, drip irrigation, motor, goatery which have been closed currently should be reassessed and resumed. Few activities were suggested to be added under individual benefits which include developing storage facilities, purchasing farm equipment, solar pumps, farm sheds and micro-processing units. Outreach of FFS has improved over time, however, the sessions for women farmers should be generally kept in the afternoon to ensure their higher participation. Limited understanding of VCRMC members in their role of planning and implementation of community works is a key challenge that could be addressed through training. To resolve conflicts/disputes pertaining to community works and their usage among farmers, they need to be sensitized through exposure visits about the benefits of NRM structures. PoCRA supported FPOs should be given technical support from expert agencies for developing bankable business proposals, training on operational management and documentation.

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B. Rest of Project Area (7 Districts) The project has on boarded NABARD Consultancy Services Private Limited (NABCONS) for consultancy services for M&E activities of the project in the Rest of the Project Area on 12th December 2019. NABCONS has submitted an inception report and baseline report and the findings were presented to the PMU team. The agency has submitted the draft report of the concurrent monitoring survey for round- II. The highlights of Concurrent Monitoring-II in the Rest of the Project Area is as follows: For effective project implementation, monitoring plays a pivotal role. The current report focuses on Concurrent Monitoring round-II (CM-II) conducted in 7 districts of Maharashtra: Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Jalgaon, Wardha, Washim & Yavatmal for activities completed till Sep 30, 2020. The area is classified under an agro-ecological sub-region characterized as moist semi-arid with medium-deep clayey black soils. The rest of the project area also includes a belt of the salinity- affected area in the districts viz; Akola, Amravati, Buldana and Jalgoan. Some of the villages in these districts fall under the vertisols of the Purna Valley, which are having saline tract. Promoting Climate Resilient Agriculture Systems Climate Resilience in agricultural production systems is the main component of the project. The objective is to strengthen the adaptive capacity of farmers through interventions at the farm level, complemented by interventions for increasing access to irrigation. As part of CM-II, data has been collected on relevant parameters under this component and activities. Findings on Farmers’ Field School (FFS) Farmer Field Schools are group-learning activities for farmers through which farmers are empowered to solve their issues. Out of the total surveyed, 75% were guest farmers while 25% were host farmers. 33% of women farmers have been interviewed. The majority of the farmers attending FFS reported that they have participated to get information on new farming technologies & practices. Since pests and disease are major issues reported in the project area, 75% said that they have attended FFS to get information on effective pest & disease management. The majority of the farmers reported that improved germination rate, increased production and pest resistance are the main impacts of planting the new verities demonstrated during FFS. 18% stated that pest infestation has reduced by 10 per cent, 17% stated that the germination rate has improved by around 10 per cent, whereas 11% said plant diseases have reduced by around 10 per cent. Findings from Saline affected Villages 85% of the farmers were aware of the salinity issues. Major issues reported by farmers are: growth of crops affected leading to decrease productivity, difficulty in cultivation & tillage and irrigation issues as groundwater is saline. Since the majority of the farmers are unaware of how to deal with the issues, it was observed that a large number of applications in Kharpan villages are for FFS (52.7%), which is encouraging as technologies demonstrated for good agriculture practices will be useful in saline affected villages.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Supporting farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) PoCRA focuses on the vulnerable groups and hence 61% of the DBT applications were from OBC category, 15% SC and 11% ST category. Since a farmer can apply for multiple activities under the project, it was observed that a large number of applications have been received for various activities. There is also a special provision for landless and they can apply for small ruminants’. One of the project beneficiaries, Sangita Ram is a tribal and landless resident from Dighi Village of Wardha. She applied for the goat rearing activity under the project. She made a net profit of Rs. 3500/- per goat (Rs. 1,40,000/- total). She could financially secure her family due to the goat rearing activity and was thankful for the support under the PoCRA project. As per the data received from CM-II survey, 30.6% of beneficiaries in the project and 28.6% in control villages reported having irrigation. This indicates that the project activities like sprinkler, drip, pumps and farm ponds are having a positive impact on the PoCRA villages. Satish Bobade is a small farmer from Umartek village in the Amravati district. He got to know about the project during a Gram Panchayat meeting. As per his requirement, he applied for Sprinkler Irrigation under DBT. He participated in the FFS activity as a Host Farmer. Due to the use of the improved variety, seed treatments, sprinkler irrigation provided under the project, there has been an increase in his agricultural income by around 50 %. Farmers Producer Organization & Self Help Group As part of CM-II, total 23 FPOs have been surveyed. Three persons per FPO including the director were interviewed. 83% of the beneficiaries interviewed said that they were involved in decision- making as part of their FPOs. 71 % reported that they are keeping books regularly. Business activities were being selected through mutual consultations amongst group members and chairperson. Activities like seed processing, setting up Dal Mills, Neem Oil processing, turmeric processing were taken up by the FPOs that were visited. Some FPOs were also involved in direct marketing their products. Krushi Mauli FPO was directly selling neem ark to a group of farmers at reduced prices at Rs. 650 per litre as compared to the input sellers who sell at Rs.800 per litre. 32 SHGs have also been covered as part of CM-II. Under the PoCRA project, SHGs had received support for Godowns (Grain), farm mechanization and spice processing unit. Kumkum SHG in Dabha village of Amravati district is one such SHG that applied for Dehydration and Pulverization Unit for Vegetables. The group has been able to earn a net profit of Rs.15000 per month & are eager to expand their business. Supply Chain for Climate-Resilient seeds As part of DBT sample applications, a total of 14 sample beneficiaries were covered in CM-II. Out of this, 36% were from Kharpan villages. 65% of the applications were from Amravati and Buldhana districts. Seed production needs collaboration with MSSC ltd. (Mahabeej) for production of seeds. Major Crops for which seed production was undertaken were: Soybean, Pigeon pea, Black gram, Chickpea. Institutional Development, Knowledge and Policies During the CM-II survey, it was found that information boards & grievance boxes have been installed in the surveyed villages. This is an important aspect as part of the transparency and accountability and safeguards for the project. As part of the ESMF framework, it was observed that awareness of crop residue management and the use of organic fertilizers need to be increased. Regular Training was organized for Agriculture Assistant, Cluster Assistant, FFS-Coordinators, FFS- Facilitators, Krishi Tai, VCRMC members and Host farmers. Training for beneficiaries of horticulture

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 plantations, seed productions and Goat rearing has been arranged. Further, specific training on capacity building of villagers especially youth is also included as part of VDP/CDPs.

Action taken on recommendations by M & E Agencies ● The monitoring reports are shared with implementing officials at all levels. The report copy is also shared with GoM, District Collectors, World Bank officials. The reports are published on the project website. ● The recommendations are analysed by the PMU and necessary changes are incorporated in the operational guidelines of the project activities. ● The district and subdivision level implementing officials are given instructions to follow the recommendations.

5.3 D.3 Information, Education & Communication (IEC): During the unprecedented Corona pandemic, the whole world stopped, but the farmer was an exception alongside the Covid warriors who both were working relentlessly. During the lockdown, India reached a standstill, but the PoCRA reached out to farmers through various modes of communication. Since its inception, the PoCRA has been taking up various initiatives to bring about digital transformation in farmers’ lives. The organization has been at the forefront to provide various digital solutions to farmers. This plays an important role in the project’s communication and public relations. The project developed, launched and upgraded 5 different applications from time to time, and also motivated all its stakeholders to use these platforms. These efforts are bearing fruits. The project could deliver quite efficiently during the corona crisis with effective communication with the end-user.

Digital Outreach

As the physical movements got limitations and halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of the internet and online media reached new heights. Communication at the inter-personal as well as at the mass level is now preferred through virtual modes by most of government and quasi- government organizations. However, stakeholders of the POCRA were already familiar with various online tools thanks to various online initiatives in the project. The stakeholders including officials and farmers took to the online platforms as easily as a fish takes to water in the PoCRA farm pond! Officials from the project management unit to the district, subdivision & field level used online platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet to conduct online meetings, programs, webinars. This digital outreach also helped in carrying out online processes in a time- bound and effective manner successfully.

The PMU organized online events for new initiatives. This included the online launching of the village profile section on the project website- https://mahapocra.gov.in/village-profile at the hands of Hon. Dadaji Bhuse, Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Maharashtra from Mantralaya. Village profile also called ‘Gram Krushi Sanjivani Vikas Darshika’ gives an overview of the progress of each and every village under the project. It provides detailed information, maps and VCRMC contacts which are universally accessible through the website.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Figure 58:: online events for new initiatives

Online launching of the village profile section on the project website

Similarly, Natural Resources Management (NRM) initiative of CSR activity for farm ponds was launched through video conferencing at the hands of the Agriculture Minister from the PMU office. Hon. Minister, the Project Director and other key officials also interacted with the beneficiaries, village chiefs Sarpanch and field staff during the video conference. Similarly, Natural Resources Management (NRM) initiative of CSR activity for farm ponds was launched through video conferencing at the hands of the Agriculture Minister from the PMU office. Hon. Minister, the Project Director and other key officials also interacted with the beneficiaries, village chiefs Sarpanch and field staff during the video conference.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Use of Social Media The PMU has been exploring and using various tools available on major social media platforms to reach out to a maximum number of farmers in various forms. The project uses social media platforms to publish the specifically designed conent for awareness generation. PMU has been sharing audio-visual content on project activities and uploaded the same on the project’s official YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/PoCRAMaharashtra. Case studies are published on YouTube and other social media platforms which motivates farmers to participate in the climate-resilient movement initiated by the POCRA. PMU, PoCRA has started updating social media accounts on a regular basis. PoCRA’s existence is being noticed by the target audience on Twitter and Instagram in addition to our Facebook page. The number of followers of POCRA is increasing on social media. Followers on Facebook page are 5400+, The number on Instagram is 400+ and it is in three digits on Twitter as well. POCRA also shared useful LIVE sessions conducted by fellow organisations like Krushi Vidyan Kedra, Narayangaon, about beekeeping. Those sessions were broadcasted in a series on Facebook and a separate playlist is published on YouTube.

Figure 59:Use of Social Media

A beneficiary of Goatery from Yavatmal district. Social Media- Facebook page

Instagram Twitter

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LIVE sessions Beekeeping workshop, Krushi Vidyan Kedra, Narayangaon,

Dissemination of Project Implementation Information Apart from the publicity of the project initiatives through print and online, electronic media, information materials are prepared under the guidance of key officials and subject experts, such as booklet on Climate Resilient Technology for Kharip Planning, booklets on crop-based activities, component-wise information Marathi booklets, leaflets and guidelines in digital form. Field staff like coordinators also contribute to the preparation of the material. It is circulated among the field functionaries and stakeholders. It is also publicized through social media.

Figure 57: Booklet on Climate Resilient Technology for Kharip Planning

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Online Workshops The project has been live-streaming the training programs for various stakeholders since February 2019. The participants get an opportunity to interact with the PMU officials directly and are able to get clarification, solution on issues being faced by them. Various workshops were conducted online and those sessions were also published on YouTube through live streaming. Some recorded sessions also uploaded on the YouTube channel of the project for easy access to contents. Workshop on Silage manufacturing was conducted online in collaboration with Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, that received a good response from farmer groups.

Figure 60:Live Streaming Silage Workshop

Banner of the silage workshop Live Streaming Silage Workshop

A workshop on Kharip preparatory planning was conducted with experts like Padmashri Popatrao Pawar, and Satyajit Bhatkal, CEO, Paani Foundation, Prof online and got a good response. The response to online events and workshops is building up as more stakeholders realize the significance of such virtual platforms, especially during the pandemic.

5.4 Procurement Status Procurement is an integral part of project planning and implementation. Project Procurement Strategy Development envisages how the project is planned to be executed. The status of procurement in the project is as below. Manpower: Project has engaged T&M HR services to provide contractual manpower. So far Project personnel are engaged in different capacities such as at Specialist-Agriculture, Agri-business, HRD, Procurement, PS Agriculture, Accounts officers etc. Microplanning: Project villages are divided as per the mini-water sheds and further micro- watershed. Execution of Micro Planning process & submission of technically vetted cluster microplanning including a list of works, potential beneficiaries & activity-wise cost estimation of DPMU & PMU of Clusters under the project was assigned to 3 agencies during 2018-19 for Phase I villages. Similarly, 9 activities for MLP of Phase II villages has been initiated. For phase II & III villages, the microplanning process is being executed through the departmental manpower. Digital Innovation Lab: Digital Innovation Lab was set under PoCRA to Design, Manage and Provide Support Services and develop applications for effective implementation of the project. Accordingly, AADHAR linked online beneficiary application form submission system, geotagging of

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 activity-assets created, online verifications and payments, Financial Management System, Field functionaries geofenced attendance system, MLP applications, water balance etc. application supports have been completed. Procurement Review Mechanism and MIS is under process. The activity is completed and for further development and support MahaIT, Government undertaking od Department of Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra is engaged. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Two agencies for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for PoCRA in the Marathwada Region and in the Rest of the Project Area have been onboarded.

Institutional Tie-ups: Water Balance: As the project area is prone to vagaries of nature and water being the most critical input, emphasis has been given to utilize every drop of water available. For this purpose, MoU with IIT, Bombay was signed to develop water balance for project villages. While working on it, it revealed that the basic model of water budgeting needs to be refined and there is a need to collect basic data with respect to groundwater status, soil depth and structure etc. Further, two MoUs were signed with IIB Bombay and also in order to collect additional data required to accomplish this task, MoUs were signed with Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA), Pune and National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Utilization Planning (NBSS & LUP), Nagpur. Now, the Water Budgeting app. is ready to use. Village wise water budget charts are prepared and are being displayed at the village level to create awareness about water balance. Integration of Elements of Climate Resilience in Micro-watershed Plans under PoCRA is in process. For this MoU is signed with 3 agencies i.e. State Agriculture Universities in the project area i.e. Dr PDKV, Akola, VNMAU, Parbhani and MPKV, Rahuri.

Table 31: List of Contracts Awarded (up to March 2021) Sl. Contract/ Reference No. and Date Contract Contrac Name of No Award t Value Contractor/ Date Rs. in Consultant Lac 1 IN-MAHAPOCRA-85479-CS-CDS / Water 16/8/2 54.00 IIT, Bombay Balance for Watershed Plans under PoCRA 017 (I) 2 IN-MAHAPOCRA-55065-CS-CDS / Providing 17/05/ 108.09 TISS, Tuljapur services for Capacity Enhancement Need 2018 Assessment, Training Plan, and Support for Implementation thereof. 3 IN-MAHAPOCRA-34006-CS-QBS / 18/05/ 108.8 Watershed Participatory Microplanning of Clusters 2018 Organization Trust selected under PoCRA in Aurangabad (WoTR) Division. 4 IN-MAHAPOCRA-34027-CS-QBS / 7/6/20 169.20 Rashtravikas Agro Participatory Microplanning of Clusters 18 Edn, Sangamner selected under PoCRA in Amravati Division 5 IN-MAHAPOCRA-34026-CS-QBS / 7/6/20 138.89 WAPCOS, Participatory Microplanning of Clusters 18 Ahmedabad selected under PoCRA in Latur Division. (5 Districts)

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 6 IN-MAHAPOCRA-34035-CS-LCS / Hiring of HR 18/6/2 54 T&M Consultancy agency for staff recruitment 018 services, Mumbai 7 IN-MAHAPOCRA-54916-CS-CDS / Study of 16/08/ 54 Gokhale Institute FPCs in Osmanabad district, Case study of 2017 of Politics and Select Water Intervention, and M&E support Economics to PoCRA 8 IN-MAHAPOCRA-59596-CS-CQS / Design, 13-Jul- 72.6 Run Time Solutions Manage and Provide Support Services for 18 pvt. Ltd. Mumbai 'Digital Innovation Lab' for PoCRA 9 IN-MAHAPOCRA-55040-CS-CDS / Water 2-Nov- 72.12 IIT,Bombay Balance for Watershed Plans under PoCRA 18 10 IN-MAHAPOCRA-42863-CS-QCBS / 6/3/20 835.9 SAMBODHI and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for PoCRA 19 TERI, New Delhi in Marathwada Region 11 IN-MAHAPOCRA-111784-CS-CDS / Creation 24- 49.92 NBSS and LUP of High-Resolution Inventory and Land Use May- Nagpur Planning for Climate Resilient Agriculture. 19 12 IN-MAHAPOCRA-111743-CS-CDS / 14- 191 GSDA,Pune Preparation of cluster wise groundwater Jun-19 recharge plan for 70 clusters with GSDA 13 IN-MAHAPOCRA-42872-CS-QCBS / and 12/12/ 525.4 NABCONS, New Evaluation (M&E) for PoCRA in Rest of 2019 Delhi Project Area 14 IN-MAHAPOCRA-136416-CS-CDS-MPKV- 17/01/ 43.28 a. MPKV, Rahuri RAHURI / Determination of crop coefficients 2020 for the major crops by Lysimetric studies under MPKV RAHURI 15 IN-MAHAPOCRA-139390-CS-CDS-VNMAU- 17/01/ 64.22 b. VNMKV, PARBHNI / Determination of crop 2020 Parbhani coefficients for the major crops by Lysimetric studies under VNMU PARBHANI 16 IN-MAHAPOCRA-139392-CS-CDS-PDKV- 17/01/ 65.59 c. Dr.PDKV , Akola AKOLA / Determination of crop coefficients 2020 for the major crops by Lysimetric studies under Dr. PDKV Akola 17 IN-MAHAPOCRA-134410-CS-CQS / 18.03. 61.7675 S. K. Patodia and Consultancy Services for Internal Audit for 2020 Associates, PoCRA for the period (2018-19 To 2020-21) Mumbai 18 2019_DOA_503712_1 Invitation for 30/01/ Approx. Ms. Ambaji Travels Quotations for Hiring of Vehicles On 2020 7.00 lac (As (monthly basis Monthly Rental Basis and On Call Basis for per use) excluding airport Travel Around Mumbai and or in pickup & drop) & Maharashtra Ms. Pai Auto Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai for airport pickup & drop

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Contracts in process

Besides this, few procurement activities related to the selection of Post Procurement Review Agency, Procurement of Lysimeters for determination of Crop Coefficient, Integrating Elements of Climate Resilience in Micro watershed Plans under PoCRA, Research Backstopping to Project Clusters under PoCRA- Maharashtra with CRIDA are in process.

Table 32: Number of Contracts at District level – April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021 (INR Lakh)

Districts Goods Services Works Total No. Total Total of Contract Exp. No. of Contract Exp.No. of Contract Exp.No. of Contract Exp. Contract Value in (Rs. In Contract Value Contract Value Contract Value Lac Rs lac) In Lac Rs (Rs. In lac) In Lac Rs (Rs. In lac) In Lac Rs (Rs. In lac) Akola 31 85.68 80.26 15 187.66 22.85 46 273.34 103.11 Amravati 5 3.57 3.57 5 23.27 23.27 18 249.08 0 28 275.91 26.83 Amravati 2 0.27 0.27 3 0.19 0.19 11 107.18 0 16 107.64 0.46 Aurangabad 19 5.71 4.42 117 1987.19 262.66 136 1992.89 267.08 Beed 14 358.39 115.29 14 358.39 115.29 Buldhana 34 207.12 124.66 1 0.12 0.12 44 718.96 250.03 79 926.2 374.81 Hingoli 17 189.65 186.8 10 5.03 3.97 13 46.24 46.24 40 240.93 237.01 Jalgaon 114 157.42 156.32 11 24.1 20.47 125 181.52 176.79 Jalna 12 19.43 8.74 20 301.13 186.71 6 97.34 31.08 38 417.91 226.53 Latur 22 228.82 268.82 9 24.08 24.08 31 252.9 292.9 Latur 1 0.3 0.3 1 0.3 0.3 Nanded 64 65.59 49.83 10 74.84 56.12 1 6.22 6.22 75 146.66 112.18 Osmanabad 52 36 36 8 10.51 10.51 21 117.14 101.56 81 163.65 148.07 Parbhani 29 138.35 136.85 1 0.2 0 11 57.99 56.91 41 196.54 193.77 Wardha 3 1.12 1.12 17 127.63 125.29 20 128.75 126.41 Washim 20 116.2 68.26 22 77.1 77.1 42 193.3 145.36 Yavatmal 24 21.31 19.89 5 2.72 2.72 29 24.03 22.61 Total 462 1634.64 1261.11 181 2405.49 546.57 199 1840.72 761.84 842 5880.85 2569.52

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5.5 Financial Management 1. Project Expenditure: Table 33: Component wise Project Expenditure (as of 31st March 2021) (Amt in INR Cr.)

Project Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure Components (upto 30th (up to 31st March (up to 31st March June 2019) 2020) 2021) A. Promoting Climate 18.07 192.86 790.74 resilient agriculture systems B. Post-harvest management 0.21 4.1 28.41 and value chain promotion C. Institutional 3.84 7.63 11.47 Development, Knowledge and policies D. Project Management 21.61 49.13 87.87 Total 43.72 253.72 918.49

2. Provision of Budget:

The provision of funds for project expenses is made in the Annual Budget of the State Govt. approved by the State Legislature. Fianncial year wise budget provision and the release of funds to the project by the State Govt. is given in table 34 below.

Table 34: Provision of Budget (Amt in INR Cr.) Financial Sanctioned Budget Released Budget year External share State Total External share State Total (70%) Share (70%) Share (30%) (30%) 2018-19 210 90 300 105 51.56 156.56

2019-20 210 90 300 168 72 240

2020-21 490 184.05 674.05 490 184.05 674.05

2021-22 350 150 500 175 75 250

3. Budget Allocation to DPIUs for FY 2020-21

The sanctioned budget is released to the Controlling Officer of the Project i.e. Project Director on BEAMS Portal. The Project Director releases the budget to PMU DDO and District Superintendent Agricultural Officers (DSAOs) of 15 districts in the project area. The DSAO releases the budget to Sub Divisional Agricultural Officers (SDAOs) working under them through BEAMS Portal and

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 through bank to PD ATMA. The budget released to PMU DDO and 15 districts during FY 2020-21 to meet their expenses related to project components is given in table 35. Table 35: budget released to PMU DDO and 15 districts during FY 2020-21 (Amount in Thousand) Accounting Center External Share State Share Total

PMU DDO 4811950 1565474 6377424 Akola 1951 11707 13658 Amaravati 14470 13075 27545 Aurangabad 9819 37199 47018 Beed 8916 21419 30335 Buldhana 3290 22714 26004 Hingoli 2760 23734 26495 Jalana 8361 21203 29564 Jalgaon 4622 18711 23333 Latur 7649 12405 20054 Nanded 7125 15490 22615 Osmanabad 7202 7715 14917 Parbhani 3451 4758 8209 Wardha 3091 14853 17944 Washim 4317 10262 14579 Yavatmal 1025 12322 13347 Total 4899998 1813043 6713041

4. Budget Allocation to VCRMCs.

The bank accounts are opened at VCRMC level. After drawing funds from District Treasury/ Sub Treasury the funds are transferred by SDAO to the bank accounts of VCRMCs. The VCRMC meet their expenses from the funds received by SDAO office. The details of funds given, since the opening of bank accounts to VCRMCs till 31st March 2021 is given in table 36.

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 36: details of fund given to VCRMCs till 31st March 2021 (Figures in Rs) Sr District Total No of Total no of Total funds Expenditure Total No. No of VCRMC VCRMC distributed of all expenditure VCRMC Account where to VCRMC VCRMC on in opened funds are honorarium district distributed of Krishi Tai

1 Aurangabad 324 161 129 3207042 1309959 97200 2 Jalna 313 163 87 2175000 798798 105500 3 Beed 314 152 56 1400000 591841 72500

4 Nanded 333 196 166 3911808 1461599 240500 5 Hingoli 195 118 75 1987500 1325500 87500 6 Latur 245 206 167 4175000 1511282 44000 7 Parbhani 246 86 74 1850000 153109 40500 8 Osmanabad 254 123 55 1375000 889213 94000 9 Jalgaon 355 270 158 2244000 731016 210000 10 Amravati 283 283 283 8670500 5390886 975000 11 Akola 304 238 236 5900000 4180825 27500 12 Buldhana 307 293 255 4477175 1359455 424554 13 Washim 116 90 71 1055000 307465 174000 14 Wardha 65 64 57 1473000 1211464 284500 15 Yavatmal 214 182 176 4995000 1061667 180996 Total 3868 2625 2045 48896025 22284079* 3058250 * The consolidation of expenditure at VCRMC level is in process hence, figures of expenditure are provisional.

5.IUFR and Claim Status:

The IUFRs are prepared by PMU and submitted to the World Bank for approval. After approval by the World Bank, the reimbursement claims are submitted to CAAA, Delhi in the formats prescribed in Financial Management Manual. The status of IUFR and Claims submitted to date is given in the following table:

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Table 37: Status of the IUFRs and Claims submitted till 31st March 2021 (Figures in Rs.) Sr IUFR Period Total Amount Date of Claims Claim Status No Expenditure Claimed for Submitted Reimbursement 1 Prior Period (Apr 47604852 33323396 6/21/2018 Disbursed 2017-Apr 2018) 2 April to Sept.,2018 34345125 24041588 1/3/2019 Disbursed

3 Oct. to Dec., 2018 58896821 41227775 6/10/2019 Disbursed

4 January to March, 168011851 117608296 6/17/2019 Disbursed 2019 5 April to June 2019 128388724 89872107 9/11/2019 Disbursed

6 July to Sept., 2019 432869263 303008484 11/20/2019 Disbursed

7 Oct. to Nov. 2019 473997035 331797925 12/13/2019 Disbursed

8 Dec. 2019 to Jan, 544558936 381191255 04/07/2020 Disbursed 2020 9 Feb to March ,2020 648492019 453944413 21/05/2020 Disbursed

10 April to May 2020 819376627 573563639 16/06/2020 Disbursed

11 June to July 1186352586 830446810 12/08/2020 Disbursed

12 Aug to Sept 683886191 478720334 26/10/2020 Disbursed

13 Oct to Nov 715101897 500571328 04/01/2021 Disbursed 14 Dec-20 476586178 333610325 04/02/2021 Disbursed 15 Jan to Feb 2021 728934546 510254182 16/03/2021 Disbursed 16 Mar-21 2037509411 1426256588 29/04/2021 Disbursed

6. Component wise Expenditure:

The expenditure of the project is divided into four components, Component-A, Component-B, Component-C and Component-D. Further, each component is subdivided into sub-components and the subcomponent is divided into project activities. The Component & Sub-component wise expenditure of the project is shown in table 38.

7. Internal Audit The project has appointed M/S. S. K. Patodia & Associates as Internal Auditor and agreement has been signed on 18th March 2020. The internal auditor has completed the internal audit for the FY 2018-19 and 2019-20 of all the accounting centres and submitted the report. The internal audit for the FY 2020-21 is in process.

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Table 38: The Component &sub component-wise expenditure of the project (Figures in Rs. Lakh) Project Components Up to 31st During FY During FY Project till Date & Sub-Components March 2019-20 2020-21 (Up to 31st 2019 March 2021)

A. Promoting Climate-Resilient Agricultural Systems A.1 Participatory Development of mini 263.56 117.50 393.07 774.13 Watershed Plans A.2 Climate Smart Agriculture and Resilient 421.88 4780.09 18607.93 23809.90 Farming Systems A.3 Promoting efficient and sustainable use 369.47 13333.14 40787.05 54489.66 of water for agriculture Subtotal -A 1054.91 18230.73 59788.05 79073.69 B. Climate smart post-harvest management and value chain promotion B.1 Promoting Farmer Producer companies 0.00 35.03 883.20 930.18 B.2 Strengthening Emerging value chains 0.00 48.65 526.97 563.68 B.3 Improving the Performance of Seed 14.70 311.71 1020.58 1346.99 Supply Chain Subtotal-B 14.70 395.39 2430.76 2840.85 C. Institutional Development, Service Delivery and Knowledge C.1 Updating Of SRPs aligned to climate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 Resilient agriculture C.2 Agromet Advisory Service 0.00 0.00 288.85 288.85 C.3 Preparation Of contingency Plans 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 C.4 Preparation Of Long term Climate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Changes Model C.5 Risk Analysis Framework 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 C6.Analytical Studies pertaining to Climate 0.00 0.00 10.82 10.82 Resilience C.7 Maharashtra Climate Innovation Centre 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 C.8 Agriculture Innovation Centre 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 C.9 Strategic Partnership with other 0 5.89 0.00 5.89 institutions C.10 Capacity Development 244.63 296.39 57.34 598.35 C.11 IEC 104.62 111.66 27.27 243.55 Subtotal-C 349.25 413.93 384.28 1147.47 D. Project Management D.1 Project Management and Support 1366.85 2633.60 3278.33 7278.78 D.2 Monitoring and Evaluation 0.00 69.05 254.00 323.04 D.3 Information, Communication Tools 302.88 540.35 342.07 1185.30 Subtotal-D 1669.73 3243.00 3874.39 8787.12 Total Expenditures (A+B+C+D) 3088.59 22283.06 66477.47 91849.12

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 8.External Audit The external audit of the project has been carried out by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) through its Accountant General in Mumbai. The external audit of the project for the FY 2018-19 and 2019-20 has been completed and submitted the report. The same has been submitted to the World Bank. 9.Rollout of FM Manual The translated copy of FM Manual in the local language Marathi has been communicated to all accounting Centers in January 2019. Also published on projects official website https://mahapocra.gov.in 10. Accounting Software (FIMS) For monitoring of financial matters and accounting of expenditure, the project has developed an online Financial Information Management System (FIMS). The training of FIMS has been given to accounting staff at all accounting centres. The accounting software has features like Budget Allocation, Opening and Closing Balances, Vendor Creation, Book Expenditure, Book Advances, Settle Advances, Settle Deductions, ECS generation, VCRMC Module, IUFR reports and financial reports. The data entry in FIMS has been started at all accounting centres. The generation of reports has been started. 10. Centralized Payment System The project has adopted the principle of Direct Benefit Transfer to the beneficiaries. For this purpose, a centralized DBT portal having three modules (individal, community, and farmers collectives) has been completed and disbursement is made centrally. 11. Financial Management: Staff Position The sufficient provision of accounting staff has been made for the project at all accounting centres. The 14 staff including Finance Specialist are sanctioned at PMU, Mumbai and 138 staff are sanctioned for DPIUs. The accounting staff at various accounting centres is given in the following tables. Table 39: FM Staff Position at PMU Level Position To be filled filled Vacant Finance Specialist 1 1* 0 Account Officer 1 0 1 AAO 2 2 0 Dy. Accountant 4 4 0 Account Clerks 6 1 5 Total 14 8 6 *on additional charge Table 40: FM Staff Position at DPIU Level Position To be filled filled Vacant Account Officers at Sub Divison 36 33 3 Project Account Assistants at District 30 24 6 Account Assistants at Sub Divison 72 67 5 Total 138 124 14 Several online training programs were conducted for the capacity development of finance staff. ****

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21 Annexures 1. Village Profile Sample (Gram Krushi Sanjeevani Vikas Darshika)

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Project Implementation Status Report: 2020-21

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Project Management Unit 30 B, Arcade, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade India. 400005 Ph. 022-22163351/52 Email: [email protected]

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