1

2 3 4

Front Cover

First ever primary school for Imla children in a mangrove hamlet, MGR Nagar near Chidambaram.

2 Culture of Azalia in the field trenches: green manure for lowland rice culture. Keelamanakudi, Chidambaram.

3 Selection by a tribal young woman of earheads of Italian millet at Binnampatti village in Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu.

4 Dry leaves of Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Am. used as a rain coat by a tribal woman in Jeypore, Orissa. r 1

2 4 3

Back Cover

Members of the Malayali tribal community discussing the use of remote sensing data for biodiversity conservation. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu. 2 Kulavai '99 - theatre for networking on gender, social issues and cultural activism. 3 A group of women volunteers who manage the Village Knowledge Centre at Embalam, Pondicherry .

4 A successful woman prJctitioner of mushroom cultivation imparting training to other women at the Biocentre in Pillayarkuppam village, Pondicherry. ~f i(1" MS$~ l=I a...~lI\f\t.4.. M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation Centre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development Third Cross Road, Institutional Area, Taramani, Chennai 600 113, India. Telephone +91 (44) 2351229 +91 (44) 2351698 Fax +91 (44) 2351319 E-mail [email protected] Visit us on the World Wide Web at http://www.mssrf.org

Cover Design : The Frontline, Chennai Printed at : Reliance Printers, Chennai Citation : Ninth Annual Report : 1998-99 M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, 1999. " v4~J

,.All s s R. f I e.t..e.", I'\.~ •

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Programme Area 100 Coastal Systems Research...... 16

Programme Area 200 Biodiversity and Biotechnology 39

Programme Area 300 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture 94

Programme Area 400 Reaching the Unreached 148

Programme Area 500 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building 167

Programme Area 600 Special Projects ;; ;...... 190

Publications. 197

About the Foundation 205

The Foundation Staff 209

List of Donors 218

Sources of Project Support ~...... 219 Chairman's Introduction

The 20th century will soon end with remark- production and security indicate that able achievements in every area of science progress in overcoming chronic social ills can and technology. In addition to impressive be rapid, provided appropriate blends of progress in physical and life sciences, we political will and action, social mobilisation, are ending this century with significant ac- and technology development and dissemi- complishments in social evolution. Particu- nation can be promoted. It is to foster such lar attention may be drawn to the follow- a movement at both the macro- and micro- ing: levels that the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) began its work ten • End of colonialism and spread of demo- years ago in the areas of strategic, participa- cratic systems of governance tory and anticipatory research, education • Growth of free and independent media and training, human resource development, information and skill empowerment, net- • Emphasis on human rights including the working, policy advocacy and dialogues. rights of the generations yet to be born The research and commUnity development programmes of MSSRF were built on a pro- • Eclipse of skin-colour based apartheid nature, pro-poor and pro-women foundation • National and International movements with a view to ensuring that development for gender equity and justice is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially equitable. Thanks to the knowledge and information revolution, there are now uncommon oppor- Nearly 2000 scientists from all parts of the tunities for providing every child, woman earth, who participated at a World Confer- and man with an opportunity for a produc- ence on Science convened by UNESCO and the International Council for Science (ICSU) tive and healthy life during the 21sl century. Accomplishing this task will not however at Budapest, Hungary, from 26 June to 1 July, be easy, since economic, social and gender 1999, adopted a declaration which points the inequity are not only widespread but also way to mobilising science and technology increasing. According to UNDP's Human for meeting the basic needs of every single Development Report (1999), the richest 200 member of the human family. The Budapest people in the world have a net worth of $ Declaration on Science and the Use of Sci- 1032 billion, the equivalent of the wealth of entific Knowledge states, "We all live on the 41% of the global population. A yearly con- same planet and are part of the biosphere. tribution of 1 percent of their wealth by these ,We have come to recognise that we are in a 200 persons alone would be adequate to give situation of increasing inter-dependence and every child in the world free access to pri- that our' future is intrinsically linked to the mary education. preservation of the global life-support sys- tems and to the survival of all forms of life. Achievements during this century in im- Science should be at the service of human- proving human health and longevity, food ity as a whole, and should contribute to

2 Chairman's Introduction providing everyone with a deeper under- velop some basic ground rules for ensuring standing of nature and society, a better qual- that science serves public good in an era of ity of life and a sustainable and healthy expanding IPR. Such a paradigm shift from environment for present. and future genera- a materialistic to a humanistic scientific era tions". will call for international cooperation in adopting a package of measures such as the The Declaration further states, "Science and following: Technology should be resolutely directed towards prospects for better employment, • Enhance support from public funds for improving competitiveness and social jus- research relating to basic human needs tice". The Declaration calls for special atten- and environment protection. tion to the expansion of scientific literacy • Make a distinction between discovery and skills among women and families liv- and invention with reference to patent- ing in poverty. ability. For example, make patenting of The Science Agenda-Framework for Action, DNA sequences in human and plant adopted at Budapest calls for scientific ad- genomes ineligible. vice becoming an essential factor in informed • Introduce compulsory licensing of rights policy making. It also recommends that "all in the case of patents of relevance to the countries should protect intellectual prop- food and health security of the poor and erty rights (IPR) and recognise that access the ecological security of the planet. to data and information is essential for sci- entific progress". • Reduce the life span of patents particu- larly in the field of information technol- Thus, the World Conference on Science, ogy. while recognising the need for greater ef- • Revise the Trade-Related Intellectual forts in harnessing science for meeting basic Property Systems (TRIPS) component of human needs, also notes that the expansion the World Trade Agreement so as to har- of IPR-eontrolled science is inevitable. Pro- monise the provisions of Article 27.3 (b) prietary science is expanding and research with those of the ethics and equity pro- designed for public good and supported by visions of the Convention on Biological public funds is shrinking. The earlier slo- Diversity (Articles 8(j) and 15 of CBD). gan, "publish or perish" is getting replaced Such a revision of TRIPS will help to by a new one, "patent or perish". The veil foster symbiotic biopartnerships and of secrecy in scientific work is getting rap- eliminate fears of biopiracy. idly enlarged. The scientific problems relat- ing to the health and livelihoods of the poor • Incorporate in the World Trade Agree- may tend to get neglected under a market- ment a provision which enables member driven scientific regime, where orphans are nations to adopt import policies which likely to remain orphans. will enhance and not erode the livelihood security of the poor. As a follow-up to the Budapest Conference, it is necessary for every nation and for the For assisting governments to ensure that international scientific community to de- trade and development policies result in en-

3 Annual Report 1998-99

hancing ecological security and livelihood of Conduct was also developed to ensure opportunities for women and men living in that symbiotic biopartnerships, and not poverty, a World Trade Agreement Contract biopiracy, govern the relationships h~tween Facilitation Service comprising social scien- the primary conservers and holders of tists, gender specialists, environmental and knowledge and the commercial companies, employment experts should be established. who use their knowledge and material. A Such an independent contract facilitation consultation was organised in September '98 service should be mandated to assist in con- to assist the World Intellectual Property Or- verting the "trade and not aid" concept ganization (WIPO) in developing methods of poverty alleviation from rhetoric to real- for recognising and rewarding traditional ity. knowledge, innovations and culture. If such steps are taken, conservation and commer- An ecology of hope movement will become cialisation can become mutually reinforcing. a reality only if principles of ethics and eq- uity govern all areas of human endeavour. Article 27.3(b) of the TRIPS provision of the Nowhere is this more apparent than in the World Trade Agreement will be reviewed field of life science industries. For example, late in 1999. MSSRF has been actively advo- what we now refer to as "medicinal plants" cating that the ethics and equity clauses of are the products of observation, selection and the Convention on Biological Diversity conservation by tribal and rural families over (CBD) (Articles 3, 8j, 10, 15 and 16) should several centuries. Yet these primary conserv- guide the review process. If this is not done, ers of material and holders of knowledge the following objectives stated in Article 7 live in poverty, while those who use their of the TRIPS agreement cannot be achieved: knowledge and material in breeding and "The protection and enforcement of intel- biotechnological enterprises become rich. lectual property rights should contribute to MSSRF has been working with the Govern- the promotion of technological innovation ment of India (Ministry of Agriculture and and to the transfer and dissemination of Cooperation and Ministry of Environment technology, to the mutual advantage of pro- and Forests) in the development of the fol- ducers and users of technological knowledge lowing 2 pieces of legislation: and in a manner conducive to social and • Plant Variety Protection and Farmers' economic welfare, and to a balance of rights Rights Act and obligations". This is why the TRIPS re- view process should be used to integrate the • Biodiversity Act ethics and equity concerns of CBD into arti- cle 27.3(b) of TRIPS. In the draft Acts prepared by MSSRF, the interests of both farmer-cultivators and Food insecurity at the level of the house- farmer-conservers are protected. The draft hold is currently caused by inadequate pur- Biodiversity Act provides for peoples' par- chasing power arising from limited liveli- ticipation in biodiversity conservation and hood opportunities in rural and urban ar- J sustainable and equitable use through eas. Hence, MSSRF has proposed that im- . Panchayat level Biodiversity Councils and port policies should be based on a careful State Biodiversity Boards. A Voluntary Code livelihood impact analysis. The livelihood

4 Chairman's Introduction and food security of the poor should be the of the coming century should be the initia- principal guiding factor in the formulation tion and spread of a Knowledge and Skill of policies for horne and external trade. Revolution for ending economic and. gen- der inequity. To assist in the process, MSSRF Another area of concern, particularly for the has initiated in villages in the Union Terri- future of the country, which received de- tory of Pondicherry a pilot project for estab- tailed attention during the meeting of the lishing a Virtual College linking scientists UN Commission on Nutrition held at and economically and socially underprivi- MSSRF ill November, 1998, is the multiple leged women and men. This programme has adverse impact of low birth weight (LBW) given valuable insights for designing Vir- in children arising from maternal and foetal tual Colleges linking scientists and the civil mal- and under-nutrition (Figure 1). Such society based on a self-replicating and self- LBW children constitute a third of all births propelling momentum. Dr Bruce Alberts, in the country. The most serious of the ad- President, US National Academy of Sciences, verse consequences of LBW is potential who visited the computer-aided Knowledge impaired brain development. This will deny Centres in Pondicherry villages in January, the child an opportunity for the full expres- 99 referred to the global significance of this sion of intellectual capacity in later life. In initiative in the following words in his Presi- the emerging knowledge age and in an era dential Address at the Anniversary meeting of globalisation of economies, this will be a of the U S National Academy of Sciences on serious national tragedy. 26 April, 1999:

Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution "By taking full advantage of new infor- in Europe, technology has been a major mation technologies, the scientific com- source of economic inequity among nations munity has an unprecedented opportu- and among communities within nations. If nity to close the vast "knowledge gap" technology has been a cause of economic between all peoples. How might this be and social inequity in the past, today we possible? I want to highlight a wonder- ha ve an opportunity for making technology ful example that points the way forward. an ally in the movement of social, gender The M.s. Swaminathan Research Foun- and economic equity. Modern information dation has established an experimental technology provides this opportunity. network in India that will soon connect Knowledge and skill empowerment can now more than 20 isolated rural villages to a be achieved at a fast pace. However, the wireless Internet service. About half of technological and skill empowerment of the the population in most of these villages poor cannot be achieved through pro- has a total family income of less than $25 grammes designed on the basis of a top- per month. The project is designed to down approach. The information provided provide knowledge on demand to meet should be demand- and need-driven and the local needs using the World Wide Web, knowledge centres should preferably be and it does so through a bottom-up proc- managed by women belonging to the so- ess. The process starts with volunteer cially and economically underprivileged teams that help poll the villagers to find sections of society. Our aim in the early part out what knowledge they want. Particu-

5 ~ s::= Higher Mortality Impaired Mental ~ Increased risk of Rate Development =:Id- adult chronic disease ~ 'C o ~ Reduced capacity Untimely I inadequate c.o c.o to care.fo"t.6aby . weaning 00- ...... ~ c.oI ...... : c.o

Frequent Inadequate catch up infections :,:er,y I ..../ growth Malnourished /./ ~ ".:- Child 0\ ... Inadequate food Stunted /// Inadequate Food Women Pregnancy. Malnourished Low Weight Gain ,/ Adolescent Stunted

Figure 1 : Lijecycle : the causal links (Source: UN Commission on Nutrition) Chairman's Introduction

larly popular thus far are women's health grant from Tata Trusts, also houses the information, advice on growing local CAPART Technology .Resource Centre and crops and protecting them from diseases, the Dr B V Rao Centre for Sustainable Food the daily market prices for these crops, Security. A special hall in this building has local weather forecasts, and clear infor- been dedicated to the memory of the late Dr mation about the bewildering array of Muthappa Attavar, father of Dr Manmohan programs that are provided by the In- Attavar, a friend and guide of MSSRF. The dian government to aid poor families. To land for the building was generously pro- participate, each village must provide a vided by the Government of Tamil Nadu. public room for the computer system, as well as the salaries for a set of trained Other important developments are: first, the operators. In return, the village receives establishment of The Hindu Media Resource the needed hardware and maintenance Centre for Ecotechnology and Sustainable for the communication system, specially Development and the NABARD Resource designed Web sites in the local language Centre for Precision Farming for Poverty that convey the requested information, Alleviation. The Hindu Media Resource and training programs for those villag- Centre, established with a generous endow- ers who have been selected to run their ment by The Hindu Group of Publications, local knowledge system". has filled a felt need In the links between scientists and the media. Among the several The MSSRF Virtual College, linking scien- activities of this Centre during the first year tists with village women and men, which of its existence, the Millennium lecture se- has been supported financially by the Inter- ries and the media-scientists interaction on national Development Research Centre of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Canada, will soon be expanded with the help have been particularly valuable. of computers generously donated by Ms Geeta Mehta of Tokyo. Preliminary studies The Hindu Media Resource Centre Millen- in the villages where this project has been nium Lecturers included Sir John Maddox, operating for over 6 months reveal that the Emeritus Editor of Nature, Dr Maurice women operating such centres have gained Strong, Chairman of the Earth Council and enormously in self-esteem and confidence of the U.N. University of Peace and Dr and social prestige. It is therefore proposed Jacques Diouf, Director General of FAO. The to establish women-operated knowledge scientists-media interaction on GMOs inau- centres in villages characterised by the high gurated by Prof James Watson, co-discov~ incidence of female foeticide and infanticide. erer of the double helix structure of DNA and moderated by Mr N Ram, Editor of The Among other significant major developments Frontline, helped to clear many concerns during this year, mention may be made of about the use of genetic engineering tech- the inauguration of the building of the J R D niques in agriculture and medicine. The par- Tata Ecotechnology Centre on 29 July, 1998 ticipants recommended that a multi- by H E The President of India, Shri K R stakeholder National Commission on Ge- Narayanan. This building whose construc- netic Modification should be established in tion was made possible through a generous every country with its membership cover-

7 Annual Report 1998-99 ing government regulatory agencies, been set up for providing policy guidance academia, civil society and environmental and monitoring progress. Precision farming organisations, farmers' associations, con- techniques which involve a shift from an sumer and womens' groups, and print and area and field scale husbandry to plant scale electronic media. The governments of both husbandry, will be developed for small farm UK and USA have recently established such crop and animal husbandry, agro-forestry broad-based consultative and policy guid- and aquaculture. Israeli scientists have con- ance bodies. siderable experience in enhancing income per units of land, water and nutrients. In the coming decades, the farm families of Hence, a collaborative partnership has been India will have to produce more foodgrains developed with the Arava R&D Centre in and other agricultural commodities under Israel for developing and spreading produc- conditions of shrinking per capita land and tion technologies based on integrated natu- water resources and expanding biotic and ral resources management. An end-to-end abiotic stresses. The smaller the farm, the approach will be developed involving con- greater will be the need for higher market- current attention to all the links in the pro- . able surplus to generate the income neces- d u ction- processing-s torage-mar keting- sary for meeting basic human needs. The consumption chain. Initially this programme farming population of the early part of the will be confined to the Chidambaram and 2151 century will be predominantly young. Dindigul areas of Tamil Nadu. They can be attracted and retained in farm- ing only if agricdture becomes intellectu- Under the B V Rao Centre for Sustainable ally stimulating and economically reward- Food Security supported by the Shri ing. These are the conditions which modern Ramakrishna Bajaj Fellowship for the sus- precision farming technology satisfies. It has tainable end of hunger, an integrated therefore been an act of vision on the part of Panchayat-Ied Hunger-free Area Programme the management of the National Bank for was initiated during this year in collabora- Agriculture and Rural Development tion with the Gandhigram Rural Institute (NABARD) to have decided to establish a (Deemed University). This programme is Resource Centre for Precision Farming for being implemented by several Panchayats Poverty Elimination. By linking precision in the Vedasandur Block of Dindigul Dis- farming with poverty alleviation, the em- trict with the active support and advice of phasis has been placed on farming systems the faculty of the Gandhigram Rural Insti- intensification, diversification and value tute. ntis pilot project will be the precursor addition. Also, an integrated approach will for a Panchayati Raj institutions led move- be developed to enhance opportunities ment for achieving a hunger-free Tamil for skilled on-farm and off-farm employ- Nadu by 2010. ment. The Tamil Nadu Council for Sustainable The NABARD Precision Farming Resource Livelihoods, which is supported by Hunger Centre will develop and test ecotechnologies Project, India, has decided to accord prior- and organise demonstrations and training ity to the following four programmes dur~ programmes. A Steering Committee has ing 1999-2000:

8 Chairman's Introduction

• A" children for happiness" movement facilities for training, input supply services, with emphasis on the elimination of LBW animal health care facilities and ail. informa- among children through attention to the tion centre. The training programmes are health and nutrition of pregnant women conducted by the new leaders who have emerged in the villages since the beginning • Total elimination of hidden hunger of the project. A Biovillage Council compris- caused by deficiencies of micronutrients ing one male and one female nominee from in the diet; a beginning will be made in each of the 19 villages has been formed as a the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu prelude to the formation of a Biovillage with help from FAO and the Tamil Nadu Society. Government Ancther significant development durir.g this • An educational and advocacy campaign year is the laying of the foundation stone for gender equity and for knowledge and for the Golden Jubilee Biotechnology Park skill empowerment of women Panchayat for Women by H E The President of India leaders on 29 July, 1998. This Park is sponsored by • Expanding the Panchayat-led movement the Department of Biotechnology, Govern- for achieving freedom from hunger ment of India and the Tamil Nadu Indus- trial Development Corporation (TIDCO) A detailed strategy was developed at a acting on behalf of the Government of Tamil Consultation organised in April, 1999 in col- Nadu. MSSRF serves as a Technical Resource laboration with the Global Hunger Project Centre for this unique project designed to on the theme "Hunger-free India - the final provide opportunities for remunerative self- milestone". This Consultation was Llaugu- employment to professionally qualified rated by Shri K C Pant, Deputy Chairman, women entrepreneurs. The Government of Planning Commission. The gender dimen- Tamil Nadu has provided 8 hectares of land sions of hunger were separately considered for the Park at Kelambakkam near Chennai. at a one-day workshop. A Golden Jubilee Biotechnology Park for Women Society has been registered under The Biovillage programme in operation in the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act 19 villages in the Union Territory of on 8 July, 1999. Several training programmes Pondicherry with financial support from have been organised for the women entre- UNDP is reaching its final stage. An impor- preneurs. tant feature in the design of this project is a strategy for sustainability beyond the life of In 1994, MSSRF conducted a detailed study the sanctioned programme. Sustainability is of the threats to the Gulf of Mannar Bio- to be achieved through the formation of a sphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu, with finan- Biovillage Society operating from a cial support from the Rajiv Gandhi Founda- Biocentre, which is the hub of the biovillage tion. This study ultimately led to the sub- movement. A Biocentre was inaugurated in mission of a proposal for support from the the Pillayarkuppam Village in April, 99 by Global Environment Facility (GEF) through Dr Brenda Gael McSweeney, Resident Rep- UNDP by the Governments of Tamil Nadu resentative of UNDP. The Biocentre provides and India. UNDP-GEF provided a project

9 Annual Report 1998-99

preparation grant in 1997 and MSSRF was future generations. Considerations of intra- entrusted with the task of preparing the and inter-generational equity will guide the project proposal by the Ministry of Environ- work of the Trust, which will provide a ment and Forests, Government of India and horizontal dimension to the numerous ver- UNDP. The project proposal was finalised tically structured activities undertaken in this in July, '98 and was considered by the GEF area by both central and state governments Council at its meeting held in May, '99. The and private sector organisations. It is hoped GEF Council approved the proposal and that the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Trust, commended it as a model project which whose long term sustainability will be en- deserves to be widely emulated by those sured with the help of a Trust Fund, will preparing similar projects. The Scientific and show the way for promoting a management Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of GEF by partnership system of governance in all endorsed the project for approval with the the other Biosphere Reserves in the country. following remarks: MSSRF also assisted the Ministry of Envi- "The project addresses a major challenge, ronment and Forests, Government of India, namely the conservation of coastal in the preparation of a National Report on biodiversity of the highest ecological the implementation of Article 6 of the Con- value in a large area subject to consider- vention on Biological Diversity for being able pressure from poor populations presented to the Conference of Parties to the upon the sole resources that appear to be CBD. at their disposal. To meet this challenge, the project follows the only framework Another important consultancy undertaken which can succeed, namely to combine during the year relates to the preparation of the necessary protection of the threatened an Agenda 21 for the north-eastern state of ecosystem and ecological processes with Mizoram. This agenda contains concrete economic and social benefits which will action plans for strengthening the livelihood meet the essential need of local people, security of the people of the State in an through providing appropriate institu- environmentally, economically and socially tional, financial and managerial arrange- sustainable basis. The Government of ments." Mizoram has initiated steps to implement the action plan. The GEF grant for this project is $ 7.85 mil- lion. The management structure through A major step was taken by the Department which people and Nature will get united in of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of the Gulf of Mannar area is the proposed Cul.l India, during this year to foster a new social 0.1lWannar Biosphere nust. Representatives contract between scientists and the rural of fishermen and rural communities as well communities living in villages adjoining as all the principal civil society stakeholders nuclear power plants. For taking the ben- will, together with government representa- efits of nuclear science to rural families, DAE tives, form the members of the Trust. The has created at MSSRF a chair in the name of Members of the Trust will hold this unique the late Dr Homi Bhabha. Prof P C Kesavan biological treasure in trust for present and is the first holder of this DAE-Homi Bhabha

lO Chairman's Introduction

Chair. In addition to the Chair, DAE has . fied during 1998 as Jrulars, a tribal commu- sponsored a collaborative research project nity. This helps them to obtain the benefits between the Bhabha Atomic Research Cen- extended to scheduled tribes. Also, the vil- tre (BARC) and MSSRF for harnessing nu- lage had no school and both the adults and clear tools in improving the productivity, children remained without opportunities for profitability and sustainability of coastal ag- education. They will thus enter the 21st cen- riculture and aquaculture. Under this project, tury illiterate. Saving mangrove forests with- a trial cum demonstration farm has been set out saving the children for whose wellbeing up at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic the mangrove forests are being saved makes Research at Kalpakkam near Mahabali- no sense. Hence, a school was established puram. Integrated farming systems using in this hamlet through support from the new varieties of pulses and other crops de- project and private donations to give the veloped at BARC are being evolved at the children an opportunity for primary educa- IGCAR Centre. tion. Steps are also being taken to promote adult literacy. From 1990 onwards, the programmes of the Foundation have been organised under five The restoration of degraded mangrove for- major Programme Areas (PAs). The results ests is making progress. In the Sunderbans obtained during the year in each of these area of West Bengal, mangroves are being programme areas are given in detail in this planted in wastelands. A Mangrove Atlas report. Without duplicating the information has been prepared. The International Tropi- given in later pages, it may be worthwhile cal Timber Organization (rnO) has desig- highlighting a few of the activities under- nated MSSRF as the Indian Ocean Regional taken. Centre under the Global Mangrove Informa- tion Service (GLOMIS). PA 100 : Coastal Systems Research

The Mangrove Wetlands Conservation PA 200: Biodiversity and Biotech- project covering most of the east coast of nology India has reached a stage when Joint Man- This programme area has three principal grove Forest Management Committees in- goals: volving both the Forest Departments and representatives of the communities deriving • Developing an implementation frame- their livelihoods from Mangrove Wetlands work for achieving the triple aims of are getting established. This Project, sup- CBD, namely, conservation, sustainable ported by the India-Canada Environment use and equitable sharing of benefits I1acility, pays concurrent attention to people and mangrove forests. For example, in the • Saving endangered habitats and species village of MGR Nagar in the Pichavaram area, the inhabitants had not been classified • Use of genetic enhancement, biomoni- during the past 50 years with reference to toring and micro-propagation techniques their community status. Thanks to the ef- for promoting the cause of conservation forts of MSSRF scientists, they were classi- and sustainable use

11 Annual Report 1998-99

Good progress was made during the year in . The community in sHu and ex sHu conser- achieving these goals. A large number of vation activities were streamlined through tribal and rural women and men were a linked network of jn Situ Field Gene trained in the art and science of biodiversity Banks (on-farm) and ex sHu Cryogenic conserva tion and in chronicling local Gene Bank. This represents the first scien- biodiversity resources. Such trained youth tifically structured Commwuty Gene Man- constitute a Community Agro-Biodiversity agement System in India (the term "gene Conservation corps, who will be able to management" refers to conservation and assist their respective communities in tak- sustainable and equitable use of genetic re- ing decisions on questions like "prior in- sources). formed consent", "access and benefit-shar- ing", after the national Biodiversity Act comes into force. Several training programmes for rural youth were organised by the B R Barwale Chair in In the area of sustainable use, further Biodiversity. Steps were also taken to assist progress was made in linking conservation local communities in the preparation of Peo- and commercialisation in a mutually sup- ple's biodiversity registers. Pending the set- portive manner and in promoting participa- ting up of official-level Panchayat tory plant breeding. The work on the revi- Biodiversity Councils, the formation of talisation of the in sjtu on-farm conserva- broad based village level Biodiversity Man- tion traditions of tribal and rural families agement Committees including the and on sustainable and equitable use re- Panchayat President, Village Officer and ceived generous support from the Swiss Local School Headmaster, is being pro- Agency for Development and Cooperation moted. This voluntary code of conduct calls (SOC). This project is in progress in the States for adherence to the principle of prior in- of Tamil Nadu (Kolli Hills), Kerala (Way- formed consent. anad) and Orissa (Jeypore). A Voluntary Code of Conduct based on the principles of CBD guides the work of all researchers In the field of molecular mapping and ge- working in this project. netic enhancement, a binary vector carry- ing the BADH gene cloned from mangrove The participatory plant breeding work initi- species was constructed. Methods ofinte- ated this year in collaboration with the farm- grating the BADH gene, which confers tol- ing families of Kolli Hills, Wayan ad and erance to sea water salinity, into the tobacco ]eypore has made a good beginning. The genome were standardised. The work on methodological underpinning of the project biomonitoring of ecosystem health using was discussed at a workshop jointly organ- Pseudomonas and lichen species made fur- ised by MSSRF and the International Crops ther progress. Micropropagation protocols Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics were standardised for 14 species (10 endan- (ICRISAT) at Hyderabad. An important com- gered and medicinal and 4 mangrove spe- ponent of this work relates to the improve- cies). These protocols have been made avail- ment of Njavara, a rice strain widely used able to the Department of Biotechnology in Ayurvedic medicine in Kerala. for commercialisation.

12 Chairman's Introduction

PA 300 :Ecotechnology and Sustainable trainers at the level of early childhood. Other Agriculture programmes included working with NGOs on the control of female infanticide and foe- The Ecotechnology programme aims to pro- ticide, and research and advocacy on the mote sustainable livelihoods in rural areas status of child care workers. The Tamil video by undertaking the technological and skill spots under the series "Messages that move" empowerment of the poor. The seed village have been dubbed in Hindi. programme at Kannivadi led to the distri- bution of nearly a million rupees as wages The Uttara Devi Resource Centre for Gen- to women labour. The ornamental fish pro- der and Development conducted a study of duction and Low External Input Sustainable the role perceptions and effectiveness of Aquaculture (LEISA) programmes at women members of Panchayats and organ- Keelamanakudi and Chidambaram helped ised a workshop to examine the gender di- to improve household income substantially. mensions of hunger. The Centre also held a The work on creating markets for traditional discussion on the progress made in imple- grains like Panicum, PaspaJum and Setaria menting the Beijing Platform for Action species made good progress. Wheat bread adopted at the World Conference on Women prepared with 10% of flour of sad an samai held at Beijing in 1995. Steps were taken to (Panicum sumatrense) was substantially internalise the gender dimension in all the high in micronutrients like calcium, iron and research and training programmes of vitamins. Negotiations are in progress for MSSRF. Indicators were developed for con- introducing a new brand of bread prepared ducting gender and social audit of the with the flour of wheat and minor millets. projects carried out by the JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre. In order to help small scale aquaculturists, a fresh water prawn hatchery, capable of yield- The programme "Voicing Silence" undertook ing annually 300,000 fingerlings of networking of organisations involved in Macrobrachium rosenberg£ was established tackling gender issues through cultural ac- with financial support from the Department tivism. Performances which reach out to of Biotechnology, Government of India. Seed different communities were organised. Work and feed are the major limiting factors in was continued on giving voice to different the spread of inland and coastal aquaculture. constituencies of women such as traditional Both these constraints are being addressed women artists and girl students. so as to provide fishermen and landless la- bour families with opportunities for deriv- PA 500 : Education and Communica- ing economic and nutritional benefits from tion environmentally sustainable aquaculture. A large number of training programmes, PA 400 : Reaching the Unreached technical consultations, dialogues and semi- nars were organised. The training pro- An important component of the activities of grammes ranged from village level "learn- Project Access related to building the capac- ing by doing" programmes to an Interna- ity of elected Panchayat leaders and teacher tional Training Course on Timber Trade Sta-

13 Annual Report 1998-99

tistics for professional foresters. The Inter- which the Foundation was established was national course which was attended by 45 to foster a working culture and environment participants from 16 countries was spon- where creative young minds can give their sored by the International Tropical Timber best to both science and society. Looking back Organization, Japan. A highlight of the over the past 10 years, it may be seen that course was training in the use of internet as this goal has been fulfilled to a large extent. a source of data. Assistance was also ex- Over 150 young scientists and scholars of tended to the British Council in training non- MSSRF working in different parts of Tamil governmental organisations in designing Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, web sites and in the effective use of the several of them living in remote villages, have INDEV database which provides informa- given their best to mobilise appropriate tech- tion on the work of nearly 1000 NGOs in nologies for serving the twin causes of con- the country in different fields of develop- servation of nature and natural resources, and ment. improvement of the livelihood security of women and men living in poverty. The ad- Dr Klaus Topfer, Executive Director of the ministrative, accounts and supporting staff United Nations Environment Programme are also doing their best to enable the scien- (UNEP) released in January '99 the results tists to perform well. Efforts were continued of a study conducted on behalf of UNEP for during this year to provide opportunities for developing a conceptual framework for im- the professional growth of young scientists plementing the benefit sharing provision of and scholars. The fact that a few of the young CBD. Several seminars and consultations scientists who have been with MSSRF dur- were organised on a wide range of topics ing the last 7 to 8 years have now achieved such as nutrition, hunger, International Year the status of world leaders in their respec- of the Ocean, sustainable fisheries and tive fields is a good index of the value of a biotechnology. The Annual Inter-disciplinary management culture which encourages crea- Dialogue held in February '99 was on the tivity, innovation and dedication. topic "Climate, Biotechnology, Food and Water Security". It was inaugurated by Dr The future of MSSRF will depend largely Ismail Serageldin, Chairman of the Consulta- on its ability to attract and retain outstand- tive Group on International Agricultural Re- ing young scientists and scholars who com- search (CGIAR) and of the World Water bine a commitment to professional excel- Commission. An indepth discussion on lence with dedication to the cause of envi- biotechnology and water security was held ronment protection and poverty elimina- which resulted in the formulation of a pro- tion. The Trustees of MSSRF have therefore posal for organising a Global Biotechnology taken several steps during this year to place Partnership for Water Security in the 21st the Foundation on a sustainable manage- century. This proposal was warmly wel- ment and financial foundation. A corpus is comed by the World Water Commission at being raised so as to insulate core pro- their meeting held in Cairo, in March '99. grammes from the fluctuations of project support. Similarly, the management is be- In the first printed Annual Report of MSSRF ing strengthened with the appointment of it was mentioned that a major purpose for an Executive Director.

14 Chairman's Introduction

The various activities summarised above and Development, and the NABARD Resource the results achieved would not have been Centre for Precision Farming for Poverty possible but for the generous support of dif- Elimination. Particular thanks go to Dr R ferent Ministries/departments of the Gov- Chidambaram, Chairman, Atomic Energy ernment of India as well as of the Govern- Commission and the Department of Atomic ments of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala, Energy for establishing the Homi Bhabha Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal. Chair for Nuclear Science and Rural Society. Similarly, UNDP, FAO, UNESCO, UNEP, We can only assure the donors and well GEF, UNICEF, WHO and IAEA have ex- wishers, both institutional and individual, tended both financial and technical support. that we shall strive to the best of our ability We are also indebted to the bilateral, institu- to prove worthy of their trust. tional and individual donors listed at the end of this Report for their support and en- couragement. Finally, our thanks go to Dr V Balaji for co- ordinating the compilation of the Annual We are particularly grateful to The Hindu Report, Dr Nandhini Iyengar for editing the Group of Publications and NABARD and report, Mr N Ram and The FrontHne for Arava R&D Centre for help. in establishing designing the cover and Mr P I Peter respectively, The Hindu Media Resource and the Reliance Printers for printing the Centre for Ecotechnology and Sustainable Report.

15 Programme Area 100

- Coastal Systems Research -

he Coastal Mangrove Wetlands Conseroation and Rehabilitatton programme entered the phase of T promoting Joint Mangrove ForestManagement by Forest Departments and the rural communities living in areas adjoining the Mangrove Forests. Work was initiated on the application of nuclear and biotechnological tools in strengthening the ecological security of coastal areas and the livelihood security of coastal communities.

101 Coastal Wetlands: Mangrove Conservation and Management 17

102 Nuclear and Biotechnological Tools for Coastal Systems Research 34 Coastal Systems Research

Sub Programme Area 101 ment. In the first phase of the project, the existing situation was analysed at each project Coastal Wetlands: Mangrove site. This revealed the status of the man- Conservation and Manage- grove wetlands in terms of available re- ment sources, degree of degradation, causes for degradation, number of dependent villages, The "Coastal Wetlands: Mangrove ConselVa- population and resource utilisation practices tion and Management" project is being imple- of the mangrove users. mented in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra During the current year, efforts were focused Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal with the on 3 aspects: i) mobilising and organising collaboration of the Forest Departments of the local community; ii) developing partner- the concerned states and participation of the ship between the Forest Department and local mangrove user communities. The pur- mangrove user communities for Joint Man- pose of the project is to build capacity in grove Forest Management OMM); and local communities, voluntary organisations, iii) training to community and Forest Depart- grassroot level democratic institutions, Forest ment staff on various needs related to JMM Departments, MSSRFand other government and livelihood security. In order to develop agencies to restore, manage and conselVe successful and replicable JMM models, the mangrove wetlands through participatory number of demonstration villages was re- research, training and extension. stricted in each of the project sites (Table 1.1). The project has three major components: i) preparation and data collection; In mobilising the community and develop- ii) mobilising and organising communities for ing a partnership between the community joint mangrove forest management; and and the Forest Department the following iii) training and human resource develop- process was adopted:

Table 1.1 : Number of demonstration vifJagesin the project sites

State Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Orissa

Site Pichavaram Muthupet Krishna Godavari Mahanadi A Mahanadi B

Demonstration Villages 3 2 2 3 2 2

17 Annual Report 1998.99

Step 1:Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Step 4:Preparation of micro plan For each demonstration village, the commu- In each demonstration village, PRAwas con- nity and Forest Department prepare the micro ducted to identify the major concerns of man- plan and MSSRFfacilitates the process. This grove wetland conservation and management plan gives the details of the activities to be and socio-economic development. The vari- undertaken by various stakeholders to solve ous exercises, in which the staff of MSSRF the major concerns relating to mangrove con- and the Forest Department participated, led servation and management and socio-eco- to an understanding of the situation and nomic development. This plan helps in people's interaction with the mangrove wet- mobilising funds and manpower from the land. The PRA was also used as a tool to participating villages and fixing the respon- develop rapport among the stakeholders. Gen- sibilities in achieving the results. der specific PRA exercises were also con- ducted. Step 5:Implementation of micro plan

Step 2:Organising community based As per the micro plan, the stakeholders institutions implement the activities. Apart from provid- ing technical support, MSSRF helps in In each demonstration village, PRA was fol- mobilising funds from the project, govern- lowed by the organisation of a village level ment agencies and other resources to imple- institution. The purpose of this institution is ment it. to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss major concerns unreservedly and take Step 6:Monitoring and Evaluation collective decisions to solve them. It pro- Monitoring the project activities is an impor- vides an opportunity for marginalised groups tant tool to assess the progress and perfor- including women and poor people to take mance of various components and for effect- part in decision making. ing needed course correction. Quarterly progress reports are received and reviewed Step 3:Identification of mangrove manage- both by the Project Directorate as well as by ment unit an internal Management Committee. Indica- The mangrove management unit of a village tors are also being developed to monitor the is defined as a part of the mangrove wet- project effectively. land, which is traditionally utilised by the 101.1 Tamil Nadu people of that village for livelihood and subsistence. The villagers.and Forest Depart- In Tamil Nadu 5 hamlets, 3 in Pichavaram ment personnel along with the staff of MSSRF and 2 in Muthupet, were selected for the demarcate this area for joint restoration and development and demonstration of JMM.The protection. socio-economic and demographic details of

...... 18 " Coastal Systems Research the hamlets and dependency of the people Formation of village development and of these hamlets on the mangrove wetland mangrove councils have been were given in the earlier report. Work is currently progressing only in 2 ham- In all the 3 hamlets Village Development lets in Pichavaram, namely, MGR Nagar and and Mangrove Councils (VDMC) have Vadakku Pichavaram. In the Muthupet area, been formed. The structure of the VDMC work is advancing only in Veerankoil. In is similar to that of the Village Forest these 3 demonstration hamlets, activities are Council formed in the JFM of the Tamil Nadu taken up step by step as per the process Forest Department. The structure is shown explained earlier. Table 1.2 shows the in Figure 1.1. progress made in these demonstration ham- lets.

Table 1.2 :Major steps achieved in the demonstration hamlets of Pichavaram and Muthupet areas

Plchavaram Muthupet Project Step MGRNagar vadakku Pichavaram Veerankoil

II Participatory Rural Appraisal *'" * Formation of Village Development and Mangrove Council II II II IdentifiC'Jtionof Mangrove Management Unit II II II Preparation of micro plan .for socio-economic development and JMM II II 'Cl Implementation of the micro plan II II 'Cl

'!<' Completed during the previous year; II Completed during the current year; 'Cl in progress

General Body Executive Committee

• Decision and policy making body of • Eleeted by the General Body the village • 33% women representation compulsory • All the willing families become • Forest Department and MSSRFare represented by members ex-officio members • Each willing family is represented by • Prepare and implement the micro plan 1 adult male and 1 adult female

Figure 1.1 : Structure of Village Development and Mangrove COllncils

19 Annual Report 1998-99

In MGRNagar and Vadakku Pichavaram about called "canal fishing" in restoring the de- 78% and 63% of the families have become graded mangrove wetland. The major con- members of the General Body respectively, cerns of the people are socio-economic de- and in Veerankoil of Muthupet 55% of the velopmental needs and issues related to families have become members. Efforts are mangrove conservation, which formed the being made to persuade other families to basis for the preparation of the micro plans. become members of the General Body of The activities planned, implemented, and • the VDMC. results achieved, as per the micro plan, i!1 MGR Nagar and Vadakku Pichavaram are Identification of Mangrove Management given below. Unit In order to prepare and implement the plan Mangrove restoration and protection activities for the ]MM activities, management units for each demonstration village were identified MGR Nagar: The people of MGR Nagar (Table 1,3). completed restoration in the 17 ha of degraded

Table 1.3 : Total area of the mangrove management unit and the area of different land cover

Land-cover pattern (ha) Hamlet Total area of Healthy Degraded Dry land the unit mangroves mangroves

MGR Nagar 62 39 17 0

Vadakku Pichavaram 54 20 32 2

Veerankoil 600 75 525 0

Micro planning mangroves within the mangrove management unit by applying the canal technique In the demonstration hamlets as well as in developed and demonstrated successfully by the mangrove management units, all the MSSRF.The construction of the canal \Vas activities are implemented on the basis of completed in December '98 and about 2,00,000 the micro plan. So far, micro plans have Avicennia marina propagules were planted been prepared for MGR Nagar and Vadakku in]anuary '99.The entire operation was carried Pichavaram. The preparation of the micro out under the supervision of the Forest plan for Veerankoil is yet to be done since Department. The survival and growth rate of the Forest Department is examining the pro- Avicennia marina plantation and changes in posal of applying an indigenous technique .the biophysical condition of the restored area

20

J Coastal Systems Research are being closely monitored jointly by the ship of the Ranger of Muthupet. The Com- community, the Forest Department and MSSRF. mittee is scrutinising the proposal. Agreement has been made between the Socio-economic development activities community and the Forest Department that the former will undertake maintenance work of MGR Nagar the canals dug in the restoration area for free flow of tidal water, whereas the community • The people of MGR Nagar had not been and the Forest Department will jointly protect issued community certificates due to lack the plantation. of evidence to identify the community. The ethnographic studies conducted by Vadakku Pichavaram: TIle people of Vadakku MSSRFhelped the Revenue authorities to Pichavaram are currently involved in con- identify the residents as a tribal commu- structing canals for restoration in about 32 nity called fru/ars and certificates have ha located within the identified management been issued accordingly. unit. As in the case of MGRNagar, the people of Vadakku Pichavaram have been trained in • Illiteracy in the village is very high. A the restoration method. Technical guidance school has been opened in a concrete and funds are being provided by MSSRFand building in the hamlet to facilitate more the Forest Department is supervising the work. children to get primary education. About 52 students are enrolled in this school. Veerankoil: In the management unit of Veerankoil, about 525 ha of mangrove are • Self-Help Groups (SHG), six in number (2 degraded due to stagnation of tidal water. It for women and 4 for men), have been was found that the traditional fishing method formed to create a resource base for easy is suitable for the restoration of this area. access to credit that will be utilised for This traditional method, locally called vaikkal production and other purposes. The total meenpidippu (canal fishing) avoids stagna- savings of these 6 groups is about tion of tidal water and also provides fish and Rs.40,000. prawn worth about Rs. 20,000 to 25,000 per • MSSRF facilitated one of the women's year. This income from fishing in the canals SHG to get a loan of Rs. 20,000 from the could be considered as an economic incen- Central Bank of India under tive for the people if they are involved in the NABARD-SHGscheme. The loan will restoration activities. Based on this concept a be utilised for purchasing a boat and proposal has been submitted to the Forest net as well as to start a small provision Department by the people of Veerankoil for store. permission. The process is being facilitated by MSSRF.The Forest Department has formed • 40 male members have been trained in a committee, namely Veerankoil Mangrove using nets to catch shrimp in the man- Protection Committee under the chairman- grove water. The Ecotechnology Centre of

21 Annual Report 1998-99

MSSRF organised the training under a • A visiting Veterinary Centre has been CAPARTscheme. Easy credit has also been opened in the village with the help of the provided to purchase 20 caste-nets under Animal Husbandry Department. The Cen- the same scheme. tre is treating the livestock for various diseases and providing artificial insemina- Vadakku Pichavaram tion. • Three Co-operative Irrigation Societies have • SHG, twelve in number C7 for women been formed for optimum utilisation of and 5 for men), have been formed to ground water in the places where no canal create a resource base for easy access to irrigation facilities are available. Each. so- credit. 111etotal savings of these groups is ciety has 12 to 15 members with a land Rs.1,40,000. The Indian Bank, which is holding of about 0.3 to 1.5 ha. For each the lead bank for this hamlet, is negotiat- society, one bore well was dug where ing with these SHGs for providing loans ground water is available throughout the for production purposes under NABARD- year. All the other members of the society SHG scheme. share the water from this bore well. The villagers selected the site where bore wells • Three off-farm activities namely, palm were sunk. MSSRFprovided financial as- candy production, palm brush manufac- sistance and technical support. 50% of the ture and dairy farming, have been iden- amount will be repaid to help other needy tified as suitable micro-enterprises. 10 fami- farmers. lies (1 male and 1 female from each fam- ily) have been trained in the production • Forty farmers have been trained in seed and marketing of palm candy. A trial run treatment with fungicide and bio-fertilisers was carried out which indicated the pos- by the project staff and 15 farmers have sibility of producing high-quality palm been trained in Integrated Pest Manage- candy in the villages. Arrangements are ment for groundnut, which is the major being made to open a palm candy pro- crop cultivated in the hamlet, by the Krishi duction unit with the help of the Tamil Vigyan Kendra, Virudhachalam. Nadu State Palmgur and Fibre Co-opera- • An irrigation canal, which provides water tive Federation Ltd. to about 200 acres of groundnut fields, • About 100 saplings of grafted tamarind has been renovated with the help of funds and 40 saplings of Singapore Silk Cotton provided by the Member of Parliament have been planted in the village common under the Local Development Fund. MSSRF land. VDMC is looking after this planta- helped in mobilising the resources and tion. It is expected that after 4 years the PWD provided technical support. The fund village will get about Rs. 1,25,000 every was released through the District Rural year from the produce of these Development Agency. trees.

22 Coastal Systems Research

101.2 Andhra Pradesh Forest Protection Committee of the Bhairava- lanka village 84% of the families have en- In Godavari mangroves, work is progressing rolled as members of the General Body. In iri three demonstration villages namely, the Krishna area, MSSRFformed an Environ- Matlapalem, Corangi-Dindu and Bhairavalanka ment and Village Development Committee and in the Krishna area, work is advancing (EVDC) in both the demonstration villages. in Nakshatranagar and Dheendayalpuram All the families in Dheendayalpuram and villages. In all the five villages, the various Nakshatranagar have become members of the steps leading to JMM have been completed committee. In all these villages, the group and baseline survey conducted with the help has an Executive Committee, which is ac- of local NGOs namely SRAVANTI,VisakaJilla tively involved with MSSRFand the Forest Nava Nirmana Samiti (VJNNS), Gandhian Department in planning and implementing Organisation for Rural Development (GORD) various activities related to mangrove con- and College of Social Work, Hyderabad. servation and socio-economic development Participatory Rural Appraisal of the village.

In all the demonstration villages, PRA has Mangrove Management Unit of the dem- been completed and major concerns and onstration viUages issues relating to mangrove conservation and management identified. Table 1.4 gives the details of the location of the mangrove management units of the dif- Formation of Mangrove Protection Com- ferent demonstration villages and total area mittee to be conserved and restored through JMM efforts. In organising the villagers into groups for mangrove conservation and management, two Assessment of biophysical conditions of the different approaches were followed in the restoration area and preparation of the con- Godavari and Krishna areas. In the Godavari tour maps have been completed. Restoration area, Eco-Development Committees (EDC) activities such as canal digging have been were formed in Matlapalem and Coringa completed for Dheendayalpuram in Dindu villages which are adjacent to the Sorlagondi Reserve Forest and are being Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. In Bhairavalanka undertaken in Matlapalem, Corangi-Dindu, village, a Forest Protection Committee (Vana Bhairavalanka and Nakshatranagar. The res- Samrakshna SamitO was formed since this toration activities are being carried out by village falls under non-sanctuary area, as per the village groups with financial and techni- JFM rules laid down by the Forest Depart- cal support from MSSRF.Community man- ment. In the General Body of the EDC of the grove nurseries have been established sepa- Matlapalem and Coringa Dindu villages all rately for Krishna and Godavari areas at the families have become members. In the Sorlagondi and Chollangi respectively.

23 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 1.4 : Details of Mangrove Management Units of demonstration villages in Godavari and Krishna mangroves

Name of the Location Protection area Restoration area demonstration village (ha) (ha)

Godavari mangroves Matlapalem Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary 250' 4 Dindu Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary 250' 23 (rehabilitation) Bhairavalan!ca Rathikalava Reserve Forest 200' 4

Krishna mangroves Deenadayalpuram Sorlagondi Reserve Forest 100 8 Nakshatranagar Kothapalem Reserve Forest 200 5

• Allotted to the Eco-Development Committee by the Forest Department

Micro-planning mainly for house construction. To reduce this pressure, seedlings of bamboo (90 Micro plans for all the five demonstration numbers) and casuarina (60) were distrib- villages have been prepared jointly by the uted and planted to about 30 households. community, Forest Department and MSSRF. The survival rate is about 60%. Bamboo In the Matlaplem, Coringa Dindu and and casuarina were also planted in 1.1 Bhairavalanka villages of Godavari area, acre of common land, to grow timber for NGOs namely, VJNNS,SRAVANTIand ARTIC domestic use. The people of the village participated along with officials of the gov- and members of the DWCRA fenced the ernment agencies such as Fisheries, Rural entire area under "shramadan" (Voluntary Development, Revenue Department and Edu- labour). The Social Forestry Division, Forest cation Department. In the Krishna area, NGOs Depaltment, supplied the seedlings free namely, GORD and Coastal Community De- of cost. velopment Programme (CCDP) participated along with the representatives of the govern- • In Coringa Dindu 140 bamboo seedlings ment agencies in the preparation of the micro were distributed to 28 houses and in plans. All the activities planned are being Bhairavalanka 150 bamboo seedlings have implemented jointly by the community and been distributed to 52 houses. MSSRF.The following are the activities com- pleted as per the micro plan: • In Deendayalpuram and Nakshatranagar, SHG for women were formed. The total • The people of Matlapalem village depend saving of these groups is around Rs. on the mangrove forest for small timber, 1,15,000. MSSRFhas helped in getting a

24 CoastalSystems Research

matching grant of Rs. 1,10,000 from the and the total membership of this group is 76 government under DWCRA scheme. (one man and one woman from each fam- ily). The mangrove management unit of this • ARTIC,an NGO, has commenced the hous- village is yet to be identified. Micro plan has ing project and 25 houses have been built. been prepared for Kandarapatia on the basis of the concerns identified and prioritised. 101.3 Orissa Action has been taken as per the micro plan. In Orissa, the Forest Department desired that • A prawn farm had been constructed near the project activities be confined to the the village on encroached land. Saline Mahanadi area since Bitarkanika has been water intrusion from this farm caused declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary and the heavy loss to paddy cultivation. The Forest Department has not finalised the in- community, the Forest Department offi- troduction of any participatory management cials and MSSRF,after repeated attempts, system for this sanctuary. Therefore, the succeeded in making the farmers close project activities are confined to Mahanadi the farm. area which is divided into 2 sites namely, Mahanadi A and Mahanadi B. In each site, • Since most of the paddy lands are af- 2 hamlets namely, Kandarapatia and Kharinasi fected by salinity, a saline resistant paddy and Sanatubi and Kajalapatia have been se- variety called "Lunishree" developed by lected as demonstration villages. Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, is being tested. The Forest Department has given its concur- • In order to reduce pressure on the rence and is supporting the project activities mangrove forest for timber and firewood, though a Memorandum of Understanding has 500 acacia and 500 eucalyptus trees not yet been signed. The local communities are being grown in the community in the demonstration villages are mostly land. migrant Bengali population. Preliminary in- formation regarding socio-economic condi- • A SHG for women has also been fOlmed tions, livelihood strategies and mangrove in the village with the aim of generating dependency has been collected. resources for socio-economic developmen- tal activities. The PRA has been completed in three vil- lages and in Kajalpatia this work will com- 101.4 West Bengal mence shortly. Mangrove Forest Protection Committee (locally called Luna jungala It has been decided that the project operation Samrakshyana Samitt) has been formed in in Sundarbans of West Bengal will be only Kandarapatia. All the 38 families of the vil- in the later stages of the project since West lage have become members of the group Bengal Forest Department has already

25 Annual Report 1998-99 introduced participatory management systems • Preparation and planning in the mangroves. Preliminary reconnaissance • Awareness building and education studies were conducted in the Sundarbans • Entry point activities - drinking water and after discussions, the Forest Department supply, irrigation channels etc. has given proposals for project interventions, which aim at strengthening the ongoing JFM • Afforestation! regeneration process. These proposals were studied in • Development of alternate sources to man- consultation with the India-Canada grove products and Environment Facility (ICEF) and a framework • Training and exposure visits for staff and for project interventions has been agreed community. upon. The project will be implemented in The project activities will commence shortly. three areas of Sundarbans namely : i) Ganga Sagar under Namkhana Range, in seven 101.5 Geomorphological, Hydrological villages; ii) Dhanchi station in Ramganga range, in three villages; and iii) Bhagawatpur and Sedimentological Studies Range in Bhagawatpur Reserve Forest, in six The biophysical studies conducted in the villages. In some of these villages Forest project sites indicate that the physical factors Protection Committees under JFM have such as seasonal closure of the mouth of the already been registered as per provisions of estuaries and reduction in freshwater flow an earlier forestry. project. In other villages, are responsible for the degradation of the the process will be initiated under this project. mangrove wetlands rather than the social causes. This observation applies mainly to The Forest Department of West Bengal has Pichavaram and Muthupet of Tamil Nadu and agreed to the proposal that mangrove affor- Krishna of Andhra Pradesh. Hence, in order estation along riverbanks would be taken up to develop a long-term strategy for the con- mostly on non-forest and wasteland. The Jilla servation of the mangrove wetland, a Con- Parishad of 24 Paraganas South District will sultative Group has been established. The be persuaded to allow the community to members of the group include experts in take up mangrove plantations and to have physical oceanography, coastal engineering, rights for the usufructs including timber. The modeling and hydrology. On the basis of village communities will participate actively the suggestions of this group the following in raising, protecting and managing the plan- objectives have been chosen for the geo- tations and contribute 50% of the cost. All morphological, hydrological and sedimento- the activities will be carried out on the basis logical studies: of the micro plans. • To study the physical process relating to Project Activities in Sunderbans increasing the freshwater inflow and tidal water circulation in the Pichavaram , The following are the proposed activities: Muthupet and Krishna mangrove wetlands

26 1

Coastal Systems Research

• To prepare a specific intervention plan to matic and resource maps of the project sites achieve the above objective as well as the project villages. During the current year attention was given more to • To evolve suitable scientific protocols to integrate the biophysical and socio-economic implement the intervention plan data collected by the field staff to create a The Consultative Group visited the GIS database. The thematic maps prepared Pichavaram mangrove wetland recently and for the study areas of 6 sites of Pichavaram, on the basis of their observation, prepared a Muthupet, Krishna, Godavari and Mahanadi plan of action for collection of data on vari- A and B wetlands using remote sensing data ous physical factors that influence this man- and collateral data were compiled and a Draft grove wetland. The Indomer CoastalHydraulic Atlas was prepared. The Draft Atlas contains Limited, Goa, is entrusted with collecting most the following maps and description for each of the data. Data is being collected on the site. following aspects: • Hydrodynamic study: Data is being col- Resource maps lected on seasonal variation in tides, cur- • Base maps: Administrative, Reserve Forest rent and circulation pattern within the boundaries, road and railway network, mangrove wetland along with water qual- village locations, management network and ity. In addition data will also be collected other infrastructure facilities on littoral drift and beach profile. • Hydrological study: River discharge into • Geomorphology maps: Beach, sand dune, the mangrove wetlands and level of silt ridges, spit, lagoon, vegetation and mudflat load are being estimated. This study might associated with the coastal areas of the provide insight into the amount of fresh- project sites water required for maintaining the man- • Drainage maps: Rivers, streams and ca- grove wetland. nals that drain freshwater into the man- • Sedimentological study: Rate of sedimen- grove wetlands. tation in the mangrove wetland will be studied to understand the lifetime of the • Mangrove wetland maps: Area of the man- Pichavaram mangrove wetland with refer- grove vegetation, degraded area, mudflat ence to the hydrological characters. and associated vegetation and other coastal land use classes 101.6 Remote Sensing Applications and Geographic Information System • Mangrove vegetation change maps: Changes in the mangrove vegetation In the last two and half years remote sensing cover between the years 1970, 1986 and data has been used to prepare different the- 1996

27 Annual Report 1998-99

Socio-economic data: 101.7 Training and Human Resource Development • Households and population • Livestock population Capacity building through training and hu- • Status of the community in terms of their man resource development is one of the socio-economic status major components of the project. The main aim of this component is to enhance the • Dependency of the community on man- capacity of the local community, Forest De- grove for fuel wood, cattle grazing partment personnel and project staff in par- The draft atlas was presented to top level ticipatory approach, mangrove ecology, res- managers, District and field level officers of tordtion and conservation, various livelihood the Forest Department for comments and activities including off and on-farm income suggestions. The atlas will be finalised after generation activities and gender issues. In receiving the suggestions from agencies. order to achieve the above aim, a training plan was prepared for all the stakeholders Some interesting points were noted from the with the help of in-house experts. This mangrove vegetation changes study: training plan contains the details of: i) train- • In Pichavaram mangrove, forest cover has ing process; ii) groups to be trained; iii) increased in the Periaguda region where training needs; iv) identified resource agen- MSSRFand the Forest Department under- cies or resource persons; and v) time sched- took restoration work. ule for training programmes. The Training Plan was approved by the India-Canada En- • In the Muthupet area, the shoreline of the vironmental Facility (ICEF). As per the Train- wetland has moved into Palk Strait due to ing Plan, the following training programmes sedimentation; regeneration of mangroves were conducted successfully during this year. has been observed in these newly accreted All these training programmes were need lands. based and most of the training programmes • In Godavari delta, the vegetation and the were conducted separately for the project shoreline along the northern part of staff, Forest Department personnel and the Godavari River mouth was found to have community. Some of the training programmes disappeared in 12 years due to erosion. were conducted jointly for the project staff . Approximately 130 ha of mangrove vegeta- and staff of the Forest Department. tion was lost by this natural calamity. The Training programmes conducted for the width of the mouth of the Nilarava River project staff has been reduced by sediment deposition. Training: The following are the training • In Krishna delta, the mangroves are re- programmes conducted for the project staff generating in the eastern part of the delta of the 3 states. The major aspects covered in and degrading in the north-west region. these training programmes were: i) group

28 Coastal Systems Research formation; ii) micro planning; and iii) micro as a part of the socia-economic develop- credit. The details of the resource agency ment activities, project staff particularly so- which conducted the training and the num- cial workers and agronomists were taken to ber of participants and duration, are given in Panchapatty area of the Trichy District of Table 1.5. Tamil Nadu, where successful models of the micro-credit programme exist. The exposure Exposure visits: In order to have better clar- visit organised to the JFMareas in West Bengal ity as well as to develop more practical skills, and Andhra Pradesh provided insight into exposure visits were organised for the staff the intricacies of participatory management. of the project. Since in all the project vil- Table 1.6 shows the details of the exposure lages SHG are being formed for micro-credit visits organised for project staff.

Table 1.5. : Training programmes conducted/or the project staff

Theme of the Resource Target group Duration of the Number of training Agency programme participants

Group formation Association for All the field staff 6 days-3 days 21 Stimulating Know-how of Tamil Nadu and in Chidambaram and (ASK), New Delhi Andhra Pradesh Kendrapara

Micro credit ASK, New Delhi All the staff 6 Days-3 days 19 in Chidambaram and Kendrapara

Micro plan ASK, New Delhi All the staff of 4 Days-Chidambaram 11 Tamil Nadu

Documentation ASK, New Delhi All the staff 5 Days-Kakinada 17 and reporting

Gender issues and documentation MSSRF Social workers 3 Days-Chennai 13 and agronomists

Monitoring Asian Centre for Project managers 3 Days-Chennai 8 and evaluation Entrepreneurial Initiatives, Bangalore

Experiential CYSD Animators and 6 Months 14 learning for Bhubaneswar project staff animators

29 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 1.6 : Exposure visits Ot'ganisedfor project staff

Theme of the Resource Agency Target group Duration of the No. of exposure visit programme/Venue participants

Micro-credit Legal Education All social scientists 3 Days-Panchapatty 13 Association for and agronomists village, Trichy Development LEAD, Trichy

JFM Forest Dept. of Project staff of 3 Days-Narasapur and 18 Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Applarajugudem JFM, West Bengal Forest Department of Project managers 7 days-Sunderbans 12 West Bengal

Training programmes conducted for the mangrove management. Training was pro- community vided by the project staff with help from outside agencies. The community is a major stakeholder in the project and hence a series of training Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu the emphasis programmes and study trips were organised was on pest and water management for in 3 states, for improving skills in various groundnut and micro-enterprises. In the case aspects related to livelihood security and of micro-enterprises in Tamil Nadu and

Table 1.7 : Training programmes for the community in Tamil Nadu

Training need Resource Agency Duration Number of day(s) participants

Palm candy making Palmyra Workers Development Society, Marthandam, 7 10 Tamil Nadu

Groundnut seed MSSRF Field Centre, Chidambaram 40 treatment

Integrated Pest Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Virudhachalam 15 Management

Coir-making Coir Industry, Pattukkottai 17

Fishing net-making Local fishermen, Financed by CAPART through 40 JRD Tata Ecotechonlogy Centre, MSSRF

30 Coastal Systems Research

Andhra Pradesh, a consultant group, South Trainingprogrammes conducted for For- India Producers Association, Chennai, (SIPA) est Department personnel was involved in identification of suitable As mentioned earlier, the field staff of the micro-enterprises. Palm candy production was Forest Department were trained in micro identified as one of the most suitable micro- planning and participated in many of the enterprises for the people of Vadakku exposure visits conducted for the project staff. Pichavaram. Table 1.7 gives the details of In addition, the Remote Sensing and GIS the training conducted to the community of laboratory of MSSRFand some of the trained the project villages of Tamil Nadu. officials of the Forest Department of Andhra Andhra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh training Pradesh conducted training on using remote concentrated on enhancing leadership and sensing and GIS tools in mangrove conser- membership skills and joint mangrove forest vation and management. A study trip was management. Table 1.8 shows the details of also organised for the officials to NRSA, the training conducted in Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad. Apart from these, the District

Table 1.8 : Training given to the community members of the project villages in Andhra Pradesh

Training need Resource Agency Duration Number of day(s) participants

Leadership & Gandhian Organisation for Rural Development, 4 50 membership skills Rapalle

Mangrove ecology & MSSRF, Kakinada 1 30 restoration

Exposure visit to MSSRF and Forest Department, A.P. 3 18 JFM areas

Training on coir Coir Board, Rajamundry 30 5 rope making

Orissa: In Orissa, about 8 progressive farm- Forest Officers concerned with the project ers were trained along with the project staff sites of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa in alternative irrigation systems for rain fed and West Bengal participated in a study visit agriculture with the help of International De- on Community-based Mangrove Management velopment Enterprises. In addition, the Krishi in Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia. In Vigyan Kendra of Kendrapara trained 10 Thailand, the Asian Institute of Technology farmers in mushroom cultivation. organised the training whereas in the

31 Annual Report 1998.99

Philippines, the International Institute of Ru- • Women have access over household re- ral Reconstruction conducted the training sources but enjoy no control over them course. The training included tours to differ- ent mangrove localities, interaction with the • Technology empowerment only helps men communities and exposure to JMM proce- to come out of drudgery. dures followed in these countries. In the baseline survey an exclusive gender 101.8 Gender Issues in Mangrove Con- section was planned to quantify the percep- servation tion of women in the following aspects: Tamil Nadu • Status of women In this project a gender sensitive approach • Gendered division of labour has been adopted from the beginning. Dur- ing the data collection for problem analysis • Access and control over resources both gender sensitive observations and gen- • Intra household dealing and community der segregative data were collected through level decision-making. RRAlPRAmethods. The RRA helped to un- derstand the utilisation pattern of the user The results obtained clearly show that women communities and women - mangrove inter- toil in the domestic arena and contribute action. During the gender desegregated ex- more or less equally in the economic do- ercises conducted through PRA, the exer- main. Women have access to household cises like daily routine charts, matrix ranking property but lack ownership rights and the and focus group interview-access and con- power to sell and buy. Men play a vital role trol profile were given importance. The PRA in intra household and women are virtually helped in understanding the daily routine excluded from the community-level decision- and activities of men and women and also making. gender dimension in the livelihood opportu- nities, the gender role in the decision mak- In the VDMCformation process, 50% women ing at the community and domestic level membership in the general body and 33% and the control of and access to community minimum representation for women in the and domestic resources. executive committee are ensured. Women also actively participate in evolving the norms, The results show that: roles and responsibilities for the general body, • Women have to perform multiple roles executive committee and office bearers. SHG and there is no time for them to relax and are formed separately for men and women. take rest Linkages were established with service banks • The tight schedule acts as a barrier for like Indian Bank, Central Bank and Women women to participate in activities outside Development Corporation. Microcrediting has the household. taken roots and attempts are on to start

32 Coastal Systems Research microenterprises for income generation. Gen- of skin diseases and general ailments and. der sensitive microplanning was done where high fertility rate are noticed. the prioritisation of concerns for men and Employment status: The majority are engaged women groups were done separately. Con- . in fishing. Fisherwomen are engaged simul- cerns exclusive to women were taken up for taneously in three different occupations for micro planning. It is encouraging to see the their employment. i.e. fishing, mangrove, non- active involvement of women in different fishing activities. 80% of women are involved phases of micro plan implementation, moni- in marketing in addition to fishing. Everyday toring and self evaluation. women spend nearly 2 hours collecting fire- wood from the mangrove forest. Less than Andh,'a Pradesh 20% of the fishing women are involved in The status of any social group is determined other activities like agriculture and labour by its level of health, nutrition, literacy, other thar.. fishing/vending/marketing. education, employment and income. Employment: In jobs like grain procurement, Health status of women: High infant mortal- cooking, grain preservation, cleaning, fetch- ity rate, high nutritional status, high incident ing water and firewood collection, the role

Table 1.9 :Details of decision making (Orissa)

Activity Predominantly Predominantly Both Men Women

Fishing II Agriculture Selling fish catch Cooking II Fuel wood collection Education for children II Household purchases II Religious function related expenditure II Agriculture implements Livestock care House construction II Paddy threshing II Household work II

33 Annual Report 1998.99

of women is vel)' significant. Male involve- in the rural communities of the coastal areas ment is marginal except in cases like grain in Southern India, was initiated in the year storage/teaching and to some extent firewood 1998 as a partnership between the Depart- collection. In financial matters like savings or ment of Atomic Energy and MSSRF.Thisjoint loan settlement men involve women also in endeavour of the Biosciences and Radio-iso- decision making. In Matlapalem women in tope Groups of the Bhabha Atomic Research the executive committee constitute 33%, in Centre (BARC)and MSSRFhas been to Bhairavalanka it is 50% and in Corangi-Dindu it is 33%. DWACIWSHG are showing interest • evolve practical methodology for arresting in monitoring homestead plantations. It is natural resources degradation and allevi- interesting to note that when the canal dig- ating rural poverty in the coastal regions ging for planting mangrove seedlings was al- • develop crop varieties with greater toler- lotted to men in Bhairavalanka village, women ance to salinity also claimed the same job and hence this work was allotted to both men and women. • enhance soil fertility and crop productivity

Orissa • reclaim saline soil in coastal areas The following points summarise the obser- • use radiotracer technology for monitoring vations on gender status in the village. water quality parameters in the coastal • Men are engaged more in productive ac- aquifer tivities, whereas women are engaged both • lay emphasis on popularisation of im- in productive and non-productive activi- proved pulse crop varieties through ca- ties like household maintenance, child pacity building and extension activities. care, fetching drinking water, kitchen gar- dening etc. While women have opined This project became operational during that men are the bread earners of the July, '98. The initial phase included interac- family, men have commended women for tive meetings of the scientists of MSSRFand their role in these activities. Table 1.9 gives BARCwith the farmers of the coastal areas details of decision making. to identify the scope for agriculture in these areas. Sub Programme Area 102 Nuclear and Biotechnological Isolation of stress induced genes Tools for Coastal Systems Re- As a step towards understanding the mecha- search nisms of salt tolerance in mangrove species, Porteresia coarctata, a species growing in This research programme, primarily designed the mangrove locations, has been selected to integrate conservation and development for study. This plant grows in high saline

34 Coastal Systems Research conditions and can tolerate high salinity lev- By random sequencing of selected eDNA els. The long-term goal is to isolate salt tol- clones a full length clone for Histone H3 erant genes from this species and provide and a clone homologous to metallothionein- pre-breeding material to grassroot level breed- like protein has been isolated. Complete ers for developing locality-specific crop spe- sequer:cing of the Histone H3 gene has been cies. carried out and submitted to the NCB! Gene Bank (Accession No. 109910). The clone ho- Porteresia coarctata plants were collected mologous to metallothionein-like protein from Pichavaram mangrove forest and grown has also been sequenced completely. Fur- in a nutrient medium for seven days. The ther analysis, including study of the expres- plants were then treated with 1M NaCI solu- sion pattern, is being carried out. tion for 48 hours. Total RNA from the leaf tissues of salt treated plants were isolated following a protocol developed by us. The Soil biological criteria and bioreme- mRNA for making complementary DNA diation (eDNA)was purified from the total RNAusing oligo-dT cellulose column. Using reverse tran- Soil salinity, which is one of the stresses, scriptase enzymes the double stranded eDNA poses a major hindrance to the realisation of was made and ligated with pSPORT 1 vector. the potential yield of most plants. The amount The ligated eDNA was transformed into E. of soluble salts in saline soils significantly coli (DH5cx:) to enrich the library. About influences the physico-chemical properties of 1,00,000 colonies obtained from the eDNA soils, their ability to support plant growth library have been prepared from this species. and microbial species, their numbers aria ac- tivities in soil. A better understanding of the Preliminary screening of this library has been role of the microbial osmotic adaptation will initiated using both heterologous probes help us in harnessing these microbial spe- specific for salt tolerance as well as random cies in amelioration techniques. sequencing of the ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tag's). Using heterologous Arabidopsis Amelioration of such types of soils could be tbaliana Pyrroline 5-Carboxilate Synthetase done to restore or regulate the processes (P5CS) gene which is involved in proline (a which would help to increase the soil known osmoprotectant) biosynthesis, two biodiversity and increase nutrient recycling positive clones have been isolated from this mechanisms. This could be achieved either library. End sequencing of these clones shows by looking for halotolerant microbial strains significant homology with P5CSof Arabidopsis and breeding plants resistant to salinity stress tbaliana and Oryza sativa. Work is under- or using a biological approach which could way to isolate and characterise the full length absorb and temporarily immobilise Na+ ex- gene from this library and also to study its tracellularly which would result in decreased expression pattern. soil salinity in crop rhizosphere.

35 Annual Report 1998.99

Osmoadaptation mechanisms in soil mi. release, the establishment of the biomass was crobes observed to be very low when compared to the local population (consisting of green Isolation and screening of nitrogen fixers algae). This could be due to the consistent associated with Porteresia coarctata (from rains at the field site. Secondly, the physico- rhizosphere, endophyte and leaves) was chemical properties showed an EC value of done. Some of these isolates and those ob- <1 and pH was towards the acidic side which tained from: the agrisystems along the Tamil is not favourable to A.torn/osa. It was felt Nadu coastline, maintained as culture collec- that in the next season (March) these. factors tions at MSSRF,were taken up for screening should be considered before deciding to use for their salt tolerance limits. Preliminary A. torn/osa or A.l. 31, which would better analysis of Acetobacter diazotrophicus (asso- suit the present soil conditions. Further work ciated with Porteresia coarctata) has shown will be carried out to standardise the type of that they can grow comfortably in 4% NaCI Anabaena to be released here and its ame- in specific media. A few aerobic heterotro- liorating capacity. phs like Pseudomonas sps. have also shown that they can grow upto 1.5 - 2 M in mineral The microbial analysis showed that phos- media. The total protein profiles of these phate solubilisers were very low. Macronu- isolates have shown that proteins are induced trients like N, P and K were also found to under stress. Further work on these lines, be very low in these soils. Pot experiments including labelling techniques to understand (with paddy) have been initiated with the the expressed protein profile, is underway at soil samples from the demonstration site. BARe. Phosphate solubilisers from the culture col- lection of MSSRFare being tested in these Amelioration studies using Anabaena experiments to study the efficiency and torulosa remediation capacity of these isolates.

Cultures of Anabaena torn/osa, isolated from Development of the demonstration plot the east coast of Tamil Nadu, were obtained at Kalpakkam from BARe. This was re-established success- fully at MSSRF and a good quality culture One of the major objectives of the ongoing has been established. A portion was scaled project is to develop demonstration plots up to 20 1 (in about 2 weeks) and then the along the coastal areas. The first project biomass was harvested and released into the demonstration site development activity has field (0.22 acres) at the demonstration plot at been initiated at Kalpakkam. The team of Kalpakkam. This particular strain not only scientists from MSSRFand BARCvisited vari- has the capacity to fix nitrogen but also ous sites around Kalpakkam and held sev- absorb and temporarily immobilise Na+ ex- eral discussions with the authorities of IGCAR tracellularly. At the end of two weeks of its for a possible site for the demonstration. With

36 Coastal Systems Research the cooperation received from the IGCAR • about 0.4 ha for vegetables and floricul- authorities, a 10 acre plot has been allotted tural species to MSSRFfor developing as an experimental plot. It is proposed to sign a MOD with the • about 0.4 ha as buffer zone IGCARfor smooth functioning of the project. In the first week of October the identified Along the fish pond banana plants (both in land was handed over to MSSRF.The land vivo and in vitro) are being grown. Castor was completely covered with luxuriant growth seeds have been sown around the experi- of Prosopis juliflora and other sporadic plant mental field to serve as trap crops for insects species. The development activity in the plot and pests. Along each rice field blackgram started by mid-October with the removal of seeds have also been sown as trap crops. the Prosopis and making plots for experi- The first planting at the site started in the 1st mentation. week. of November wit~ the transplanting of The basic model applied in the development rice (var. Ponniand C043) along with vari- of the demo plot is that of the Integrated ous treatments for green manure, farm ma- Intensive Farming System model developed nure, Azospirrilum and Anabaena. The fish by MSSRF.A number of activities will take stock development and sowing of other crop place in a single location. The design covers species will take place in the coming months. the cultivation of rice and millets, ground- A base design of the demo plot is given in nut, blackgram, greengram, vegetables, flori- Figure 1.2. cultural species and a site for semi-intensive aquaculture in addition to various other Popularisation of pulse crop varieties ecotechnology options. The soil samples of of BARe the plots have been tested for their micro- and macro-nutrients and also for soil micro- Field trials for improved pulse crop varieties bial populations (with special reference to developed by BARCwere initatated at Kottam, beneficial organisms). Paraikulam and Pudukkudi in October and November '98. The trials were conducted The basic design of the demo plot includes: primarily to test the response of blackgram • about 1.6 ha for rice (rice crop with farm (var. TU:94-2) and greengram (var. TAARM) developed by BARC under semi-dry condi- manure, green manure, Azospirillum and Anabaena) tions in Tamil Nadu and to ascertain the critical watering regime for the above men- • about 0.8 ha for fish pond tioned variety. In addition, it is intended to assess the impact of different sowing meth- • about 0.4 ha for groundnut ods and to select suitable conditions of irri- • about 0.6 ha for pulses (greengram and gation, sowing and phosphorous application blackgram) to enhance the pulse productivity.

37 Annual Report 1998-99

The 2 acre plot was divided into 36 treat- collected at an interval of 15 days. Local ment plots of about 5 cents each; based on farmers were trained to collect the data. the owners' plot layout. This 2 acre plot was Regular feed back was received from the leased from the farmers and was controlled farmers about this experiment in comparison by the local level organisations and MSSRF with their conventional method of cultiva- for conducting the experimental trials. tion. Watering schedule was also monitored in terms of hours of watering and quantity Data related to total plant height, plant den- of watering. Recommendations based on these sity, root length, number of root nodules per observations will be made for improving pulse plant, incident of insect/pest and disease were varieties.

A n Rice Rice a with :'-with b Rice Nursery farm green .a manure manure e n a

V Rice e Control g e t Rice with a AzosplrlUum b Rice/Anabaena I e Rice s Rice Groundnut Pulses Rice

Pulses Millets

Figure 1.2 : DAE.MSSRF demo-plot layout at IGCAll, Kalpakkam

38 Programme Area 200

Biodiversity and Biotechnology

he revitalisation of the in situ onfarm conseroation traditions of tribal and ntral families made good T. progress in Kolli Hills (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad (Kerala) and jeypore (Orissa). A Community Gene Management System involving in situ field gene banks, area level seed banks and a community gene bank with cryopreseroation facilities was developed for Orissa. Scope for transfering genes confering tolerance to salinity from mangrove species to annual plants has been demonstrated . .Further refinements were made in the development of biomonitoring tools.

201 Conservation Traditions: Chronicling and Revitalisation 40 202 Participatory Plant Breeding: Path to Utilisation of Biodiversity 61 203 Technical Resource Centre for the Implementation of the Equity Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity 69 204 BR Barwale Chair in Biodiversity 75 205 Conservation and Utilisation of Biological Diversity: Market Study 80 206 Molecular Mapping and Genetic Enhancement 84 207 Monitoring Ecosystem Health Using Microbial Diversity 87 208 Conservation and Bioprospecting of Endangered, Medicinal and Mangrove Plant Species 90 209 Golden Jubilee Biotechnology Park for Womerr 93 Annual Report 1998-99

Sub Programme Area 201 of Tamil Nadu. Its 14 panchayats have 263 hamlets. It is surrounded by Rasipuram taluk Conservation Traditions: in the north and Thuraiyur taluk in the east Chronicling and Revitali- and Namakkal taluk in the west and south. sation The highest point in Kolli Hills is 4,663 feet 0554 m), above mean sea level. It stretches The programme for chronicling and 29 km from north to south and 19 km from revitalisation of genetic conservation tradi- east to west. tions adopts a multi-pronged strategy to fo- It is spread over an area of around 476 kml cus on biodiversity conservation. It includes having a population of 33,888 (6,840 house- the following' components: holds) as per 1991 census. The population l • chronicling the use of biodiversity by tribal density is 69 persons per km , 32,080 people communities belong to scheduled tribes (Malayalis) and the remaining • documenting traditional conservation prac- 939 to scheduled castes. His- torical evidence reveals that they came from tices, especially sacred groves Kancheepuram near Madras and settled here • identifying market linkages to promote some 400 to 500 years ago. This block is incoP.1e generating opportunities for the divided into 14 panchayats and 16 revenue tribal families. villages for administrative purposes. The overall goal is to develop procedures Forests occupy 57% of the total area (12,454 for recognising and rewarding the contribu- ha) and agriculture is taken up over 52% of tions of tribal and rural families, particularly the total area 04,609 ha). Nearly 85% of the those of women, in the conservation and land in,Kolli Hills constitutes dry upland. Well enhancement of genetic diversity, in accor- irrigation is not common here. Around 1,873 dance with the provisions of the Convention ha of land is irrigated by springs and jungle on Biological Diversity. streams. 201.1 Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu Though there was no mention of tapioca The result of last year's study using anthro- cultivation in Kolli Hills or in Namakkal taluk pological tools revealed that the pristine in the Manual of Salem district in the Presi- ecosystem of Kolli Hills was changed due to dency of Madras, it is the number one crop migration and settlement by Malayali tribals now in terms of area coverage (over 4,000 about eight generations ago. ha). This is followed by millets 0,727 ha), paddy 0,502 ha) and ragi 0,337 ha). Cre- Kolli Hills is located at a distance of 40 ation of estates for plantation crops is also a kms from Namakkal and is a Panchayat comparatively new agricultural activity here Union i.e. a development block located in and is found over 660 ha. The estates grow the north-eastern part of. Namakkal district coffee, silver oak and pepper.

40 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Area selected: Gundur Nadu is one of the 14 (b) medicine panchayats in Kolli Hills. As the cultivation of (c) bee keeping minor millets (samai, tbinai and ragt) is still (d) festivals practised here in the remote parts by the Malayali tribal community, it has been se- (e) biofertilisers and biopesticide (Pena lected this year. Vaiappoor Nadu (where tbalai) Arappaleswar temple and waterfall are lo- • Preparation of herbarium for medicinal cated) has been selected for People's plants Biodiversity Register preparation (see SPA204 for details). • Seed exchange programme among farm- Farmers' practices: Most of the farmers here ers in the area clear the vegetation in their dry lands by • Herbarium collection competition to en- burning as they believe ash is a good source courage interest in plants among the of fertiliser for minor millets. The shortage of younger generation and other competi- farmyard manure (FYM) results in almost no tions for Kolli Hills children to develop application of it. Thus, soil health has to be interest in biodiversity conservation improved by providing biofertiliser or by arranging for FYM. The government provides • Identification and study of sacred groves. Rs. 250 and critical inputs to those who grow minor millets. Despite thi~ encouragement Studies and chronicling the acreage and productivity have not in- creased. Plants used for green leaf manure: The foli- The following activities were taken up in age of the all pervading unni (Lantana cam- Kolli Hills for revitalisation of genetic con- era) is used as green manure. It is a prickly servation practices: straggler which is found growing wild. Once considered totally useless, its foliage is now • Selection of Panchayats and villages: used as the best green manure. Besides Gundur Nadu and Valappur Nadu Lantana, the tribals also use the .foliage of • Construction of" Community Grain Storage Ageratum sp., Glyricidia sp., Dodonea viscosa (TbombaO (Viralt), and Cipadessa bacci/era as green manure. A few years ago, one could not •. Installation of low cost greenhouse, for come across Partbenium bysteropbobus, an minor millet seed supply in non-season obnoxious and poisonous weed. But now it has invaded Kolli Hills. • Chronicling and documentation of use of p1ants by the tribes for The plants found in Kolli Hills and their uses (a) mother and child health are described in Tables 2.1 to 2.3.

41 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 2.1 : Important plants found in KoUi Hills Plants grown for flowers Semparuthi Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Tuluka samanthi Tagetes sp. Kanakambaram Crossandra undulaefolia Roja Rosa indica Plants grown for fruits Maampazham Mangifera indica Palapazham Artocarpus sp. Koyyapazham Psidium guajava Vazhaipazham Musa paradisiaca Madhulampazham Punica granatum PappaH Carica papaya Orange Citrus sp. Plants grown for edible oil Kaduku Brassica juncea Aamanakku Ricinus communis Plants grown for vegetables Parankikai Cucurbita maxima Kaththarikai Solanum melongena Vendaikai Hibiscus esculuntum Spices Koththamalli Coriandrum sativum Elakkai Elletaria cardamomum Milaku Piper nigrum Biriyani e1ai Cinnamomum zeylanicum Kirambu Eugenia caryopby//ata Fence plants Kattukottai Gossypium sp. Minor wild fruits in the forest Navappazham Syzigium jambolanum Kilukkai Carissa carandus Elanthappazham Zizypbus jujuba Perunellikai Emblica officinalis

Table 2.2 :Etbnobotanical itiformation (MaiayaU tribes, KoUi HiUs)

Plumbago auriculata Lam. It serves as a medicine for cattle. It is injurious to human skin. Plumbaginaceae Cynoglossum sp. Local people call it oltatai. Leaves are chewed for relief from toothache. Boraginaceae Bleedinggum'>are rubbed agailN the leaves of this plant Rubus cordifolia Rubiaceae to get relief from pyorrhoea disease. Acbyrantbes aspera Leaves and seeds are crushed and taken in a piece of Amaranthaceae cloth and tied around the face to get rid of worms in the intestine.

42 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Table 2.3 : Plants used as greens

Pulieheha keerai (Hibiscus sp.) Eenga keerai Nalla puliehehan Seng keerai (Amaranthus sp.) Seppai (Colocasia antiquornm) Kuppai keerai (Amaranthus viridis) Milaku thakkali or Manathakkali (Solanum nigrnm) Mullu keerai (Amaranthus spinosus) Kunni Keerai Koththamalli keerai (Coriandrnm sativum) Poosani thaali - tender leaves (Cucurbita maxima) Kuppai meni (Acalypha indica) Panna keerai (Celocasia argentea) Selvanthai keerai Vallarai keerai (Centella asiatica) Thagaarai

Bees and Plants: Kolli Hills are famous for tivals is also part of the culture inherited honey with a special flavour, taste and me- from their ancestors. Pongaland 'ildi 18 vizha dicinal properties. Tbirumurugatrupadai, an are important festivals for the Malayali tribals ancient Tamil hymn (c.200 AD) mentions in Kolli Hills. During Kappu kattu the tribals the honey and thinai (Italian millet) from use the following: Poolappoo, Koppa Kolli Hills, which were offered to the god mallipoo, Vazhampul, and Maa elai. During Murugan in Palani. As the bee population is Mattu Pongal they use unripe plantain, found to be decreasing and the wild bee poosani, and motehai (field bean) which varieties are on the verge of extinction, the they boil, add salt, coconut and banana Government of Tamil Nadu is encouraging and offer to the men who perform the dance the formation of Bee-keepers Cooperative (Aandi kulaththan). Sarai konnai plant Society, and giving bee boxes at subsidised is used for decoration during the celebra- rates. There is a need for finding alternative tions. methods to produce honey and save the wild bees. Medicinal Plants: Plants which are used as medicine are listed in Table 2.4. Our documentation of the traditional knowl- edge of the tribals reveals that the following Sacred Groves plants and flowers are preferred by the bees in Kolli Hills: Mula marathu poovu, rSacred groves are a traditional way of in-situ Koththamalli poovu, Kayalai poovu, Indu conservation. The survey indicates that there mullu poovu, Valieheha mara poovu and are 15 sacred groves in Kolli Hills (only Paddy poovu. groves with more than 2 acres are consid- ered) and they are roughly 300 - 400 years Festivals and Plants: The celebration of fes- old.

43 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 2.4 : Medicinal Plants of KoUi HiUs*

Botanical name Family Local name Plant part used Uses

Solanum toroum Solanaceae Sundai Fruits Deworming Centella asiatica Umbelliferae Vallami Leaves Memory Cardiospermum Sapindaceae Motakkatban Leaves Greens; balicacabum rheumatism Pbyllantbus nirnri Euphorbiaceae Keela nelli Whole plant Jaundice Citrus medica Rutaceae Elumiccbai Fruits Pickles; Vit. C Punica granatum Punicaceae Mutbulai Fruits unripe Dysentery Coccinea indica Cucurbitaceae Kovai Fruits Edible Dodonaea viscosa Sapindaceae Vilari Leaf Cures inflammation; Green manure Calotropis Aesclepidaceae Emkku Milky latex Insect poison Cipadessa bacci/era Meliaceae Pena 7balai Leaf Green manure Young leaf Stomach pain Vitex negundo Verbenaceae Notcbcbi Leaves Boiled vapour cures headache, fever Bidens pilosa Asteraceae OUrancedi Leaf Wounds Leucas aspera Labiatae Tbumbai Leaf Extrdct, headache Tridax procumbens Asteraceae Velluvai 7balai Leaf Wounds Eupborbia birta Euphorbiaceae Amman Pachcbarici Creeper leaf Cooling effect Acbyrantbs aspera Amaranthaceae Nayurnvi Leaf Dog bite Root Whitens teeth Solanum anguivi Solanaceae Kandangkatbibari Fruit Tooth ache Ocimum sanctum Labiatae 7bulasi Leaf Cold Catbarantbus roseus Apocynaceae Nitbiyakalyani Flower Appetite Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Malvilceae Semparntbi Flower Heart Justicia betonica Acanthaceae Kurnngu cbedi Leaf Ear pain Ficus bispida Moraceae Peipernkkan Leaf Cattle umbilical cord Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae Aamanakku Seed oil Laxative Dolicbos trilobvs Fabaceae Kondarai Seed Blood pressure Oxalis corniculata Oxalidaceae Sirn pulicbai Leaf Body pain

• Specimens of all the listed species are available in the herbarium at the site office.

44 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

The study tried to understand whether there Other activities related to revitalisation is any linkage between the groves and the • Azospirillum and Phospobacteria packets agricultural system. were distributed to the growers of minor Sacred groves are surrounded by fields of millets to help them acquire familiarity intensive agriculture. They have been pro- with the use of biofertilisers. tected by the religious belief of the people. • Traditional community seed storage sys- God, Goddess and forefather worship are tems (like Kudhir or Tbombaz) are being found in these groves. In the grove, Ayyan popularised. pattan solai, animal structures (cattle and pig) • Anai and Penai thalai (the leaves of . are found. In Peruman Koil the deity is found Cipadessabacci/era) which are now used under Valanpillu (a wild grass) roof. as green leaf manure are also used to The common plants found in the sacred control pest attacks in the seed storage groves are mostly used for fuel-wood, mak- system. The farmers have been persuaded ing agricultural implements etc. In Attaiattu to plant more of them. solai (the word attai means leech and aru • Even though the focus is on minor mil- means river), chambaka trees are abundant. lets, support was extended for the conser- Devakkanni is another tree commonly found vation of the black banana variety found in sacred groves and beehives are found in in the sacred groves and in temple areas, this tree. Sacred groves are abodes of insects which is found to be under threat of ex- and birds. In general, sacred groves are also tinction. treasure houses of micro-organisms. As sa- • The minor millets growers are prepared cred groves conservation enhances to exchange seeds in the traditional way biodiversity, 3 informal groups have been (barter system) by taking 1 kg this season constituted in Ayyan pattan solai in Padasolai, and returning 2 kg of seeds after harvest. Pidari amman in Thenoor palli and Peruman 57 farmers have joined this effort. koil in Oor puram colony. Some local ta- • An essay writing competition, drawing boos restrict the participation of women in competition and herbarium collection com- these informal groups, though they are al- petition were held at the Higher Second- lowed inside the grove during festival times ary School in Semmedu in which 1,050 to cook and offer Pongal to the deity or students participated. These students hail forefather. from the 14 Nadus of Kolli Hills. The groups are now interested in planting and rejuvenating the native species in the Networking groves which is a refreshing change from Efforts are on to form a local network of their earlier intention of introducing carda- stakeholders for conservation of biodiversity. mom, coffee and pepper. Efforts have been made to contact and get

45 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 25 :Biodiversity networking members

Sangams Government officials Co-operative societies and bank Tribal Welfare Association, District Forest Officer, Salem Lamp (Tribal Welfare Co-operative Kolli Hills Society) - M.D., Secretary Farmers' Sangams District Forest Officer, Attl.lr Anthyodhaya Forest Ranger, Kolli Hills Manager of the lead bank in the New Life Trust 14 VAOs area, Bee-Keepers' Co-op Society, Milk Producers' Co-op Society. Presidents and oor gounders BDO AGM of NABARD of all the 14 panchayats in Kolli Hills Local School Headmasters ADO, Kolli Hills Honorary Wild Life Warden, Horticulture Officer, Kolli Hills Namakkal and Salem districts Trekkers' Club AD (Agri.) Local Youth Club Apex Club Rotary Club Veterinary Doctors Poultry Farmers' Association Dean, Veterinary College, Namakkal

the consent of the members of various awareness about the conservation and sus- sangams, NGOs, government officials, head- tainable utilisation of biological resources masters, panchayat presidents and oar among the local users, particularly local health gounders. The Biodiversity Networking mem- traditions and medicinal plants. The follow- bers are from the groups listed in Table 2.5. ing subjects were covered in the programmes: • Biodiversity: needs for conservation, meth- Trainers' Training Programme in ods of conservation Biodiversity Conservation • Siddha medicine systems The 8th Trainers' Training Programme on Biodiversity Conservation was held at Sri • Conservation and commercialisation Parama Kalyani Centre for Environmental • People's Biodiversity Register Sciences, Alwarkurichi from 10-15 August '98. • Plant propagation techniques Thirty participants from 26 NGOs, selected • Kitchen gardening mainly from three southern districts viz., Tuticorin, Thirunelveli, and Kanyakumari, • Traditional biodiversity conservation system participated in the programme. The main • Medicinal plants and communication tech- objective of the programme was to create an niques

46 .Biodiversity and Biotechnology

• Farmers' rights and sharing benefits with where the ecorestoration project on Kalakkad the community Mundanthurai Reserve Forest is operated by • Eco-development approaches and people's the Forest Department with the participation participation in forest management of the local people as partners in managing • Agrobiodiversity conservation and organic and enhancing forest biodiversity. farming As a sequel to this programme, 12 selected • Intensified ecological farming systems NGOs were identified to conduct Grass Root • Traditional communication systems Level Training Programmes (GRLTP)on their own in their respective villages, dealing with Eminent professors and experts in the vari- ous fields handled the subjects. Group dis- local issues, to encourage the grassroot level NGOs to include and implement conserva- cussions were an integral part of the course, tion activitiesin their own programmes. Table enabling the participants to describe their 2.6 provides the details of the training activities and discuss the methodologies of programmes. conducting grassroot level training programmes to promote biodiversity conser- As an outcome of the grassroot level training vation. programmes a network has been formed at Exposure trips were organised, including one the district level to sustain the activities of to the Western Ghats (Sengaltheri, Papanasam the biodiversity conservation training and Sivasailam Forest areas). They interacted programme at the field level. This Commu- with the local people of Sivasailam village nity Biodiversity Conservation Network

Table 2.6 : Details o/the grass root level training programmes

Name of the organisation Activity No. of trainees Arumbugal Trust, Thirunelveli Cultural and Folk media 20 artists LEADS, Sethaparpanallur Organic farming 3S farmers CARDS, Thirunelveli -do- 20 CARDS members & 40 farmers Rural Education for Development, Cultural media 2S artists Idayankudi ROAD, Marthandam Medicinal plants conservation 30 farmers Nature Care India, Varrickavillai -do- 32 farmers Academy of Sustainable Agriculture Integrated Intensive and Environment, Ariyapuram Farming systems 3S farmers SEDCO, Sattankulam Medicinal plants conservation 3S farmers and Self-help groups Nehru Yuva Kendra, Thirunelveli Sacred groves restoration & 20 NYK members conservation Annai Kasthuribai Mahalir Mandram, Kitchen garden 28 mahalir mandram members Kadayam CHORDS, Nazareth Organic farming 35 farmers RUSET, Nenmeni Agroforestry 30 farmers

47 Annual Report 1998-99

(CBCN) is a cluster of (12) NGOs linked by The overall objective of the network is the their common interest in the various aspects conservation and management of biodiversity of biodiversity. with the participation of local people and

Table 2.7 : Tasks Identified by tbe CBCN Name of the organisation Activity Target Arumbugal Trust, Folk media group Using folk media - creating awareness on Thirunelveli formation and chronicling biodiversity conservation and preparation of PBR for 20 villages Academy of Documenting and analysing Demonstration of IIFS and training 25 farmers on Sustainable Agriculture & five models of Integrated organic intensive farming Environment, Intensive Farming Systems Ariyapuram Nehru Yuva Kendra, Sacred Groves restoration Documentation of Sacred Groves in Thirunelveli Thirunelveli and Tuticorin districts and restoration of four Sacred Groves Annai Kasturibai Kitchen gardening Training 20 Mahalir Mandrams and creating 10 Mahalir Mandram, sustainable kitchen gardens Kadayam ROAD, Marthandam Sacred Groves and Documenting Sacred Groves in Kanya Kumari medicinal plants district and restoration of two groves with conservation conservation of medicinal plants by forming medicinal plant conservation council RED, Palm tree related issues Management and creating market linkages and Idayankudi preparation of Coastal Biodiversity Register for 20 villages Nature Care India, Reforestation Creating 1 sq.km green belt through afforestation Varrickavillai programmes in 5 villages SEDCO, Palm tree and medicinal Market linkage and medicinal plants garden Sattankulam plants conservation CARDS, Thirunelveli Organic agriculture Demonstration and training on organic farming in 5 villages RUSET, Under-utilised crops Minor millets and pulses (6 crop species), reviving Nenmeni reviving and management and creating market in 5 villages and agroforestry in 10 ha. CHORDS, Documentation Preparation of PBR for 20 villages Nazareth LEADS, Organic farming Training in organic farming methods in 5 villages Gandhinagar

48 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

NGOs for effective implementation at the field this year has been on the study and chroni- level. CBCN follows the wheel model - the cling of medicinal plant traditions of the local co-ordination unit forms the hub of the wheel tribal and rural people. which is connected by the spokes of NGO The activities of the Centre are streamlined partners, which are in turn linked to each through two main channels : BiodiversityCon- other through a rim. servation Campaign (BCC) and Research on The participating organisations held four Biodiversity Conservation (RBC). The BCC meetings to discuss the modalities for the activities consist of organising communities, successful operation of the network. They community empowerment and capacity build- have identified activities and tasks for one ing, while the RBC focuses on serious in- year as seen in Table 2.7. They have also quiry into the high value botanical resources planned .to have a monthly newsletter for and highly threatened botanical diversity of the exchange of ideas. the district.

201.2 Wayanad, Kerala Research on biodiversity conservation In June '99, the Community Agrobiodiversity Green Health Campaign: A specially designed Centre (CAbC) completed two years of ser- programme called Green Health Campaign vice to the management of natural resources in (Table 2.8) was launched in the district to Wayanad, a biodiversity "hot spot" region in revitalise the primary health care traditions the Western Ghats. The strategies include the of the local people. Under this programme four basic elements of biodiversity conserva- 10 important medicinal plants in the primary tion: studying, chronicling, sustainable and eq health care system have been identified and uitable use and saving biodiversity. The three raised in a nursery. These plants have been village panchayats of Kottathara, Meppady and given to a number of people, especially Thariyode have been identified for implement- women and students, with information on ing this strategy from a priority list of six such their various uses. CAbC participated in a panchayats in the district. The special focus popular flower show of North Malabar, ex- Table 2.8 : Green Health Campaign: Activities

No. of No. of plants Place Date Participants/viewers Given to each Species exhibited participant

Thariyode 24 October '98 102 30 Thariyode 10 December '98 40 10 spp. Meppady 6 January '99 30 6 Spp. Thariyode 7-8 February '99 >4000 60 Kalpetta 22-26 January '99 >25000 250 Kottathara 26 February '99 65 25

49 Annual Report 1998.99 hibited more than 250 species of medicinal the farm of CAbC designed for the preserva- plants and won the first prize for the best stall. tion of important botanical diversity of this region. Special attention was given to the study of threatened medicinal plants and their Studies on medicinal plllnt diversity exact distribution in the district. During the Wayanad is a haven for both medicinal plants year 40 such species were collected (Table and traditional medicine men. A literature 2.9) and preserved in live or dry forms. The survey sh.ows that nearly 300 species of status of each species has been analysed by medicinal plants are distributed in this part using IUCN guidelines for threat assessment. of the Western Ghats. The Centre has col- Five medicinal plant species - Lobelia lected more than 100 such plants from vari- nicotianaejolia, Bridelia scandens, Salacia ous parts of the district and procured an- reticulata, Embelia ribes, and Cbonemorpba other 100 from differel1 ex-situ collection jragrans - have been identified for detailed centres in Kerala. These are being grown in biochemical screening.

Table 2.9 : Threatened medicinal plants coUected during the year

Remarks (plants Name Place of collection Status available in/as)

Adenia hondala Madakki forest, Kottathara Vu/R H Adhatoda beddomei AVS, Kottakkal CRiG LP Aphanamixis polystachya Chembara foothills Vu/R H Arenga wightii Wayanad Ghat Vu/R LS Aristolochia tagala Various evergreen forests EN/R LP, H Artocarpus hirsutus Madakki forest Vu/G LS Baliospermum solanijolium AVS Kottakkal EN/R LP, H Caesalpinia crista \ Chembara foothills EN/R LP, H Calophyllum apetalum Brahmagiri hills Vu/G Canarium strictum Madakki forest Vu/R LP Celastrus paniculatus Sugandhagiri hills Vu/R H Chonemorpha jragrans CAbC Farm EN/R LP, H Coscinium jennestratum Chooral mala, Meppady CRiG Drosera indica Manikunnu mala, Puthoorvayal LR-NT/R H Drosera peltata Manikunnu mala, Puthoorvayal EN/R H

50 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Table 2.9 Contd ....

Embelia ribes Wayanad Ghat Vu/R H Geophila repens Sugandhagiri hills ENIR LP Gloriosa superba Meppady, Puthoorvayal LR-NTIR H Glycosmis macrocarpa ChoOl-a1 mala, Meppady LR-NT/G H Knema aUenuata Madakki forest, Kottathara EN/R H Memecylon malabaricum Pallikunnu, Kottathara VulR LP, H Micbelia champaca Madakki forest, Kottathara VulR LP, H Myristica dactyloides Madakki forest, Kottathara ENIR H Myristica malabarica Madakki forest, Kottathara EN/G LS Neroilia aragoana Manikunnu mala, Puthoorvayal ENIR LS Niligirianthus ciliatus Sugandhagiri hills EN/G LP, H Nothopodytes nimmonia Various forests Vu/R LP, H Persea micrantha Various places ENIR LP, H Phryinium capitatum Wayanad Ghat CRiG LS Piper hymenopbyllum Sugandhagiri hills VulR H Pseudarthria viscida Manikunnu mala, Puthoorvayal VulR LP, H Rhaphidophora pertusa Madakki forest, Kottathara LR-NTIR LP, H Salacia reticulata Palukappu swamp, Kottathara CRiG H Selaginella lycopodioides Sugandhagiri hills EN/R LP, H Sida beddomei Pallikunnu, Kottathara CRiG H Smilax zeylanica Madakki forest, Kottathara LR-NT/R LP, H Syzygium travancoricum Palukappu swamp, Kottathara EN/G LP, H Tragia muelleriana Madakki forest, Kottathara EN/G H Trichosanthes nervi/olia Madakki forest, Kottathara EN/G LP, H Tylophora tenuiflora Palukappu swamp, Kottathara ENIR H

CRlG= Critically endanagered globally; EN/G= Endangered globally; ENIR= Endangered regionally; Vu/G= Vulnerable globally; VulR= Vulnerable regionally; LR-NT/G= Low Risk - Near threatened globally; LR-NT/R = Near threatened regionally; LP= Live Plant; H=Herbarium; LS= Live Seed

Studies on medicinal and wild edible of Wayanad, particularly of the forest areas, macro fungi is very. suitable for the growth of a very diverse range of fungi. However, studies are Certain macro-fungi, especially mushrooms, inadequate in the various aspects of this plant are excellent sources of many important vi- group. CAbCis conducting surveys in differ- tamins and rich in proteins and amino acids ent parts of the district to collect fungi for that are required for human beings. The soil the study. During the year specimens of

51 Annual Report 1998-99 various macro-fungi were collected (Table called Nita Manga as it resembles a mango 2.10) of which 19 have been identified at fruit, was collected. The identity of this taxon family level, 7 at genus level and 6 at spe- is still not confirmed even at genus level cies level. The Centre has domesticated trnee though it has been referred to the experts species of Pleurotus collected from the wil- on fungi in India. This taxon has many uses derness of Wayanad. Apart from this the in the traditional medicine system such as Centre has procured culture collections of 4 the treatment of jaundice, dehydration due species of Pleurotus and one species of to diarrhoea, severe stomachache, and ear Callocybe from Agricultural University, pain. The pharmacological uses warrant a Vellayani and TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram. detailed investigation into its utilisation. At- A small museum has been established with tempts at bioprospecting of this medicinal about 50 wet collections. An interesting hy- plant have been initiated in order to evalu- pogeal fungus usually associated with old ate the traditional knowledge associated with termite nests under the soil which is locally it and its widespread usage.

Table 2.10 :Fungi coUected during the year

Name Collection site Nature of Usage/remarks preservation

Agaricus campestris Kottathara Wet Wild/edible Termitomyces sp. Kottathara Wet Wild/edible P/eurotus jlabe//atus Kainatty Wet Wild/edible P/eurotus eous Way to Kuruva IsIs. Culture Wild/edible. Domesticated P/eurotus sp.1 Culture Wild/edible P/eurotus sp.2 Culture Wild/edible Pleurotus djamar AgrLCollege Culture Edible P/eurotus ostreatus Culture Edible Pleurotus sp.3 Culture Edible Citrinopi/eatus TBGRI Culture Edible Calocybe sp. AgrL College Culture Edible Amanita sp. Puthoorvayal Wet and dry Poisonous Ganoderma sp. Kottathara Dry Medicinal Nilamanga Kottathara, Meenangadi Dry Medicinal. Efforts are Vythiri, Kasaragode being taken to culture it. Po/yporus disc%r Manandavady Dry Inedible Po/yporus sp. 2 to P. sp.13 Various parts of Wayanad Dry and Wet Inedible Lycoperdon sp. Kuruva IsIs. Wet Edible Cyatbis sp. Kunjuvam Forest Wet Inedible

52 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Survey on little known C'lost") crops of fish varieties and several other unknown Wayanad plants and animals. Unfortunately, many of these varieties are completely lost or existing Till the introduction of cash crops like cof- in very restricted fields as seen from Table fee, tea, rubber, areca and now banana the 2.11. While coffee and tea are responsible crop diversity of Wayanad was rich and for the disappearance of millets and a unique unique. The studies at Kottathara village show type of hill paddy called karnthan, areca that people know about 124 tree species, and banana are to blame for the dwindling >100 medicinal plants, 43 varieties of paddy, of paddy fields and the vanishing of many 6 varieties of millets, 22 types of leafy veg- landraces. Table 2.12 lists the varieties of etables, 15 types of legumes, 6 types of rice known in Wayanad. The heavy applica- cucurbits, 13 types of Dioscorea, 12 tarrows, tion of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has 4 yams, 12 different ants, 2 types of tennites, virtually killed the fertile and productive soil 25 mammals, 7 butterflies, 8 mushrooms, 47 of Wayanad. Table 2.11 :Plant varieties lost in Kottatbara viUage

Name of Crops Number of Cvrs/Sp. Number of Cvrs. % of loss known 20.30 yrs ago known at present

Paddy 43 6 86 Millets 4 0 100 Leafy vegetables 22 10 54 Legumes 15 567 Dioscorea 13 4 69 Yams 4 2 50 Taros 12 4 67 Banana 10 6 40 Fruit trees 15 8 47 Bamboos & reed~ 8 4 50 Medicinal plants >100 70+ 30 Liana/climbers 10 6 40

Biodiversity Conservation Campaign: Conser- 3. Mushroom cultivation for the economic vation of biological diversity, particularly benefit of ST/SC families agrobiodiversity, consists of five activities, namely: 4. Saving paddy cultivation 1. Organising village communities in conser- 5. Conservation corps for saving vation agrobiodiversity 2. Community empowerment & capacity building

53 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 2.12 : Traditional varieties of rice in Wayanad

1. Anakomban 38. Manjuvari 2. Aryan 39. Mannadan 3. Aryankali 40. Mannu veliyan* 4. Athiyan 41. Marathondi 5. Bhoothakali 42. Mullan munda 6. Chembavu 43. Mullan puncha 7. Chempathy" 44. Mundakan* 8. Chendadi 45. Njavara* 9. Chennellu* 46. Onavattan* 10. Cheriya aryan 47. Ongan puncha 11. Cheriya kaima 48. Padu kuliyan 12. Cheru vellari 49. Pal veliyan 13- Chettu veliyan* 50. Pala chemban 14. Chitteni 51. Palliyattu 15. Chomala* 52. Palthondi 16. Chunna modan 53. Parambu vattan 17. Gandhaka sala* 54. Peru vazha 18. ]eeraka sala* 55. Ponnari mala 19. Kaima* 56. Ponnariyan 20. Kakka thondi 57. Poothadi kaima 21. Kalladiyaran* 58. Poothala 22. Kalluruthi 59. Puncha 23. Kanni Chennellu 60. Thaichoonal 24. Kara vala 61. Thavala kannan 25. Kariyam kari 62. Thekken cheera* 26. Karum kaima 63- Thondi* 27. Karuthan 64. Thonnuran thondi* 28. Katta modan 65. Uruni kaima 29. Kochu ooty 66. Valia kaima 30. Kochu vithu 67. Valichoori 31. Kodagu veliyan 68. Vattan 32. Koiyan 69. Veliyan* 33. Kothandan 70. Vellari 34. Kozhi vala 71. Velumbala 35. Kumbalan 72. Villi 36. Kuttadan 73. Wayanadan thondi 37. Kutti veliyan

* varieties collected during the year

54 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Organising village communities in conserva- ing tangible benefits from utilising the biotic tion: The first task was to create a favourable resources. Towards this direction CAbC has political atmosphere to implement the taken efforts to empower the communities programme. CAbCappealed to the local Gram by adopting new strategies and skills in re- Panchayat leaders to assemble, protect and source management. For example, steps are manage their .natural resources. As a result being taken to set up medicinal plant culti- of this and the constant encouragement from vation by involving tribal men and women. the Centre they have set up a body called Arrangements are being made to link the the Community Biodiversity Conservation cultivators with Desiya Ayurveda Pharmacy, Committee (CBCC) in their panchayats. In a leading pharmaceutical company in Kerala. each site the Gram Panchayat president is CAbCtrained women in Thariyode panchayat the chairman of the committee. A number of in medicine preparation for minor ailments. awareness programmes in the form of dis- The rice farmers of the area are encouraged cussions and seminars on the importance and to cultivate a highly profitable and medici- value of natural resources have been held. nally important rice variety called Njavara The people are realising the need for study- under the Participatory Plant Breeding ing their biological resources and chronicling Programme (more details in SPA 202), and the knowledge and insights of elders. The women are encouraged to take up cultiva- CBCC is now coordinating the efforts of vil- tion of native vegetables. lagers in the preparation of a Biodiversity Mushroom cultivation for the economic Register of their villages. benefit of ST/SCfamilies Community empowerment and capacity build- This is a project started during the year for ing: Local biodiversity conservation will suc- large scale cultivation of mushrooms by ceed only when the communities start deriv- involving the poorest people from tribal

Table 2.13 : Training & awareness programmes o/the mushroom project

Target group Duration Number of participants

Tribal & rural women & men 6 days 15 Tribal women & men 4 days 12 Rural women 4 days 10 Tribal women & men 7 days 12 Tribal women & men 7 days 12 Tribal women & men 4 days 12 NGOs 2 hrs 30 Tribal women 2 hrs 50 Rural women 2 hrs 65 Students 3 hrs 120

55 Annual Report 1998.99

and rural families. They have formed a major biodiversity,largely the agrobiodiversity, society called Mushroom Growers of in particular the plant groups of their area Wayanad with 36 members in three units and in spreading the message of conserva- and produce 5 kg of mushrooms every tion and sustainable and equitable develop- day. A well-equipped spawn production unit ment. Several field trips were conducted to has been established at the Centre under various corners of the selected. villages. The this project. Several training programmes corps of Kottathara village has formed a group and awareness classes (Table 2.13) were under the name Vayal (which is the local arranged for various groups of men and name for a paddy field) to protect the envi- women in mushroom cultivation techniques ronment and resources of their village. They and on fungal diversity. have established a small library with the help of CAbC to disseminate information on Saving paddy cultivation : Wayanad, once the biodiversity. They have collected several nadu (land) of Vayal (paddy field) endowed important plant species to enrich the small with many landraces of rice, is experiencing community herbarium established at a depletion .of paddy fields. A high rate of the Centre. Now the herbarium h.olds a col- genetic erosi.on in the existing varieties is lecti.on .of 500 specimens bel.onging t.o 250 taking place awing to many reasons. At- taxa. tempts are being made t.o organise the rice farmers .of the villages for c.onserving both Saving endangered plant species the traditional farming methods and varieties .of paddy cultivars. It has been rep.orted that This .ong.oingprogramme is focused on sav- there were 73 varieties of paddy grown in ing the endangered plant species .of the Wayanad. Our investigation shows that .only Western Ghats from the fate .of early extinc- 18 varieties are left in the field but even ti.on. Wayanad, gifted with diverse fl.ora, is they are under severe stress for their exist- facing a seri.ous threat t.o its diversity awing ence. Eff.orts are an for a j.oint venture of t.omultifari.ousman-made activities. CAbChas farmers and scientists to conserve the variet- initiated the preparati.on .of a checklist .of ies left.. threatened plants .ofthe district as well as of Kerala fl.ora. The list sh.ows that 160 higher Conservation corps for saving agrobio- plants are threatened in the State and ab.out diversity 90 such species in Wayanad. During the year, five .of these species: Capparis rheedii, People will appreciate diversity more when Ceropegia elegans; Humboldtia brunonis, they are able to distinguish each taxon and Salaeia beddomei and Sonerila waynadensis understand the pattern of its distribution in were collected. Apart from this, several threat- their areas. CAbC has trained a few youths ened medicinal plants have als.o been from Kottathara and Thariyode panchayats to c.ollected under the Medicinal Plant serve as conservation corps in identifying Programme.

56 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

201.3 Orissa were filled. Herbarium specimens (106) were prepared. In addition, information on 16 tra- Three tribal districts of Orissa namely ditional cultivars of rice, 5 cultivars of millets Kalahandi, Bolangir and Baragarh were se- and 5 cultivars of pulses was also collected. lected for documentation of traditional knowl- edge of useful plants, including medicinal The team visited two medicinal gardens, one plants and crop diversity, from the tribal areas at Jakam and the other at Thuamul, and of these districts. Market. linking was also collected information on 204 medicinal plants studied for agricultural and forest produce. maintained by the forest .department. The team also surveyed a sacred grove i.e. Rapang Kalllbandi district Devi sacred grove and recorded 27 species of trees, 3 species of shrubs, 12 species of Four blocks, namely Thuamul-Rampur, herbs, 11 of creepers, 3 of grasses and 9 Madanpur-Rampur, Lanjigarh and species of different animals. The plants found Bhawanipatna, out of 13 blocks were cov- in the district and their uses are listed in ered for this study. The tribal communities Tables 2.14 - 2.19. inhabiting these blocks are the Kandba, Ganda, Kutia Kandba, Desia Kandba, It is obvious that oilseeds like niger and Bbunjia, Paroja, Munda, Midba and Sbabar. mustard are their cash crops and kendu leaf, During this study, 51 villages were covered, mahua flower, mabua seed, sal seed are 23 Traditional Healthcare Practitioners (THP) forest produce collected and sold for ready were contacted, and a total of 300 data sheets cash. Table 2.14 : Major produce sold by the households

Niger Mustard Kendu leaf Black gram Rice bean Cowpea Maize Mahua flower Sal seed Ragi Sesamum Brinjal Tomato Bajra Foxtail millet . Horsegram Cotton Siali Arhar Rice Radish Mahua seed

Table 2.15 : Plants used/or animal diseases

Local name Botanical name Family Parts used Diseases Dumakanda Cissus repens Vitaceae Tuber Ulcer on leg Gohiria Acacia ferrnginea Mimosaceae Bark Lice Pokasunga Ageratum conyzoides Asteraceae Leaf Lice Tangena Xylia xylocarpa Mimosaceae Bark Foot and mouth diseases Salaparni Desmodium gangeticum Fabaceae Root Tick and lice Bheru Cbloroxylon swietiana Rutaceae Bark Lice

57 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 2.16 :Plants used as pesticides and insed repellent

Local name Botanical name Famlly Parts used Karla Cleistanthus collin us Euphorbiaceae Twig Bheru Chloroxylon swietiana Rutaceae Twig Salapa Caryota urens Arecaceae Leaf Bade! Annona squamosa Annonaceae Leaf Nirgundi Vitex negundo Verbenaceae Leaf

Table 2.17 :Plants used asflsh poison

Local name Botanical name Famlly Parts used Ganda Glochidion lanceolarium Euphorbiaceae Bark Hinjala Barringtonia acutangula Barringtoniaceae Root Patua Catunaregam spinosa Rubiaceae Fruit Kumbhi Careya arborea Barringtoniaceae Root

Table 2.18 :Fibre-yielding wild plants

Local name Botanical name Famlly Athia Sida rhombi/olia Malvaceae Bareng Kydia calycina Malvaceae Dhaman Grewia tiliiofolia Tiliaceae BapsuJa Grewia sapida Tiliaceae Gindul Sterculia urens StercuIiaceae Luhamala Ventilago madraspatana Loranthaceae Atandi Combretum roxburghii Combretaceae

Table 2.19 :Minorforest produce that are sold in the weekly market by the tribals in Kalahandi District

Local name/ Botanical name Parts sold Used as Market price/ English name unit (Feb. 99) Honey Edible Rs. 75.00lkg Anla Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Medicine/Pickle Rs. 5.00/kg Baunsa Bambusa vuigaris Tender tip Edible Rs. 12.501kg Chatu Fungi spp. Whole plant Edible Per piece 50 p Kendu Diospyros melanoxylon Ripe fruit Edible Per fruit 40 p Char Buchanania lanzan Ripe fruit Edible Rs. 50.00/kg Chitaparu Plumbago indica Root Medicine Rs. 50.001kg

58 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Table 2.19 Contd ... Patal garuda Rauvolfia serpentina Root Medicine Rs. l,OOO.OO/kg Sala Sborea robusta Latex Resin Rs. 22.00/kg Siali Baubinia vablii Bark Rope Rs. 1.00 05 feet) Gandhiri Ageratum conyzoides Seed Medicine Rs.9.00/kg Badum Aristida setacea Whole plant Broom Rs. 2.00 (l bundle) (except root) Phulbadun Tbysanolaena maxima Inflorescence Broom Rs. 3.50 (l bundle) Tentuli Tamarindus indica Mesocarp Pickle Rs. 5.001kg

Gandbamardan HiOs • Faulty method of harvesting of medicinal plants (such as harvesting before seed set- Located in the western part of Orissa, ting, uprooting entire plants) by local Gandhamardan mountain ranges are a rich healthcare practitioners. source of diversity for medicinal plants. Botanical Survey of India reported the exist- More than one hundred traditional healthcare ence of 220 plant species of medicinal value practitioners are residing near Gandhamardan here. But local people (vaidyas) claim that Hills. These tribal healthcare practitioners there are more than 500 species of plants provide medical facilities to about 50,000 having medicinal value in this area. tribal people residing around Gandhamardan Hills. They have preserved a very rich heri- The Gandhamardan ecosystem is now on tage of information on medicinal plants and the brink of disaster. The flora of the buffer their usage. Valuable information for phar- zone is most vulnerable. Many medicinal plant maceutical research can be gathered if docu- species such as Clerodendron indicum, mentation of such information is done scien- Rauvolfta serpentina and Plumbago zeylanica, tifically. which were once available in plenty, are becoming scarce. Till now no systematic Unfortunately, this information has not been research or action plan has been drawn up documented systematically and comprehen- to conserve this precious ecosystem. The sively. It is feared that after a period of thirty erosion of this natural resource base can be years or so, this knowledge and information attributed to the following reasons: will be lost to mankind. Besides, many valu- able medicinal species, which exist in the • Unauthorised felling of timber species Gandhamardan Hills and have high market • Over-exploitation of forest plants and of demand at the national and international bamboo by forest-based industries level, can fetch a substantial income to the tribals residing here if propagated on a mass • Indiscriminate exploitation of forest scale in the wasteland available near for fuel-wood, young bamboo shoots, etc. Gandhamardan.

59 Annual Report 1998-99

An attempt was, therefore, made to docu- visiting the hill sites for collection of plant ment the traditional knowledge on medicinal specimens and their identification. A total of plants acquired by healthcare practitioners 600 information sheets of about 150 differ- and to chalk out an action plan for mass ent medicinal plants were filled-in. Besides, scale propagation of these important medici- the team interacted with the local Forest De- nal species. partment, Agriculture Department, Ayurvedic College and some tribal women of the area. During this survey, documentation work was Table 2.20 gives a list of medicinal species done by interacting personally with individual with high market demand. traditional healthcare practitioners and by

Table 2.20 :Medicinal species with high market value

SCientific name Local name Family

Aeroa sanguinolenta Chauladhua Amaranthaceae Ailanthus excelsa Mahaneem Simaroubaceae Andrographis paniculata Chiraita Acanthaceae Argyreia neroosa Brudhadarak Convolvulaceae Asparagus racemosus Satabari Liliaceae Chlorophytom arundinaceum Sufed musli Liliaceae Curculigo orchioides Talamuli Hypoxidaceae Dip/ocy'loc .I)almatus Sibalingi Cucurbitaceae Ee/pta prostrata Bhringraj Asteraceae Emblica officinalis Anla Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia fusi/ormis Khirkanchan Euphorbiaceae Gymnema sylvestre Gudmari Asclepiadaceae Holarrbena pubescens Indrajaba Apocynaceae Mucuna prunens Kaincha Fabaceae Plumbago indica Rakta chintamul Plumbaginaceae Pterospermum canescens Muchukunda Sterculiaceae Rauvo/fia serpentina Patalagaruda Apocynaceae Terminalia bel/inca Bahada Combretaceae Terminalia cbebula Harida Combretaceae Tinospora cordi/alia Gulci Menispermaceae

60 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Sub Programme Area 202 202.1 jeypore Participatory Plant Breeding: The project was started in June '98. 18 farm- Path to Utilisation of ers willing to work with scientists on a par- ticipatory plane were selected. They belong Biodiversity to 13 villages with a range of agroc1imatic diversity (districts) and land types (upland, Initiated in June '98, this programme has the medium land and low land), situated in a following major objectives: range of 6 to 115 km from Jeypore town (Table 2.21). Land areas situated about 900 m • Evaluation of the options at chosen sites above sea level were classified as upland, in consultation with local communities for those about 600 m as medium land and those enhancing the potential of major crops in the flat plains as lowland. • Designing PPB programmes to optimise available options Four farmers did not continue participation, leaving 14 farmers. A comprehensive profile • Participatory piloting of programmes to of the farmers, including their cultivation prac- convert dormant genetic wealth into dy- tices, selection skill and economics of culti- namic products of profitable livelihood. vation, was felt to be essential. The data was The Project, currently at the mobilisation gathered on a pre-designed proforma, exam- phase, has availed of the avenue of Partici- ined criticallyand the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) patory Rural Appraisal (PRA). To increase of cultivation calculated. Considering loca- the efficiency of the project, an inter-disci- tions (districts) and land types (upland, plinary participation was envisaged. The on- medium land and lowland) as factors, the going work of MSSRF(SPA 201 in this re- variation in three variables, BCR, yieldlha port) on areas bordering the broad objec- and TIG, the time lag (days) in sowing (di- tives of the SOC project led to a choice of rect seeding or transplanting as appropriate) three target sites with tribal farmers needing from 14 June '98, the observed optimal sow- the benefits of participatory livelihood im- ing date for the area, was analysed on a provement. They are: Jeypore tract of Orissa, two-factor design. The results have brought a primary centre of origin of rice; Wayanad to light factors that strongly favour PPB. district of Kerala, rich in spices and medici- • The 14 farm households had a range of 0 nal plants; and Kolli Hills of Tamil Nadu, to 3 female and 1 to 4 male members known for a variety of small millets of high approximating an overall female:male ra- nutritive value. On the basis of PRA, rice tio=I:2. All the farmers, except four, were was chosen for Jeypore, medicinal rice (lo- full time rice cultivators cally called njavara) for Wayanad and little millet, samai (Panicum sumatrense) for Kolli • While rice is the primary crop, 50% of the Hills. farmers grew finger millet (also known as

61 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 2.21 : Details o/villages/rom which rice/armers were chosen/or PPB inJeypore tract

District Block Upland Medium land Low land

Koraput )eypore Balia (6) Okilaguda (8) Bhaluguda (43) Code 1: KlUU01 3: K!MIJ01 ;: K!LI)01

Boipariguda Kolar (39) Bhaluguda (43) Pujariput (21) Code 2: K!ULl02 4: K!MIJ02 6: K!LI)02

Malkangiri Khairput Khemaguru (60) Code • MlUIJOl Mathili Vduliguda (63) Sindhabeda (67) Code • M!MIJOl 7: M!LI)0l

Malkangiri Batapalli (115) Teakguda (116) Batapalli (115) Code • MlUIJ02 • M!MIJ02 8: MlLI)02

Nabarangpur Nabarangpur Badakumuli (62) Mentry (65) Mentry (65) Code 9: N/ULIOI 11: N/MIJOi 13: N/LI)Ol

Nandahandi Mentry (65) Badakumuli (62) Hatibeda (60) Code 10: N/ULl02 12: N/MIJ02 14: N/LI)02

Figures in parenthesis are the distances of villages in km from )eypore; • Dropped out of PPB mid-way; Code: SI. No. and identity of farmer

ragi, Eleusine coracana), in addition; upland farmer (Code No.9, Table 2.21) in the other crops grown included horsegram, Nabarangpur. In contrast, another from sugarcane, vegetables and pigeon Koraput (Code No.1, Table 2.21), who pea planted the crop in late August could realise a yield of only 13 q/ha despite • There was a good variation of about a application of fertilisers. Such differences month in land preparation and transplant- were common in the target areas ing or direct seeding of rice among the farmers. Four of them grew the crop in • Labour employed for rice cultivation var- upland, 4 in medium land and 6 in low ied across farms, the brunt of the field land conditions (Table 2.21). The varia- operations being borne by women than tion in planting time was due to variation by men (the ratio being approximately in the onset of monsoon, as rice is grown 2:1). In particular, the contribution of as a purely rainfed crop in these areas. women was substantial in field operations However, the benefit of early sowing was such as land preparation, sowing, thin- reflected in high yield (22 qlha) obtained ning, irrigation, weeding and fertiliser ap- ever. without fertiliser application by an plication (Table 2.22)

62 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Table 2.22 :Distribution offarm labour for rice cultivation at Jeypore

At A2 Total

F M F M FMFM Total

Range 7- 53 11 - 35 8-40 0-9 8- 17 4- 28 30 - 99 15 - 60 45 - 140 Mean 34 19 19 3 12 '11 65 34 99

AI: Land preparation, Sowing, Thinning etc. ; A2 : Irrigation, Weeding, Fert/Pesticides appln; A3 : Harvesting, Threshing etc.; F : Female; M : Male

• Farmers were found to possess special ers who had an area less than 6 ha (Code selection skills particularly for tiller den- Nos. 4,6,7,8,9,10,11,13,14)was significantly sity and panicle length with seed density, .~ negative (r =-0.69). In other words, small followed by tillering vigour and disease farmers (Le. those having an area up to 6 resistance. When asked for the traits they ha) realised a better return than those with would prefer in rice, they identified pro- relatively large area in this sample of 14 ductivity, cooking quality, plant stand and farmers. The results implied that small farm- plant height in that order. ers have spent the available resources op- timally and tended their crop with care • Wide variation was observed among farm- and concern to obtain substantial benefits. ers in the pattern of retention and sale of Large farmers have invested in inputs and produce. Overall, 39% of the yield was re- management proportionate to the area to tained for self-consumption, 9% as reap proportionate benefits. seed and 38% sold as grain in the open market. • The observations, restricted by the small sample, were independent of upland, • Likewise, the economics of rice cultivation medium land or low land on which the varied across farmers. For instance, yield crop was grown. Farmers, in general, grew varied from 3.49 to 30.89 qlha and ben- only that variety of rice which was adapted efit-cost ratio (BCR)from'0.26 to 4.44 (Table to their area and locally popular. Such 2.23). The farmers invested in inputs and varieties were productive and responded labour in proportion to the area. But the to the traditional cultivation practices correlation between area and BCRshowed adopted in their area. Therefore variety a bimodal pattern. Farmers (Code Nos. variation was assumed to be too minimal 1,2,3,5,12) who had an area of 7 ha and to vitiate conclusions drawn. above recorded a BCR positively associ- ated with area (r, the correlation coeffi- • The analysis of variance in BCR, yield/ha cient between area and BCR = 0.87, sig- and TIG indicated that location differences nificant at 5% level). The r-value for farm- were predominant followed by land type

63 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 2.23 : Beneftt-cost ratio of rice cultivation byJeypore farmers

Sr. No. Area (ha) Ylha (kg) IABR FERl' OVlID COST REIN B:C ( Rupees in Thousands )

1 10.12 13,34 67.88 26.80 6.15 100.83 67.50 0.67 2 6.88 3.49 45.14 0.01 0.30 45.45 12.00 0.26 3 20.23 21.00 95.40 28.57 3.29 127.25 212.50 1.67 4 5.26 3.59 30.23 0.19 0.54 30.96 9.45 0.31 5 8.09 14.18 52.08 3.10 0.98 56.16 57.40 1.02 6 4.05 28.02 24.56 1.86 1.48 27.90 56.70 2.03 7 2.43 20.59 15.05 4.92 1.97 21.94 25.00 1.14 8 4.05 30.89 28.85 8.60 3.90 41.35 62.50 1.51 9 2.02 22.24 4.65 0.22 0.20 5.07 22.50 4.44 10 2.83 25.42 12.48 0.00 1.85 14.33 36.00 2.51 11 5.26 11.88 32.18 0.10 0.30 32.58 31.25 0.96 12 8.09 16.06 52.90 19.78 8.78 81.46 65.00 0.80 13 3.64 5.15 21.20 0.00 0.00 21.20 9.38 0.44 14 3.24 23.72 14.64 0.25 0.72 15.61 38.40 2.46 Mean 6.16 16.37 35.52 6.74 2.18 44.44 50.40 1.13

Y/ha: Yield per hectare; IABR: Labour; FERT: Fertiliser; OVHO: Overhead; COST: Total cost; RETN: Total Return; B:C Benefit-Cost Ratio differences and location X land type in- agement. In most fields, direct broadcasting teraction, in general (Table 2.24). But, the of seeds resulted in uneven clusters of ger- variation in TLG was accounted for by minated seedlings, poor land preparation led significant differences in land types, as to germination of plants in clods disconnected would be expected (particularly since the with soil and overcrowding of plants led to initial date of monsoon onset varied). early yellowing. In contrast, two progressive farmers (Code Nos. 7 and 8 Table 2.21) could • However, the overall coefficient of varia- raise excellent transplanted crop. tion was lowest for yieldlha and highest for TLG, benefit-cost ratio falling in between • A priority participatory intervention would (Table 2.24). An overview of the results then be to train farmers in adopting op- confirms that the sample (of 14 farmers) timal cultural practices to establish a was representative of the land types and healthy crop growth. locations surveyed in ]eypore tract. • PPB programmes should enable participa- A visit to the farmers' one month-old rice tory dialogues and idea generation among crop reflected a wi~ variation in crop man- farmers. Mutual visits would help farmers

64 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Table 2.24 :ANOVAo/some parameters o/rice cultivation inJeypore

Source Degrees of Benefi~Cost l1eld/ha @T1melag in freedom Ratio (q) sowing (days)

t----- Mean sum of squares ----.,

Location (WC) 2 1.35 104.96 77.10 Land type (LAN) 2 1.07 66056 642.01. WC X LAN 4 1.60 39.92 140.16 Residual 5 1.00 106.86 103,90 Total 13 1.29 79.83 193.72 Range 0.31 - 4.44 3.49 - 30.89 o- 43 Exptl. c.v. 78.62 52.21 82.90

@ See text for explanation; • significant at 5% level

to understand practical problems and iden- ernment credit poses too many hurdles to tify appropriate solutions. be crossed. The same was true for addi- tionall"bour deployment at times of need. However, a participatOlYdialogue with the Often field operations become due con- farmers brought to focus crucial site-specific currently and the demand for labour in- problems. Some, highlighted below, need creases. Supply being short, the wages of urgent remedy for any PPB programme to labour go up beyond the capacity of poor succeed. farmers. Non-availabilityof funds is also a • The area being exclusively rainfed, farm- cause for non-application of fertilisers, ers had to plant the crop only after the pesticides and other inputs. Therefore the onset of monsoon. The variable pattern need is strong to implement the concept of onset of monsoon was the cause for of "seed villages" which encourage farm- variation in planting date and pattern ers to produce sufficient quantity of seeds (nursery raising and transplantation or for their own use and for the open mar- direct seeding even in lowland areas). ket. While monsoon variation is inevitable, • Optimal techniques of site-specific culti- varieties adapted to target areas can be vation are hardly extended by institutional developed. PPB would be the right op- mechanisms to tribal farmers who remain tion. therefore uninformed and unreached. Thus • Often demand for quality seeds of a single they rarely get an opportunity to learn variety exceeds supply, denying good about high-yielding ~~eties and their ad- seeds to economically poor farmers. Gov- aptation potential to their areas. PPB can

65 Annual Report 1998-99

evaluate the productivity and adaptability cally and socially backward village with a potential of HYVs in such areas and take concentration of tribal families. up genetic amelioration of HYVs, particu- Wayanad is also the second largest producer larly incorporation of farmer-desired traits. of pepper in the State. But this crop is se- verely affected by a virus causing quick wilt 202.2 Wayanad (Phytophthora) disease. Way~nad, the land of vayals, was known for An evaluation of the cultivation practices and its paddy cultivation. Rice production has capacity of tribal farmers at Kottathara dis- been gradually coming down and most of trict revealed that a number of varieties of the paddy fields are now being converted to rice with medicinal properties, called Njavara banana. and ginger cultivation and for brick in the local Malayalam language, used to be making industries. cultivated. However, the yield of such vari- More than 70 local varieties of paddy were eties remained stagnant and low. Rising cultivated once, some of which are now cultivation costs have forced farmers to taper completely lost. Varietieslike Veliyan, 1bondi, out Njavara cultivation and as a result, Pal thondi, Tbonnuran thondi, Chennellu, adequate quantity of quality seeds of the past Chomala, jeerakasala and Gandhakasala are varieties of Njavara rice is not available. being cultivated in tribal areas to meet their The PPB Programme therefore decided to nutritive, social and ritual needs. take up breeding for high productivity, re- The community agrobiodiversity programme taining medicinal qualities of Njavara. There- of MSSRF focused its activities in the fore different varieties/agronomic variants of I Kottathara village panchayat. Kottathara is Njavara were collected from different parts located about 10 kID north-west of Kalpetta, of Kerala. In particular, seeds of three differ- the headquarters of Wayanad district. There ent rice varieties, Njavara, Kalladiyaram and are two small rivers in this village Cheriya Athira were given to eight selected tradi- puzha and Valiya puzha which are tributar- tional farmers belonging to seven different ies of the Kabani river. This is an economi- villages (Table 2.25).

Table 2.25 : Charaeterlstie~" ofrlee varieties given to Wayanadfarmers •

Variety .Nature Duration Water requirement Yield (q/acre)

Njavara Endangered variety 90-110 days Moderately low 5-6 Kalladiyaram Highly endangered vari~~~' 90-110 days Very low 7-8 . ~'- Atbira High yielding varie~:~ . 100-120 days Very high 28-30

@ The farmers were from the villages of Kalpetta (2), Kottathara (1), Periya (1), Pulpalli (1), Ambalavayal (1), Pozhuthana (1), NeJlarasala (1).

66 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

They will be further advised on the planting Vellaperum samai, Perum samai, and of the experimental material during the en- Kottapatti samai. suring khari! season. In addition, it was felt desirable to assess the current status of tribal Quality seeds of these landraces are currently agriculture and the cost-benefit ratio of cul- not available as only small quantities were tivation. Relevant data was gathered on a being cultivated. As a first step, MSSRFhas designed proforma. Data from 25 farmers collected available seeds of these races and spanning districts and castes. Currently ef- planted them in an off-season nursery. Seeds forts are on to expand the sample size of would become available for PPB for the farmers for a fair assessment of pre-PPB sta- ensuing khari! season. tus. Twenty-five farmers have shown interest in 202.3 Kolli Hills the PPBProgramme. The areas assigned to PPB would be surveyed, the number of par- Kolli Hills is inhabited by Malayalitribes who ticipatory farmers firmed up and a design of form 94% of the total population. This re- PPB would be finalised before the kharif gion is of utmost interest as most of the season. traditional varieties of paddy, minor millets and pulses and the associated agricultural Proposed PPB programme practices are under threat of being replaced An assay of the social, economic and agri- by tapioca or cassava cash crops, and high cultural status of the tribal farmers at the yielding paddy varieties. Previous work has three target sites has indicated that several emphasised the need for intensive efforts to organisations draw upon the genetic wealth arrest genetic erosion and rescue traditional in tribal areas: disproportionate to the benefit crop varieties. they offer in return. Therefore the first scien- The following species of millets once cov- tific intervention in farmer participatory re- ered a wide area in Kolli Hills, but currently search must assure certain benefits to the they remain endangered: Pearl millet, cumhu farmer in terms of productivity, grain quality, (Pennisetum americanum); Finger millet, ragi consumer preference and the like. Other- (Eleusine coracana); thinai (Setaria italica); wise, it could dampen further participation Little millet, samai (Panicum sumatrense); by farmers. Such factors and the results of varagu (Paspalum scrobiculatum); the participatory diagnostics of the pre-PPB panivaragu (Panicum miliaceum). assays at target sites have prompted the' fol- lowing feasible PPB programmes: A participatory appraisal with the tribal farm- ers has led to the choice of samai for par- Disruptive ecological selection ticipatory improvement. There are seven land races: Kattavetti samai, Thirukula Local varietiesllandraces collected in the sites samai, Mallia samai, Sadan samai, would be evaluated on an RBD field design

67 Annual Report 199s:.99

in the participatory farmer fields. This would .broad segments is participatory conservation. enable the assessment of the productivity Community gene banks are essentially large potential of varieties adapted to one site, at ex situ conserving mechanisms. Varietiescon- other sites of experimentation. Since the served being site-specific, even normal re- varieties are adapted to the region, there is generation needs to be done in sites. In this a high likelihood of identifying varieties spe- context, the concept of field gene banks is cifically suited to a site. The evaluation will suggested which will be small and can be be on a participatory anvil with farmers developed at a low cost. They will store exercising selection of their preferred traits. seeds of landraces and accessions specific to Matching varieties would be scientifically the site. Several sites are located in hilly multiplied on optimal agronomic practices regions with sub-tropical to temperate cli- not only to enhance production but also to mate, ideal for storing seeds in natural con- select quality seeds. ditions in field gene banks. They will thus meet the pre-requisite of conservation for A wide variation in crop management by utilisation of genetic diversity. Such field gene farmers was observed for a variety of rea- banks would therefore be developed in all sons, as mentioned earlier. However, possi- the three sites. bilities exist for mihor but crucial interven- tions like optimal sowing management in tune Participatory genetic enhancement to the constraints, optimal spacing in place of haphazard broadcasting and crucial cul- Tribal farmers prefer to have varieties en- tural operations. It is planned to adopt a dowed with locally preferred traits, par- split-plot design while planting the landraces ticularly grain colour, texture and cooking to include farmers' management and scien- quality, in addition to high yield. The twin tific management within the available infra- requirements of consumer preference and structure. It is expected that this experiment high yield suggest the two following initi- would achieve the twin objectives of identi- ating cross types to develop desired fying a site-specific, relatively high-yielding derivatives: i) Local X Local; ii) Local X landrace and optimal agronomic management HYV. practices. In rice, efforts are on to produce FIs by Participatory conservation training farmers in emasculation-pollination techniques. A large quantity of FI seeds is MSSRFis maintaining a community gene bank sought to be generated through community which is essentially a back-up store of un participation. This would enable farmer-sci- der and un-utilised crop varieties. While entist participatory selection and evaluation formal conservation is institution-funded, of F2 in large plots. The process can also be farmer conservation is still at personal cost extended to further generations until a de- for public good. An intersection of these two sired variety is developed.

68 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Participatory seed production veal that there were about 73 traditional rice Assuming that a site-specific landrace is varieties known but at present most of them identified or a variety is derived, the next are not availablo/ An attempt to trace the lost varieties of Wayanad has been made and need is to make a large quantity of quality initiatives have been taken to find out seeds available to farmers. It is therefore whether these materials are available in any intended to learn from farmers their of the national and international gene banks. methods of seed selection and teach them Once located, this germplasm can be given the desired criteria for quality seeds. On to farmers to be reintroduced in their fields. a participatory mode, quality seeds are ex- This year currently available rice varieties pected to be multiplied (consonant to the concept of seed villages) in the target vil- such as veliyan, chennellu, njavara, thondi, gandhakasala, chempathi, basumathi .and lages. jeerakasala have already been collected and preserved at MSSRFCommunity Gene Bank Sub-Programme Area 203 (SPA 201 above). Technical Resource Centre for ~inking ex situ with in situ on/arm con- the Implementation of the Eq- servation) uity Provisions of the Conven- (The link between Community Gene Bank tion on Biological Diversity (ex situ) and Community Seed Bank (CSB) and Field Gene Bank (FGB) at the field level The Foundation has been regularly collect- (in situ on-farm) is intended to facilitate easy ing invaluable plant genetic resource materi- availability of landraces. At the same time als to build up the Gene Bank. Biodiversity one set of site specific germplasm is being rich areas of Orissa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh maintained at the field. This symbiotic rela- and Tamil Nadu have been identified and tionship helps to maintain and cultivate selected for conservation of germplasm.~e landraces in the field, without fear of losing realisation of the importance of genetic vari- the indigenous germplasm) (see SPA 202 in ability in crop improvement and an aware- this Report) Periodic seed multiplication and ness of the consequences of genetic erosion seed regeneration are also possible and si- have led to conservation of germplasm in multaneously the burden of germplasm re- the form of seeds. Tribal farmers still grow generation at the Community Gene Bank is mixtures of different crops which are adapted also reduced (Figure 2.1). to the local environment to reduce the risk of economic loss due to various climatic changes. The Community Gene Bank can provide germplasm material directly to farm- ers. The surveys conducted at Wayanad re-

69 Annual Report 1998.99

Field Gene Banks Community Seed Bank (in situ on-farm ~ (in situ on-farm conservation) conservation) / Community Gene Bank (ex situ)

Figure 2.1 : Community Gene Management System

a desire to store landraces available with CSB is given in Table 2.26. Interestingly, in them. Farmers can draw seeds from the CSB, all the villages exceptPatraput, women are and return the stock to the bank with some in charge of the CSB. Thr.ee more CSB are extra quantity after harvest. It ensures active being planned in other villages. at ]eypore involvement of farmers in both conservation and also in Wayanad (Kerala). ~n Kolli Hills and enhancement. It also enables farmers to (Tamil Nadu) Community Grain Storage struc- have an easy access to the germplasm from ture called Tbombai has been initiated)(De- the Community Gene Bank, when it is not tails in SPA 201.1). readily available in the field. Field Gene Bank CSB has been functional in villages such as Tolla, Mohuli and Barangput where farmers MSSRFis also planning field gene banks at have started depositing their traditional vari- the sites in ]eypore, Wayanad and Kolli Hills eties~In Patraput, preservation is yet to start. along the line of'f)articipatory conservation Only at the time of sowing, the number of in the field (Details in SPA 202). traditional varieties available will be known Germplasm field trial and input to CSB can be organised. In Barangput, traditional varieties are not culti- For seed regeneration of accessions of little vated. High yielding rice varities are culti- millet (samailPanicum suma'trense) in the vated largely since adequate water for irriga- Community Gene Bank, anbff-season nurs- tion is available. Hence they preserve seeds ery was planted during the"month of Febru- of such varieties only in this village. The ary '99 at Kattupakkam (trial plot at Chennai). details of the varieties of seed material in the Randomised block design with 2 replications

70 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Table 2.26 : Information on Community Seed Banks

Village details Crop varieties. Person in-charge

Village: Tolla Paddy 12 Mrs. Manima Dalei Gram Panchayat: Mohuli Minor millets 2 Age 52 Block: Boipariguda Sorghum 1 Tribe - Rana District: Koraput Pulses 12 Village chief Vegetables 8 Spices 4 Greens and others 4

Village: Mohuli Paddy 18 Mrs. Moti Pujari Gram Panchayat: Mohuli Ragi 2 Age 46 Block: Boipariguda Pulses 1 Tribe - Bhumia District: Koraput

Village: Barangput Paddy 3 (HYV) Mrs. Jema Gadaba Gram Panchayat: Danger Chinchi Millet 1 Age 33 Block: Jeypore Tribe - Gadaba District: Koraput President of CSB

Village: Patraput Yet to start preservation Mr. Sunadhar Katia Gram Panchayat: Danger Chinchi Age 49 Block: Jeypore Tribe- Katia District: Koraput Convenor of CSB

• Data on traditional varieties is being documented

has been organised at the field for 31 gene carried out this year with the help of the site bank accessions. Data has been collected on offices at ]eypore, Wayanad and Kolli Hills. morphological and physiological characters Seed multiplication has been organised at like node colour and plant spread. The crop ]eypore with the 17 accessions (paddy) that growth was good and post harvest data such were collected in 1996, as well as the 47 as plant height, panicle length, number accessions (paddy) collected this year. Mul- of nodes, node colour, number of branches, tiplication of 27 accessions (little millet) is total fresh and dry weight of both the being carried out at the greenhouse estab- plants and seeds are being collected for lished in Neduvalampatti, Kolli Hills. Tradi- further analysis. It was also noted that there tional varieties of 16 accessions of paddy was no pest attack during the trial and though collected this year have also been taken for planted in off-season, the yield was also good. multiplication at Wayanad. Field multiplication of gene bank accession Prof. S. Dana, who worked on mung bean in the original habitat is being successfully and allied species of Asiatic Vigna, during his

71 Annual Report 1998.99 tenure at Nadia, West Bengal has a large Collection of valuable germplasm collection of V(gna species. He has depos- ited his collection of 42 species of a wild taxa This year collections of paddy (Njavara, a (Vigna) with the community gene bank. He medicinal rice, has been collected from six expressed his desire to test them at. Chennai different places), bhendi, little millet, peas, and MSSRF is organising field tests at the greens and medicinal plant seeds from trial plot at Kattupakkam. MSSRFhas also Wayanad and ]eypore have been preserved. received 22 lines of hybrid maize (Zea mays) Ginger, rurmeric (Wayanad) and yam (Orissa) germplasms from the Tropical programme of collected this year have been placed at the CIMMYT(through NBPGR,New Delhi). These greenhouse. As of now the community gene lines were given to the Ecotechnology group bank holds 752 accessions belonging to 41 to test their performance in the field at species and 14 families. Details are given in Namakkal. Data are being analysed. the Box below.

Germplasm Collection

1. Traditional Millet and Paddy - Rishi Valley, Andhra Pradesh 7binai, Varagu, Paddy, and Samai (4) 2. Traditional Millet and Pulse - Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu Kottapatti, Kattavetti (Samat), and Semmotchai (3) 3. Traditional varieties - Wayanad, Kerala Paddy: Njavara (from 6 places); Kalladiyaran (from 3 places); Chennellu (from 2 places); Basumathi, Veliyan, Kaima, Gandhakasala, and Chempathy (16) Vegetable and spices: Pea, Amaranthus, Bhendi, Pepper*, Coffee*, Ginger* and Turmeric* (7) Medicinal Plants: Vayal chuli, Ashali, Kazhanehi kuru, Mashikkay, Cherupunnayari, Lanthakuru, Valmulaku, Vizhalari, Kudakappalayari, Ayamodakam, Chathuppa, Kadukka, Chittelam, Thethambal, Karkolari, Njerinjil*,Karimjeerakam (17) 4. Traditional Variety - ]eypore, Orissa (Koraput,. ]eypore, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Kalahandi District) Dioscorea alata - Yam (Greenhouse) (1)

72 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Paddy: Tulasi.•Bara~anka, Sitalchini, Sapun, Sunaseri, Kalamalli, Kandulkanthi, Rajamuan, Umunachudl~ Meher, Machhakanta, Kalajira,Mora, Baiganamanji, Bayagunda, Dan- ger Dhan, Llmbachudi, Gatia, Osagathiali, Bhatagunda, DhobkujiBhattakubudi Sindhkoli, Tikichudi, and Gadakuta (25) " 5. Samai (Little Millet) - Birsa gundali (1) From Ranchi - For use in PPB 6. Maize (Makka Cholam) Zea Maize germplasm collection from ClMMY!'(22) 7. Wild Species Vigna .species from Prof. S. Dana (42) (* Not stored)

Documentation As the result of the exploration trips con- ducted at Wayanad, Kolli Hills and jeypore lrassport data related to the accessions stored Tract in the last few years, the Comniunity in the community gene bank has been pe- Herbarium has a collection of 837 voucher riodically updated with the lPGRI developed specimens. 131 specimens belonging to 52 software called GMS (Gene Bank Manage- families have been classified systematically. ment Software). Apart from this, a manual The remaining specimens are in the process register and hard copy are being maintained. of identification and classification. This year, Data such as germination percentage, seed duplicate sets of 36 voucher specimens be- moisture content, viability, available quantity of germplasm, discarded,,"germplasm, multi- longing to 19 families from Wayanad and 101 voucher specimens belonging to 51 fami- plication, regeneratioh and field trial are also lies fromjeypore Tract (medicinal plants) have being maintained.) been deposited. The field offices at Wayanad (200 voucher specimens), jeypore Tract (392 {~ommunity' Herbarium voucher specimens) and Kolli Hills (l00 o The Community Herbarium provides mate- voucher specimens) are maintainin o Com- rial along with the relevant information munity Herbariums and the details are avail- at one place for research on the vegetation able at the field offices. of a region. The collection of voucher Farmers' Rights Information Service specimens at this herbarium is largely through the contributions of tribal communities The rural and tribal people responsible for who have a very good knowledge of tax- developing and protecting economically valu- onomy. able biological resources have largely re-

73 Annual Report 1998-99

mained unrecognised and unrewarded. In • The introductory section gives a detailed order to reward the farmer's traditional wis- account of the policy and technical issues dom, implement the Equity Provisions of the involved in the recognition and reward Convention on Biological Diversity and se- of informal innovations that have cure benefits from National and Global Com- contributed to the conservation of munity Gene Funds, an Information Service agrobiodiversity. has been operational at MSSRFsince 1996. • For a better understanding of the farmer's The Farmers' Rights Information Service(FRIS) entitlements, videos of/and statements from multimedia database provides a method of various institutions and agencies, such as documenting the contributions of the tribal FAO, the CGIAR and the Association of and rural families in the conservation and Indian Seed Industry are classified under improvement of agrobiodiversity. Towards this issues, along with a brief note on the purpose the database links the details about heritage of agrobiodiversity in India. their knowledge, community and area, so • The section on Ethnography gives a de- that a viewer can get a holistic view of people tailed account of the cultural practices of and their contributions) the major tribal groups of Tamil Nadu, The FRIS database has been updated as on Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. September '98, and is hosted on the Pan Asia Network , with our server providing a backup. has been included to highlight the contri- The database also forms part of the Data Ser- bution of women in the field of vices in the MSSRFHome Page on the Web. agobiodiversity. The case studies are from Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Mizoram, The FRIS database has been distributed in a Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep Is- CD-ROMformat to our field offices at Cuttack, lands and Srilanka. ]eypore, Wayanad and Namakkal. The De- partment of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of • The section on Conseroation Practices in India has approved FRISfor inclusion under Kolli Hills, which chronicles the agricul- its programme of distributed bioinformatics tural practices of Kolli Hills, also lists the centres for. the year 1999-2000. diversity of millets. The new features incorporated into the FRIS • The southern regions of Orissa have been database are Gender Issues and Plant Infor- considered a secondary centre of origin mation from Orissa and Kolli Hills. of cultivated rice. A section called Orissa: a centre of origin of rice is devoted to the Salient features of the FRIS details of the morphological/agronomic • The unique feature of the data base is characters of the rice variety, the donor that the issues and data are maintained as farmers' names and community, and loca- separate components. tion and date of collection, which have

74 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

been documented' as a multimedia data- was concluded during the year. The most base for the districts. significant achieveIIlents of the study are the tagging of 5,305 nesting female Olive Ridley • Sacred Groves are a cultural heritage, a Turtles at the five tagging sites along the system that has helped to preserve the coast of Orissa and an off-shore tagging representative genetic resources. The sa- operation of 192 hours over a period of 51 cred groves are usually dedicated to the days, in which 818 mating pairs of turtles local deities, and the do's and don'ts at- were captured and tagged. tached to the sacred forests largely de- pend on the beliefs of the local people, Results from the tagging study suggest a great which vary from place to place. The sec- degree of nest-site fidelity among the Olive tion carries details of the sacred groves of Ridley Turtles using the Rushikulya rookery. Tamil Nadu. Forty-four of the 519 turtles tagged during the February '97 arribada at Rushikulya were • Other information such as Location Data recaptured in March '98 at the same rookery. and Plant Information are also included here. Ridleys tagged at nesting beaches in Orissa also exhibited movement between the differ- Sub Programme Area 204 ent sites. Two turtles tagged in February '97 in Rushikulya were recaptured in Robert B R Barwale Chair in Island in March '97. The range of inter-rook- ery movements of the nesting turtles within Biodiversity Orissa was from 35 to 220 km.

Research on linkages between biodiversity, The study has also shed some light on post- sustainable agriculture, food security and laying movements of the turtles. One of the strengthening the livelihood security of com- turtles tagged on 13 March '97 in Robert munities, especially those living near Pro- Island was subsequently recovered on 27 tected Areas, is the mandate of the B R April '97 by a fisherman off the Kalmunai Barwale Chair in Biodiversity. coast of eastern Sri Lanka. It is remarkable that' the turtle had covered a distance of 204.1 Correlates of Biodiversity, Gender, 1,900 km in less than 45 days. Sustainable Agriculture and Food S~urity Sustainable management of faunal re- sources " Taggingsea turtles in Orissa Work initiated in. the coral reefs of The three-year project sponsored by NORAD Lakshadweep islartPs has yielded some data and implemented with the collaboration of on the various species of bait fishes used in the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun tuna fishing. Information has also been ob-

75 Annual Report 1998-99 tainedon the methods of halVest and main- Research in Dharmapuri district has been tenance of live fish through indigenous tech- linked to the felt needs of the Department of nology. The different forms of damage caused Forests. Two problems identified by the to live coral in the process of fishing have District Forest Officer, which are directly been documented. Efforts are being made to relevant to sustainable management of natu- sensitise the administration and the people ral resources in the district, are pressure on on the long-term impact of such activities on forests due to cattle and goat grazing and coral reefs. over-fishing in the Hoggenekal river. Studies have been undertaken on these aspects by A detailed sUlVeyof mammals in KolIi Hills two students of the Salim Ali School of Ecol- has been completed. Based on intelViewsof ogy and Environment, University of the local people, especially hunters, nearly Pondicherry, as part of their M.Sc disserta- 30 species of mammals have been listed. tions. Efforts to validate the occurrence of these species were made through attempts to di- Integrating gender in conservation rectly sight them or study indirect evidences including scats, footprints, etc., which re- In all the studies, efforts have been made to vealed that except for 10 species of mam- integrate the knowledge and perceptions of mals (excluding bats and rats) they have women. They include the collection and either been completely eliminated or driven documentation of gender segregated data on to very low numbers. The primary reason the faunal resources in all the landscapes for the loss of mammals in KolIi Hills is under study. hunting. The study has since been extended to the human-impacted landscape of 204.2 Strengthening the Knowledge-base Wayanad, Kerala. and Role of Local Communities Birds in KolIi Hills have suffered the impact Based .on the studies of the knowledge-base of hunting and habitat transformation to a of the local communities, appropriate steps lesser extent than mammals. A detailed study are being taken to integrate this with other of bird distribution at altitudes of 800 m and activities of the MSSRFas well as govern- above has indicated the presence of not less ment agencies. To this end, the Agrobio- than 100 species. Interestingly, of these at diversity ConselVation Corps (ACC) of KolIi least 10 per cent are birds with small ranges Hills has been made the local partner in the including those considered endemic to the IDRC/Foodlinks initiative on agroindustries. Western Ghats, those endemic and patchily The ACC of Orissa is actively disseminating distributed in the Indian peninsula and those the message of mangrove conselVation in endemic to South India and Srilanka. Habitat ]agatjori (outside the Bhitarkanika WLS).They use and status of these 100 species are being are also creating awareness among the local studied systematically. people on the need to protect the 50 ha

76 Biodiversityand Biotechnology mangrove plantation restored by MSSRFdur- This local level database serves two pur- ing 1995-97. The ACC is seeking the coop- .poses simultaneously, it creates a sense of eration of the local communities in control- ownership amongst the local communities ling the damage caused to the plantation by and is a means by which public recognition free-grazing buffaloes. of local knowledge and ownership is en- sured. After discussions with the Department of Forests in Dharmapuri, the ACC(Karikuttanur) The main aspects of the PBR are: underwent a training programme at the local Training and Research Centre of the Tamil • Knowiedge and information about the cul- Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences Uni- tural and ecological history of the region versity on the advantages of rearing stall-fed • Knowledge and information about con- goats. The ACC is engaged in disseminating servation and sustainable use of the message locally. The ACC in Kalpetta biodiversity. (Wayanad) is working in coordination with the Community Agrobiodiversity Centre of Preparation of PBR needs a step by step MSSRF.Efforts are being made to link the methodology for use at the village level. This ACC of Lakshadweep with the conservation methodology involves 3 phases each of which activities of the Department of Science, Tech- has its unique role in the logical sequence nology and Environment. of PBR preparation. Phase I is fundamental to PBR, because 204.3 Creating a Forum for Sustainable entering a village is difficult, especially with Management of Biodiversity the purpose of collecting public domain knowledge. To facilitate this, public meet- Agrobiodiversity Conservation Corps ings were held and local resource persons The ACC has been converted into local vol- and the public were approached individu- untary organisations in both Kolli Hills and ally. A general committee called the Dharmapuri. The two groups have established Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) a "Community Agrobiodiversity Fund" which was also constituted. The. members of this they are operating for purposes of local committee are the Panchayat President, Vil- conservation. Their activities include infor- lage Officer (VAO), Local School Headmaster mation dissemination through posters and (SH), Forest Range Officer (FRO), Kovil banners in public places carrying messages Poojari (KP), Ward member/Oar Gounder of biodiversity conservation. (OG) and local NGOs. The Panchayat Presi- dent is the chairperson of this committee People's Biodiversity Register (Figure 2.2). People's Biodiversity Register (PBR) is a tool With the help of the BMC, 60 men and 50 for local management of natural resources. women in Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, 20 men

77 Annual Report 1998-99 and 40 women in Wayanad, Kerala and 40 Meanwhile the CBCC-coregroup of 25 mem- men and 30 women in ]eypore, Orissa were bers will interact continuously with the com- selected. Most of the selected, people are munity for PBR preparation under the guid- local resource persons including elders, ance of BMC and MSSRF. labourers, agriculturists, hunters, fishermen, traditional medicine practitioners and young- This level has been reached at 3 sites, sters. These selected members are called Periakovilour (Arapaleeswarer Kovil) - Community Biodiversity Conservation Corps Valapurnadu Panchayat, Kolli Hills, Thariode (CBCC). The CBCC is to play an active role Panchayat, Wayanad and Tolla and Parangput, in Community Biodiversity Conservation. ]eypore. This was achieved after 10 to 15

Panchayat President

MSSRF- OG - KP ."""--' '--~"" SH-FRO-VAO ! CBCC Core Group (25 members)

CBCC : 100 (Men + Women) t Periakovilour t Valarpurnadu t Kolli Hills

Figure 2.2 :Biodiversity Management Committee

78 Phase I Phase II Phase III

• CBCC discussionst • CBCC+User group discussions • CBCC+UG and Grama Sabha discussions BMC CBCC Orientation Documentation • CBCC+BMC discussions • Correlation+Compilation

• Through class room • Directly 'rom the field • Directly rom the field with the help of resource persons • Through direct involvement of -...J Mass Orientation Specific Orientation old men 'women outside CBCC \0 • By anal~ sing the old traditiom and myths • Study of manuscripts

=:I 8: General Orientation Team Orientation Macro Level Micro Level a~. ~ l =:I Figure 2.3 :People's Biodiversity Register. Methodology {t Annual Report 1998-99 visits to these study areas, interacting with Environment and Forests, Government of the local people and concerned Government India. The Report was completed in Decem- officials and conducting seminars for the local ber '98 and 5,000 copies were sent to the NGO representatives and directors. Ministryin New Delhi. The Report has been approved and formally released by the Union phase II is intended to facilitate the documen- Minister of Environment and Forests on 31 tation of public knowledge in the form of PBR. December '98 at Kavratti, Lakshadweep. Cop- In this phase the CBCCis given the necessary ies have been submitted by the Ministry to basic information about the programme and the Secretariat of the Convention of Biologi- proper training to carry it out. Training was cal Diversity in Montreal. given on the basis of the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Fostering Biopartnerships, devel- The Chair is advising the Gujarat Ecological oped by MSSRF(Figure 2.3). Commission (Government of Gujarat) and the Gujarat Ecological Society in the imple- Phase III involves interactive discussions of mentation of a biodiversity conservation ac- user groups. Based on this the PBR will be tion plan under the State Environment Ac- compiled. This will start after Phase I and tion Programme. This initiative is for two Phase II are completed. years. Chennai Biodiversity Forum Sub Programme Area 205 The Chennai Biodiversity Forum met 9 times during the year and discussed various issues Conservation and Utilisation relating to the sustainable management of of Biological Diversity : urban environment. The members served as Marketing Study resource persons in a project undertaken by the Madras Christian College in July-August '98. The project concerned the training 205.1 Kolli Hills of graduate students of the college in assess- ing the local impact of environmental Kolli Hills is undergoing a change in its degradation. To broaden the scope of the agriculture sector, from a subsistence, semi- Forum and its activities, a quarterly newslet- commercial agriculture. to commercial agri- ter titled "Biodiversity News" has been culture. New crops such as tapioca and pine- launched. apple have emerged as important sources of livelihood during the last five decades. Organised marketing systems, commission 204.4 Biodiversity Consultancies agents, credits etc have influenced the agri- 'Implementation of Article 6 of the Conven- culture substantially. On the other hand, tra- tion on Biological Diversity: National Report' ditional crops such as minor millets operate was prepared on behalf of the Ministry of only within the subsistence economy.

80 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Many studies have pointed out the declining market channels in Kolli Hills are well de- agrobiodiversity in Kolli Hill. While there has fined with a limited number of actors in been a change in the cropping pattern dur- between the producers and consumers. The ing the last three decades, Kolli Hill seems price spread in tapioca is minimum, indicat- to have undergone a major change in crops ing an efficient market system. during the last one hundred years. The The conservation of minor millets requires Manual of Salem District in Presidency of an economic stake and in recent times ef- Madras written by H.Le Fanu during 1883 forts are being made to introduce them in has listed the various crops of Namakkal taluk. food fortification in the organised sectors due Tapioca has not been listed as a major crop to their high micro-nutrient content. Efforts in the Taluk whereas, during 1991, in are also being made to develop traditional Kollimalai alone nearly 4,000 ha are under food products for the local village markets. tapioca cultivation. Similarly,the manual has estimated nearly 1,113 ha under Samai, A household survey was conducted among Tbinai and Varagu during 1883 in Namakkal the tribals to identify the marketable surplus taluk. But during 1991, the total area under in each of the sample households. The ob- millets (including, Ragi and Cumbu) in Kolli jective of this survey was to assess the con- Hills was 1,727 ha. Since there are no clear sumption pattern and to estimate the mar- break-up details available on minor millets, ketable surplus of various agricultural com- this study assumes that the area under minor modities such as paddy, minor millets etc. millets has come down during the last one The survey was conducted in 410 house- hundred years. holds in 14 Nadus of Kolli Hills. A proper ) sampling procedure was adopted and after a Many fruit crops seem to have been intro- pilot survey the questionnaire was redefined. duced during the last six to seven decades. The interviewers were trained in canvassing According to the elders in the village of the questionnaire. Aripalapatti, pineapple was introduced sixty years ago. The villagers also felt that the Participatory Rural Appraisal was also con- area under banana has been increasing. The ducted to substantiate the survey data in introduction of tapioca and' other cash crops qualitative terms. A selected group of Malayali and slow decline in the traditional crops such tribals visited the MSSRFsite office for a as minor millets and the disappearance of focused group discussion on various market- certain land races have bearings on the ing strategies. A discussion was held with agrobiodiversity of Kolli Hills. Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED),Ministry of The study has identified the extent to which Social Justice and Empowerment, Govern- various crops are planted and market chan- ment of India. TRIFED has agreed to look nels in which these crops are converted into into the, potentials of Kolli Hills in develop- value-added products. Unlike Orissa, the ing the market mechanism within the frame-

81 Annual Report 1998-99 work of the project's objectives. A full-fledged • The conventional, state-sponsored tribal report on the marketing structure of KolIi cooperatives have not succeeded due to Hills will be completed by September '99. lack of value-oriented structures. • NGO sponsored marketing structures are 205.2 Orissa based on issues such as empowerment, During 1998-99, a detailed study was con- market information, decision-making, ducted in the four southern districts of Orissa. implementation and benefit-sharing by the Based on the observations, this study has tribals. These marketing structures have recommended the process of marketing in proved successful. linking the primary producer and conservers .I • The role of women is' crucial in the mar- with the consumers. The study has raised keting structure since they play a major the .following salient points: role in the market economy. The conven- • The theoretical premise is that the market tional cooperatives with their blueprint ap- can play an effective role in biodiversity proach have not given any emphasis to conservation, if it is evolved as a tribal- the participation of women. On the other based, tribal-controlled value-oriented in- hand the green house approach of the stitution. NGOs has helped to organise the women around marketing structures. • The problems of underdevelopment in the southern districts of Orissa can be viewed Based on the above observations the study in terms of lack of proper understanding has recommended a process for linking the of the relationships between forest, agri- primary conservers with the market, as de- culture and marketing mechanisms. scribed below.

• Underdevelopment is not due to lower 205.3 Green House Approach in Market- productivity in agriculture but due to lim- ing ited agricultural labour absorption and limited purchasing power of the tribal Certain NGOs have shown models of institu- populations. tional structures in this direction. Dongria Kondh Development Agency (DKDA) is an • The forest helps the barter economy and organisation working with the Dongria Khond any problem in the forest condition or tribals in Rayagada district. This organisation management has implications on food observed that while cutting trees in shifting security. cultivation, Dongria tribals do not cut any • An inefficient market system can be seen tree which is fruit bearing, and these trees in terms of price spread 3,4 the limited are considered as the symbol of mother earth. share to the primary producers in the price The organisation selected fruit-bearing trees paid by the consumers. such as jackfruit, mango, cashew nut etc,

82 Biodiversity and Biotechnology which are also economically profitable. The sector are not able to provide sustained tribals play a major role in managing the employment. In such a situation the com- affairs of DKDA. Through a participatory munities become hunters and gatherers approach, DKDA buys the products, sells (mostly gatherers). Forests and trees are them in' the market and shares the profit the most important source of livelihood. ~with the tribals. DKDAdoes not see market- Mangoes are exchanged for rice, neem . ing as its only objective. It is involved in seeds are exchanged for salt and mush- \empowerment, health and sanitation, educa- rooms are exchanged for edible oil. Tu- tion, micro-credit and Panchayat Raj devel- bers from the forest are also an important opment. Thus the marketing structure is in- source of nutrition. The barter subsistence terwoven with the social fabric of the system suffers when drought occurs. This Dongrias. Therefore a marketing mechanism situation leads to hunger and starvation with a strong focus on development and • Many of the traditional varieties are mar- conservation should adopt a green house keted within the subsistence economy and approach in which the people for whom the barter economy. Recently some initiatives market is developed evolve the structure and are taking place to support a proper market conduct. Similarly another NGO, system for these varieties. AGRAGAMEE,is working with the tribals of Kasipur range in Rayagada district. They have • Land alienation has begun in many parts organised a women's co-operative movement with outsiders' investment in commercial which focuses on value addition and mar- agriculture. However, this intervention is keting of many agricultural and forestry prod- yet to create a major impact on employ- ucts. Women are empowered with manage- ment and livelihood opportunities. ment principles and' market information. The decision-making process takes place in a • The organised marketing structures such tribal-cultural context. as cooperatives are ineffective since they have not been able to internalise the con- Some of the interesting observations made cept of development within their during the preliminary study are: organisation. • A stratified and loose market channel • The traditional tribal markets were not only results in a very high price spread which a mode of exchange of commodities. They indicates market inefficiency. The also played a major role in the life-cycle producer's share in the price paid by the decisions. Weekly markets play a major consumers is very low. role in various types of tribal marriage • Barter system exists during off-season in systems such as negotiated marriage, mar- agriculture.. The agriculture sector offers riage by captu,re, elopement etc. As the limited employment potential. A low-key size and the character of these weekly informal sector and limited secondary markets are changing, with many outsid-

83 . Annual Report 1998.99

ers dominating the market, the role of problems of low productivity and uncertain . these markets in major life-eycle decisions yield. The major focus of this programme is may be changing. to: • Though anthropologists debate the view • analyse genetic diversity and species rela- that "women in tribal societies have higher tionship among the Indian mangrove spe- status", it. was observed that women from cies, using molecular marker technology various tribal communities were dominant as a prelude to conservation of genetic in the market systems, when the markets resources were limited in size and operating at a • isolate and characterise stress tolerant subsistence level. Studies have observed genes to develop salt tolerant crop variet- that tribal women are involved in every ies for coastal agroecosystem. aspect of tribal economy such as produc- tion, distribution and consumption. In a 206.1 Molecular Marker Assisted Genetic barter economy, women defined the ex- .Diversity Studies change system in terms of commodities Genetic diversity, genomic relationships and for exchange and indirectly the price. None evolutionary and phylogenetic trends were of the organised cooperatives have given studied in major mangrove species using data significance to women's role in market- obtained by chromosome analysis, Random ing. On the other hand in the successful amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Restric- tribal marketing structures of AGRAGAMME tion Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) at Kasipur, women play a key role in and PCR-RFLPof chloroplast gene regions. taking decisions, implementing the deci- Genotypes representing the species were sions and sharing the benefits. Special collected from distinct populations along the attention has been given for empowering Indian coast. The studies conducted so far the women with market information and have provided unambiguous molecular iden- marketing strategies for micro and macro tification systems for Indian mangrove spe- markets. cies. Intra- and inter-population genetic poly- morphism have been documented in a num- Sub Programme Area 206 ber of species. The nature and extent of genetic diversity have been studied both at the intra- Molecular Mapping and Ge- and inter-population levels. Significant results netic Enhancement obtained through these analyses have been published/communicated for publication. This programme addresses two major Comprehensive investigations were carried concerns, namely genetic erosion and out to understand the extent and nature of decreasing agricultural productivity in the genetic variation at the inter-generic and inter- coastal agroecosystem that suffers from the and intra-specific levels in ten species be-

84 Biodiversity and Biotechnology longing to the mangrove family enhances scope for species adaptation and Rhizophoraceae. Genetic diversity studies survival was low in Rhizophoraceae as com- were undertaken using both protein (total pared to other mangrove species. The lowest leaf protein and isozymes) and DNA based level of intra-specific genetic diversity markers (RAPD, RFLP and organellar DNA was detected in C.decandra followed by polymorphisms) so as to arrive at an under- C.tagal, K.candel and in three species of standing of the phylogenetic and evolution- Brnguiera. This, in addition to their small ary trends among these tree species. population size, makes them priority candi- dates for conservation. R.x lamarckii, All the ten species of Rhizophoraceae were R.apiculata and R.stylosa showed almost simi- characterised with 36 chromosomes in their lar profiles for all the random primers used, somatic cells. The chromosome complements while R.mucronata remained distinct. While of Rhizophoraceae were median/submedian in generic differences were very. pronounced nature, implying that they are stable and may with all the primers, species-specific profiles have undergone limited divergence du- were also observed. The microsatellite primer ring the course of evolution.The wide range of (GATA)4' proved to be the only primer chromosome numbers encountered in all the which differentiated all the ten species mangrove species studied suggest an inde- pendent origin of these species both in space analysed. and time. It appears that mangrove species RFLP analysis carried out in these species may have had separate origins, although they showed that the rONA repeat units in share common habitat preferences. Rhizophoraceae species were flanked by the The differences in the leaf protein profiles ' enzyme Hind III. The rONA regions were and isoenzyme pattern obtained between very conserved between the genus Brnguiera species of the family Rizophoraceae could and Ceriops;.while Rhizophora showed two not be attributed to environmental factors. .different rONA profiles, R.apiculata, R.x Clear species differentiation was observed for lamarckii and R.stylosa showed similar pro- the two species C.decandra and C.tagal of ftles and R.mucronata exhibited a profile genus Ceriops by these marker systems. similar to genus Ceriops. Genomic clones and R.stylosa was excluded as being the possible rONA probes could help to distinguish the putative parent of R.x lamarckii, as the com- four genera as some probes did produce mon alleles detected in the hybrid were from species-specific pattern. The RFLP analysis, R.apiculata and R.mucronata. however, revealed low inter-specific differ- ~; ences. R.x lamarckii showed similarityin pro- RAPD based analysis revealed highest level fIles to R.apiculata in most probe/enzyme of species differentiation in the genus combinations, while in others it showed an Brnguiera, followed by Rhizophora. Genus intermediate profile between R.apiculata and Ceriops showed a very low level of species R.mucronata, while R.stylosa remained dis- differentiation. Intra-specific diversity, which tinct. .

85 Annual. Report 1998.99

The nine mitochondrial probes in combina- All the marker systems revealed a high level tion with three enzymes revealed that the four of separation of the four genera. At the level genera of mangrove Rhizophoraceae clustered of species, minimal differences were observed into 3 mitotypes. Generic differences were in the two species of Ceriops and in the very pronounced with all the probe/enzyme three species of Bruguiera as compared to combinations. Specific differences were very the four species of Rhizophora which showed low in the genera Ceriops and Bruguiera. a higher level of species differentiation. This The genus Rhizophora revealed a higher level indicates that the cI10ice of marker system of species differences for most probe/enzyme for species identifidtion may vary and de- combinations. R.x lamarckii showed profiles pends on the species under examination. similar to R.apiculata, while R.mucronata and R.stylosa remained distinct for most probe/ In all the marker systems it was observed enzyme combinations. that even though the distances separating the four genera were slightly different, the over- PCR-RFLPof the ten species with two chlo- all relatedness was the same. Genus Ceriops roplast genes revealed that they cluster into clustered with genus Kandelia in all the 3 chlorotypes. A very high level of generic analyses to which the genus Bruguiera and differentiation was observed for the two gene then Rhizophora were subsequently clustered. amplifications when digested with 19 restric- tion enzymes. Inter-specific differences were 206.2 Genetic Enhancement not observed for the two genera Ceriops and Bruguiera, revealing a very highly conserved The major emphasis in this subcomponent is nature of the chloroplast. Species-specific to develop characterised pre-breeding genetic differences were observed in genus material capable of offering resistance/ toler- Rhizophora in the amplified gene region of ance to coastal stress for grassroot level breed- trnS-psl£ when digested with the restriction ers for developing location specific crop enzymes Rae III, revealing a high degree of varieties. The emphasis, therefore, has been speciation in this genus. Most plants of on developing genetic material containing R.x lamarckii showed a restriction pattern novel genes for resistance to abiotic stress, similar to R. mucronata; while the rare particularly salinity. propagule of R.x lamarckii showed a pat- tern similar to R.stylosa, which is intermedi- Isolation of Stress Induced Genes ate between R.apiculata and R.mucronata. This finding suggests that further studies in- The process involves exposing target man- volving this propagule may be useful. The grove species to varying degrees of abiotic differences in the mitochondrial and chloro- stress and identifying and characterising stress plast profiles of the hybrid R.x lamarckii induced proteins. The second approach in- indicate that the mitochondrial and chioro- . volves developing gene libraries enriched plast donors may be different in this hybrid. with stress induced genes and screening for

86 . Biodiversity and Biotechnology potential genes conferring stress tolerance. It • Caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase (1.8kb) also involves characterisation, evaluation and • Beta-lactoglobulin gene (O.8kb) controlled expression of the promising genes. • Sulphate aldehyde transferase (1.3kb) The results obtained so far include identifi- • PEP carboxykinase (1.2kb) cation of a 22kDa salt-stress induced protein • Acryflavin resistant protein (acrB) (l.2kb) from the mangrove species Avicennia ma- • DNA binding protein (1.5kb) rina. Three eDNA libraries have been con- structed from the salt treated A.marina. Development of a transformation system Screening with heterologous probes from other organisms or through RT-PCRapproach In order to study the expression of genes isolation of potential stress tolerant genes isolated from the mangrove species in the were isolated from the cDNA libraries devel- genomic background of other plant species oped from A. marina. The potential and and to obtain information about the useful- promising genes include BADH, Enoyl-CoA ness of these genes in conferring stress tol- hydratase, 40S ribosome protein S7, Sporamin erance, an experimental transformation sys- and 18S rRNAgenes. These clones have been tem was standardised in tobacco. For this fully sequenced and the extent of homology purpose, a binary vector carrying the BADH with these genes from other organisms have gene cloned from the mangrove species was been established. constructed. This v~ctor carried BADH gene under 35S CaMV constitutive promoter. EST sequencing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of tobacco leaf discs was done to get transgenic Salt induced and enriched cDNAlibraries have plants. These transformed plants were shown been constructed in three mangrove species. to have the BADH gene integrated into the About 25 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) tobacco genome. Assay for BADH revealed, were sequenced t4,965 bp in total). Through overexpression of the gene in the transgenic sequence analysis of cDNA clones the fol- plants which indicated that the integration is lowing genes have been isolated so far: stable and the gene is fully functional. • Betaine Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (1.717kb) Sub Programme Area 207 • V-Type ATPase (1.2kb) • Enoyl~CoA hydratase (L515kb) Monitoring Ecosystem Health • Ribosome binding protein subunit S7 (O.83kb) Using Microbial Diversity • Aluminium induced gene (1.2kb) • 18S rRNA gene (1.8kb) This programme addresses the twin goals of • Histone H3 gene (O.8kb) indexing and documenting microbial diver- • Proline-5-Carboxylate Syntatase (2.5kb) sity along the coastline of Tamil Nadu and

87 Annual Report 1998-99

Siruvani Hills in the Western Ghats and de- found to be good. The recovery of biologi- veloping biomonitoring techniques using this cal nitrogen fixing population was observed baseline data. The major focus of the study to be more in sites where the organic con- in the coastal agroecosystem is to document tent was more. Stresses like pesticides and the diversity of soil bacteria, especially with salinity decreased the number of populations. reference to heterotrophs and some benefi- With reference to the variability (both intra- cial organisms like biological nitrogen fixers, and inter-) which could be brought out by phosphate solubilisers (the two limiting fac- the farming practices and the physicochemi- tors in these soils) and the Pseudomonads cal properties of the soil, the entire Rhizo- and bioprospecting these organisms for their bium (90) populations, obtained from the novel properties. These could then be har- groundnut varieties cultivated in this region, nessed to increase crop productivity and have been analysed for their genotypic di- develop remediation techniques. The focus versity using universal primers. The RAPD in Siruvani Hills is on using the lichen diver- analysis reveals a high degree of variability sity associated in the region to assess the in both intra-and inter-sites. The genotypic forest ecosystem continuity. diversity associated with the other groups of biological nitrogen fixers namely Azospirillum 207.1 Microbial Diversity in Coastal sp., Acetobacter sp. and Azotobacter sp. is Agroecosystems underway. Acetobacter diazotrophicus strains were isolated from Elusine coracana L., a After one year of continuous sampling of the new host plant cultivated along the coastline chosen study sites along the coast was com- from one of the study sites. Using a species- pleted, the results have been consolidated specific oligonucleotide primer and PCR and the trends analysed. The consolidated amplification the presence of this bacterium data reveals that the activity is more than was directly demonstrated in plant tissues to double in the rhizosphere when compared prove their endophytic nature and was found to the non-rhizosphere zones. During peak to be absent in the non-rhizosphere soils. summer (April to June) the microbial activity The isolates were also characterised on the was found to be comparatively low in sites basis of typical morphology, electron micros- which were predominantly sandy but in copy and biochemical tests inclusive of their clayey soils it was good. Activity was ob- nitrogen fixing efficiency to assess the diver- served to be very good when farmyard sity associated with these isolates. When manure was applied in the sites. The micro- RAPD analyses were performed on these bial count was found to be well correlated isolates they fell into two distinct genetically with the enzyme activity. Overall the recov- related groups when compared with.the type ery of phosphate solubilisers was found to stain PAl 5 (ATCC49037). Considering the be low in sandy soils and less when the importance of the crop to this region asso- salinity increased. Alternatively in clayey soil ciated nitrogen-fixing Acetobacters maybe ag- where paddy was cultivated the recovery was ronomically important because they could

88 Biodiversity and Biotechnology supply part of the nitrogen that the crop chens depending upon the microlevel requires. Preliminary screening of some of changes in the mesohabitat conditions (viz. the Acetobacter isolates have shown them to light intensity, substrate pH, texture, mois- tolerate 3% NaCl. ture etc.) can be used to identify ecological continuity/disturbance. This study has been Nitrogen fixing efficiency of these isolates concentrating on site-specific lichen using GC (HP 4080) is underway as also the biomonitoring methodologies for unexplored standardisation of using fatty acid profile in sites in Siruvani Hills. To establish and place characterising the isolates. Once the the results obtained through these studies on programme has been fine-tuned the isolates a scientific base, the ecosystem health is also from the coastal agriecosystem will be taken being quantified through other ecological up for identification. methodologies. The combination of both Initial screening of the Pseudomonas popu- these data is being used in identifying indi- lation isolated from the study sites using cator lichen communities. NEFERMplates (based on substrate utilisation Twenty-nine. transects have been laid down pattern) confirmed that most of them belong at mid elevations within Siruvani Hills and all to Pseudomonas stutzeri, P alcaligenes, P the data listed in the data sheets quantified. pseudoalcaligenes, P. jlourescens, P. The results have been consolidated and the aeruginosa, P maltophila and P cepacia. trends in the lichen distribution pattern About 400 isolates of the total heterotrophic analysed. The results reveal that the lichen populations have so far been screened for community with Porina mastoidia (agg.) as a their substrate utilisation pattern to under- dominant member. indicated the sites with a stand the physiological diversity associated long ecological continuity. This community with these organisms. Very few isolates also possesses Phyllopsora parvifolia, showed cellulolytic, amylolytic and lipolytic Leptogium cyanescens, 1. denticulatum and activity.Organic sites had comparativelylarger species of Pyrenula, Megallospora as other populations showing cellulolytic activity. members. The other populations of amonifiers, nitrifiers, denitrifiers and phosphate solubilisers will The other lichen community indicative of be taken up for their genetic diversity and forest disturbance possesses species of efficiency studies. Identification of these iso- Parmelia as a dominant member. The other lates using the MIDI software based on their members of this community are species of fatty acid profile will be done. Heterodermia, Brigantiaea, Graphis, Lecidea etc. The lichen species belonging to both 207.2 lichen Research these associations form assemblages depend- ing upon the varying levels of the ecosystem In a climatically uniform forest region, varia- continuity/disturbance prevailing in the sites. tions in the distribution patterns of the li- These pattern changes also indicated the

89 Annual Report 1998-99 effectiveness of the methodology developed medicinal plants and fifteen mangroves and and used for this study. their associates. Successful field transfer of over 15,000 micro-propagated plants was A "Field Level Training Programme on done and their performance is being moni- Biomonitoring using Microbial Diversity"was tored periodically. In continuation with the conducted from 10-13 March '99 based on ongoing research activities the following the trends of the study. The participants were progress was achieved in conservation and from the Forest Department, pollution Con- bioprospecting studies during the current year. trol Board, NGOs and Colleges. The course emphasised the need to study and conserve microbial diversity in the light of Agenda 21. Studies on endangered/medicinal plants Various components of microbial diversity, Large scale micro-propagation of Aegle field demonstrations and interactive sessions marmelos, Curculigo orchioides and ~yzygium with the foresters and local communities as travancoricum has been a major achieve- well as lab studies were included in the ment. Methods were developed to achieve course. A training manual was also prepared, maximum rooting efficiency and to reduce based on the experiences in the area of the mortality rates during hardening. Axillary research. shoot initiation and multiplication, using uninodal and binodal segments, was Subprogramme Area 208 standardised in Asparagus racemosus, known Conservation and Bioprospec- for its anti-inflammatoryproperties. The best ting of Endangered, Medicinal response was achieved in MSmedium supple- and Mangrove Plant Species mented with BA and KN. Experiments are underway to induce rooting of regenerated shoots. Callusing was achieved from leaves This programme envisages conservation of of Capparis zeylanica, used for a broad range endangered/medicinal plants, mangroves and of ailments like pain, swelling, sores and their associates through calculated interven- Jatropha gossipifolia which has substantial tion of conventional (e.g. seed and vegeta- molluscicidal activity. Studies are in progress tive propagation) as well as biotechnology to standardise organogenesis protocols in tools (e.g. tissue culture and bioprospecting) these species. with due consideration to conserving maxi- mum possible intra- and inter-specific ge- Genetic diversity studies were conducted netic diversity. Since the inception of this using SPAR(Singleprimer amplification reac- programme, large scale tissue culture proto- tion) based on simple sequence repeats in cols have been developed in twenty endan- S.travancoricum, to supplement the earlier gered/medicinal plants and five mangroves RAPDbased results. The results showed that and their associates. Vegetative propagation the populations collected from various sites protocols were developed in five endangered/ in the Western Ghats were highly heterog-

90 Biodiversity and Biotechnology enous with narrow genetic distance. Thus all tissue cultured plants were comparable with the accessions so far collected seem to con- seed propagated plants in Wayanad. stitute a single megapopulation distributed in the similar phytogeographical zone, which Bioprospecting studies was fragmented in the evolutionary course, and/ or due to various natural and anthro- Bioprospecting is a process through which pogenic pressures. value addition can be made to the biodiversity of the planet earth and it refers to discover- Studies were conducted on Syzygium ing the potential use of every species for the travancoricum to evolve short-term in vitro benefit of society. Research in this area can conservation strategies. The multiple shoot provide alternatives to improvement in food, cultures developed through direct and indi- building material,fibre, medicines etc. to meet rect morphogenesis were cultured in MS the demands of the growing population and, (1962) medium supplemented with mannitol most importantly, the solid basis on which and sorbitol. The media supplemented with species can be conserved and sustainable mannitol (0.5% to 3%) or sorbitol (0.5 to management of biodiversity can be achieved. 1.0%) in the absence of sucrose resulted in The emphasis has been on identification and browning and subsequent death of the cul- characterisation of useful bioactive principles tures. Addition of sucrose (1.5%) in combi- and issues related to intellectual property nation with mannitol or sorbitol was effec- rights of ethnic communities to benefit the, tive in maintaining the cultures upto 10 scientific as well as ethnic communities who months without any subculturing. The mul- work towards conservation of biodiversity. tiplication rate and shoot elongation were good in mannitol-supplemented media com- The crude extracts from the leaves of E. pared to sorbitol-supplemented media. Also agallocha exhibited antifungal activity.against plants were green in colour in mannitol Candida albicans and Aspergillus terreus. medium, while they turned pale green in the Large-scaleextraction from dried leaves was sorbitol-supplemented medium. carried out by 2N HCl treatment and conse- quent extraction with chloroform Fraction- Seed germination trials in S. travancoricum ation of the crude extract using various sol- showed that there was an increase in the vents and combinations was standardised by germination rate when the seed was pre- column chromatography and the crude ex- treated with 0.01% HCl for 5 min, followed tract was repeatedly chromatographed and by cold treatment at 4°C for 10 hours. purified. Out of the three major fractions, The field evaluation trials of micropropagated two were bioactive and one was found to S. travancoricum showed that the plants be p-sitosterol. Gas chromatography was rehabilitated in Wayanad were performing done for the other fraction which indicated better than in Gtidalur gene pool area. Also the compound to be in a highly pure state. the adaptability and growth performance of Mass spectra, 1H - NMR,13C-NMR,2D NMR

91 Annual Report 1998-99 analysis were carried out for the purified cies viz. Xylocarpus moluccensis, Sonneratia bioactive compound and is in the final stage apetala an'd !ntsia bijuga. Three more plant of structural characterisation. species viz. Salicornia bigilovii, S. brachiata and Intsia bijuga were taken up for tissue The efficacy of the crude extracts from leaves, culture studies. Callus initiation and estab- stem, seeds, seed coat and fruits of Jatropha lishment were standardised in Intsia bijuga gossipifolia, was studied against human path~- using cotyledonary explants. Woody plant gens such as Candida albicans and Aspergtl- medium (Lloyd and McKown 1981) supple- Ius terreus and plant pathogens like Fusarium mented with 2,4-0, Casein hydrolysate and oxysporum and Pestalotiopsis sp. and the fruits adenine sulfate gave the best response in were found to be effective. The leaf extracts initiation and further growth of callus. Ex- of Capparis zeylanica were studied against periments are underway to develop organo- pathogens like Candida albicans and Aspergil- genesis/somatic embryogenesis protocols in lus terreus. The crude leaf extract was found this species. In the case of Salicornia effective against pathogens like Candida brachiata direct shoot regeneration studies albicans and Aspergillus terreus. The fraction- were initiated using mature embryo as well ation of the active principles is being carried as seedling explants. Experiments are under- out. Pest-repellent properties and pesticidal way. to achieve shoot elongation as well as properties of Lobelia sp. are being studied multiplication. Micropropagated plants of salt against pests like Heliothis, Spodoptera and and submergence tolerant wild rice relative, Earias vitella. The seed. extracts of Xylocarpus P. coarctata were field transferred to mekongensis and the leaf extracts of ]. curcus Pichavaram mangrove forest area. were ineffective against these fungi. Controlled pollination experiments between Various solvent extracts from four species of R. apiculata and R. mucronata were used to ~yzygium viz. S. gardneri, S. zylanica , ~. produce F1 hybrid. The hybrid embryo devel- leatum, S. travancoricum were tested for theIr oped into mature propagule when R. apiculata efficacy against Candida albicans, Aspergil- was used as female parent with GA~(100ppm) lus terreus, Fusarium oxysporum and pretreatment 5 min. before polHnation fol- Pestelopsis spp. S. travlmcoricum exhibited lowed by 1 hr. after pollination. There were guaranteed activity against the test fung~. pollen tube growth abnormalities and em- Phytochemical characterisation of the antI- bryo abortion when fungal compound in this species is under- R. mucronata was also way. used as a parent when the flower buds were treated with BA,KN or a combination of both. Studies on mangroves and their associ- The hybridity of the synthetic F1 was con- ates firmed using RAPD analysis. Vegetative propagation protocols were Molecular marker (AFLP and RAPO) based standardised for some more mangrove spe- studies on the phylogenetic relationship of

92 Biodiversity and Biotechnology

P coarctata T. with 20 species of genus Oryza initiative of the Department of Biotechnol- showed that 0. australensis is more closely ogy, Government of India, the State Govern- related to P coarctata. Also the results of ment of Tamil Nadu and MSSRF.When fully cluster analysis based on AFLP and RAPD functional it is expected to provide opportu- markers were mostly in accordance. with that nities for remunerative self-employment for of previous classification of Oryza genus women entrepreneurs based on biotechno- based on morphology, isosymes and Rubisco- logical enterprises with adequate support LS proteins. Thus the present study also services in the form of technical and finan- reestablishes the usefulness of AFLP marker cial inputs. The Foundation Stone was un- system for studying genetic polymorphism veiled by the Hon'ble President of India, and clarifying phylogenetic relationship be- Shri K. R. Narayanan, on 29 of July '98. The tween wild species. Golden Jubilee Biotechnology Park for Women has been registered as a Society under Association of Acremonium endophyte and the Registrar of Societies Act on the 8 July Porteresia coarctata is being investigated. '99. The bye-laws and Memorandum of As- Acremonium endophyte was isolated from sociation were drawn up with the help of the leaves and seeds of Porteresia and endo- Tamil Nadu Industrial and Development Cor- phyte free plants were regenerated using poration (TIDCO). The office of the Society micropropagation technique. Studies have will be situated at the TIDCO premises. The been conducted on the genetic diversity in members of the Governing Body were ap- Acremonium isolated from Porteresia pointed. Prof. M.S. Swaminathan was re- coarctata and other warm season grasses for quested to be the Chairman of the Govern- the first time, using RAPD markers. The ing Body. The other members were drawn resultss showed very high genetic diversity from the Department of Biotechnology, Gov- levels of various culture isolates ranging from ernment of India, Industries Department, State 60010 to 100% among all the fifteen isolates Government, TIDCO, MSSRF,Women entre- studied. Cross inoculation of various culture preneurs, other R&D institutions and the fi- variants is to be carried out to understand nancial sector. The appraisal of the project the significance of this endophyte associa- feasibility report, prepared by ITCOT, was tion to P coarctata. carried out by Indian Overseas Bank and was presented during the first Governing Sub Programme Area 209 Body meeting. The Architect is working on the design and preliminary work has been Golden Jubilee Biotechnology initiated at the site at Kelambakkam. It is expected that the first phase would be com- Park for Women pleted this year for the first batch of women entrepreneurs. The first Biotechnology Park for women will be coming up in Chennai under the joint

93 Programme Area 300

_;s,,.__ •• Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture , .-!.""""1j.-~'~""""'~'''''''l'I''"'''';.''''''••iO;t'''''0.''"''''. i4.""""'{t1i!f ••••••+jf'l-:'i'~g•••••!••••...'tr:-!.-.t}~

building to house the JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre was inaugurated by H.E. the President of India on 29July, 1998. A Several capacity building and networking activities were undertaken by the CAPART Technology Resource Centre. A biocentre was established to seroe as the hub of the biovillage movement. The B. v: Rao Centre for Sustainable Food Security initiated a Panchayat- led Hunger-free area programme in the Dindigal district of Tamil Nadu in association with the Gandhigram Rural Institute. A NABARD Resource Centre for Precision Farming for Poverty Elimination was established. Work on linking primary producers of horticultural products with the food processing industry, in collaboration. with the Central Food Technological Research Institute, entered the operational phase.

~01 JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre 95 302 Biovill~ges 125 303 BY ~o Centre for Sustainable Food Security 139 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

• Economic viability of Ecoaquaculture and Sub Programme Area 301 Integrated Intensive Farming System(IIFS) models in Chidambaram JRD Tata Ecotechnology • Establishing the income-generation poten- Centre tials of backyard ornamental fish breeding and sustainable fishery models at The mission of JRD Tata Ecotechnology Keelamanakudi and MGRNagar near Killai, Centre is to link frontier science with tradi- in Chidambaram tional wisdom. The activities of the Centre, • Establishment of two institutions and 25 which began in 1996, underwent changes Self-Help Groups (SHG) at Kannivadi during 1998-99. Instead of a project approach based on specific technology, the Centre • 136 acres of land under seed production concentrated on an area approach. Three with 30,000 women labour days gener- ated exclusively for seed production with regions (Table 3.1) were focused on during Rs. 10 lakhs disbursed as wages for women this period: Chidambaram in Cuddalore dis- trict (coastal lowland ecosystem); Kolli Hills labour in Kannivadi of Namakkal (hill ecosystem); and Kannivadi • Integration of seed production, pulse pro- in Dindigul (semi-dry ecosystem). Facilities duction and biopesticide production in at Chennai are being used to support the Kannivadi to facilitate a biovillage per- field activities. spective • 500 acres of land under Tricbogramma Important landmarks of the year are: cards in Kannivadi • H.E. the President of India inaugurated • Bread and chapathis developed from mi- the new building, hostel and training nor millets, better understanding of the centre on 29 July '98. potentials of minor millets in Kolli Hills • Inauguration of NABARDResource Centre • Consolidation of the projects in terms of for Precision-Farming for Poverty Elimina- area approach tion • Inauguration of the fresh water prawn • Capacity building to the tune of 12,000 hatchery trainee days

Table 3.1 :JRD Tata Ecotecbnology Centre-Project Areas-SAP 301

301.1 Chidambaram 301.2 Kolli Hills 301.3 Kannivadi 301.4 Chennai

95 Annual Report 1998.99

Table 3.2 : Ecotechnology models in Chidambaram

No. Model Ahn Vilmge

301.1.1 Ecoaquaculture Sustainable production of prawn Keelamanakudi 301.1.2 Management of village Improving the productive capacity of Parangipettai tanks fish in village tanks and ponds

301.1.3 Integrated Intensive Biological intensification through Keelamanakudi Farming System greater inputs of renewable energy sources; resource-use efficiency; crop diversity; organic fertilisers; biological controls

301.1.4 Sustainable income Enhancing the skills of rural poor Keelamanakudi generation : backyard landless women in backyard ornamental ornamental fish breeding fish breeding for income generation

301.1.5 Sustainable income Enhancing the skills of Irula tribals in MGR Nagar genef"Jtion -sustaina ble fishery to enable them to earn more fishery using cast nets income without affecting the coastal wetland fiord such as mangroves

301.1.6 Sacred groves Studying the potentials of sacred Suryampettai groves as effective in situ conservation and storehouse of relict species

2 301.1 Chidambaram ing of 1,000 m ) rainwater was harvested using the northeast monsoon rains during Models for sustainable development suitable September-December '98. The production for coastal regions are being studied in vil- details are given in Table 3.3. lages around Chidambaram. The models listed in Table 3.2 are being tested for their eco- The water level varied from 0.6 to 1.5 m in nomic and social feasibility and environmen- depth. There was no water exchange or tal viability. replenishment and aerators were not used. Pond water quality was monitored fortnightly. 301.1.1 Ecoaquaculture Watertemperature in these ponds ranged from 27.9 to 34°C. Dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged The project follows the principle of Low from 2 to 6.9 ppm and pH from 7 to 8.1. External Input Sustainable Aquaculture EvelYone rupee invested in the pond yielded (LEISA).Ecologically sustainable aquaculture Rs. 1.57. The bunds of the ponds have been is adopted through maximum rainwater har- used for cultivating rain-fed banana, chillies, vesting with zero water exchange method. radish, drumstick and various other veg- In seven ponds (four of 500 m2 and remain- etables.

96 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Table 3.3 ;Production details of ecoaquaculture

Total water spread area 0.5 ha Date of stocking 28-10-98 Date of harvesting 14-5-99 Grow out period 195 Stocking density 51m2 Post-larvae (PL) stocked 25,000 Mean weight of PL 0.07 Survival at the time of harvesting 57.2% Head on production 1024 kglha per crop Average body weight (ABW) 36.83 Feed type Commercial feed in pellet foml Food conversion ratio (FCR) 1:1.57

Interventions such as stabilising pH and 301.1.2 Sustainable Management of Vil- managing DO were carefully made, keeping lage Ponds in view the lack of water exchange and level Village ponds have multi-purpose usage, of organic loading. The FCR and productiv- mostly for non-irrigation purposes. The ity/ha were substantial. There is scope Panchayat manages most of these ponds, to improve the economics of the operation which are leased out to individuals who with measures such as isolating female ani- harvest the fish in the ponds. Very few ef- mals after a certain period. Attempts will forts have been taken to improve the quality also be made to reduce the cost of feed and productivity of these ponds. As common without compromising on the nutrient com- position. property resources, they can help in improv- ing the village economy. There are not many This model is being attempted in a region studies regarding the status of village ponds. which is heavily dependent on canal irriga- Hence the Centre took the' initiative to study tion and monocropping of paddy. The focus the status of these ponds and evolve policy is on developing a sustainable model of measures to improve the quality and pro- integrating aquaculture with agriculture and ductivity of the ponds. water hatvesting. The farmers are being en- Parangipettai (near Chidambaram) has 41 couraged to observe and analyse the various Panchayats, which have leased out 141 ponds. dimensions of this model, before implement- These ponds have a water spread area of ing it in their own lands. However, three 55.73 ha, with an average size of 0.4 hal farmers have already started implementing pond. A study was carried out in all the 141 the model in their lands covering 2 ha. ponds.

97 Annual Report 1998.99

The results indicate a wide variation in pro- ponds is much higher than in rain-fed ductivity. Two types of ponds exist in ponds. this region, rain-fed and canal-fed. During Management practices also significantly in- the irrigation season, water flows through fluence productivity (Table 3.5). However, the canal-fed ponds and is drained through there is a wide variation in the productivity/ various channels. Thus, there is a regular ha (as indicated by a high degree of stan- water-exchange taking. place in these dard deviation) reflecting lack of appropriate ponds. In contrast, rain-fed ponds have more and uniform management. or less zero water-exchange systems. During the study it was observed that The 141 ponds covering 55.73 ha have gen- the villagers resist the practice of applying erated Rs.7,49,563 per annum. The value of feed in rain-fed ponds as they feel that fishlha is around Rs. 13,450. However, the the feed may pollute the water. Table 3.4 majority of ponds have very low yield (Table shows that the productivity in canal-fed 3.6). Table 3.4 :Productivity in various types of ponds

Total area (ha) Productivity (kg/ha)

Rain-fed tanks 8.50 210.46 Canal-fed tanks 47.23 539.79 •

• significant at 1% level Table 3.5 :Productivity of ponds with different types of management

Type of management Total area (ha) Productivity (kg/ hal

Stocking & feeding 18.50 1,000.70 No management 37.23 273.39

Table 3.6 : Value offish soldfrom the ponds

value of ftsh! ha (Rs.) No. of ponds % to the total no. of ponds

Less than 10,000 98 69.5 10,000 to 20,000 25 17.8 20,000 to 30,000 6 4.2 30,000 to 50,000 5 3.5 50,000 to 1 lakh 5 3.5 Above 1 lakh 1.4

Total 141 100.00

98 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Table 3.7 : Linear relationship between management inputs and productivity

Category No of ponds Slope Correlation t Coefficient of coefficient (df n-2) determination (r)

All Ponds 141 2.20 0.6049 7.18. 0.3659 Canal-fed ponds 114 2.23 0.5887 6.26. 0.3466 Rain-fed ponds 27 1.89 0.4081 2.88 •• 0.2286

• significant at 1% level •• significant at 5% level

The study examined the relationship between 1999-2000among panchayat leaders, lessees the value of management inputlha (denoted of the ponds and other people connected by A, which includes cost of stocking finger- with the management of the ponds. It has lings, fertilisation, feed and other manage- also planned to encourage women (SHGs) ment costs) and value of output of fish per to manage the ponds in a sustainable man- ha of pond (VIA). It was found (Table 3.7) ner. Technical studies will be carried out in that there was a linear relationship showing improving the viability of the ponds for fish V/A against A for all the ponds and sepa- production. rately for canal-fed ponds and rain-fed ponds. 301.1.3 Integrated Intensive Farming The analysis shows a positive significant System relationship between V and A in all the The concept of lIFS is being demonstrated in ponds. Though there are other technical a model farm at Keelamanakudi, near variables such as quality and quantity of Chidambaram. water, variation in species-wise stocking etc. which determine the output, the regression The model showed a productivity of 2.6 analysis indicates that there is substantial tonnes/ha, with a cost benefit ratio of 1:1.41. scope to improve productivity through proper Fish production (through fish pond as well management. as paddy-cum fish culture) yielded 40.5 kg in 0.05 cents. The other important crop was The study has also analysed the social di- banana in the bunds. The mushroom unit in mensions in the management of the ponds. the bunds yielded nearly 70 kg during the It has initiated an intervention in which a season. group of women have taken over the man- agement of the village pond. With technical With the help of the farmers, a comparithre and management information support from study was made between paddy (Panni the project. In order to improve the potential variety) produced under organic and of these. ponds, the project is planning to conventional practices with large scale appli- initiate capacity-building programmes during cation of chemical fertilisers. The observa-

99 Annual Report 1998.99 tion was not made with a statistical 301.1.4 Income Generation Models: Back- framework. Two fields adjacent to each other yard Ornamental Fish Breeding were obselved. Five plots of one m2 in each A survey was conducted to review the im- of the plots were randomly selected and pact of this intervention on the earning of studied. the household. The analysis was based on The paddy field with conventional practices data from all the households (numbering 102) had applied 11.5 kg of P and 4 kg of N for of Keelamanakudi colony, including the 30 8 cents of nurselY area. In the main field, households who are involved in the project. nutrients were applied @ 36:23:30 kg of NPK All the households are landless agricultural respectively/acre. In addition to this 8 cart labourers. The average household income of loads of FYM were applied. In IIFS, ornamental fish breeders was Rs. 9, 620, seeds were treated with Azospirillum @ 200g/ whereas the other households earned an ha. Phosphobacteria was added in the nurs- average income of Rs. 7,242 (this difference ery as well as in the FYM. Eight cart loads is significant at 1% level). The average an- of FYM were used in the main field as a nual income from the sale of fish (after basal dose. Groundnut oil cake, poultry excluding the feed costs) was Rs. 2,000. For manure, 50 kg of neem oil cake and 50 Iitres 11 out of 30 families, the supplementary of biogas slurry were also applied as income earned from the fish sale contributed top dressing from the 30th to the 45th day more than 30% to the total income. For one after transplanting. The results are shown in household, the contribution from the fish sales Table 3.8. to the total income during the year of analy- sis is to the tune of 53%.

Table 3.8 :Quality of paddy in different types of practices

Parameters Conventional farming practices with inorganic fertilisers IIFS

No. of productive tillers/plant 19 14 No. of grains/ panicle 71.64 140.00

Weight of 1,000 grains (gm) 19.85 20.81 Grain yield/plant (gm) 27.79 38.96 Grain filling (%) 78.95 91.39 Harvest Index (010) 29.16 35.27

100 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Table 3.9: Impact of ornamental fish breeding on household income

Ornamental fish breeders Others All the households

No. of Households 30 72 102 Average household size 4.7 6 3.9 Average annual income (Rs.) 9,620 7,242 7,941 Propoltion of households with two or more dependents 43.3 30.5 34.3

The above table shows that the households the Pichavaram mangrove forest near involved in ornamental fish breeding have Chidambaram. This tribe is a semi-nomadic, higher household size with two or more de- "small gaming and gathering" cultural group. pendents compared to other households. This They build bunds near the mangroves to analysis raises an important managerial issue restrict the movement of fish. The bunds whether, larger household size with more disturb the natural tidal flow of water to the non-working dependents is crucial for such mangroves and affect the health of the man- income generation models. This issue would grove system. In spite of this practice, almost be further analysed during 1999-2000. all the families of Irula are living below the There are variations in the income flow poverty line. among the participant households. Fifteen The Centre collaborated with the Coastal households had regular sales throughout the Wetland Programme of MSSRFat Pitchavaram year and the rest had sales once in two to evolve methods which would help the months or intermittently and in these house- Irula tribes to help themselves as well as holds 32% of the total income is derived protect the health of mangroves. from fish sales. For the rest of the participant households, fish sale contributed 16% of the During the mobilisation process, the Partici- household income. It has also been observed patory Rural Appraisal (PRA) identified that significant income flow from the sale of that lack of skill in net-fishing and fish is during March-May, i.e. during the lean lack of finance to buy the net are the season in agriculture. The flow is substantial main reasons for the very low daily income. during October-November, which is the peak Irulas requested training in sustainable agricultural season. coastal fishery and forty-two members in the age group of 15 to 40 years from 90 301.1.5 Income Generation Models: Skill households came forward to acquire the Enhancement in Fishing among lrulas of Pichavaram new skill. Resource persons were identified within the tribal groups and expert fisher- One section of the hula tribe live adjacent to men from the non-tribal fishing communities

101 Annual Report 1998.99 were requested to help them. The primary school. The tribal community shared raining period was three months (July the financial and managerial costs and the to September' '98). The participants school was inaugurated on 1 May '99. have formed an association and reques- During 1999-2000,the gender perspective in ted the Centre to provide nets on loan. The fishing would be further analysed. participants were also trained in making and repairing the nets. All the participants now 301.1.6 Sacred Grove as Traditional use net for fishing. Bunding practices in situ Conservation have been reduced to a substantial extent, facilitating the flow of water into the man- Sacred groves as an in situ conservation groves. measure offer insights into the traditional wisdom of the community. During 1998-99, The Irula participants conducted a Participa- the emphasis was on Dimorphocalyx tory Monitoring and Evaluation programme glabellus var. lawianus (Figure 3.1). This (PAME)in which they used the survey method species. is abundant in the 15 acres of the and studied the impact of the skill-enhance- Suriampettai Ayyanarkoil Sacred Grove. How- ment in household income. The survey cov- ever, it has not been sighted anywhere else ered 66 of the 90 households in MGR Nagar in the Cuddalore-Chidambararn region, and near Pichavaram (fable 3.10). this is the first report from southern east- The participants are training Irulas from other coast region, which matched with the speci- colonies. The Centre supported the Coastal men available in Madras Herbarium, Wetland Programme of MSSRFin building a Coimbatore.

Table 3.10 :Impact a/training on household income

Type of No. of Household Household .Household Average households households income income from income household from net- fIShing through crab Income fishing • (Rs.) through catching •• (Rs.) groping •• (Rs.) (Rs.)

Net users 23 4,311 3,019 Nil 7,330 (58.8%) (41.2%) Non Net 30 Nil 4,224 Nil 4,224 Users (100 %) Crab Catchers 13 Nil 1,226 6,514 7,720 (15.8%) (84.2%)

• income from December '98 to May '99 •• income from June '98 to May '99

102 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Figure 3.1 : Dlmorpbocalyx glabellus var. lawianus

Ie Habita,t with male flowers and fruits; B: Branch with sessile male flower; C: Leaf with reticulate venation; D: Bark with ribbed nature; E: Stipule structure; F-I: Male structure; F: Calyx; G: Petal; H: Androecium; I: Anther; J: Female flower; K: Calyx structure; 1: CS of ovary; M: Fruit structure; N: 15 of fruit; 0: CS of fruit; P: Seed structure

103 Annual Report 1998.99

The specimen was studied thoroughly at the elevation. The presence of this species in field site for its identity and taxonomical the sacred grove of Cuddalore district which description and confirmed. The description comprises tropical dry evergreen forest veg- is given in the box. This specimen has so far etation located at 100m MSL may offer in- been collected in Karianshola, Coimbatore sights into the past geography and the role in 1937 and also in the Sivagiri Hills, Sethur of sacred groves in conserving relict species. Hills and Nagariar estate in the eastern slope of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu in 1979. According to the villagers, this species has This species has been noticed in the ever- not been noticed anywhere else except in green forests of Western Ghats of Karnataka, the sacred grove of their village. The bark of Kerala and Maharashtra, above 1,OOOmMSL this species is used as a laxative. Local people

Description of Dimorphocalyx glabellus var. lawianus

Dimorphocalyx glabellus var. lawianus plants are mostly dioecious bisexual and rarely unisexual. Plants are shrubby probably due to the felling of branches for fencing and fuel. Plants occur as a single population in sandy red soil. This plant grows abundantly with others such as Atalantia monophylla, Memecylon umbellatum, Glycosmis mauritiana.

Leaf size 8-9 x 2.7-3.8 cm, thick, glabrous, elliptic to lanceolate, eliptic to obovate, acute to obtuse, entire, acute Petiole 1.3-2 cm, stipulate, opposite, diameter 1xl mm length, opposite to the leaves, hairy brownish, white patch on the surface. Leaf alternate, pinnately nerved, lateral veins, 8-14. Branchlets brownish, white bark of branch lets ribbed, rough inflorescence: male sessile, absence of pedicel, attached at the node. Flowers axilary cymes 2-3 in clusters, whitish (1.1 x 5 cm), stalk 2-3 mm calyx 5, cup shaped, connate at the base, gland dotted, acute, salvar form,S mm across, white hairy corolla 5, 9.8 mm long, free, imbrcate (all fives are out and in), whitish androecium, anther yellow upper, 3 middle, 6 lower,S filament length lower 2mm, middle 1mm upper. 8 mm, anther lower Smm middle O.3mm upper 0.8 mm, pollen yellow, globose. Male branch leaf alternate, thick, coreaceous, (9-12 x 4.2- 5 cm), lateral veins 8-16. Petals 1.3 cm long. Inflorescence: Female solitary or axillary cymes (2-3) numbers. Flower white, pedicle 2.5 cm, peduncle 3mm, calyx shape, imbricate 5, 1.9 cm long, ovate, entire, emarginate. Corolla 5, white, free, imbricate, 0.8 cm long. Gynoecium 4mm long, ovary superior, trilocular, axile, syncarpus, ovule one in each locule, style short, stigma split in to 3, each bifid, connate at the base. Fruit Capsule, 3 seeded. 1.5 cm long, longitudinal dehisence, persistant stigma, blackish when matured, accrescent calyx. Seed 10 mm long, white, flat compressed, ovule shiney, brownish, white spots, globose 0.4 mm long.

104 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture also use the branches for fuel and fencing. 301.2 Kolli Hills However, uprooting of any plant inside the sacred grove is prohibited. The plant occu- Attempts were continued to include minor pies one third of the total area of the sacred millets in the daily diet of the people. The grove. Larger trees provide microclimatic activitiesrelating to evaluation of minor millets niche for the survival of the species. Certain are listed in Table 3.11. studies have argued that based on the pollen 301.2.1 Effect of Various Sources of Or. and fossil evidences of the present Cuddalore ganic and Inorganic Manure on Produc- region, that this coastal region was occupied tivity of Little Millet (Panicum by lush evergreen forests in the lower Cre- sumatrense) Landraces taceous period. A field experiment was carried out at The existence of a species in the lush ever- Namakkal, which is at the foothills of Kolli green forests occurring in a sacred grove of Hills, under irrigated condition during kbarif tropical dry evergreen forest raises the fol- 1998. Two sets of experiments using two lowing questions: different races, short duration race (mallai • Could it be a relict species of the past samai) and long duration race (kattavetti vegetation, survived through the conser- samai) were laid out in randomised block vation mechanisms of the sacred grove? design with three replications and five treat- ments (Tables 3.12 - 3.13). Soil of the ex- • Is it scientifically not recorded disjunct perimental site was clay loam with neutral distribution or endemic plant? pH. The treatments were: • Has a wide range distribution taken place T1 - control, T2 - Azospirillum, T3 - Farmyard through frugivore birds? manure, T4 - Chemical fertilisersand T5 -Poul- • Has it been intentionally or unintention- try manure. The above nutrient sources were ally planted by the early people for some applied at the rates,'which supplement 20:40:0 reasons? kg of N, P and Klha. The recommended plant density of 4,00,000Iha was maintained These are the issues which will be probed and irrigation was given at fortnightly inter- during 1999-2000. vals when there was no rain.

Table 3.11 :Activities relating to minor miUets project

( 301.2.1 Effect of various sources of organic and inorganic manure on little millet 301.2.2 Evaluation of landraces of little millet 301.2.3 Diversity and differentiation among traditional landraces of little Millets 301.2.4 Food fortification studies

105 Annual Report 1998-99 «

Table 3.12 : Effect of different sources of nutrients on growth and productivity of little miUet landrace - mallia sarnat Characters Treatments Plant No. of No. of Length of No. of Grain Harvest height leaves/ productive the panicle grains/ yield! index (em) plant tillers/plant (em) panicle plant(g) (%) T1 65.67 171.33 43.33 25.33 372.33 15.40 18.73 1'2 67.33 182.33 42.33 24.0 405.67 15.43 21.70 T3 67.67 187.67 38.33 23.67 326.33 14.03 19.23 T4 65.67 177.67 27.00 23.17 338.67 11.40 16.83 T5 68.67 184.67 29.67 26.00 448.00 13.73 18.73 SEd NS NS S NS NS S S CD 6.39 22.7 5.73 4.90 87.5 1.38 1.16 (p=0.05)

NS - Non Significant; S - significant

Table 3.13 : Effect of different sources of nutrients on growth and productivity of little miUet landrace - kattavettt sarnat Characters Treatments Plant No. of No. of Length of No. of Grain Harvest height leaves/ productive the panicle grains/ yield! index (em) plant tillers/plant (em) panicle plant(g) (%) T1 79.67 172.33 24.00 23.33 332.67 26.33 16.13 1'2 82.67 189.67 23.67 26.33 274.67 25.57 16.07 13 87.0 184.00 23.67 30.67 348.67 26.73 15.00 T4 76.0 177.33 25.33 25.67 268.67 22.27 14.23 T5 64.0 179.67 26.33 23.67 249.33 24.33 14.80 SEd NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CD 20.57 19.37 6.57 7.54 142.00 5.47 2.67 (p=0.05)

NS - Non Significant

106 Ecoteehnology and Sustainable Agriculture

The indications are that the short duration advance and heritability parameters of race is more responsive to the added nutri- seven races of little millet along with one ents and the crop needs less amount of improved variety for seven direct and indi- nutrients for growth and production of the rect characters. The estimated value of the grains. The application of Azospirillum re- components of variance and their co-effi- sults in higher yield with good harvest in- cient, heritability and genetic advance are dex. presented in Table 3.14. The study will be conducted again during The study has shown that plant height, 1999-2000 along with the nutrient manage- number of grains/panicle, number ment related to soil dynamics at Kolli Hills of leaves, plant and harvest index can as well as in Namakkal. be considered as reliable indicators for selection of ideal plant types as they 301.2.2 Evaluation of Landraces of Uttle have high heritability and genetic Millets of Kolli Hills advance as compared to the other charac- A study was carried out to assess the genetic ters. Table 3.14 :Evaluation of landraces of Uttle millets for seven characters

Parameters Mean F Value PCV' c;cv$ ECV' Heritability Genetic % % % advance of mean

32.29 Plant height 81.07 11.07 18.02 8.62 15.81 86.5 (cm) 26.87 No. of 141.04 20.87 16.95 6.20 15.77 77.04 leaves/plant 20.62 No. of 27.25 5.90 16.15 9.95 12.72 62.05 productive. tillers/plant (cm) Length of 26.75 7.24 15.49 8.82 12.73 67.56 21.68 the panicle No. of 332.54 11.01 22.57 10.79 19.7 71.00 35.66 grains/ panicle Grain yield/ 24.35 6.95 18.57 10.75 15.41 66.50 25.61 plant (g) Harvest 26.55 16.25 35.73 14.48 32.66 83.54 61.05 Index (%)

• phenotypic crop variance, 5 genetic crop variance, (I environmental crop variance

107 Annual Report 1998-99

301.2.3 Diversity and Differentiation particular morphotypes, would obviously have among the Traditional Landraces of resulted in narrow genetic variation by elimi- Minor Millets nating large morphological variability. It is therefore expected that the morphological The landraces (11) of the millets collected variability as selected by the cultivators would from the field, the same races grown in vary to a large extent depending on the local greenhouse were analysed for the variations environment and choice of a particular vari- in genomic DNA using random arbitrary ety. This has however, not been reflected in primers. The 11 random primers used for terms of the genetic variation among them. amplification of genomic DNA scored a total This is further complicated when the amount number of 82 loci but did not reveal any of variability in these genotypes is lost when polymorphisrns between them. grown under controlled environmental con- These landraces, based on RAPD analysis, ditions. Whether this could be attributed to displayed about 30 per cemtpolymorphic loci "phenotypic plasticity" needs further detailed on pair-wise comparisons. However, these investigations. Investigations including a variations were not evident among all the number of additional genotypes from diverse samples analysed. This has resulted from the eco-geographical conditions are underway. discrete variation among the two groups of However, based on these preliminary obser- genotypes. Broadly eight genotypes/landraces vations, it could be logical to think that the showed a similar profile, while the remain- landraces of some of the species of minor ing three were distinctly different from them. millets have a narrow genetic base. Whether When the seeds collected from these this has been due to their long cultivation landraces were grown in the same sets of history needs to be studied in great detail. environmental conditions (i.e. in the green house at MSSRF),although phenotypic varia- 301.2.4 Food Fortification Studies tions were observed, all the samples dis- played a similar profile, pointing to the fact Presence of large-scale micronutrients such that these samples are absolutely similar. This as iron, calcium, Vitamin C etc. can provide primarily implies that genotypes grown un- micronutrient deficient countries like India der similar environmental conditions had no with a new avenue in strengthening food variations with respect to their RAPD pro- security. Creating an economic stake. in con- files. servation is an important strategy for sustain- able development. The nutrient contents of The observed variability in the field grown minor millets offer scope for creating an eco- genotypes could therefore well be attributed nomic stake. to the physical environment of the areas where these landraces have been grown. This During 1997-98, the project identified a spe- is primarily because of the fact that the se- cific land race of little millet, sadan samai. lection process practised by the farmers for In 1998, an attempt was made to make bread

108 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

out of little millet on a trial basis with the addition of gluten. Hence, in the second help of a major bakery. Before testing sadan round of experiments, 10% flour of sadan samai with the bread, an attempt was made samai was mixed with regular ingredients of to study certain parameters, which are es- bread. However, the micronutrient solution sential for food fortification, the results of was not added in the bread with little millet, which are given in Table 3.15. whereas the regular bread was enriched with vitamins. These breads when further tested The absence of trypsin inhibitor activity and for their micronutrient contents revealed that aflatoxin offer scope for sadan samai in food the contents (iron, calcium and vitamins) were fortification. However, the Protein Dispers- substantially high in millet bread compared ability Index and water absorption capacity to regular bread, which was enriched with may necessitate a critical look, particularly vitamin solution (Table 3.16). In addition, with reference to the bakery industry. the bread made with 10% addition of sadan The initial attempt with 25% little millet did samai was more stable and did not show not provide stability. The bread turned out the crumbly quality ~nd dryness as witnessed to be very crumbly and dry in spite of the in the bread with .25% of it.\

Table 3.15 : Variouspbysical and biochemical properties 0/ sadan sarnai

Parameters Results

Water absorption capacity (gig)" 0.88+0.06 Protein Dispersability Index (%)" ZO.99+0.6 Trypsin Inhibitor Activity" Not Detectable Acid Insoluble Ash (WIW)"" < 0.10% Crude Fibre (WIW)" < 0.10% Aflatoxin Bl, BZ, G1 & GZ"" Below Detectable Limit (Detection Limit: B1, G1, 5 ppb each; BZ, GZ, < 1 ppb each) " Analyzed by Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 1998 "" Analysed by SGS India Limited, Chennai 1998

Table 3.16 : Micronutrients in different types o/breads

Regular bread enriched tittle millet bread Micronutrients" with vitamin without enrichment of vitamin (mg/lOOg) (mg/lOOg) Iron 3.Z0 Z.5 Calcium Z.O 1.20 Vitamin C 9.49 7.02 " Samples analysed at SGS India Ltd., Chennai, 1999

109 Annual Report 1998-99

For the palatability and the response of the of little millet in regions like Kolli Hills. consumer, a test was made with 24 respon- dents. The response showed that bread with With another leading bakery in Chennai, the little millet received scores from moderate to project attempted to fortify regular bread with poor whereas the regular bread was evalu- 30% of two landraces of little millet kattavetti ated from excellent to good. Colour, appear- samai and fox tail millet, koran tbinai. These ance, taste, texture, aroma and chewiness breads were compared with the regular bread were the traits which were studied in this produced by the bakery for micronutrients. exercise. The results are found in Table 3.17. The experiment indicates that while fortifica- Koran tbinai shows promises for enriching tion of bread with little millet is possible, the bread with iron, zinc and protein. Pre- efforts have to be taken to improve the taste, liminary observations reveal that the differ- colour, texture and aroma. An improvement ent landraces of little millets from Kolli Hills in these qualities will ~nable little millet to have different potentials in terms of micro- find a niche in the organised sector. Such a nutrients. This will be further probed during demand will help in strengthening the role 1999-2000.

Table 3.17 :Micronutrients in breads fortified with minor miUets

Samples

Parameters' .Kattavetti samai (30%) koran tbinai (30%) Regular bread

Carbohydrates % (W/W) 81.42 81.15 84.79 Protein % (W/W) 13.61 14.73 10.73 Fat % (W/W) 2.58 1.59 2.50 Energy Value (Kcals/l00g) 382.99 377.54 380.58 Calcium as Ca % (W/W) 0.05 0.047 0.07 Phosphorous as P % (W/W) 0.12 0.13 0.13 Iron as Fe (ppm) 29.91 33.83 28.02 Zinc as Zn (ppm) 19.70 24.51 12.21 Copper as Cu (ppm) 3.51 3.35 3.21 Vitamin A (mig) 12.68 15.24 14.30 Vitamin Bl (mg/g) 76 220 240 Vitamin B2 (mg/g) 120 89 120

• Samples analysed on dry basis by SGS India Ltd., Chennai, 1999

110 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Attempts were made to mix two landraces of be further studied during 1999-2000. little millets, mallia samai (MS)and thirirkula samai (TS) with chapathis. These chapathis The present study made an attempt to un- were compared with regular chapathis made derstand the traditional food items made out from wheat flour with a brand name (WF). of minor millets by the Malayali tribe of Kolli The chapathis were checked in room tem- Hills CTable 3.18). Using the methods of perature (33:t1DC) as well as under air con- Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), the ditioned temperature (25:t1DC). WF was used method of preparing the following traditional as control. For the experiment, in two samples food items was documented. 20%of MSand TS respectively replaced wheat There has been a major decline in the con- flour. All other ingredients were the same. sumption of these food items. The difficulty With WF substantial amount of bacteria and in pounding is given as a major reason for a few fungal colonies were observed after avoiding the traditional food items. Common 48 hours of incubation in the control with millet, little millet and Italian millet have easily 100 and 25% colonisation, at room tempera- detachable husks while kodo millet has a ture and air conditioned room respectively. multi-layered hard husk which makes the In the case of MS, the colonisation started pounding operation a more difficult task. The only after 72 hours, with 35 and <5% in room tribals also point out that the poor storage and air conditioned temperature respectively. life compared to other cereals and major On the other hand the reverse was observed millets is another reason for the decline in the with TS Le. <5 in room temperature and 15% consumption of minor millet based food in air-conditioned temperature. The longer items. The project has been. trying to de- shelf-life of chapathis with little millets and velop simple low-cost dehusking units and it the differential performance of the two has approached technical institutions for sup- landraces of little millets from Kolli Hills will port.

Table 3.18 : Traditional food items of KoUi Hills

Varieties Landraces Boiled millet Porridge Fried snack Deep fried snacks Other items little millet Sorrn Kanji & Kali Murrnkku Upuma

Italian Millet -do- -do- Murrnkku Flour (Mavu) Athirasam Kachayam

Common Millet -do- -do- Paniyaram

Kodo Millet -do- -do-

111 Annual Report 1998-99

On 3 August '98, the project took part in the and labour. In Kannivadi, agricultural women annual temple festival at Arapaleeswarar labourers and farmers are being trained to Temple and exhibited a stall of traditional enhance their skill in quality seed produc- and modern food items prepared with minor tion. Since the inception of the project in millets. More than 3,000 people visited the 1996, 2,455 men and women were trained stall. for 19,712 days in different aspects of seed production and management. The intensive 301.3 Kannivadi training encouraged the farmers to take up Kannivadi and the surrounding villages are seed production,. The area under seed pro- in the semi-dry region of Dindigul district of duction has been increasing steadily Tamil Nadu. Since 1996, two projects (seed from 18.6 ha in 1996-97 to 54.6 ha in 1998- village and farm level biopesticide produc- 99. tion) are being implemented in Kannivadi, Seed production was done in various horti- Srirengapuram and Vadugapatty. cultural crops (Table 3.19). Bhendi, cotton and cluster beans were the most important 301.3.1 Seed Village crops cultivated by farmers. During 1998-99, The seed village project focuses on adding hybrid bhendi in 6.4 ha and open pollinated value to the two assets of rural poor: time bhendi were cultivated in 16.8 ha.

Table 3.19 : Crops, area and women labour absorption under seed production

Women Total women Crops Area (ha) labour dayslha labour days

Bbendi - hybrid 6.4 612,5 3,920 Bbendi - open pollinated 16.8 45 756 Cotton - hybrid 7.2 3,000 21,600 Cotton - open pollinated 8.4 120 1,008 Tomato hybrid 1,250 1,250 Cluster beans 9.6 120 1,152 Bitter gourd 2.4 Ridge gourd 1.6 240 384 Watermelon 1.2 120 144

Total 54.6 5,507.5 30,214

112 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

One of the important indicators of develop- seed is Rs. 15,698 per acre and in the case ment in this project is the labour absorption of open pollinated seed production, it is Rs. in agriculture. Women labour absorption ex- 4,936 per acre. Women were involved in 4,997 clusively for seed production activities such labour days in hybrid seed production fetch- as hybridisation, seed processing and seed ing them a total income of Rs. 1,67,300during quality management is around 552.5 women 1998-99.In the case of open pollinated seeds labour days/ha. (including various other agricultural opera- tions), they were involved in 7,757 labour The average wage rate for hybrid seed pro- days with a total income of Rs. 1,81,800. duction is Rs. 35; for a 6-hour workday with tomato, it is Rs. 40. In contrast, the daily One of the important objectives of the project wage for an 8-hour day for regular agricul- is grassroot institution building. Reddiar tural operation among women is RS.25. Chatiram Seed Growers' Association was During 1998-99, according to the estimate of formed and registered during 1998-99. It has the project (which includes the imputed wage 150 farmers and women agricultural labourers rate for family labour), more than as members. This association is now negoti- Rs. 10,57,000 has been paid as wages to ating with seed industries on behalf of its women for seed production activities alone. members. Its objectives are to protect and support its members in seed production ac- The project found that the recommendation tivities, human resource development in seed of the seed companies for fertilisers are very production and management and improving high and hence suggested replacing a major the economic conditions of seed producers portion of nitrogenous fertilisers with farm and labourers involved in seed production. yard manure, vermicompost, green manure Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural and other organic fertilisers. In the initial Development Research & Action (CENSAR) stages, the farmers have replaced 30% of the is a non-governmental organisation with farm- inorganic fertilisers with organic fertilisers. ers and agricultural labourers as its mem- The project has also made mandatory that all bers. This organisation was formed with the the pesticides should have a neem oil base. support of the project. Its aims are to en- The project also specified the area per farmer courage the villages in and around Kannivadi for seed production keeping in .view the in sustainable development through partici- issues of biodiversity. In addition to seed patory research and development. 25 SHGs production the farmers are encouraged to have been formed with more than 450 mem- grow traditional varieties. bers. Using savings and credit as major inter- A household survey was conducted during vention, the SHGs are involved in develop- 1998-99 in Pudupatti village. All the 340 ing value addition activities in the agricul- households were covered by the survey. The tural sector. The project is analysing the preliminary results of this analysis show that impact of these interventions in the quality the average net income in the case of hybrid of life of rural poor.

113 Annual Report 1998-99

301.3.2 Farm-level Biopesticide tomato, bbendi and sugarcane internode Production borer.

The mass production of Tricbogramma us- Since the production process takes place at ing Cor~yra at the farm and rural household the village level, the project tested the fea- level without any major instrumentation and sibility of certain simple interventions to in- control,became the focus of the project. Using crease the productivity and parasitisation rate. the limited resources of farm households, the project identified the production process. The effect of temperature on Corcyra While culturing and feed preparation took cepbalonicaat the farm household level place at the household level, sterilised using One of the major problems in culturing common resources, and UV lamp. During Cor~yra is the impact of temperature on 1998-99, 20 women from Vadugapatty village production and parasitisation' rates. In the near Periakulam of Theni district took part absence of temperature and humidity con- in refining the production process of Cor~yra trolling instruments at the rural level, an and Tricbogramma. A production centre was efficient production process using the low established at Kannivadi and farmers have cost local resources is required. Therefore an been identified to participate in the mass experiment was launched at the project site. production of biopesticides. The temperature was maintained between 30 6,000 cc of Cor~yraeggs were produced from and 33.2°Cby thatching the roof and wetting 400 trays. Out of this, 3,000 cc was marketed the gunny bags in the room, twice a day at (as a initial marketing triaD, 300 cc was used 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Control was maintained at as inoculum and remaining 2,700 cc was used normal room temperature. Since the objec- for trichocard preparation. These trichocards tive of the study was to improve the produc- were distributed as per Table 3.20 for the tion of C. cepbalonica at the farm level, no control of Helicoverpa armigera in cotton, other equipment was used to control the

Table 3.20 :Distribution ojtricbocards to tbejarmers/sectors

Trichocard Jssues (cc) Area covered (ha)

Vadugapatty 800 110 Srirengapuram 305 40 Kannivadi 375 50 Marketing Agencies 255 Inoculum 690 Wastage 275

Total 2,700 200

114 Ecoteehnology and Sustainable Agriculture temperature and relative humidity. The tem- select a suitable colour of cards for better perature in the trays and the room were pardsitisation. The experiment consisted of noted at 8 a.m., 12 noon and 4 p.m. daily from six treatments (brown, red, blue, green, yel- the first day of inoculation to the last day of low and white) with five replications egg harvest and the egg production was re- each. Each card was inoculated with 2 cc corded. The results are given in Table 3.21. for parasitisation. After parasitisation, the Though the difference in the temperature number of parasitised and non-parasitised 2 ranged between I-2°C with the RH 2-5%,the Corcyra eggs were counted from 1 cm peak of production was attained 2 weeks area as random @ of 5 counts/replication. earlier than the control. The study shows the From replication values, percentage of possibilities of increasing the production by parasitisation was worked out. Among vari- using simple techniques. By adopting the same ous card colours, blue and green cards at- technique, the eggs produced were found to tained maximum percentage of parasitisation. be healthy with higher parasitisation rate. Though the differences between the parasitisation rate among various colours were The influence of card colour on the rate statistically non-significant, the project has of parasitisation began to use colour cards of green, blue and yellow. The objective of this experiment was to

Table 3.21 :Effect of temperature and R1l on mass production of Corcyra

No. of weeks Control Treatment after inoculation temp. (C) RH (%) Eggs (ee). Temp. (C) RH (%) Eggs (ee).

6 33.8 64.4 8.45 32.4 68.2 17.5 7 33.7 69.5 16.0 33.2 76.6 38.7 8 31.7 65.5 37.7 30.7 71.2 no 9 32.6 62.9 60.7 31.4 70.5 76.5 10 32.7 64.1 83.2 31.8 70.6 69.0 11 32.9 60.3 63.5 31.9 69.4 40.2 12 33.2 62.1 34.8 32.7 68.6 19.1 13 31.7 67.8 .16.7 31.6 73.8 8.0

Mean 32.8 64.6 40.2 31.8 71.1 43.26 to.8 t3.0 t26.7 to.6 t2.8 :1:27.8

• total from 21 trays

115 Annual Report 1998.99

Table 3.22 : The influenceof card colour on the rate of parasitisation

Card colour Parasitisation(%)

Red 83.20 Brown 82.95 Blue 84.46 Green 84.51 Yellow 83.96 White 79.56 F Value 1.832 •

• Not significant

The effect of storage period on the rate rate was noted (67.8% after 96 hrs) (Table of parasitisation 3.23). The efficiency of parasitisation reduces This study has helped the project to develop -as the storage time of treated eggs of Corcyra a production plan based on the time of increases. The eggs were treated at zero planting of various crops so that cards with hours and stored for different periods (0, 12, high parasitisation rate could be sold to the 24, 48, 72, 96 hours) and tested for farmers. This project has already been initi- parasitisation rate. The zero hours stored eggs ated at Kannivadi, where a SHG called were highly efficient (885%) compared to Poomani Pengal Suya Udavi Sangam, con- all other treatments. As the storage period sisting of 20 women, are planning to take increases a gradual decrease in parasitisation up the producti.on and marketing of

Table 3.23 : The effect of storage period on the rate of parasitisation

Storage time (hours) Parasitisation(%) o 88.52 12 85.34 24 83.26 48 80.99 72 72.44 96 67.86 F Value 21.50 •

• Significant at 1% level

116 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture biopesticide. During 1999-2000,they will be 301.4.1 Farm Level Biopesticide Produc- trained in production, management and tion: Study of Helicoverpa armigera for marketing. During 2000-2001, they will con- NPV Production tribute a major portion of the running cost Helicoverpa armigera is considered to be the of the Sangam. During the third year, world's most cosmopolitan and polyphagous they will buy the infrastructure from the pest, possessing high mobility, high fecun- project and contribute the entire running dity and facultative diapause. It survives in costs. any habitat. Since 1997, the project has been attempting to study the possibility of host 301.4 Chennai specific variations at the sub-species level. The early morphological studies in the project JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre conducts could not offer any insight into the issues many studies in its laboratories at Chennai and hence, a detailed biochemical study of (Table 3.24) as a support service to its activi- the pest was carried out during 1998-99. ties in Chidambaram, Kolli Hills and Kannivadi. It has a prawn hatchery operat- The pest H. armigera fran bbendi, cotton ir.g on the principles of resource recycling. and redgram were colfected and reared un- Hostel facilities and training infrastructure der laboratory conditions up to there gen- make it possible to conduct training erations (hereafter referred as LG1, LG2 and programmes regularly. Seminars and confer- LG3), and its fecundity rate is given in Table ences at the national and international levels 3.25. The cellular constituents, total sugars, help to strengthen the policies towards reducing sugar and total soluble protein were ecotechnology. estimated (Table 3.26).

Table 3.24 :Activities at the Centre in Chennai

301.4.1 Farm level biopesticide production of Helicoverpa armigera 301.4.2 Biofertilisers and organic fertilisers 301.4.3 Drumstick seeds for deflouridation efficiency 301.4.4 Low cost green house 301.4,5 Eco aquaculture: fresh water prawn hatchet)' 301.4.6 Capacity Building

117 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 3.25 :Fecundity status of Helicoverpa armigera under laboratory conditions

Host plant Generation Fecundity Hatchability (%)

Bhendi Wild 800 40 LG, 500 60

LG2 300 50

LG3 100 40 Cotton Wild 500 50 LG, 400 70

LG2 300 60

LG3 200 40 Red gram Wild 300 40

LGJ 240 40

LG2 150 30

LG3 100 30

Table 3.26 :Levels of cellular constituents in H. armigera

Generation Constituents" Host plants Total soluble protein Total sugar Reducing sugar

Bhendi Wild 5.2:t0.1 0.70:t0.1 0.35:t0.2 LG] 4.l:t0.1 0.64:t0.2 0.30:t0.1

LG2 3.5:t0.1 0.28:t0.3 0.15:t0.2

LG3 8.1:t0.1 0.40:1:0.1 0.20:1:0.1 Cotton Wild 4.5:t0.1 0.65:t0.3 0.37:1:0.2 LG] 3.2:1:0.1 0.35:1:0.1 0.17:1:0.2

LG2 4.9:1:0.1 0.60:1:0.1 0.29:1:0.2 LG\ 10.7:1:0.1 0.90:1:0.1 0.40:1:0.1 Red gram Wild 4.1:1:0.1 0.70:t0.1 0.35:1:0.2 LG, 3.6:1:0.1 0.47:t0.2 0.23:1:0.1

LG2 3.3:1:0.2 0.35:1:0.1 0.16:1:0.1

LG3 5.50:1:0.1 0.40:1:0.2 0.30:1:0.1 CV 44.03 34.09 30.67

" mglgfresh wt. Each value mean of triplicate :I: SE

118 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Enzyme activities in H. armigera 193.2-195.0, whereas, alkaline phosphatase activity was slightly higher, ranging between Different enzymes viz., acid and alkaline 198.0-200.0 pM of phenoVmin/mg protein. phosphatases, isocitrate dehydrogenase, suc- cinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase, lactate dehydroge- nase, protease were assayed in the pest on The activity of all mitochondrial enzymes bhendi, cotton and red gram from wild type reduced slightly from wild to LG3 and the to LG generation. The result shows no sig- reduction was highly significant in isocitrate 3 nificant deviation between generation as well dehydrogenase (70-50 in bhendi, 61-50 in as hosts. cotton and 71.3-47.3 in red gram) compared to the other two enzymes. There was no Phosphatases major difference in succinate dehydrogenase (9.3-12.2) and malate dehydrogenase (167.0- The acid phosphatase activity ranged between 176.4) enzyme units (Table 3.27).

Table 3.27 :Activity of mitochondrial enzymes in H, armigera

Enzymes Host plants Generation Isocitrate Succinate Malate dehydrogenase' dehydrogenase' dehydrogenase$

Bhendi Wild 70.0:1: 0.1 12.2:1: 0.2 176.4:1: 0.2 LG} 68.2:1: 0.1 11.0:1: 0.1 174.0:1: 0.2 10.0:1: 0.1 168.0:1: 0.1 LG2 56.3:1: 0.1 8.7:1: 0.1 170.0:1: 0.1 LG3 50.0:1: 0.1 Cotton Wild 61.0:1: 0.1 10.9:1: 0.1 171.8:1: 0.1 LG] 56.3:t 0.2 10.5:1: 0.3 169.0:1: 0.2 167.0:1: 0.1 LG2 50.0:1: 0.1 09.9:1: 0.1 09.0:1: 0.1 170.0:1: 0.1 LG3 68.2:1: 0.1 Redgram Wild 71.3:1: 0.2 10.6:1: 0.2 170.7:1: 0.1 68.2:1: 0.1 09.3:1: 0.1 168.0:1: 0.3 LG1 10.1:1: 0.2 169.0:1: 0.1 LG2 50.0:1: 0.2 10.3:1: 0.2 159.9:1: 0.1 LG3 47.3:1: 0.1 CV 15.29 9.35 1.57

• nM of a-KG fonned/hour/mg protein @ pM of succinate oxidised/min/mg protein .$Number of enzyme units/ing protein Each value mean of triplicate :I: SE

119 Annual. Report 1998.99

Alcohol dehydrogenase its nature and thus further control measures may become easier. During 1999-2000, the The activity which ranged between 3.1 - 4.2 study will focus on the relationship between nM of NAD converted/min/mg protein was host enzymes and the enzyme activities in very meagre, with minute difference between the pest, which will help to refine the pro- the crops. However, the wild pests had duction and usage pattern of NPV. slightly higher activity compared to their subsequent generations. In cotton the reduc- 301.4.2 Biofertilisers and Organic tion (4.2-3.2) in activity was more from wild Fertilisers to LG and increased in LG when compared j 2 to other crops. Among the other two crops During 1998-99, attention was given to there was a gradual decrease from wild to Azospirillum :;p. and efforts were made to study the various biochemical parameters LG2 i.e., 3.9-3.2 and 4.0-3.1 in red gram and bhendi respectively. including production of phytohormones in two different species of Azospirillum namely, Lactate dehyrogenase A. lipofemm and A. brasilense. As per earlier reports, the mutant strains are more efficient The results clearly indicate that the pest could than the wild.ones and hence in the present liberate more or equal amount of pyruvate study wild strains mutated under UV radia-. in all the generations. The highest (240 mM) tion were also used. was found in redgram with significant differ- ence among the other two hosts. The activ- In the present study, the various C sources (malic. acid, succinic acid and citric acid), ity reduced by 20 mM in LGj generation; however LG did not vary from that of LG and presence or absence of tryptophan were 2 r tested on these organisms for growth, pro- duction of cellular constituents, phytohor- Protease activity mones, etc., (Table 3.28). The study indi- There is no significant difference in the cates that the growth of these strains was enzyme activity, which ranged between 196.6 influenced only by malic acid in mutant nM of acid to 203.0, the lowest in redgram strains of both A.lipofemm and A.brasilense. LG1 and the highest in bhendi wild. The The presence of tryptophan did not influ- increase/decrease trend was not uniform. ence the growth and other cellular constiuents except protein. However, IAA and cytokinin The study indicates that while host-specific contents were slightly higher compared to variations are insignificant, the diet has a control. major influence on production of constitu- ents and enzyme activities. However, further These basic findings will be linked to the studies in this line like isoenzymes, study of certain plant spedes which are used allelozymes and their genetic relationship as green manure and green leaf manure. In using RAPDand RFLPtools will help to prove combination with phosphobacteria and

120 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agrkulture

Table 3.28 : Effects of tryptophan on phytohormone production of AzospiriUum sp.

Isolate IAA. Cytokinin' Control Tryptophan Control Tryptophan

A. lipofernm (wild) 650 670 220 240 A. lipofernm (mutant) 730 855 235 260 A. brasilense (wild) 830 845 205 190 A. brasilense (mutant) 810 860 220 205

• llg fAA released/l; @ llg zeatin released/l Each value mean of triplicate

Trichoderma, these plant species will be and transported to the shoot system by trans- probed for their effectiveness as organic portation. Studies have shown that fluoride fertilisers. thus ingested into the system gets accumu- lated in the leaf margins where there is more 301.4.3 Drumstick Seeds (Moringa water loss (Table 3.29). The physiological oleifera) for Defluoridation Efficiency symptoms due to fluoride pollution include chlorosis and necrosis. One of the aspects of During 1998-99, efforts were made to ex- fluoride damage to leaves is that it is appar- plore the possibility of retarding the fluoride ently accumulated by the plant and translo- accumulations by plants through soil amend- cated to the leaf tips where it accumulates ments using lime. Such a possibility may in concentration several times higher than not only help to grow Moringa olie/era, the the average concentration in the leaf. There seeds of which can effectively remove fluo- are very few studies on the effects of ride in drinking water but also reduce the fluoride on food crops. In general, broad- risk of fluorosis in human beings by ingest- leaved species accumulate more fluoride than ing fluoride through plants. In the present conifers when they occur together. It study, Amaranthus viridis was used to ob- has been shown that fluoride has the capac- serve the fluoride uptake in its leaves and ity to inhibit chlorophyll synthesis and pho- seeds. tosynthesis. In areas polluted heavily with Plants are exposed to fluoride primarily by fluoride, plants accumulate significant two routes vis-a-vis soil and air. Fluoride is amounts of fluoride, which could contribute taken up from the soil by passive diffusion, to higher ingestion of fluoride in human

121 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 3.29 :Fluoride uptake by leaves and seeds of Amaranthus viridis

Seed level.I Seed level.II Leaf level.I Leaf level-II Treatments (lmg/kg) (10mg/kg) (lmg/kg) (lOmglkg)

Fluoride (Positive Control) 24.4 :t 0.75•• 61.0 :I: 1.08 888,36 :t 3.98 368.96 :I: 2.01 Fluoride + Calcium 7.06 :I: 1.02. 41.91 :I: 1.58. 168.39 :I: 1.25. 159.56 :I: 1.55. Fluoride + Phosphorous 60.16 :I: 0.45 74.42 :t 1.69 108.46 :I: 2.25. 332.48 :I: 2.84•• Fluoride + Calcium + Phosphorous 6.96 :I: 0,3. 62.57 :t 0.9 148.73 :I: 1.37" 191.6 :I: 1.31.

• significant at P< 0.05 (t-test with unequal v.ariance) •• Mean of triplicates :t SD beings and animals. Therefore, plants are 301.4.4 Low Cost Greenhouse important vectors of the element in all eco- systems. JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre has been studying possibilities of using low cost green- In the present study, the effect of lime was house techniques for hybrid seed production observed in the fluoride uptake of among the rural landless poor households. Amaranthus viridis. Hut type casurina pole framed greenhouses of 5 x 3m wide facing east to west were The study shows that there has been statis- constructed as follows: tically significant retardation of fluoride up- t.ake by the plants treated with lime. On the Tl- Roof and sides covered by nylon net other hand, plant groups treated with super T2- Roof and sides covered by High-Density phosphate increased the fluoride accumula- Polyethylene (HDPE) sheet tion of the test plants due to the intrinsic presence of fluoride in the fertiliser itself. n- Roof and sides covered by HDPE sheet The study indicates the possibility of retard- during vegetative stage and left open ing the fluoride uptake in seeds and leaves during reproductive stage using agronomic interventions such as lime T4- Roof covered by HDPE sheets and sides application. During 1999-2000,on-farm trials with nylon net will be conducted in the fluoride-contami- TS- Open field condition as control nated regions of Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted with randomised

122 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture block design with three replications. Two ranged between 37-45%. Maximum produc- crops viz.} bhendi (Arka Anamika variety) tion was in T2 (l70g!plant), which was 25 and capsicum (California Wonder variety) times higher than that of the control. were tested under these conditions. The crops were grown in rows parallel to the length of The study shows that treatment T3 has been the greenhouse. Regular practice of cultiva- consistent in terms of yield/plant followed tion using organic farming was followed. by T2. These two treatments will be demon- Chemical fertilisers and pesticides were not strated at Kannivadi for hybrid seed produc- used. Neem oil (3%) was used to control the tion among landless rural households. The pest i.ncidence. Temperature and relative experiment wtll be repeated for tomato dur- humidity were recorded at 2 p.m. using dry ing 1999-2000. and wet bulb. Biological parameters such as number of leaves, number of nodes and yield 301.4.5 Eco-aquaculture:Fresh Water were observed and subjected to statistical Prawn Hatchery analysis. Results are given in Table 3.30. A fresh. water prawn hatchery has been es- Bhendi was grown from August to Novem- tablished with a capacity for 3,00,000 finger- ber and during this period, the temperature lings of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The varied highly between treatments from 30°C, hatchery has been designed in such a way 46°c in T3 whereas the relative humidity did as to demonstrate environment friendly tech- not show any significant difference between nologies. Precisioning of energy and other treatments. However, the maximum produc- resource utilisation and biological remedies tion was observed in n. Capsicum was of water treatment and recycling are the cultivated during January-March and the tem- important aspects of this. hatchery. Biofilters perature ranged between 36-43°C, the high- have been installed for complete water est in T2 and lowest in T4 (36-40°C).RH recirculatory system. The process of purifica-

Table 3.30 : Comparative analysis of crops in low cost green house

Bhendi Capsicum Treatments Height Leaves Nodes Yield! Height Leaves Nodes Yield! (em) (no) (no) plant (g) (em) (no) (no) plant(g)

II 102 8 7 97 43 25 10 104 T2 119 76 99 44 21 11 170 T3 108 7 6 138 39 21 11 134 T4 116 7 5 87 36 22 10 105 T5 53 7 565 29 15 8 61 CV at 5% 5.68 NS NS 10.00 6.96 NS NS 4.6 Each value mean of. triplicate

123 Annual Report 1998-99 tion is facilitated by bacteria which naturally ability of feed was assessed for 40 days (one colonise on substrates or media constituted larval cycle) based on the percentage sur- in the filtering unit. vival of prawn larvae, the time taken for metamorphosis and the proximate analysis The hatchery will be the base for training of the nutrient content. The results obtained rural women in aquaculture management. The from the prepared larval feed and live feed hatchery is also used for conducting experi- alone were not significantly different. How- ments on feed. During 1998-99 an attempt ever, the growth and survival of the larvae was made to study the feed efficiency, in fed with a combination of prepared larval terms of nutrition content and the growth feed and live feed were significantly higher enhancement potential of larvae of the fresh- (P

Table 3.31 : Training programmes in ecotechnology

Area No. of trainee days

Soil Health Management 8,988 Ecohorticulture 400 Water harvesting 630 Integrated Pest Management 630 Biodiversity conservation 1,600 Informatics for rural development 120

Total 12,368

124 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

In addition, the Centre trained more than 300 officials from the Agriculture Department Sub Programme Area 302 of the Government of Tamil Nadu in multi- media database. Biovillages A meeting was organised between the staff of the Centre and 60 women participants of The Biovillage project supported by the various projects in which tools' for under- United Nations Development Programme is standing and evaluating gender issues were currently being implemented in 19 villages discussed. In this programme, the women in the Union Territory of Pondicherry. The participants pointed out that identity and self- project is now in the fifth and final year of confidence are the major outcomes of any implementation. good training programme. A new project funded by the Department of On 29 July '98, the President of India inau- Biotechnology on integrated nutrient man- gurated the new building of JRD Tata agement in cropping systems commenced in Ecotechnology Centre at MSSRF.With facili- February '99, with the objective of testing ties such as hostel and training Centre, the and demonstration of proven and periodi- new building has added a new dimension to cally available biofertilisers (Azospirillum, the capacity building process. Phosphobacterium and Rhizobium) in the field. The Centre organised an International Con- sultation with the support of Genetic Re- 302.1 On Farm Research and Demonstra- source Policy Committee of the Consultative tion Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) on "Enlarging the basis of Food Yield testing of hybrids Security: Role of Under-utilised Species dur- ing February '99. Participants from interna- Paddy:Hybrid rice technology was introduced tional research institutions, World Bank, the in the biovillages to break the yield plateau private sector and government agencies par- in paddy. Of the 12 hybrids tested so far in ticipated in a two-day discussion. The con- the biovillages, CORH 1 was identified as a sultation suggested a much stronger role of potential hybrid recording a 20-23%increased CGIAR in promoting the under-utilised spe- yield over the local check variety, with an cies like minor millets. Specific action plans additional net income of Rs. 4,000 - 7,000 were recommended. CGIARhas taken initia- ha. To demonstrate the superiority of CORH tives to follow the recommendations. The 1, participatory trial plots have been laid out report was discussed in the mid-term meet- during Navarai '99 Qanuary - April.) in 10 ing held at Beijing in May '99. villages including one on a large scale (2 acres), covering all the three clusters of

125 Annual Report 1998-99 villages. The other rice hybrids tested during yield increase over the local check variety the year were DRRH 1 (Navarai '98) and was recorded. Trial plots have been laid out CORH 2 (Samba September.-December.). The during Thai pattam '99, to confirm previous two hybrids however had no substantial yield yield trials. Trials on yield testing of IGGS increase over the check variety. 44, a red kernel variety, is also under progress. Cotton:Six cotton hybrids viz. RCH 1,2,11,19,36 and NHH 44 were yield tested Cotton:The variety Rasi 171, yield-tested during Thai pattam '98 (February.-July). NHH during Thai pattam '98 recorded a 39% yield 44 recorded a 48% yield increase over the increase over the check variety LRA 5166. check variety. The quality of fibre was also good. It fetched the farmer an increased Tapioca: New tapioca varieties viz., H 1687, price of Rs. 2/kg of kapos over the check H 2304, S 856, C 1649, C 1731, H 226, H variety. 165, H 97 received from Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRn, Tiruvanantha- Yield testing of new varieties puram, were screened for mosaic disease, by raising them in a nursery. Setts from healthy Paddy:Confirmatory yield trials of ASD 20 plants were selected and planted in Mr. (Navarai '98), ADT 43 (Kuruvai '98), ASD Vilvalingam'sfield at Vambupet village in June 19, J 18 and CO 46 (Samba '98) were taken '98. The crop is being monitored regularly in up. ADT 43 recorded a 20 percent yield terms of pest and disease incidence. Due to increase over the check variety. The trial late availability of planting material from plots of the variety have been laid in 9 vil- CTCRI,the crop was planted in the off-sea- lages covering all the three clusters. The son and incidence of mosaic was severe, variety has gained popularity in non-project affecting the yield. There was no significant areas as well. J 18 was introduced to suit increase in the yield of the hybrids over the organic cultivation of paddy. Though the crop check variety. was resistant to lodging, fertiliser use was reduced by 80% and the grains fetched a Seed production price equal to that of fine varieties, the yield recorded was less (1,725 kg/ha) when com- Paddy: Seed production of paddy varieties pared to the check variety, White Ponni (3750 was initiated in six villages (2 each in the kg/ha). CO 46 and ASD 19 recorded yield three clusters) involving 8 farmers and the levels equal to that of the check variety, seeds produced were sold locally. The farm- while the pest incidence, particularly leaf ers have formed an informal group. Another folder, was less when compared to the check informal group has been formed in Poraiyur variety ADT 39. village to take up paddy seed production in Groundnut:The groundnut variety AiR 2 was. an area of 10 acres. The group consist" of 6 yield tested during Thai pattam '98, and 25% farmers.

126

J Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

To study the economic viability of CORH 1 Integrated Crop Management hybrid seed production, an experimental seed production plot of 1 acre was taken up in The technological interventions for the sus- Kizhur village. The parental seed material tainable use of land, water and human resour- was obtained from Tamil Nadu Agricultural ces for better crop production require the University, Coimbatore. About 100 kg of designing of ICM systems. Several interven- hybrid seeds were produced of which half tions in the practice for growing paddy, sugar- was used for laying the demonstration plots cane, cotton, groundnut and tapioca were in various villages and the other half for sale introduced. The interventions are of low cost to farmers. Involvement of family labour, a and generate employment, in addition to minimum of 1 acre land for seed production being energy efficient, location specific, tech- and production of a single hybrid would nically feasible and economically viable. make hybrid seed production a profitable During Navarai season Oanuary-April), sev- venture. eral interventions like biofertiliser applica- tion, optimum plant population, soil test Groundnut: Seed production of VRI2 ground- based fertiliser application and need based nut variety has been initiated in an area of pesticide spray were adopted on the farms 5 acres in the upland cluster to meet the of seven selected farmers. The yield on their local seed demand. land is given in Table 3.32.

Table 3. 32 "Productivity of rice during Navarai '98

Name of the farmer Yield (kg/ha) Difference in Variety & village yield (%) Expt. Control Mr Mayakrishnan Agaram ADT 37 6,575 6,225 5.32 Mr Shanmugam Agaram Chinna panni 6,125 5,700 6.94 Mr Paangathai Agaram Chinna panni 6,275 5,675 9.56 Mr Ezhumalai Agaram Chinna panni 5,925 5,400 8.86 Mr Kathir Kizhur lET 1444 6,000 5,675 5.42 Mr Shankar Mangalam Chinna panni 6,575 5,950 9.51 Mr Nandagapal Mangalam Chinna panni 5,350 4,925 7.94

127 Annual Report 1998.99

Chinna ponni and ADT 37 recorded the high- tivation, increasing the net profit by Rs. 1,150 est grain yield of 6,575 kglha in this season. per acre. The intelVentions reduced the in- Due to the intelVentions, yield increased in discriminate use of pesticides, imbalance in all the varieties in all the villages. the use' of fertilisers, and untimely and ex- The increase is seen to range from 5.32 to cess utilisation of water. Soil fertility and pro- 9.56%. ductivity have been maintained on a sustain- able basis. Paddy trials for Sornavari '98 (June-Septem- ber) were conducted by six farmers at Six paddy trials were conducted at Agaram, Agaram, Kizhur and Sorapet villages (Table Kizhur and Sorapet villages during Samba 3.33). Certain critical indicators were identi- (September-December). The variety grown fied and followed during this season. They by farmers during this season was ADT 39. helped to increase the yield by 7.9 to 14.5%. Yield increase due to intelVentions was a The adoption of optimum seed rate resulted maximum of 13.7% as seen in Table 3.34 in the reduction of seed cost by Rs. 300 per and generated additional employment to the acre, soil test based nutrient supply reduced tune of 13 man days over control. Due to fertiliser cost by Rs. 600 per acre and need the optimisation of resource use and adop- based pesticide spray further reduced ex- tion of cost effective technologies, the cost penses by Rs. 300. The optimisation of the of producing 1 kg of paddy grains has been inputs have resulted in reduced cost of cul- reduced to Rs. 2.50 from Rs. 3.60.

Table 3.33 :Productivity of me during Sornavarl '98

Name of the Yield (kg/ha) Difference in yield (%) farmer & village Expt Control

Mr Mayakrishnan 14.54 Agaram 5,500 4,700 Mr Shanmugam 9.69 Agaram 5,155 4,655 Mr Poongothai 9.85 Agaram 5,075 4,575 Mr Ezhumalai 9.09 Agaram 4,950 4,500 Mr Pazhani 10.35 Agaram 5,187 4,650 Mr Kathir 7.90 Kizhur 4,805 4,425

128 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Table 3.34 :Productivity of rice during Samba '98

Name of the Yield (kg/ha) farmer & Difference in yield (%) village Expt Control

Mr Mayakrishnan Agaram 5,975 5,240 12.31 Mr Shanmugam Agaram 5,R15 5,125 11.86 Mr Poongothai Agaram 5,400 4,800 11.11 Mr Ezhumalai Agaram 5,700 4,920 13.68 Mr Moorthy Agaram 5,625 4,950 12.0 Mr Kathir Kizhur 5,790 5,100 11.91 Mr.Jeyakrishnan Kizhur 5,250 5,000 4.76

In the villages of Agaram, Kizhur, Sorapet, lowland rice. The experiments were con- Poraiyur, Thondamanatham, Keezsatha- ducted during January-May '98 (dry season) mangalam, Melsathamangalam and Uruvaiyar, at Kizhur and Sembiampalayam villages and crop management trials were conducted in from June-September '98 (wet season) at 27 fields during Navarai season. The season Kizhur and Mangalam villages. specific high yielding variety ADT 37 was The experiments were conducted in grown by adopting the interventions. The randomised complete block design. The five maximum yield recorded during. this season treatments evaluated were: was 6.5 tlha. T1 - P K control plot (no N application) To evaluate the nitrogen use efficiency in T2 - P K + SPADbased N transplanted lowland rice, Chlorophyll.metre T3 - P K + basal 20 kg N ha-l + SPADbased SPAD 502 and Controlled Release Nitrogen N (CRN) trials were carried out at Kizhur vil- lage during Sornavari '98 and Samba '98. T4 - P K + Controlled Release Nitrogen (CRN) . Under the Crop Resource Management Net- based N work (CREMNET)programme field experi- T5 - Farmers practice (100 kg N/ha: applied ments were conducted (in collaboration with 50% as basal and 25% each at active International Rice Research Institute, Philip- tillering and flowering) pines) to evaluate different nitrogen man- The results of the treatments are found in agement practices for irrigated transplanted Table 3.35

129 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 3.35 : CbloropbyU meter and controUed release nitrogen trials durlngjanuary '98

Plant height Grain yield Net returns. Benefit-COst Treat-ments (em) (kglha) (Rs./ha) ratio.

Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet

T1 81.9 80.1 5,187 5,321 9,498 12,126 2.16 2.39

T2 86.8 86.5 5,414 6,018 13,483 15,010 2.52 2.62

T3 90.8 88.2 5,848 6,312 16,833 18,147 2.84 2.90

T4 93.1 91.3 5,558 5,718 ~5,730 16,621 2.74 2.76

T5 84.9 83.1 5,171 5,625 14,628 15,858 2.55 2.60

• Data not statistically analysed

Sugarcane trials (Table 3.36) were carried out ha. On an average the interventions gener- in Sorapet, Kizhur and Vambupet village. The ated an additional employment of 20 man highest cane yield of 200 t/ha (which was days. 40% higher than control) was recorded by adopting our package of practices. The eco- Three cotton trials, carried out at Sorapet nomic gain to this farmer was Rs. 52,500 per village, recorded increased yield (Table 3.37).

Table 3.36 : Productivity of sugarcane

Name of the farmer Yield (t/ha) Increase in yield (%) & village Variety Expt Control

Mr Moorthy cae 95071 200 120 40.0 Sorapet

Mr Krishnaf'dj cae 95071 135 125 7.40 Sorapet

Mr Neelamegam cae 95071 120 110 8.33 Sorapet

Mr Kumamlingam cae 95071 140 120 14.28 Vambupet

Mr Jeykrishnan cae 8021 150 115 23.33 Kizhur

130 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Table 3. 37 :Productivity of cotton

Name of the Farmer Yield (tIha) Increase in yield (0J0) & Village Variety Expt Control " Mr Mani LRA 5166 1200 1038 13.54 Sorapet Mr Devarasu LRA 5166 1125 1050 6.67 Sorapet Mr janakiraman LRA 5166 1300 1150 11.54 Sorapet

All the participants adopted the same prac- increase over the control. But the yield dif- tices. The adoption of 2 seedslhole reduced ference was less in one of the trial farms the seed rate considerably and maintained due to pollen sterility at the time of pollina". optimum plant population. Seed treatment tion. with Azosprillum 400 g/ha, optimum sowing depth of 3cm, thinning and topping at 15 Table 3.38 describes the groundnut trials con- DAS and 35 DAS resulted in significant yield ducted at Sorapet and Vambupet villages. The

Table 3.38 :Productivity of groundnut

Name of the farmer Yield (tlha) Increase in yield (0J0) & village Variety Expt. Control

Mr Devarasu VRI 2 3380 2863 15.31 Sorapet Mr janakiraman VRI 2 3000 2600 13.33 Sorapet Mr Mani red local 3450 2875 16.66 Pollaehi Mr Krishnaraj VRI 2 2950 2600 11.86 Sorapet Mr Vilvalingam VRI 2 3075 2700 12.20 Vambupet Mr Darmalingam VRI 2 2878 2550 11.30 Vambupet Mr jeyabalan VRI 2 3285 3040 7.46 Vambupet Mr Kuppusamy VRI 2 3330 3075 7.66 Vambupet

131 Annual Report 1998.99

yield increase ranged from 7.5 to 16.7%.The A participant for paddy + fish system was net income in this season has increased to an selected from the wet lowland cluster (Agaram extent of Rs. 2,498/ha and created additional village). A trench of square shape, with a employment of 15 man days. capacity of 3000 cu. ft was dug and the remaining area was left for cultivation of The interventions such as proper time and paddy. About 250 fingerlings belonging to optimum depth of sowing of 5 em have various feeding habits were released in the resulted in optimum population of 33 plants/ trench and the trial is in progress. sq.m. Seed treatment with Trichoderma viridi @ 4gm/kg of seeds, DAP (Di-ammonium For the paddy-paddy-crop system and paddy- Phosphate) 1 kg spray and setting of light crop system trials are being conducted in the trap have resulted in yield increase over the upland cluster. For monitoring the soil health control and reduced the input cost. The yield status in the project villages a "soil health in Pollachi red local was high due to bold- card" has been designed. The soil tests are ness of pod. Ready availability of market for being done at Southern Petrochemical In- Pollachi red local has induced many farmers dustrial Corporation (SPIC) diagnostic Lab, to adopt this variety in preference to VRI 2 Tambaram, Chennai and at Soil Testing Lab., which has high oil content. Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu.

Tapioca trials with Mulluvadi variety were Farm machinery carried out at Vambupet village. There was a significant yield increase of 15.2%. But the The bullock drawn puddler was tested for its economic gain was reduced (Rs. 1,740/ha) performance in Agaram village, during the due to fall in procurement price and heavy Samba season and its performance was found rain at the time of harvest (Table 3.39). to be good. The existing design of ground-

Table 3.39 :Productivity o/tapioca

Name of the Farmer Yield (tIha) Increase in yield (%) & Village Expt Control

Mr Ramalingam 35 31 11.42 Vambupet Mr Darmalingam 33 28 15.15 Vambupet Mr Vilvalingam 36 32 1Ll1 Vambupet Mr Jeyabalan Vambupet 35 31 11.42 Mr Kuppuswamy Vambupet 35 31 11.42

132 Ecoteehnology and Sustainable Agriculture nut decorticator was improved for better Bioenergy efficiency and three units have been fabri- As part of the effort to conserve energy and cated at the local Engineering workshop. The to increase energy efficiency, the effiiiency drum seeder was tested in Sorapet village of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University model and resulted in an increase in yield. The (TNAU) mud stoves, utilised by 15 partici- application of basal Nitrogen was dropped pants of Aquaculture, Mushroom and ICM in in this process. It is proposed to conduct Agaram and Kizhur villages was worked out. further tests on the farm machinery. There is an increase of 10.3% from 15.7% (traditional stove) to 26%. Soil and water consenJation engineering On-farm irrigation channels were constructed Engineering support service to other in Sorapet and Vambupet villages with the projects farmers contributing 40% of the total cost. The design of the pond near the Biocentre The dimensions are SOm x 0.3m x 0.3m. was prepared and sent to the Central Insti- Conveyance loss and time taken for irriga- tute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) for tion have thus been minimised. Water man- further Engineering investigations. Two soak agement data has been recorded for Samba pits were constructed for Mr. Chandrakasu '98 season and the depth of water is being and Mr. Ramachandran to dispose of waste continuously monitored. water in Kizhur village with 60% contribu- Sub-surface irrigation system was installed in tion from the Block Development Office, Sorapet village in the field of Mr.Visvanathan. Villianur. A mist chamber along with sprin- This has resulted in increased irrigation effi- kler irrigation system was set up at Uruvaiyar ciency. The treadle pump, introduced to village and repairing the mist chamber at reduce drudgery in irrigating uplands, has Mangalam village was completed. Five units proved the most effective. of Central Food Technological Research Institute's "Village model Mushroom breed- Post hanJest technology ing system" have been fabricated

133 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 3.40 : Mushroom production

Villages No. of participants Total production Gross income ,•. No. of producers (kg) (Bs.) Kizhur 20 10 100 4,000 Sivaranthagam 12 6 200 8,000 Mangalam 21 18 225 9,000 Uruvaiyar 12 5 150 6,000 Melsathamangalam 25 20 •• Olavaikal 24 17 Demonstration centre •• 125 5,000 TOTAL 114 76 850 32,000 • New group .•• Marketing themselves

new participants were trained at the Mush- drying, processing into pickle, sweet chut- room Training and Demonstration centre ney (jam) and soup powder has been (MID) in Kizhur village and have started developed. It is currently being tested and production from January '99. A total of 76 evaluated for its economic viability both at participants belonging to 8 groups from six the MID and at the participants' households. villages are involved in production (Table The Food Links programme of the Interna- 3.40). tional Development Research Council (IDRC) On an average about 8-10 kg of mushrooms funded the training. Rodent problems and are marketed daily. Monthly, quarterly contamination were minimised by taking a (techno solidarity) and annual evaluation number of prophylactic measures. A one-day meetings were held to discuss production, re-training programme for mushroom grow- marketing, post-harvest and group ers on CFTRI model-based mushroom pro- problems. duction technique was organised in the Biocentre on 9 June '99. The spawn lab attached to the MID is run with the help of rural educated youth. A Goat rearing total number of 1,600 spawn bags were pro- As reported last year, the introduction of duced, fetching an income of Rs. 8,000. A Telicherry male goats has created an impact two-day training programme was organised among the goat rearers of the project area. at the Central Food Technological Research During the reporting period seven more goat Institute (CFTRI) for five participants. The rearers were identified in six villages, thus training to enhance production, post-harvest covering all the 18 villages. Many of the goat processing and minimising losses included rearers have been benefited economically. learning by doing. A new rural model The participants were taken to the Livestock for producing large quantities of mushrooms, Research Station, Kattupakkam, Chennai, for

134 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

training in animal health care and fodder Poultry enterprise production. Two participants are continuing with this Dairying scheme, started last year with assistance from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Govt. Ten landless women in Pillayarkuppain vil- of Pondicherry. It is proposed to start a small lage, seven small and marginal farm women broiler farm in two villages after the demon- in Melsathamangalam village and eighteen stration phase. In Sorapet village 15 partici- women in Ramanathapuram village are con pants were selected for "backyard poultry". -tinuing the activity successfully as seen from These participants were given .12 layer birds Table 3.41. This programme has been ex- as part of the government subsidised tended to Sorapet and Sellipet villages where programme. The participants were given ten small and marginal farmers were selected. in situ training in the care and management The participants were given in situ training in of poultry. It is proposed to expand the the care and management of dairy animals. programme to other villages. Backyard poul- 60% of the loan amount was repayed to the try enterprise was extended to bank by the Ramanathapuram dairy group. Melsathamangalam, Kizhsathamangalam and They were also taken to the Livestock Re- Uruvaiyar villages. search Station, Kattupakkam, Chennai, for training in animal health care and fodder Fodder plots for small and marginal production. An animal health card has been farmers designed and is used in monitoring the health of the animals. Fodder production, which picked up mo- mentum last year, has spread to new vil- The milk produced is marketed through the lages. The 10 new villages covered are village co-operative milk society. An animal Ramanathapuram, Thondamanatham, Ousudu, health care centre is functioning successfully Poraiyur, Agaram, Sellipet, Sorapet, Uruvaiyar, three times a week. Mangalam.and Melsathamangalam. During the

Table 3.41 :Average yield and monthly income of dairy groups

Villages Year of No of Avg. Monthly Avg. monthly % of initiation participants milk yield income repayment (litres) (Bs.) of loan

Pillayarkuppam 1995 10 118.5 829.5 80 Melsathamangalam 1997 7 215.6 1509.2 70 Ramanathapuram group I 1998 10 243.5 1704.5 60 Ramanathapuram group II 1998 8 240.0 1680 60

135 Annual Report 1998-99 current year a total number of 124 individual 302.3 Access to Common Property 2 fodder plots (38,800 m ) 11 demonstration Resources : Aquaculture in Community 2 fodder plots (8,800 m ) and 1 commercial Ponds 2 fodder plot (4,000 m ) covering 17 villages The third batch of participants (nine landless were laid out. women) who were trained las( year have been managing the pond. A total of 350 kg Floriculture of fishes of various varieties was harvested, Floriculture has been introduced to supple- fetching a gross income of Rs. 18,600 and a ment income. Jasmine was introduced in five net income of Rs. 7,200 after paying back villages and Crossandra in 2 villages. 30 Jas- the bank loan. This harvest is low compared mine and 23 Crossandra flower gardens were to the previous batches. The main cause for established. Due to heavy rain during the the low income was the intrusion of Thilapia, north-east monsoon, many of the gardens a local fish, which came during the floods were damaged. An informal group of Jas- and did not allow other fishes to thrive. A mine and Crossandra growers was formed at risk fund of Rs. 10,200 was provided to the Pillayarkuppam and Thondamanatham respec- group and each participant was able to get an income of Rs. 1,720. One share of the tively. income was given to the village temple. Vegetable production The work on the new community ponds at Poraiyur and Vambupet villages suffered a Vegetable produCtion is undertaken by small setback due to problems arising in the vil- and marginal farmers. During this year a few lages. But at present desilting work is in hybrid and local varieties of bhendi, chillies progress in both the community ponds. and brinjal were introduced to create an interest in vegetable production. 30 partici- 302.4 Support Services pants took up vegetable cultivation in 7 vil- lages. Group organisations and management The bhendi crop raised during September- October '98 was damaged by rain; however, Six new enterprise based groups, twenty-five the better price compensated the damage. credit and savings groups (CMG) and two On an average, a farmer generated an in- informal farmers groups were organised, come of Rs. 3,500 - 4,000 from 25 cents of making a total of 33 groups. Periodical train- bhendi. The brinjal crop recorded a higher ing programmes were organised for the ben- yield and income. Chillies raised during efit of the group members. A special one- December '98 are in the flowering stage. day training programme was organised for A study of the effect of vermicompost on the group leaders on accounts maintenance, bhendi has been initiated at Pillayarkuppam with the assistance of National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development village.

136 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

(NABARD). Ten inter-group VISIts were agricultural engineering equipment to reduce organised so that the newly-formed groups the drudgery of women participants. Trials could get an idea of group activities, ac- on hand star weeder, groundnut decorticator counting and decision making. In and uncut straw for growing mushrooms were Sivaranthagam 6 new self-evolved groups carried out. were formed. Environmental sanitation The Village Development Council (VDC) in Kizhur is functioning successfully. They were Two soak pits were constructed as a demon- awarded a special prize by NABARDfor the stration model in two houses of Kizhur vil- year 1998-99 for efficient management of lage, for safe disposal of stagnant water. About VDC. 65 new participants have been identified from Pillayarkuppam, Ramanathapuram, Kizhur and Savings and credit management Mangalam villages to receive a subsidy to construct toilets under the Central Rural Sani- Savings and credit management activities are tation Programme. 10 vermicompost pits were continuing in the project villages. Accounts- put up in 4 villages. cum-book keeping training has been provided for all the credit and savings groups Vermicentre leaders. As a part of the group activity three members were identified and recom- The venrucentre established at Pillayarkuppam mended for sanction of loan from the village carried out its regular production of District Industries Centre for coir rope mak- vermicompost from the locally available sub- ing. One handicapped person was identified strates. The youth operating the centre trained to receive monthly stipend from the Welfare the landless women involved in mushroom Department. A three day exposure visit production and flower production in to Mysore Rehabilitation Development vermicomposting. The school teachers run- Agency (MYRADA)/Plan, Dharmapuri was ning the Eco-clubs in Pondicherry were taught organised for the group leaders and three the vermicomposting technique. The youth groups comprising 150 participants from operating the Centre, besides undertaking the MYRADNPlan project visited the credit independent production, also offers private and savings groups, to learn about the in- consultancies on this technique. The come generating activities of the Biovillage centre sold vermicomposI worth Rs. 35,000 project. last year.

Internalisation of gender issues Biocentre In collaboration with the Uttara Devi's Re- The Biocentre is envisaged as the centre source Centre for Gender and Development of activities in the biovillage programme at MSSRF,the project was able to test some (Fig. 3.2).

137 Annual Report 1998-99

Figure 3.2 :Biocenter - building bridges

It preforms the following functions: As the biocentre will be managed by the stakeholders themselves, the families of the • Enables efficient decentralised production biovillage are expected to develop a sense through the provision of key centralised of ownership towards it, making it economi- services . cally sustainable and effective. • Provides the necessary production and market information Farm model

• Confers on small scale producers the For the study of Integrated Intensive Farm- power of scale in marketing ing System, a total of 23 farms were selected. • Provides the infrastructure essential for In all the selected farms regular monitoring training, networking and capacity build- is being carried out with respect to crops,. ing livestock, labour utilisation, water usage, household details, storage structures, mar- • Provides necessary facilities for the effec- keting system etc. Similarly resource map- tive functioning of the BIOVILLAGEso- ping involving the participating families was CIETY done for all the farms. Based on the avail- ability of the resources, suitable enterprises • Serves as a meeting place for the exchange such as fodder, floriculture, seed production, of experience and ideas paddy-cum fish production, vegetable pro- The following activities were initiated : duction were introduced in some of the farms. veterinary clinic, which is run 3 times a week; One farmer installed PVC pipes from the vermicompost and mushroom demonstration; pump house to various parcels to avoid loss establishment of information centre. Soil of water by way of evaporation and seep- health and mushroom production training age. It was observed that the whole family programmes were held. was involved in farming activities. Some of

138 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture the farm model participants had an exposure tion programmes, of the project were carried visit to Integrated Intensive Farming System, out regularly. Chidambaram for studying the various farm- ing systems. Time use study is being con- Participant household/farm profile ducted with the participating families to analyse how the male and female farmer in The detailed documentation of the farm and their family is utilising the time. household profile of the participants is being continued. ,Marketing Sub Programme Area. 303 Market study and support services are being provided for products like mushroom, fish B V Rao Centre for Sustain- and flowers as a result of which sales have increased considerably. able Food Security The flashing of advertisements on The Centre has undertaken various activities vermicompost through local cable Television in collaboration with other organisations, to has created an awareness of its importance achieve the objective of sustainable food and the stall at the Home Exhibition spon- security. sored by the Rotary Club and the Flower Show organised by the Department of Agri- 303.1 Tamil Nadu Councll for Sustainable culture increased the sales of vermicompost. Livelihoods Vermicompost worth Rs. 18,000 was sold during these occasions. Ramakrishna Bajaj Fellowship The market support for the sale of fishes produced by the women participants of The Bajaj Family instituted in 1998 at MSSRF Kizhur village was carried out within the a Distinguished Fellowship known as the village, owing to reduced production. Com- "Ramakrishna Bajaj Fellowship for Industry - posite inland fishes worth Rs. 18,000 were Community partnership for sustainable End sold, @ Rs. 25-30Ikg. of Hunger" in memory of Shri. Ramkrishna Bajaj, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi commit- Market database ted to the end of hunger, who was also a Member of the Global Board of the Hunger The database on the production and market- Project. The objective of the programme is ing of agricultural products has been up- "to promote symbiotic partnerships between dated and the prices documented. the private and public sector industry and resource poor, tribal and rural families, in Economic analyses the areas of increased food production and Economic analyses of all the poverty allevia- improved economic access to food".

139 Annual Report 1998-99

Realising that all programmes that address November 23-25, '98 to discuss the draft re- poverty, hunger, food and nutritional activity port of the Commission with special refer- should be implemented in an integrated ence to South Asian countries. Delegates from manner, the Fellowship has been primarily the South-East Asian countries besides ex- focusing on: perts from India participated in the meet. • Designing and implementing projects for It was recommended that the plan of action rural prosperity, especially those that pro- should focus on the following: vide multiple livelihood opportunities with focus on rural women • Prevention of low birth weight by giving special attention to adolescent girls and • Development of Hunger-Free areas women in the vulnerable periods of life • Implementation of nutrition based and children between 0-2 years of age. programmes, especially elimination of hid- While breastfeeding is still a common den hunger practice, complementary feeding practices are poor and unsatisfactory and have to • Research on policy imperatives concern- be addressed through appropriate com- ing them. munication channels. Towards the fulfilment of these objectives • Common elements of success and failure and action plans, the Fellowship provides in different parts of the country need to technical help, support and backup services be discussed before changes and policies to all programmes, projects and activities of are made to improve the efficiency of the Hunger Project. delivery of services. More innovative, re- gion-specific, short-term measures with The UN Forum on Nutrition sharp focus on high risk are needed. There The UN System's Forum on Nutrition has is an urgent need to bring about a reduc- established a Commission on Nutrition to tion in the morbidity profile of children. consider how best to meet the nutritional • Restructuring of the ICDS programme is challenges of the 21st Century. The pattern essential to improve programme efficiency of nutrition and malnutrition is changing in the light of changing situations and dramatically the world over. Malnutrition needs. Reduction in the time spent on impairs the fulfilment of genetic potential administrative work and training and com- and causes serious impairment in the perfor- munication support to the workers would mance of normal activities. These challenges go a long way in improving the quality of are amplified by the economic crisis and services provided. social and environmental needs. • Non-nutritional problems need to be ad- The UN Commission on Nutrition chaired by dressed on a priority basis by fostering Prof. Philip James, met at Chennai from convergence and syr.ergy among the dif-

140 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

ferent sectors of services. This can be • Providing microcredit interventions at the achieved by: village level which would help in em- powering women's groups or 'self help' • Adopting a population-based approach, as groups to gain better status within the the number of people afflicted by malnu- family and improve the nutritional status trition is very high and a better appraisal of the family. of adult malnutrition and the problems of the emerging affluent class is necessary Implementation Structures • Combining strategies to achieve food se- • Effectiveimplementation and improved co- curity at the household level that encom- ordination in the various developmental pass the long-term goal of equitable dis- programmes being implemented by dif- tribution of resources and taking measures ferent government departments and an such as double fortification of salt with increased awareness among the poorest iron and iodine for short-term effects of the poor would go a long way. • Making technology available at an afford- • Strategy for ensuring effective implemen- able cost and enhancing synergy between tation of developmental programme at the various sectors such as government, NGOs grassroots could be through a household and private bodies entitlement card that lists out all t~e • Providing some solutions beyond food that programmes desegregated by age, gender should receive priority attention such as and occupation. This card could be made facilities for adequate sanitation, protected available to the panchayat at the village water supply and waste disposal, imple- level for distribution to the poor! house- menting innovative approaches for im- holds. It would also demystify the com- proved horticulture and successfully es- plicated bureaucratic process and amplify tablishing a specially targeted public the system of local self-government and distribution system decentralisation. Setting up of Panchayat Councils for the elimination of malnutri- • Attempting social mobilisation to generate tion could be yet another strategy. community awareness for better articula- tion of demands and improved participa- 303.2 Hunger Free Area Programme tion and deliberation of services Operationalising of the Seven Point Action • Focusing on child care support which is Plan for Hunger Free Area Programme in an important issue in empowering women Gandhigram University: to take care of children, especially when many women work in the unorganised The Gandhigram University came forward to sector which has no provision for child tackle the problem of hunger in three vil- care services lages in Vedasandur block using the services

141 Annual Report 1998-99

of various departments of the university. This • Reduction in low birth weight babies project started in July '98. The University, • Reduction in infant mortality having participated in the multicentre study, was interested in field testing the seven ac- • Reduction in maternal mortality tion plans in an integrated manner in the • Reduction in chronic energy deficiency Vembur and Nallur Panchayats of the among adult men and women (Body Mass Vedasandur block. The population covered Index) would be approximately 10,000 with 50% • Reduction in Vitamin A deficiency being reached in the first phase. • Reduction in iron deficiency The implementation action covers the fol- • Reduction in diahorreal episodes lowing activities: • Reduction in infectious parasitic diseases • Base line survey and evaluation of train- • Reduction in female infanticide and ing needs foeticide • Formation of social development group • Sex ratio in the area and activity/enterprise group • Age of women at marriage. • Common property development and indi-. Impact analysis based on the data collected vidual non-utilised land development by will be undertaken once a year in the first scheduled caste people two years and once in six months for the • Other activities at the micro level through subsequent periods. micro planning exercises. HFAP in Chitravadi Village of The programme has been initiated in four Mathurantakam Taluk hamlets of Kovilur Panchayat of Vedasandur block. The basic strategy of the programme Sri Venugopal Perumal Trust, an NGO has is to see that the people and their represen- been undertaking development projects with tatives are actively involved right from the participation from the people of Chitravadi appraisal and planning stages. village. Based on the discussions held at the project sites, it has been decided to locate Indicators for measuring the impact of the projects in 9 villages, covering approxi- HFAP ' mately 960 households (Table 3.42). After discussions in the villages, these schemes The indicators for measuring the impact of have been suggested for implementation: HFAP on protein calotie under-nutrition and hidden hunger have been identified as fol- • Growing of vegetables lows: • Growing fish in the tanks • Reduction in severe under-nutrition among • Social forestry programme children • Palmyrah industry

142 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Table 3.42 :Details of HEAP (Cbitravadi ViUage)

Number of households (approximate) Name Main village Colony Total Sirunallur 40 85 125 Mudukarai 150 50 200 Vilvarayanullur 100 100 200 Nethapakkam Avirimedu 80 20 100 Chitravadi 80 40 120 Agathipattu 40 40 Kandaracheri 85 70 155 Jallimedu 20 20

Total 595 365 960

PRA exercise in Avurimedu Panchayat has • Development of kitchen gardens been completed. A detailed action plan is • Introducing salt fortified with iron and being drawn, based on the findings of PRA iodine exercise. • Iron and folic acid distribution through 303.3 Pilot Project for Elimination of health centres Micronutrient Malnutrition in Tamil NOOu The pilot project funded by FAOwill cover 15 Micronutrient malnutrition, particularly defi- panchayats out of the 33 panchayats in the ciency in Vitamin A, iodine and iron, is wide- Pennangaram Block of Dharmapuri district. spread in the state of Tamil Nadu, affecting The overall aim of the project is a practical, the health, welfare and productivity of its community-based contribution to the policy population. Elimination of this hidden hun- of the Government of Tamil Nadu to im- ger is an integral part of the seven-point prove the nutritional status of the ultra poor action plan of the Hunger Free Area populations, with special focus on the elimi- Programme. It was decided to concentrate nation and prevention of micronutrient mal- on the elimination of hidden hunger through nutrition. supply of micronutrients in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The intervention strat- The specific objectives are: egies proposed are as follows: • Increased availability of micronutrient-rich • Introduction of appropriate vegetables and fruits and vegetables for direct consump- fruits tion and marketing by ultra poor popula- • Enrichment of commonly available foods tion groups

143 Annual Report 1998-99

• Provision of expertise in community and of community and individual development household horticulture, food and nutri- through increased knowledge and aware- tion education for the public, including ness and self sustainablility, using local food preservation and preparation and the opportunities as well as existing schemes training of nine community members per and programmes, will grant the ultrapoor village to convey practical knowledge and and their communities strength and con- skills in these fields to the ultra poor popu- fidence. lation groups Strengthening Rural Livelihoods through • Formulation of an expanded programme Agroindustries proposal, once the results of this project "Strengthening Rural Livelihoods through are evaluated, to disseminate its results in Agroindustrieswith specific reference to Tribal other districts in Tamil Nadu. and Rural Women" is a collaborative project Salient features of the project: between MSSRFand t:.le Central Food Tech- nological Research Institute (CFTRI),Mysore. • Community participation will be an inte- This is financially supported by the Food gral part of this project. This will help in Links Initiative of the International Develop- the understanding of specific problems and ment Res~arch Centre of Canada. prof. J.H. possibilities at the village level, identifica- Hulse of Canada serves as the principal tion of the ultra poor target group and adviser of the project. The project formally creation of a basis for project implemen- commenced operations in May '98 in two tation through the use of participatory areas viz. Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu and the methods. Community participation will Union Territory of Pondicherry. Activities of further help in the preparation of appro- the first year focused on the following com- priate training and education material on ponents: fruit and vegetable gardening, food nutri- tion, health and hygiene, food storage and • Systems studies food preparation, preservation, processing • Identification of markets and marketing~ • Research •. Training and demonstration • Using and enhancing expertise from dif- • Community mobilisation ferent sources in the Tamil Nadu Govern- ment at the state, district and block levels Systems studies of the project sites during as well as inputs from NGOs according to the current year focused on the socio-eco- their specific expertise and/or local expe- nomic and ecological profiles in the project riences will improve the possibility of sites. In addition to reconfirming the initial continuing the project activities beyond targets of the project, the studies enabled the the two year duration of the project. On finalisation of the project sub-sites. The pro- a local level, the capacity to take charge files were also fruitful in establishing the first

144 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture set of impact indicators for the project. In studied in detail. Results indicate that in Kolli Kolli Hills, it was found to be stability of Hills there is rampant undercutting of prices prices and percentage of distress sale and in thereby allowing only 40% returns to the the Biovillages, the cash on hand for house- producer. The study in Kolli Hills also traced hold expense. The study in Kolli Hills which the pathway of the produce to four major drew upon the inputs of the local govern- buying centres viz. Chennai, Salem, Madurai ment, Department of Agriculture, village and Tiruchirapalli aI1d the transactional costs administrative officers, traders and farmers incurred at each level. The study in also established the zonal distribution of fruit Pondicherry higWighted the need to upgrade production within the area. This component the existing marketing facilities to achieve was in the latter stages used as input for the desired aims of the project. training and capacity building. Identification of post harvest needs in the Independent studies on the market structures project sites revealed that in Kolli Hills, and mechanisms were conducted in both the the focus has to be at two levels viz. en- project sites. In addition to formal and infor- hancing the harvesting practices of farmers mal interviews and group discussions, meet- (which currently are cognisant to the shandy ings were also held with government depart- days) and superior packaging practices ments, local traders, wholeasalers and retail- for the buyers. Tables 3.43 and 3.44 explain ers. The farthest point of transport was also this.

Table 3.43 : Post harvest losses (%) atfield level in KoUiBiUs

Fruit Type of damage Cause (% loss)

Pineapples Physical Improper harvesting 5-10 Citnls Physical Improper harvesting 2-5 Banana Physical Improper harvesting 1-2

Table 3.44 :Post harvest losses (%) during transportation to the nean,st market

Fruit Type of damage Cause (%loss) Pineapples Physical Improper loading into the 5-10 ntts and bamboo baskets Citrus Physical Improper handling and 2-5 overloading

Banana Physical Improper handling 2-5

145 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 3.45 : Production of fruits in KoUi BiOs

Pineapple Bananas Guava jackfruit Citrus Pomegranate Months (in (in (in (in (in (in tonnes) tonnes) tonnes) numbers) tonnes) numbers)

January 80 32 to 40 February 160 32 March 160 32 April 80 32 May 1,200 32 8,000 June 1,600 32 8,000 July 1,600 32 8,000 August 80 32 80 20 September 32 240 20 9,600 October 32 320 20 9,600 November 32 80 16,000 December 32 40 Total 4,960 384 760 24,000 60 35,200

Estimates of production were made, using a group of at least twenty entrepreneurs multiple approaches in the absence of vali- per site have been identified and stepwise dated records. Table 3.45 highlights the pro- selection of volunteers was initiated in the duction of different fruits during the peak month of June '98. In Kolli Hills, as the first seasons. A range of products have since been setp, the mandate and scope of the project developed and the product feasibility analy- were translated into Tamil and distributed in sis has also been completed. all the villages. This was followed by village level focus group meetings which resulted in As the first step towards forging a market the selection of nominees. The nominees consortium, a workshop was held from were then assessed by a panel for the fol- 30-31 July '98 in which representatives from lowing parameters: aptitude and conceptual the industrial sector, financial institutions, re- clarity. Twenty volunteers were finally search stations and non-governmental shortlisted and were trained in the area of organisations participated. A similar initiative group formation and functioning. Simulta- is also being followed up in the Biovillage neously, a matching group of 20 volunteers project site in Pondicherry. were shortlisted to be trained at the CffRI in The project achieved its major success in the area of Post-harvest Technology. In the area of training, capacity building Pondicherry, the mushroom growers were and community mobilisation. To effectively taken to CffRI to be trained in improved meet the anticipated output of the project mushroom production techniques.

146 Ecotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture

Both the training programmes were followed tal agency. The executive has been created by trial and analysis, where the applicability from a core group of members who have to local conditions was tested. The results contributed an annual membership fee. This have been used for the retraining process. core group in turn is supported by a larger The training also enabled the participants to group of second level members. The objec- identify specific components and infrastruc- tives and byelaws of the Society have been ture for further training. formed through a process of consultation. The MSSRFand CFTRIalong with a nominee The current year also witnessed. the forma- from the executive will serve as the techni- tion of a Farmers Society in Kolli Hills. The cal backstopping body. This entire proce- process of formation was initiated in the dure is being taken back to the community month of June '98. This Society, which is set for a complete understanding of the man- . to function as a cooperative has been chris- date of the Society. In view of these devel- tened Malaival Makkal Palam Padinidum opments, the Gram Pandchayat has decided Kuturavu Sangam. The seven member ex- to allot a part of the Panchayat land to the ecutive has three elected representatives, two Society. In the coming year, a similar initia- nominees of the local womens' groups and tive is being planned in the Biovillage of one nominee from the local non-governmen- Pondicherry.

147 •

Progratn.tlle Area 400

Reaching the Unreached -

apacity building and strengthening the empirical research base related to realising the rights of Cyoung children were emphasised in Project ACCESS. In internalising the gender dimension at the Foundation, GENDEAVOURmoved from orientation to skill development and tools for evaluation. VOICING SILENCE continues to link gender concerns, cultural activism and social issues through theatre, using varied strategies. /

401 Project ACCESS 149 402 Uttara Devi Resource Centre for Gender and Development. 158 403 Voicing Silence 163 Reaching the Unreached

• needs of young children in disadvantaged Sub Programme Area 401 urban environments. The major objectives of the project are: Project ACCESS • strengthening the capacity of existing in- stitutions working in these areas, both Gov- The activities were related to project Opera- ernment and voluntary, through training tion Resource Support, sponsored by the Ber- and development of training modules nard Van Leer Foundation, on the following issues of child care: • developing project support communication materials which could also be used for • quality of child care services offered by advocacy purposes both NGOs and Government • undertaking research studies, the findings • linkage between women's multiple roles of which could be used for advocacy and and child care as a support service policy formulation • discrimination against the girl child at all • developing and maintaining a database on age levels child care issues. • people's participation and alternative struc- The two major activities (Figure 4.1) are, on tures for child care services the one hand, capacity building, through the • care and development of children in the processes of training, orientation, skill-build- most vulnerable age group (0-2 yrs) ing and production of instructional, Commu-

Training! p Advocacy Orientation Skill-building

Instructional and Communication 11 Materials (/' Database

Figure 4.1 : Project processes

149 Annual Report 1998-99

nicatkm and resource materials and on the ing to advocacy and development of a data- other hand, research on selected issues, lead- base. The activities are listed in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 :Activities. June '98 to May '99

Month Event Participants Objectives Outcome

Jun '98 Networking NGOs To facilitate networking Articulation of need for meeting among NGOs working on building skills in specific sUlVival of girl child areas

Sep '98 Communication TINP staff, To develop communication 10 sets of materials workshop communication material on children such as counselling and training below three for child cards, songs, charts specialists care functionaries developed in outline

Nov '98 Methodology Trainers from To review the use of Preparation of plan for workshop in NGO training training methods and one year internship ECCE institutions strengthen skills model training in ECCE

Dec '98 Media NGOs working To help understand the Jingles prepared for workshop on sUlViva! of print medium and AIR radio and manual on girl child and learn to work with working with media them bring prepared

Mar '99 Workshop for Elected leaders To sensitise them to Action plan drawn up Panchayat of the women & children issues by the participants leaders Panchayats and To help develop an action Photo archive of plan for improving the existing state of quality of child care . balwadis selVices

Apr '99 Advocacy NGOs, Govt., To highlight the situation of Recommendations for workshop donors and the child care worker in the improving status of child others voluntary sector care worker and plan for recasting of schemes

Mar - 20 - session Child care Jo orient them to child Action plans being Jun '99 training workers of development and prepared course foundling home developmental care of infants and help work out a holistic work plan & programmes

150 Reaching the Unreached

401.1 Capacity Quilding content orientation, evident in their demand for future training courses that would equip The main activities are described in this them as professional trainers. section. Communication Training methodology Tamil Nadu Integrated Nutrition Project (TINP) A trainers' training course was conducted in has been working intensively on improving January '98 for NGO training institutions, to the overall status of children below three enable them to run summer refresher courses years in Tamil Nadu, with emphasis on com- in Early Childhood Care and Education bating malnutrition and improving nutritional (ECCE) more effectively and to improve the status. However, lack of suitable materials quality of child care services. The useful- has been identified as a handicap in aiming ness of this course to trainers in planning for a more holistic and development-oriented and implementing training programmes was programme for the under-threes, especially reviewed in June '98. It was reported by in reaching out to mothers. A five-day work- trainers that they had utilised several of the shop was held jointly with the TINP for their strategies learnt in the course and that these communication and training officers. The ob- had elicited a good response. Some. prob- jective of the workshop was to develop a lems, such as the need for skills and package of communication materials on the the future course of action, were also re- development of 0-3 year old children for the viewed. use of child care workers in the field, and In the light of the issues raised by the train- prepare an action plan for field testing and ers, a workshop to review training method- mass reproducting it. ologies and strengthen skills was organised Through a series of discussions between in November '98. One of the outcomes of ACCESSand TINP it was decided that about this meet, resulting from the shared experi- 10 products would be developed to begin ence of the trainers, was that the one-time with. Participants were given three types of summer refresher course had to be recast as pre-course assignments in advance, namely an extended in-service course in the "intern- reading exercises, collection of folk songs, ship" mode. Short one-day sessions at peri- riddles etc., and observation of children odic intervals throughout the year, along with below three years of age. Background mate- attention to and guidance for practical prob- rial was collected on the various stages of lems of implementation, were needed in order development. to bring about improvement in skills. The cooperation of schools - NGO managements In the course of the workshop, 41 messages was also required to make the training effec- considered to be important and worthy of tive. The trainers also began to be apprecia- dissemination were drawn up. A set of about tive of the process of training besides the 10 materials was developed in draft form,

151 Annual Report 1998-99 including a series of 20 counselling cards on of the daily routines, child care practices and various developmental domains, a calendar, adult-child interactions. A twenty-session posters, charts, songs, plays, skits, and a pum- course, including aspects such as percep- ber of short messages in traditional Tamil tions of self and attitude towards children forms such as proverbs, riddles, athi-choodi, and work, interpersonal relations, prenatal patti-manram etc. The materials have yet to development, domains of development, be finalised for field tesing. preparation of simple toys, games, songs and lullabies, developmental testing, methods of SkiUs in deveropmental care feeding, physical environment and daily rou- An NGO which runs a foundling home for tines was conducted. Field trips to some other institutions were also organised. destitute and abandoned children approached Project ACCESSwith a request for a training Based on observations and interaction with programme for its child care workers han- the trainees, it was found that in addition to dling infants. The need for such a training training inputs, a review of personnel poli- was felt by the management as the children cies and revised work schedules would have in the home, though healthy and well nour- to be attempted by the management, to ished, often fail to reach the age-appropriate bring about practical implementation of the developmental milestones. The Home serves training and further improvement in the as a transit home for the children till they functioning of the centre. A series of meet- are placed for adoption, with an age-range ings with the management is also being held from new-born to an upper age limit of to integrate these two aspects and facilitate approximately twelve months. The objective change. of the programme was to enable the work- ers to offer more stimulating developmental Working with media care to infants in their care. It was decided that a series of weekly work- In yet another capacity-building exercise, a shop sessions would be held on various two-day workshop was organised for NGOs issues related to both content and process, working on the problem of female infanti- with emphasis on the holistic nature of child cide and foeticide. This was a direct out- development. A multi-disciplinary training come of the networking meeting organised team consisting of child development spe- in June '98 by the concerned NGOs to share cialists, paediatricians, process trainers, nutri- a common platform for exchange of ideas tionists, psychologists, creche supervisors and and experiences. Skills in working with me- teachers were brought together. dia had been identified as an important area which needed strengthening. This workshop Prior to the training programme a needs as- focused on how to approach, understand sessment exercise was undertaken by some and work with the print media and with All of the resource persons through observation India Radio (AIR).

152 Reaching the Unreached

Resource persons from both the print me- two-day workshop for Panchayat leaders of dium and AIR participated in the workshop. Athur Block was held at Gandhigram in Exercises such as critiquing journalistic March 1999 in collaboration with the writings, writing press releases, mock press Gandhigram Trust. The objective of this conference, role play, identifying appropri- exercise was to sensitise the leaders about ate time slots in radio and preparation the importance of child care and the role of of jingles and fillers were undertaken. The child care centres in providing holistic de- major conclusions at the end of the work- velopment to the young child, to help them shop were that it was important to under- evolve an action plan for improving the stand how journals/newspapers operated, and services at the centres within their area of help publish information offering the right jurisdiction. perspective. A vertical participation from all levels of the The role of NGOs is not to provide scoops hierarchy was solicited. On the first day all or event-based coverage to the newspapers, the women ward and block members were but to relate to the medium continuously on included, while on the second day only the the issue. With regard to werking with AIR, Block Chairperson (a woman) and both men it was pointed out that the girl child issue & women village Panchayat Presidents and should be touched upon by all programmes, district representatives participated. On both and not restricted to those dealing with the days resource persons introduced the women and children. The participants took themes, reviewed the available services, elic- a decision to work more closely with the ited the existing lacuna and helped the local press, with a better understanding of participants to draw up an action plan for the limitations and characteristics of the improving services at the centres. This in- medium. The group also expressed the need cluded improvement in infrastructure facili- to hold another workshop on street theatre ties, such as toilets, water supply, repair of and cultural forms, which can effectively buildings and playgrounds; provision of play reach the people. materials and nutritious food, including de- People's participation in child care velopment of kitchen gardens; and regular services supply of fruits and vegetables. Periodic monitoring and support in implementation is With the advent of the Panchayati Raj system being offered to the leaders jointly by of local self governance, which requires the two institutions, Gandhigram Trust and one-third representation of women mem- MSSRF. bers, decentralisation of child care services to include people's participation in service They key materials developed during delivery is an important route to improving this period to support capacity building and the quality of services. In this context, a advocacy are presented in Table 4.2.

153 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 4.2 : Products -June '98 to May '99 *

Month Name Content Audience Outcome

Jun '98 Poster Messages on Parents:through 640 copies distributed development of paediatricians, health through all channels, child below 2 in workers, schools, with multiple copies to four main domains public spaces, ICDS institutions, associa- and llNP centres, NGOs, tions and groups members of lli-FORCES

Aug '98 Pamphlets/ Maternity entitlements/ Professionals, parents, NGOs, 450 copies distributed fact sheets Survival of girl child! educational institutions at meetings/ (English and Tamil) Parenting the under- women's organisations, workshops, through threes . colleges institutions, associa- tions and groups

Jul - Video spots Messages on Doordarshan for telecast Occasional broadcast Oct '98 Enna rural women's and as video to NGOs, on Doordarshan Pannikkittirundhe? multiple educational institutions, Channel-I (What were you roles and burdens! women's organisations, 28 copies of video doing ?) How sex of child is colleges for discussion distributed Yaar Karanam ? determined and value Used in meetings (Who is the cause?) of female child! about 2-3 times a Enna Pidikkum ? Young child's need month (What does baby for stimulation like ?)

Dec '98 Audio spots Two jingles on For use in radio broadcast Submitted to AIR for survival of girl child broadcast

Dec '98 Aadipaadi Manual of play activities Preschool teachers, 475 copies distributed With Song and categorised for each creche and balwadi to llNP and DSW Dance domain of development, workers, all those NGOs, schools, richly illustrated working directly with members of lli- children aged 3+ FORCES April '99 Overview of Child Briefing document Members of Legislative 500 copies to lli- Care Services in on laws, schemes Assembly and others FORCES for Tamil Nadu and services relating distribution to Tamil Tamizhnattil to child care with a Nadu MLAs, MPs, Thai-sey Urimai special 4 page pull-out members of lli- Oru Parwai for legislators FORCES, NGOs, Panchayat leaders

• Language of all products exclusively Tamil except where indicated.

154 Reaching the Unreached

401.2 Research assisted by a second investigator, from 362 mother and child dyads, over a period of The child care worker holds the key to pro- four months. Data entry has been completed viding an effective programme for the child's and analysis begun. The report of phase 1 is development. Though there is a large body expected to be ready soon. of literature on infrastructure facilities and quality of programme delivery at the centres, The second study seeks to assess the impact very little attention has been paid to the of various models of existing ECCE situation of the worker herself, her motiva- programmes on children's learning outcomes. tion, attitudes and perceptions. Data collected Four ECCEprogrammes operational in Tamil on these aspects from 267 child care work- Nadu, namely ICDS, TINP, private nursery ers at a convention sponsored by Tamil Nadu schools, and creches and balwadis run by Forum for Creche and Child Care Services NGOs are being studied, covering both ur- (TN-FORCES)at Gandhigram in 1994 was ban and rural areas. A consultant with vast analysed and published as a report entitled experience in child development as well as "The First Teacher". The report, which de- a statistical advisor were identified. Through scribes the different aspects of the child care a series of meetings the necessary tools for workers' situation in eight chapters, high- the study have been developed, based on lights the fact that with increase in service, national and international tools that were al- the motivation level of the worker decreases. ready available. The tools would assess the Of the three new research studies carried infrastructure facilities in the centre, the ac- out during the project period, one pertains tivities carried out during the working hours to the situation and needs of the community, and the child's learning outcomes. The field the second analyses the effectiveness of ser- study will begin in July. vice delivery and the third addresses policy Advocacy, communication and orienta- issues. The first, "Care giving behaviour of tion to special groups mothers and the growth and development of infants in urban slums", attempts to look at A study of the situation of child care workers the relationship between child care practices in Tamil Nadu was conducted by Project AC- of mothers and the development of infants. CESS.Based on the findings of this study and The study is being conducted in two phases: that of a major study by National Institute of phase 1 is a broadbased survey of 350 in- Public Cooperation and Child Development fants; phase 2, which is to include in-depth (NIPPCD) on the functioning of creches, a case studies, will be based on this. The one-day advocacy workshop was jointly questionnaire developed for the survey was organised by ACCESSand TN-FORCESinApril field tested and refined. Thirteen slums were '99 to discuss the status of child care workers selected through random sampling and data and recommend measures for improving their was collected by the principal investigator, situation and the quality of service delivery.

155 Annual Report 1998-99

Table 4.3 : Orientation activities for various stakeholders June '98 to May '99

Month Stakeholder Issues Collaborator

July'98 Creche teachers ECCE Vivekananda Kendra July '98 Paediatricians Maternity entitlements, IAP-rn breastfeeding and survival of the girl child

August 98 Preschool teachers Parent teacher cooperation IAPE

September 98 Panchayat women Quality of child care Sathyamurthi representatives services, maternity and Centre for Democratic breastfeeding Studies

November '98 Medical practitioners 0-3 child development, Citadel Pharma survival rights of the girl child, breastfeeding and burden on the preshcool child

April '99 Paediatricians I3reastfeeding and burden on IAP-rn the preschool child

The participants in the workshop were NGOs, The child care worker should be considered government functionaries from the Director- a full-time worker and not honorary or part ate of Social Welfare and TINP, and other time; the remuneration should be enhanced stakeholders such as donors, academics, to equal that of the anganwadi worker and women's organisations and trade unions. It gradually increased to that of the primary was inaugurated by the Chairperson of the school teacher; the creche scheme should Central Social Welfare Board and presided focus on young children of poor working over by the Chairperson of the State Social mothers. The need for follow up action and Welfare Board. The recommendations of the continuous lobbying by IN-FORCESwas also workshop were placed before the Minister stressed by the participants. for Social Welfare, Tamil Nadu, in the Vale- dictory Session. Advocacy and orientation sessions for vari- ous stakeholders were held as indicated in The following conclusions were reached: Table 4.3.

156 Reaching the Unreached

CoUaboration with TN-FORCES local) a briefing document has been pre- pared for TN-FORCESon the current state of Collaboration with TN-FORCES,as a member child care services in Tamil Nadu, giving and founder of the network, is an important details about current laws and existing area of work, especially in terms of resource schemes for the young child, along support. Four major activities were under- with brief critiques of these. The document taken jointly during the year: also contains a special four-page pull-out in- A Training Methodology Workshop was con- dicating what legislators can do at the level ducted in January '98 to support the summer of the constituency and at the level of the refresher courses in ECCE and developed Assembly/Parliament. into a professional support programme for training institutions. Four summer courses Initiating advocacy for the child care worker were planned for the summer of 1998 but in the voluntary sector in Tamil Nadu, only one could be held, and one internship a workshop was jointly organised with course was experimentally launched. This TN-FORCESon the theme. This is expected year, all the groups planned one-year intern- to be the beginning of a follow-up cam- ship model courses and three have been paign. launched in April-May '99. At its meeting in October '98, the preschool CoUaboration with National FORCES sub-group of TN-FORCESdecided that in or- Being a founding member of FORCES,Project der to lobby effectively with the government ACCESScontinues to play an active role at for legislation on the content and process of the national level. This year, support was ECCE, it was essential to develop and pre- given in the form of a concept paper on pare a basic play-based developmentally-ap- "Maternity and Child Care Code" which propriate core curriculum, acceptable to all was the basis for discussion at the policy and capable of adaptation in diverse set- committee meet held in Delhi in April '98. tings. IAPE took the lead in offering to de- This was subsequently critiqued, developed velop such a curriculum with resource sup- and refined by other groups and accepted as port from Project ACCESS.Through a series the FORCESpolicy stand at the January '99 of meetings with experienced ECCEspecial- meeting, at which also ACCESSplayed an ists and members of TN-FORCES,and utilising active role. earlier materials developed by NCERT and others, the curriculum has been framed in both English and Tamil and is likely to be The series of video spots entitled "Messages formally launched soon. that Move" prepared by Project ACCESShave been dubbed in Hindi by national FORCES, With a view to orienting legislators and policy for telecast by Doordarshan if possible, and makers at all three levels (national, state and for use by interested groups.

157 Annual Report 1998-99

Sub Programme Area 402 data. Though generalisations cannot be drawn from the study, it has identified already ex- isting areas of strength such as youthfulness, Uttara Devi Resource Centre high educational levels and political aware- for Gender and Development ness of the women; as well as areas of concern, namely the need for skills develop- The mandate of GENDEAVOUR(Resource ment, structural reforms and containment of Centre for Gender and Development) includes male backlash. Remarkable insights came from two types of activities: Core and Internal. a special probe into the views held by the Core activities include research studies, in- women on gender issues. That the political terventions in curriculum design and open- empowerment of women has been well ing up platforms for discussing current and launched in Tamil Nadu has been proved burning issues related to gender, while the forcefully by the study. latter term refers to the internalisation of gender in all the programmes and activities "Health Profile of Women in Three Tradi- of MSSRF. tional Occupations in Kerala", a study con- ducted in collaboration with the NGO Health Action by Peaple, the Kollam District 402.1 Core Activities Panchayat and the Gangadharan Memorial Research studies Trust, was designed to document the health profile of women engaged in the traditional "Women's Participation in Panchayati Raj: A industries of cashew, coir and shrimp pro- Case Study from Tamil Nadu" was sponsored cessing in Kerala. by the National Commission for Women and coordinated by the Centre for Development The study could not be conducted this year Studies and Action, New Delhi as part of a due to delay in obtaining financial support nationally coordinated project entitled and efforts are underway to identify other "Panchayati Raj and Women's Participation." sources and complete the study in 1999. The study, which attempted "to document the self-image, political awareness and expe- Education riences of the elected women in the panchayat institutions" was conducted by Dr. Considering the general lacunae felt in the V.B. Athreya, Professor of Economics, Indian curricula of higher education, and the lack Institute of Technology (IID, Chennai and of social relevance in general and gender Ms. K.S. Rajeswari, Ph.D. Scholar, lIT, concerns in particular, work was begun in Chennai. Based on a sample of 100 elected the field of curriculum renewal in the disci- women leaders from Pudukottai and plines of Agriculture and other general un- Thiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu, it has dergraduate and post-graduate courses in Arts drawn on both quantitative and qualitative and Science Colleges.

158 •

Reaching' the Unreached

The initiative for imegrating gender in agri- MSSRF.The publication of a special ar- culture studies grew out of our representation ticle on women's roles in agriculture in on the Task Force on Women in Agriculture the October issue of Indian Farming and set up jointly by the National Commission for the release of a video-spot on this theme Women and ICAR, which identified by Doordarshan were. the other highlights 'genderisation' of the undergraduate curricu- of the day. lum as a priority task at its meeting in August '98. A full day workshop sponsored by ICAR • A public lecture on '1uvenile Sex Ratios was held at National Academy of Agricultural in India" by Dr. Satish Agnihotri, lAS, Research Management (NAARM),Hyderabad, Secretary,Women and Child Development, in March 1999 in which the Deans of Agri- Government of Orissa was held on 24 culture Universities participated. The idea of November '98 in collaboration with the introducing gender dimensions into the core Madras Institute of Development Studies. curriculum at the undergraduate level through The lecture attracted wide interest in aca- specialised courses was introduced and ac- demic circles. cepted. The next step is to frame the course • To commemorate International Women's outlines and develop the instructional mate- Day, a public meeting on the "Political rials which would enable teachers to handle Participation of Women" was held on 3 the new courses. The coordination of this March '99 in which a panel of elected activity has been entrusted to NAARMand women panchayat leaders participated, fol- work will begin soon. Though incorporation lowing a presentation of the findings of of gender concerns into the curriculum may the study on women panchayat leaders in take time, the first step has been taken. Tamil Nadu. The panelists, drawn from different rural and urban panchayats in In December '98, a one-day workshop on Tamil Nadu, represented three different "Incorporating Gender" was held in Madras political parties as well as independent Christian College at the instance of the candidates and spoke about the difficul- Women's Studies Centre of that College and ties they had faced, the strategies they with human and academic resource support had utilised and the support received from from GENDEAVOUR.Two more workshops various quarters. All of them emphasised have been held and hopefully this experi- the need for training for elected women ence will provide a model to be replicated members. in other colleges for specific disciplines. • On 8 April '99, at the meeting of the Events Global Board of the Hunger Project in Chennai, a one-day consultation was held • In the context of World Food Day a panel on the theme "Towards a Hunger-Free discussion on "Women Feed the World" World:Gender and Public Action".The aim was conducted on 16 October, '98 at was to bring gender issues into the public

159 Annual Report 1998-99

domain. The discussions were based on sibility of extending the sub-network at the three issues: the Right to Survival,the Right regional level (in Asia) and for databases in to Livelihood and the Right to Empower- its areas of interest, such as gender, ment. Distinguished speakers from within agrobiodiversity and Intellectual Property and outside the country led the discus- Rights (IPR) and introducing gender studies sions. The insights and conclusions in the curriculum of agricultural universities. reached are expected to help in formulat- 402.2 Internalisation Process ing action strategies at the level of NGOs, governments and international. agencies. The process of. internalisation of gender, The proceedings have been compiled as started last year, continued to focus on ori- a brief report. entation workshops for newly recruited. staff and new projects. There. has been a move- Networking ment forward from mere orientation on gen- der concepts to practical action through. skill The Centre is one of the 22 world-wide co- development in tackling various issues relat- founders of the International Consortium on ing to gender at the field level. The process Gender in Agriculture, Rural Development, of internalisation. includes workshops, the Environment and Natural Resource Manage- Gender Task Force (GTF), capacity building ment (GARDEN). The idea for such a net- and information sharing. work was initiated in October '98 by the Department of Gender and Agriculture Stud- Workshops ies at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands and discussed with potential Six workshops were conducted (Table 4.4) of which.a few were follow-up activities partners bye-mail. At a meeting held in April '99. in Wageningen, attended by 37 emerging from earlier ones, but with focus persons representing international and na- on training for project teams, for example on tional organisations, donor agencies, research facilitating group discussions with women's .. and development organisations and others, groups, process documentation ana gender preparatory work for the Consortium was and impact assessment, so that they in turn undertaken, including discussion of aims and could work effectively on gender issues. objectives, activities and structure. The Con- The new project "Conservation, enhancement, sortium is expected to focus on information sustainable and equitable use of natural re- sharing and dissemination, shared databases, sources" (CONESUB)was given an orienta- consultation and exchange of scholars, col- tion towards gender perspectives. This project laboration in research, education and train- has a strong gender component built into it. ing and developing a journal and newsletter. Since many of the project staff were newly It is hoped that it will grow into a powerful recruited, an orientation to gender concepts collective voice of rural women in world was seen as essential. The workshop used forums. GENDEAVOURhas taken the respon- innovative methodology like drama, group

160 Reaching the Unreached

exercises and group discussions to orient by the various projects of the JRD Tata participants towards gender issues. Feedback Ecotechnology Centre, to assess the impact on the programme revealed the need for field- of the project components on social and related skills in gender responsive data gath- gender issues. Appropriate social ancfgender ering and analysis. A follow-up workshop indicators to measure impact were developed. . was conducted at Wayanad, one of the project The methodology was developed by the sites, to focus on relating local problems to project team in consultation with a gender gender approaches, enhancing field skills in specialist during the course of a two-day gender sensitive observation, interaction and workshop held at. Chidambaram in March data collection and analysis. Improving com- '99. The indicators for the assessment were munication strategies in information sharing developed in consultation with local women with local groups was also taken up. who participated in the concerned programme. The methodology was also field Social and gender audit . tested during the workshop and is currently A social and gender audit was undertaken being used for the audit. -:r:hisis the first

Table 4.4 : Workshops. June '98 to May '99

Date Projects Objectives

30 July '98 Biovillage staff Review of follow up action on framing objectives and structure of the biovillage society

15 - 17 July '98 Coastal Wetlands Develop skills in process Project of Andhra Pradesh, documentation with gender sensitivity Orissa and Tamil Nadu

24 - 25 September '98 Staff of the project on Orient participants on gender CONESUB concepts through innovative methodology like drama, group exercises and group discussions

28 January '99 Biovillages staff Orient new staff on concepts of gender and indicators relating to it

5 - 7 March '99 Ecotechnology project staff Evolve a methodology for conducting a social and gender audit of the Ecotechnology project 21 - 24 May '99 Staff of CONESUB Enhance field skills, data analysis and communication strategies

161 Annual Report 1998-99 major project of MSSRFto undertake a sys- team attended a programme on Gender Is- tematic gender audit and the tool is being sues in Development at the Indian Institute shared with all projects and will later be of Forestry Management, Bhopal. The train- made available to interested persons work- ing programme was aimed at gathering gen- ing in this area. der based information through analysis of activityprofiles of men and women, resource The Gender Task Force (GTF) access of men and women and constraint The GTF met in August '98 and March '99 to analysis, for effective and successful imple- focus on information sharing and knowledge mentation of development projects. building on gender issues through bibliogra- A staff member involved in the Information phies and other tools. At the meeting held in Village project received the "Gender Matt~rs August, detailed presentations w~re made on Award",an award given by the donor group. most projects at MSSRF and their The awardee participated in a gender work- efforts in mainstreaming gender. shop conducted by IORC at New Delhi and An issue that was discussed at length at the subsequently trained other project staff at March GTF meeting was the need to build in Chennai and at the project site at Villianur. feedback systems about the information sent Training was also imparted to two volun- out and the support provided by the Re- teers from the knowledge centres in two source Centre on Gender and Development villages and to women from two villages. in the process of internalisation. Networking Focal theme workshop on gender A team of scientists participated as resource This was conducted in March '99 as part of persons in the workshop on "Farmer partici- the annual review. Case studies relating to patory methods in research and development gender issues were presented, details of for the semi arid tropics" organised at ICRISAT which are given in Table 4.5. The discussion on 27 and 28 October '98. Experiences in at the end of the presentations tackled prac- plant breeding, with specific reference to tical issues relating to gender concerns at the methodologies used for incorporation of gen- project level. The discussion also brought up der issues in field level research, were shared. the need for a greater understanding of meth- Minimum information needs, impact assess- odologies used in analysis of data in the ment, voluntary participation, constraints to social and biological sciences so as to facili- participatory research and the sustainability tate greater synergy of efforts. of the research programme were discussed. Capacity building Information sharing with international Capacity building, with reference to gender agencies issues, was continued this year. In February '98, a member from the CONESUBproject The Centre deputed resource persons for an

162 Reaching the Unreached

Table 4.5 : Papers presented at the gender workshop

Tide of presentation Project

Gender equity:Experiences from the Coastal Wetlands Project participatory resource management at Pichavaram mangroves

Gender issues in Information Village Information Village

Strengthening rural livelihoods through B.V. Rao Centre for Sustainable Food Security agroindustries

Gender issues in biodiversity conservation CONESUBProject at jeypore in Orissa

I:-ternalisation of gender issues at MSSRF: Uttara Devi Resource Centre on Gender and the process and the problems Development

expert consultation on "Participatory research Workshops methods and gender data base", hosted by the FAO Regional Office for Asia and Pacific An introductory workshop on communica- at Bangkok, from 11-14 May '99 to generate tion was held for the young members of the recommendations for FAO and participating Agrobiodiversity Conservation Corps in Kolli countries to improve research methods, and Hills to help them use the local idiom and information collection processes that are user- traditional forms of communication on the friendly, gender-sensitive and reliable, for de- theme of biodiversity conservation in their veloping gender differentiated information communities. and programme approaches. Continuing its efforts to refine perception and articulation through theatre as part of I Sub Programme Area 403 the process of empowerment, workshops were organised for adolescent girls. Working for 100 hours over a span of 3 months in Voicing Silence three schools in Chennai, "Voicing Silence" attempted to concentrate on self-exploration "Voicing Silence" has widened its scope through creative movement with IX and XI and reach in the cultural sphere with grade girls. These workshops involved 17 special emphasis on gender issues in Tamil resource persons from the city, working sepa- Nadu. rately or together, with a shared approach.

163 Annual Report 1998.99

Theatre Festival in Madurai in August '98, Giving them a free hand to choose the area twice in Chennai for theatre audiences. and they wished to address and the mode of once in a city school. Within MSSPJ',"Vellavi" expression, such as dance, improvisation, was performed as a starting-point for a dis- games or puppetry, the workshop concen- cussion in the workshop on gender organised trated only on the process and not the prod- for the staff of the CONESUB project. The uct. play has had five shows so far, each leading Being a new experience for many of the to a discussion of the basic issues it throws resource persons and the students, the work- up regarding women's voices. shop brought out the differences in indi- viduals depending on their socio- economic- "Avvai" cultural milieu and that of the school. It was interesting to note that the schools often The play "Avvai" written by 'Inquilab', reinforce these values. The girls were given a committed leftist poet of Tamil Nadu, who a chance to share their learnings with a small has given the text an unbelievable reach, group of schoolmates and teachers through challenges the image of old age associated a simple self-chosen exercise in expression. with the classical Tamil poet of that name, an image constructed by popular tales, plays There have been requests from the schools and a film called Avvaiyar. to continue this effort, and requests for such workshops from other schools in the city. The play speaks lou~ and clear in a female voice which resists restrictions. The first cen- tury Sangam woman poet is youthful, sensu- Plays ous, fearless in expressing her emotions, "Vellavi",a play based on the life story of worldly-wise and adept at political diplomacy. Marudayi, a 76 year old dhobi woman, docu- The play explores her psyche and the lifestyle mented by Parthibaraja, as part of an oral of the ancient Tamils as revealed in her po- history project for a Master's degree in Tamil, ems. was performed by Pritham Chakravarthy. An experienced artist, she portrayed the energy The play has so far been performed ten of a woman whose knowledge, work and times, (Table 4.6) to varied audiences, and I experience have sustained her life. The play also broadcast in a condensed form on was set against the colourful backdrop of a AIR. dhobi square. Networking Oral history is a major research tool today in gender and social studies. Drawing its strength "Voicing Silence" organised KULAVAI '99 a from subjective narration, "Vellavi" network for theatre workers at the national, contextualises the.professional life of a dhobi State and regional levels in Febrauary '99. 5 woman. The play was performed in the Dalit theatre groups and cultural groups from 11

164 Reaching the Unreached

Table 4.6 :Performances of '~vvai" - September '98 to March '99

Date Organisers Venue

09.10.98 Karanthai Tamil Sangam Karanthai Tamil College, Tanjore

10.10.98 Pollachi Tamil Sangam Tamil Sanga Manram, Pollachi

13.10.98 Voicing Silence & International Tamil Nadu Music College, Chennai Institute of Tamil Studies

14.10.98 Sri Sankaradas School of Performing Kelas Manram, Pondicherry Arts, Pondicherry

06.12.98 All India Radio Vannachudar Programme

14.12.98 Department of Tamil & Centre for Madras Christian College, Chennai Women's Studies, Madras Christian College

22.12.98 Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi, National Festival of Women's Theatre Thrissur, Kerala Thrissur, Kerala

04.01.99 Voicing Silence (with audience Museum Theatre, Chennai support)

21.01.99 Tamil Nadu Women's Forum Arakonam

02.02.99 Department of Tamil, New College New College, Chennai

13.02.99 Vaniyambadi Muthamizh Manram Vaniyambadi

NGOs from the four Southern States partici- of which addressed gender issues in a unique pated in this regional festival-workshop which way. A panel discussion identified and high- adopted several interwoven modalities of lighted major common concerns such as per- work. Four papers, one from each State, gave spectives, representations, form and content, an overview of the existing state of affairs in process, and theatre and sociaVpolitical ac- relation to gender, cultural activism and so- tivism. Finally, the participants worked in cial issues. 10 demo-presentations by NGO groups on these five issues and presented groups were made on modes and styles of their conclusions in the form of theatrical working, themes selected and manner of treat- improvisations, confirming once more the ment. In the evenings, public performances reach of the "language of theatre". The fi- were given by four theatre groups, one in nale was a powerful affirmation of synergy each of the major Southern languages, each arising from shared creativity and vision and

165 Annual Report 1998-99 a firm commitment to future networking. lar has been completed. Least recognised as KUIAVAI '99 is being documented in both art, this form in which women participate as print and video. members of the family, requires greater at- tention to its linguistic, gender and perfor- Documentation mance aspects. Possibilities of working with A preliminary study of street acrobats in Tamil this community and its art form are being Nadu in general and Chennai city in particu- explored.

166 Programme Area 500

Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building

everal seminars, dialogues and workshops were organised. "The Hindu" Media Resource Centre for Ecotechnology and Sustainable SDevelopment organised a scientists-media interaction on issues relating to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). "The Hindu" centre also organised several Millenium Lectures. The In'ernational Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) has designated MSSRF as the Indian Ocean Centre of the Global Mangrove Information System. Training programmes ranged from village level in situ training to an international training programme on Timber Trade statistics sponsored by the International Tropical Timber Organisation. A computer aided and Internet linked Virtual College was established in several villages of Pondicherry. This unique user controlled and demand driven Virtual College links scientists and information providers with rural families.

501 Workshops and Conferences 168 502 Training Programmes 178 503 Knowledge System for Sustainable Food Security 179 504 The Hindu Media Resources Centre for Ecotechnology and Sustainable Development ; 182 505 Databases: Design, Maintenance and Dissemination 187 506 The Literature Analysis Group 188 507 Library and Information SelVices 189 Annual Report 1998-99

Sub'Programme Area 501 the FARMsites at Alwar (Rajasthan), Almora (UP) and Coovam ON), MSSRFand officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Workshops and Conferences The PAP trammg was .held at MSSRF in Chennai and the field exercises in Kanthoor A number of national and international work- Village in the Coovam watershed area in shops and conferences were organised on Kanchipuram district, Tamil. Nadu. The PAP topics in which MSSRFhas critical interests. training was conducted by Mr. Bishan Singh, Senior Advisor, Participatory Development, National Level Training Programme on Information and' Training of the FARM Participatory Assessment. and Planning programme. Dr. Revathi. Balakrishnan of for Natural Resource Management and the Rural Development and Gender Divi- Community Development (10-17 August sion of FAO-RAP 'was the key resource '98) person. The Farmer-Centred Agricultural Resource The participants were exposed to the pro- Management (FARM) programme sponsored cesses of mapping natural. resources, assess- by FAO-UNDP has developed an interven- ment of community resources and role of tion process for community development gender in community development. The called participatory. assessment and planning members of the pioneer group then con- (PAP) approach. The PAP is a social inter- ducted similar exercises for the villagers in vention tool that cuts across all development Kanthoor village. One of the significant out- projects, current and future. It is a commu- comes of the training process was the forma- nity planning and management tool that , tion of a grassroot level committee to assess utilises a gender sensitive participatory ap- the key' factors affecting community devel- . proach which provides a doing and learning opment and ways and means to overcome situation. the development process. The village com- As part of the ongoing FARM programme mittee was a multi-sectoral one with partici- objectives, a national PAP training was con- pation of key officials of the government ducted from 10-17 August '98. The purpose departments. of the training was to facilitate the institutionalisation of the approach. Selected Workshop on Sustainable Forestry Prac- farmer leaders and government officials were tices (21 September '98) brought together as a pioneer group of twenty This workshop was organised on occasion people to strengthen and build human re- of the release of the report of the World source capacity for the institutiqnalisation Commission on Forestry and Sustainable process. This pioneer group was drawn from Development, and the meeting of the Inter-

168 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building national Board of Trustees of the Iwokrama publication and dissemination of information Rain Forest Research Programme. The work- compiled from these missions". The mission shop was. addressed by international for- was led by Dr. Richard Owens, Director of estry experts, Dr. B.c.y; Freezailah (lITO), the Global Intellectual Property Issues divi- Dr. D.S. Cassells (DG, Iwokrama Programme), sion of WIPO. In the discussion meeting held Dr. Angela Cropper (former Executive Sec- at MSSRF,participants came from a wide range retary, CBD Secretariat), and by eminent of organisations, from academic/research in- Indian foresters. Hon. Dr. Navin Chanderpaul, stitutions, NGOs, social activists, and the Minister for S&T and Environment, Guyana govenlment. Two former Secretaries to the and Sir Humphrey Maud, Deputy Secretary Government of India, Mr. R. Rajamani (Envi- General of the Commonwealth also ad- ronment and Forests) and Mr. A.V. Ganesan dressed the workshop which was attended (Comrnerce) also participated in the work- by forest. officers from different parts of shop. The topics of discussion included the . India. relation between intellectual property rights (lRP) and. the conservation of biological di- Discussion Meeting on Traditional versity; the need for documentation of farm- Knowledge, Innovations and Culture of ers' traditional knowledge; philosophical un- Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities derpinnings underlying the international IPR and other Holders of Traditional Knowl- system, such as certain concepts of property; edge and Culture (organised in association IPRs and the conservation and use of plant with the South Asian Fact Finding Mission of genetic. resources for food and agriculture; the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the protection of local designs from - WIPO) (30 September '98) unauthorised commercialisation. The WIPO organised a mission "to identify and explore the intellectual propertY needs Workshop on Ending Malnutrition in and expectations of new beneficiaries, in~ India by 2020 (23-24 November '98) eluding the holders of indigenous knowl- edge and innovations, in order to promote The meeting of the UN Commission on the contributions of the intellectual property Nutrition was held in Chennai in November system to their social, cultural and economic '98. Taking advantage of the presence .of development". Further, the WIPO provided world leaders in the area of nutrition, a for "study of current approaches to, and future workshop was organised during 23~24 No- possibilities for, the protection of intellectual vember '98. Senior experts and officials from property rights of holders of indigenous different institutions in the country partici- knowledge, innovations and culture, through pated in this workshop, which also discussed fact-finding missions to North America, South th~ draft report of the Commission. Some of and Central America, the South Pacific, West the points that emerged from this meeting and Southern Africa, and South Asia, and are reported in SAP 303.

169 Annual Report 1998-99

Workshop on Sustainable Livelihoods programme (Biosciences Group) had several and Environment Management of Coastal common goals which were complementary. Ecosystems - in Observance of the Inter- The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)and national Year of the Ocean (jointly MSSRF are implementing a programme to organised with the FAO Bay of Bengal apply nuclear and biotechnological tools in Programme and the India Operational Cen- coastal systems research (SPA 102 in this tre of International Ocean Institute) 00-11 report). Both this project, and the Homi December '98) Bhabha Chair, would be based on the prin- ciples of "Atoms for Peace", enabling rural The United Nations declared 1998 as the communities to derive benefits from nuclear International Year of the Ocean to draw the research. attention of governments and the public to the various issues related to the oceans and to develop programmes for their sustainable National Consultation on Genetically management. Agenda 21 of UNCEDhas been Modifwd Organisms: Implications for En- designed to foster an integrated approach to vironment, Food Security and Human Nu- environmental conservation and economic trition (6-7 January '99) development. The major objective of this During the 86th session of the Indian Sci- workshop was to star..dardise procedures for ence Congress, MSSRForganised a National promoting the sustainable livelihood security Consultation on "Genetically Modified Plants: of coastal communities, particularly fisher- Implications for Environment and Food Se- men and women, and to develop a volun- curity and Human Nutrition". This consulta- tary code of conduct for sustainable fisher- tion was inaugurated by Nobel Laureate Prof. ies. The workshop was also designed to look critically into the threats to sensitive ecosys- James D. Watson and attended by more than 40 participants representing the scientific com- tems such as the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere munity, researchers, gov~rnment sector, pri- Reserve, and to suggest sustainable manage- vate sector and mass media. The delibera- ment programmes. The draft document on tions were organised in four thematic ses- the "Code of Conduct for Sustainable Fisher- sions dealing with general issues, regulatory ies in India" prepared by MSSRFwas dis- mechanism, role of industry and public per- cussed and adopted at the workshop. ception of biotechnology. The highlight of Dr. R. Chidambaram, Chairman, Atomic En- the consultation was a media workshop on ergy Commission, inaugurated the workshop GMOs at which the science journalists repre- and the DAE-Homi Bhabha Chair at MSSRF. senting national and international media In his address, the Chairman of AEC ob- groups interacted with the scientists, repre- served that MSSRF'songoing programme of sentatives of international research institutes, coastal systems research and the Bhabha regulatory authorities, private sector and non- Atomic Research Center's (BARC)Vision 2000 governement organisations. After detailed

170

~ ------Education, Communication, Training and capacity Building deliberations, the participants made the fol- panchayat levels which will inspire public lowing suggestions for intensifying the use confidence and public acceptance of GMOs of Biotechnology for the Public Good: • Promoting a Knowledge System for Sus- • Promoting greater interaction between tainable Food Security based on the inte- public and private sector scientists, civil gration of traditional and new technolo- society organisations, the media and the gies judiciary and organisation of interactive • Fostering greater international cooperation workshops for this purpose based on national priorities and interests • Information empowerment and education The participants also suggested that a Na- at all levels, starting with the village tional Commission on Genetic Modification panchayats of Crop Plants and Farm Animals be set up • Integration of GMOs within an integrated by the Government of India as an apex level natural resources conservation and en- coordinating and policy oversight body with hancement strategy, such as including its jurisdiction extending to all areas of ag- GMOs in the context of an Integrated Pest riculture, i.e., crop and animal husbandry, Management (IPM) framework in the case fisheries, forestry and agro-processing. They of pest management also suggested that the members of the com- mission should represent the scientific and • Increasing the national capacity in assess- academic community, private sector R&D, ing known and unforeseen risks and in civil society organisations, senior representa- developing an unbiased balance sheet of tives of the Ministry of Environment and risks and benefits Forests, the Union Planning Commission, • Intensification of research in the public DBT, ICAR,CSIR,ICMR,ICSSR,DST, Depart- sector and expanding meaningful public- ment of Atomic Energy and Ministries of private sector partnerships Agriculture, Commerce and Industry, the National Commission for Women, the mass • Strengthening the infrastructurefor research media and a few representatives of State on microorganisms as well as farm ani- Governments, .State Agricultural Universities mals, including fish and Panchayati Raj institutions. • Introducing special demonstration, train- The proposed National Commission should ing, credit and extension programmes to be entrusted with the responsibility of coor- take the benefits of transgenics to the eco- dinating and enforcing a Precautionary Pack- nomically under-privileged farming fami- age for the safe and beneficial use of GMOs lies comprising Bioethics, Biosafety, Biosur- • Developing coordinating and educational veillance, Food Safety, consumer choice and mechanisms at the national, state and public information. It was also proposed that

171 Annual Report 1998-99

the. National Commission on GMOs should research institution and commercial company, have an autonomous status and could be whether public or private, should have its serviced either by the Ministry of Environ- own voluntmy code of conduct based on the ment and Forests or DBT or ICAR. The recommendations of their inhouse Bioethics Commission should be a statutory body. The and Biosafety Committees. Government laws, National Commission on GMOs should pre- self-regulation, education' and public under- pare an annual report on the work done standing will all be necessary to ensure that during the year in the country and present genomics and molecular breeding become it to Parliament. . powerful .instruments for building an envi- Similarly, the participants recommended that ronmentally and socially sustainable food state governments may set up similar bodies security system. The detailed recommenda- at the State level in order to provide a chan- . tions of the consultation have been pub- lished by MSSRF. nel for the speedy and effective implemen- tation of approved protocols, regulations and guidelines. The State level Genetic Engineer- Annual Interdisciplinary Dialogue Series: ing Board should not only have regulatory Climate, Biotechnology and Food and functions but also promotional and educa- Water Security (organised with the support tional functions, including the sponsorship of World Water Vision for the 21st Century of Biotechnology Parks for providing oppor- and Housing and Urban Development Cor- tunities to young men and women for remu- poration-HUDCO) (3-6 February '99) nerative self-employment. The State Boards Since. its inception, MSSRF has emphasised can prepare an annual report for being placed the need to conduct research in anticipation before the respective State Legislatures. At of global change, especially climate change. the village level, Panchayat Biotechnology The workshop organised in 1995 indicated Committees may be set up to monitor field that climate change will produce highly ad- experiments with GMOs and assess their verse consequences for agriculture in South impact on the economic well being of rural Asia. Recent studies in USA by Jeffrey Sachs families and on the ecological health of the and co-workers have pointed out that cli- area. mate change will impose a burden on the Thus, an organisational structure which ex- developing countries, located mostly in the tends from the village to the national capital tropics, while improving prospects of agri- will help not only to promote public under- culture in the higher Northern latitudes. In standing of the opportunities and implica- this Dialogue the focus was on identifying tions of the emerging biological century, but the tools and. methods by which the adverse also to alI::1Ypublic fears and apprehensions. effects of climate change can be mitigated. Concurrent attention was paid to food as While the above institutional structures are well as water security in the overall context important at the governmental level, e\'ery of global change. The role of biotechnology

172 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building in bringing about water security was consid- . ommendations. Some of these recommenda- ered in great detail. The involvement of tions are provided in a box accompanying political leaders, especially those. at the this text. grassroots, was discussed. Participants in this dialogue included Dr. The dialogue opened with an analysis of Ismail Serageldin (Senior Vice-President of policy issues, such as the follow-up actions World Bank), Dr. Anil Agarwal (Director, on the Kyoto and Buenos Aires agreements. Centre for Science and Environment), Dr. Subsequent sessions addressed food security Hans Peter-Schelling (Chairman, Novarti~ and climate management, biotechnology and Research Advisory Board), Mr. V. Suresh water security. A session on climate manage- (Chairman, HUDCO), and Prof. Sulochana ment at the micro-level, .and another on Gadgil (Chairman, CAS, Indian Institute of biotechnology, were set up to formulate rec- Science), among others.

Global Biotechnology Partnership for Water Security in the 21st Century

Role of Biotechnology in Drought and Salinity Stress

Research Needs Understanding genetic and physiological determinants Perception of stress Signal transduction Gene activation Protein expression

likely Impacts Crops for marginal land Increased productivity Crops with less chemical and fertiliser inputs Crops which need less water Crops for saline soil

Policies Education for water use Public participation in promoting research Long-term committed and continued support Private and public sector co-operation

Basic Biochemical and Molecular Studies

• Understanding the plant response mechanism to water stress

• Identification of compounds which are expressed under water stress and deciphering biochemical pathways

173 Annual Report 1998-99

• Screening of wild relatives and cultivars for stress tolerant genotypes through genomic studies (QTLs)

• Developing probes and markers related to stress tolerance

• Studies related to the biochemical mechanisms including enzymatic pathways in aero- bic/anaerobic bioremedial conditions

Identification and Isolation of Novel Genes Including Identification of New Source Material

• Isolation of known stress tolerant genes and comparative studies on their efficiency in transgenic systems

• Identification and isolation of novel genes • Screening of unexploited genetic material for stresstolerance (for example Acacia torto/is, Prosopis ju/if/ora for drought resistance); mangroves (Porteresia coarctata, Sa/icornia sp., Sueda sp., Avicennia marina etc., for salinity tolerance) and microbes (Pseudomonas for biological remediation)

• Understanding the genetic basis for enhancing the capabilities of detectors "biosensors" (to include whole cell, enzymes or sequences),degraders and sequestors of heavy metals

Molecular Breeding and Development of Transgenics for Crop Productivity and Biological Remediations

• Development of delivery systems for targeted species including transformation studies resulting in transgenics with novel genes

• Environmental impact analysis of transgenic organisms and related studies for field ap- plications

• Marker assisted selection and breeding

Consultation on Enlnrging the Basis of Today's minor crops were major crops in the Food Security : Role of Under-utilised past, until they were replaced by a few cereals Species (International Consultation organised like wheat and rice, particularly in irrigated by the Genetic Resources Policy Committee areas. Several minor crops are rich in micro- (GRPC) of the CGIAR)07-19 February '99). nutrients and can help to address one of the

174 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building most serious contemporary food security tion. During this Consultation, four working concerns, namely the widespread prevalence groups, one each for WANA(West and North in developing countries of hidden hunger Africa), rest of Africa, Asia and Latin America caused by the deficiency of micronutrients were set up, to make concrete recommenda- like iron, iodine and Vitamin A in the diet. tions to the CGIAR.These have been brought together and published as a summary of the The Genetic Resource Policy Committee of proceedings by MSSRF.In his summing up, the CGIAR set up in 1994 has been consid- Prof. M.S. Swaminathan made the following ering since 1996 the question of extending points: the base of food security by including minor crops in the farming system research The International Agricultural Research Cen- programmes of IARCs.Many of these crops tres of the CG system together with appro- will become "lost crops" if immediate atten- priate National Agricultural Research Systems, tion is not paid to conserving them and using non-governmental organisations and multi- them in the food basket. Based on a paper lateral and bilateral donors could form a prepared by Dr. Robert Bertram, a member CGIAR Forum on Under-utilised Species for of GRPC and on the recommendation of the Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security for CGIAR System Review Panel, GRPC decided undertaking the following tasks : at its meeting held in Washington in October • Change the public image of many of the '98 to convene a consultation on "Enlarging under-utilised species by getting the no- the basis of food security: role of under- utilised species" through the International menclature of "coarse cereals" altered into Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), at a term which reflects their real nutritional value; FAa could take the lead in this the MSSRF,Chennai, India from 17 to 19 area. February '99. Thanks to the generous finan- dal support of the International Fund for • Compile information on under-utilised Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the US crops from the country reports presented Agency for International Development at the World Conference on Plant Genetic (USAID), it became possible to hold such a Resources held at Leipzig and develop an consultation. Several Members of the Com- integrated database on the potential that mission on Genetic Diversity of the World such crops offer in different countries. The Humanity Action Trust (WHAT)also attended 158 country reports presented at Leipzig the consultation. contain a wealth of information which needs to be compiled, classified and as- The participants came from several institutes sessed. of the CGIAR and included the Directors General of CIMMYT,(Mexico)ICARDA(Syria) • Foster an NGO network on Seeds for and IPGRI (Rome). Directors of NIN and Ecological and Nutrition Security for NBPGR (India) also attended the consulta- organising demonstrations, training and ex-

175 Annual Report 1998-99

tension work relating to under-utilised spe- The Global Hunger Project and the Hunger ' cies. Training should also extend tq cook- Project - India are dedicated to the cause of ing and the culinary aspects of the use of working towards a world where every child, such grains. The NGO network should wo~an and man can have a .productive ~nd promote an end to end approach in deal- healthy life. We find that we' have uncom- ing with under-utilised species, starti~gwith . mon opportunities for achieving a Hunger- seeds and extending to the consumer's table Free World because of the progress made in and food processing factories. the spread of democratic systems of gover- nance, and in science and technology. The • It may be prudent to select in the first information and communication revolution instance 5 to 6 crops to demonstrate the helps us to create an environment in every potential of under-utilised species. The cri- village, town and city which will enable teria used for the initial selection in dif- people to work for the end of hunger in ferent countries could be their area. The highest priority needs to be - Market potential accorded to ending maternal and foetal un- - Agroecological value in the context of der- and malnutrition, which results in low an Integrated Natural Resources birth weight children, who suffer from mul- Management strategy tiple disadvantages including an adverse impact. on brain development. It is also nec- - Gender roles and significance for essary to work towards the total elimination women's occupations of hidden hunger caused by micronutrient deficiencies. By bringing about convergence • Initial activities could include and synergy among numerous ongoing - Conservation programmes, these goals can be achieved - Seed multiplication and distribution sooner than generally expected. - Processing and cooking To take advantage of this unique opportu- - Marketing nity, the Global Hunger Project and the MSSRF • IPGRI could be the lead centre for servic- organised a three-day Consultation on "To- ing the proposed CG Forum on Under- wards a Hunger-Free World: The Final Mile- utilised species and the system-wide ini- stone" at Chennai in April '99, tiative. Board Members, Country Directors from Consultation on "Towards a Hunger-Free Burkina Faso, Mexico, Senegal and Ban- World: The Final Milestone" (organised gladesh, investors from different parts of the with Global Hunger Project, The Hunger world as well as national participants, local Project - India and Tamil Nadu Council for invitees, and\ in-house experts attended the Sustainable Livelihoods) (7-9 April '99) meeting.

176 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building

The first day was devoted to a consultation • Since hunger is often related to the loss on "Towards a Hunger-Free India-The Final of livelihoods caused by the degradation Milestone". As The Hunger Project-India is of environmental assets, including com- committed to fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's mon property resources, the conservation vision of India where all people achieve a and enhancement of environmental assets life of dignity and self-reliance, the day's are vital for poverty alleviation. This, in deliberations included discussions on the turn, will call for the spread of sustain- ways and means to achieve this objective. able lifestyles and the curbing of wasteful The topic of the second day's consultation and non-essential consumption. was "Towards a Hunger-Free World - Gen- der and Public Action". Ail understanding of • Food and health security depended in the three specific sets of issues that face women past on several hundred food and medici- - the right to survival, the right to livelihood nal plants. Gradually the food basket has and the right to empowerment - was sought been getting smaller, with a few cereals to be gained. The final day saw a list of like rice and wheat dominating the food recommendations formulated. security system. Sustainable food and nu- trition security can be more readily The Consultation led to the following con- achieved if the earlier tradition of grow- clusions: ing a wide range of millets, pulses, tubers • Hunger elimination strategies should view and oilseeds, as well as medicinal plants, hunger in a holistic manner. Under-nutri- can be revitalised. tion and malnutrition caused by factors • Technological progress, particularly since determining food availabilityand economic the industrial revolution in Europe, has access to it, as well as hunger for identity been a major factor in enlarging economic and for a space in society, should be taken inequity. It is essential that frontier tech- into account. nologies like biotechnology, space, com- • Gandhiji's prescription that development munication and information technologies to be meaningful should touch the life of and renewable energy technologies like the poorest person in a positive manner solar, wind, biogas and biomass, are made is the most effective pathway to achieve allies in the movement for economic and the goal of freedom from hunger. social equity. The Biovillage and Informa- tion Villages programmes of MSSRFhave • The growing feminisation of poverty and shown that technological knowledge and agriculture suggests that the gender di- skill empowerment can be powerful tools mension must be internalised in all for reducing women's workload and en- programmes intended for strengthening the hancing their income. livelihood security' of the poor. Without gender justice a'nd equity, hunger elimi- The developmental vehicles at the local level nation will not be possible. should be both the institutions of represen-

177 Annual Report 1998-99 tative.democracy like panchyats and of par- producer nations and over time. The ninth ticipatory democracy like gram sabhas. Vol- in the series of these training courses (third untary organisations and panchyats could for English-using countries) was organised work together to mobilise all government, by MSSRFjointly with the lITO. non-government and bilateral and multilat- eral programmes for ensuring that they reach In the earlier programmes, the ITTO the ultrapoor. emphasised skills in statistical techniques and elementary time-series analysis of pro- Sub Programme Area : 502 duction, sales volume and price data. The trainees, organised in country groups, Were requested to obtain such data for their coun- tries, and analyse them towards the end of Training Programmes the course to produce a country case-study. In the programme organised by MSSRF,the course structure proposed by the lITO was A large number of training programmes cov- retained to a large extent, with increased ering various interest groups were organised. emphasis on: (i) use of the Internet as a These have been reported in the relevant source of data; and (ij) use of Structured sub-programme areas, especially SPA101, SPA Query Language (SQL) technique in gener- 201 and SPA301. From these reports, it can ating reports. be estimated that training programmes took place on about 100 working days, that is for The trainees were nominees of the govern- more than one third of the total working ments of the following countries: Cambodia, days during the year. In this section, two China, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, India, training programmes that took place outside Indonesia, Liberia, Malaysia, Nepal, Papua PAs 100 - 400 are reported. New Guinea, the Philippines, Suriname and International Training Programme on Thailand. Mr. John Joseph and Mr. Sanjay Timber Trade Statistics (jointly organised Shukla functioned as academic advisors from with the International Tropical Timber MSSRF,while Prof. S. Balaji, Dean, School of Organisation - lITO, Japan) (16 November - Forestry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, 4 December '98) Dr. P.J. Dileep Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka, and Mr. M.S.S.Ramanujam, The lITO has been organising training Consultant in database design (Chennaj) func- courses for professional foresters in the gov- tioned as advisors from collaborating ernment and private sectors, to help them organisations. Dr. Steve Johnson and Mr.Jain acquire familiaritywith preparing standardised Castano of lITO functioned as coordinators returns in the timber trade. The absence of on behalf of the lITO. The faculty were such ..standardised returns on a global scale drawn from a number of organisations prevents comparison of data across timber- specialising in forestry, forest produce cor-

178 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building porations, management information systems and related areas. Every day, a special ses- Sub Programme Area 503 sion was organised, featuring distinguished professionals in areas such as remote sens- Knowledge System for Sustain- ing & GIS, international conventions, and able Food Security development research. An extended field trip was organised in the states of Tamil Nadu The information villages research programme and Karnataka, covering sandalwood planta- has now been renamed "Knowledge System tions. MSSRFset up a special purpose net- for Sustainable Food Security" to reflect the work of 30 PCs for use by the trainees. The growing international and national interest ITIO conducted an evaluation of the course (e.g. the Systems Review Process in the which indicated that the programme received CGIAR;the NATPin India) in the role mod- high rating both for content and organisation. ern information and communication technolo- gies can play in promoting sustainable agri- culture. Organised as an experiment, the Training in Web Site Design for NGOs project aims at building a model for the use (jointly organised with INDEV,a programme of ICT in meeting the knowledge and infor- supported by the British Council) (14-15 April mation requirements of rural families taking '99) into account the socio-economic context and the gender dimension. The model would INDEV, launched recently, proposes the use further enable the understanding of the ex- of modern IT for dissemination of develop- tent to which effort should be made to trans- ment information, especially among NGOs form generic knowledge into locale-specific and community-based organisations. To en- knowledge that can be acted upon. The hance the NGO capacity to handle modern project has established a hub at Villianur IT, the INDEVorganised a training programme village where value-addition activity is car- in collaboration with MSSRF,which stressed ried out, so that generic knowledge is trans- the need to build and use sites on the World formed to become relevant or useful in the Wide Web as a key method of dissemination local context. of information. The Informatics Centre pro- vided the necessary operational support, with The value-addition centre at Villianur has Ms. Neena and Mr. Shadrach of INDEVserv- access to the Internet through two dial-up ing as resource persons. His Excellency Sir accounts. This also functions as the hub of Rob Young, High Commissioner of UK in a local area network for data and voice trans- India, inaugurated this programme. 22 NGOs mission covering the project villages. An from South India participated in this EPABX,similar to the ones used in offices programme. for providing intercom facility, is the key instrument in this hub. Every location on the network, including the office at Villianur, is

179 j Annual Report 1998-99 a node in this "intercom" network, which have been trained in composing documents functions with VHF radio (full duplex) rather on MS-WORD97 (using I-LEAPTamil fonts than copper wires as the medium of signal and the keyboard layout developed by C- transmission. With the help of regular mo- DAC, Pune). Training in elementary mainte- dems, PCs can be connected to this net- nance, such as defragmentation of hard disk, work. has also been provided. It was found that a period of two weeks is necessary to train a As of June '99, village knowledge centres volunteer in all these operations, given that (earlier termed "information shops") have he/she has not seen a PC before and that been set up in four places other than villianur. the level of education is limited to 10 years The locations are Kizhur (21 km west of in school. A small number of volunteers, on Pondicherry) Embalam, (19 km southwest), their own, have picked up the use of HTML; Veerampattinam (13 km south) and the techniques of recording voice in *.WAV Pillayarkuppam (13 km northwest). Prior to format and the compression of *.WAVfiles setting up these Village Knowledge Centres, using REALAUDIOfor ease of transmission participatory rural. appraisal was carried out of voice as an e-mail attachment. The train- in 14 hamlets. ers were the project staff with occasional help provided by the staff of the Informatics In each case, the community has identified Centre. and provided an accessible place and 2 - 4 volunteers. A gender expert, supported by Content"creation to suit local needs is the the Gender Matters Award of lORC, was key element in this project. Prior to com- invited to participate in the inception stages mencing content-building activity, extensive to ensure that gender sensitivity was built consultations were. held with the participat- into all the operations. All the identified ing village communities, through small volunteers and the project staff were also groups. It emerged that provision of dynamic given orientation to the importance of incor- information on prices and availability of in- porating gender sensitivity, through a work- puts for cultivation - seeds, fertiliser or pes- shop. The gender composition of volunteers ticides - was important to all farmers, espe- is as follows : Kizhur - 1M : IF; Embalam - cially the medium and small farmers. Knowl- 4F (all); Veerampattinam - 2F:1M. edge of grain sale prices in various markets in and around Pondicherry is critical to farm- During the first phase, the volunteers have ers during the harvest season. The agricul- been trained in all the basic operations of tural labourers, especially women, whose using a PC running MSWINDOWS95. They wages are partly in grains, are also anxious are also familiar with despatch/receipt of to know the sale prices. Detailed surveys messages using MS-EXCHANGEwhich was revealed that women in rural families are found to be the optimal protocol for use on interested in obtaining health-related infor- the analog wireless network. In addition, they mation, particularly concerning disorders in

180 Education, Communication, >Trainingand Capacity Building

the reproductive tract, and in child health. • t'est management in sugarcane crop ,The village centres, according to them, should provide such information in a substantial way. • Directory of hospitals and medical practi- Also emphasised by them is the need for tioners in Pondicherry-"Grouped with information on opportunities to augment specialisations such as orthopaedics, income, such as training in new skills in paediatrics etc. manufacture (e.g. incense sticks). There is • Bus/train timetables-Covering Pondicherry near consensus that the village centres should region and tWo nearby towns. provide all information on public schemes for rural welfare and the government's These databases in Tamil"(except the fami- list of eligible families living below the pov- lies below poverty line data, which is an erty line. official document in English) are available in all the village centres. Updates are trans- The value-addition centre in Villianur has ferred using the wireless network. In addi- generated a number of databases to fulfil at tion, interactive CD-ROMs for health-related least some of these requirements. These are: issues have been developed, where FAQs • Entitlements to Rural Families (frequently asked questions) are posed to medical practitioners, whose replies are 1nis database provides details of about videographed and converted to REALVIDEO 130 schemes which are operational in format for retrieval using a Pc. Topics re- Pondicherry UT during the current Plan lated to general hygiene, dental and oral (upto 2002). hygiene, and eye have been covered. (Videography was conducted in health camps • Families Below Poverty Line organised by the village communities). The details of families in the communes Veerampattinam is a coastal village with 98% of Ariyankuppam, Villianur and of the families involved in fishing. The infor- Nettapakkam have been provided in mation requirements in this village are dif- this database which has been compiled ferent and more focused on the safety of from the UT Administration and up- fishermen while at sea, on fish/shoal occur- dated till April '99. Approximately rence near shore, and on techniques for post- 22,000 families are listed. harvest processing. • Grain prices in Pondicherry region In addition to such defined content, daily • Input prices (quality seeds/fertilisers) in transactions take place covering important Pondicherry region public events and government announce- ments (of significance to rural families). • Directory of general and crop insurance Cricket information is much sought after schemes through well known Web sites. One impor- • Integrated Pest Management in rice crop tant service provided is the announcement

181 j Annual Report 1998-99 of results of 10th and 12th standard exami- project received mention both in India and nations during June '99. The results and the abroad, in detail in the 136th Presidential marksheets were available on the WEB, and Address at the US National Academy of Sci- these were made available to a total of 931 ences (April '99) by Prof. Alberts. It has also students resident in and near the project sites, been noticed in the Communications of the cutting short the time of waiting by at least ACM (November 98), On the Internet (Janu- one week. ary '99), and in Science (11 June '99). The Human Development Repot11999 of UNDP An analysis of users' registers maintained in cites this as an example of a creative project . the village centres reveals that the propor- in addressing the global information divide. tion of women users varies from 34%(Kizhur) to 50% (Embalam). The proportion of users Recently, a significant new dimension was who are below the poverty line is 16% on added with the commissioning of solar-mains the average (the average proportion of rural hybrid power systems in all the five centres. families living below poverty line is about MSSRFhas seven years experience in oper- 21%). Just over 60% of the use is for voice ating the Informatics Centre with solar pho- telephony, indicating that voice is still the tovoltaic system as the primary source of important medium for transactions in rural power. Based on this, the village knowledge areas. It is found that there is increasing centres were also provided with solar-hybrid differentiation in the information sought over system as the primary source of power. This a period of six months (e.g. not only input is the first time that such systems have been prices but their availability ex-stock in a installed in the country. They have been specific period; the differences between com- designed and supplied by the Bharat Elec- mittee-fixed sale prices and those offered by tronics Limited (BEL). The BEL and MSSRF commission agents, etc.). are jointly involved in monitoring the perfor- mance of these devices which provide backup This programme has benefited by the visits power for a PC with a wireless transceiver of eminent individuals. Prof. Bruce Alberts, and inkjet printer for up to 5 hours. President of the US National Academy of Sciences, and Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Director General of CSIR,jointly launched the Knowl- Sub Programme Area 504 edge System for Food Security programme, The Hindu Media Resource while inaugurating the Embalam centre. The Centre for Ecotechnology and Hon. Dr. Maurice Strong inaugurated the centre at Veerampattinam along with SirJohn Sustainable Development Maddox, editor Emeritus of Nature magazine in April '99. On these occasions, the Lt. The Hindu Media Resource Centre for Governor and the Chief Minister of Ecotechnology and Sustainable Development Pondicherry presided over the events. This was endowed by The Hindu group of pub-

182 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building

lications in July '98, to promote dialogue • conducting training programmes for me- between practitioners of ecotechnology and dia practitioners with special emphasis on the media. The Tole of media in promoting grassroots level media personnel public understanding of critical developmen- tal issues in a democratic society is being The Centre has been conducting public lec- increasingly recognised and MSSRForganised tures and discussions to engage the public an Asian regional workshop on the role of in debates about the ethical and social im- media in sustainable development (April '98). plications of modern science and technolo- Free access to emerging knowledge and open gies and their application to sustainable discussion on various sensitive scientific is- development. Six such programmes were sues will lead to the right public policy to organised on various themes during this year. include the excluded. The Media Resource Public Discussion & Forum and Millennium Centre gains relevance by taking scientific Lectures were the two forums used to inter- issues to the public through the media. In- act with the media and public. A Media dividually people need to be equipped to workshop was also organised exclusively for deal with the choices that new knowledge journalists on Genetically Modified Organ- and technologies offer. In order to make them isms. aware of the choices, information dissemina- tion through media is necessary. The Centre's Public discussions strategy is to provide data and information These discussions helped the local media services to the. media practitioners, thus and public to gain awareness of the various obtaining possibly more space in the main- roles of science and technology. They were stream media on scientific issues of public generally held in academic campuses in or- concern, and to provide a forum for consul- der to increase students' participation. Each tations between media personnel and prac- discussion was led by a panel of world lead- titioners of frontier science. ers in the particular field. The following were the topics: The Centre aims at: • Forests and Sustainable Development (Sep- • enhanced coverage of ecotechnology is- tember '98) sues in the media • Ending Malnutrition by 2020: An Agenda • functioning as a clearing house on mat- for Action (November '98) ters relating to sustainable development • Coastal Systems and Sustainable Develop- • providing authentic information on issues ment (December '99) affecting environment • Genetically Modified Plants - implications • establishing a directory of scientists/ex- for food security and human nutrition perts to answer media queries (January '99)

183 l Annual Report 1998-99

• Bi0technology and Food and Water Secu- issues..like hunger, poverty, population and rity (February '99) environment and sustainable fo09 security. • Where is Science heading in the next Policy makers of international repute are century? (April '99) invited to present their views on the issues and messages on the options for sustainable Key persons such as the Minister for Science, development. The themes chosen for the Technology & Environment, Guyana, Dr. Navin Millennium Lectures and the distinguished Chandarpal, whose country has dedicated one speakers were: million acres of virgin rainforest to be used as a laboratory for rain forest research, shared • Hunger, Poverty, Population and Environ- their experiences and insights with the pub- ment '- Dr. Maurice Strong, Under-Secre- lic. Dr. David Cassells, Director General, tary General. and Special Advisor to the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Secretary-General of the United Nations Conservation and Development in Guyana, Dr. • The Challenge of Sustainable Food Secu- B.C.Y.Freezailah, Executive Director of Inter- rity in the 21st Century - H. E. Dr. Jacques national Tropical Timber Organisation (lITO), Diouf, Director General, Food and were some of the other speakers. Agriculture Organisation of the United Dr. C. Gopalan, President, Nutrition Founda- Nations. tion of India, Prof. Philip James, Director, Hon. Maurice Strong who chaired the Rowett Research Institute and Dr. Richard Stockholm Conference on Human Environ- Jolly, Special Advisor, UNDP, spoke on strat- ment in June 1972 and the Earth Summit in egies for ending malnutrition. Dr. Ismail 1992,made the following points in his speech: Serageldin, Chair, CGAIR and World Water Commission and Senior Vice President, The • Today's "world order" is much different World Bank, while speaking on Food and from that which prevailed at the time of Water security said that the wars of the 21st the Stockholm Conference in 1972. Today Century would be fought over water. Other developing countries are leading the prominent speakers included Sir John revitalisation of the global economy. De- Maddox, Editor Emeritus, Nature; Sir veloping countries are growing. Humphrey Maud, (then) Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth; Dr. Peter • The G-7, which today does not include a Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Gardens, single developing country, is clearly be- USA; Dr. Vandana Shiva; and Dr. Usha coming an anachronism. The current Barwale, MAHYCO, India. "world order" continues to be rooted in the past, particularly our notions as ~o Millennium Lectures north-south relationships. These lectures are designed to provide an • It is the industrialised world that must understanding of all the dimensions of key reduce its environmental impact in order

184

b Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building

to "leave space" for developing countries munity must meet this challenge. It requires to meet their own needs and aspirations. a shift in priorities and focus of research, Neither can developing countries be de- involving the full integration of the envi- nied the right to grow, nor can they be ronmental dimension into agricultural re- expected to respond to exhortations to search and social and economic develop- reduce their population growth and adopt ment policies. There has to be real and stringent environmental controls from those functional agriculturalresearch partnerships whose patterns of production and con- at the national and international levels. sumption have largely given rise to global risks like climate change. In his lecture, H.E. Dr. Jacques Diouf, Direc- tor General, Food and Agricultural • In a world that produces more than Organisation, made the following points: enough food to feed everyone, it is a • There is no reason not to have a hunger- scandal that people are hungry and mal- free world some time next century. The nourished and an affront to the moral 'y\arld will be able to produce enough basis of our civilisation.... The other issue food for everyone. It already does so, is how to match food availability with and it could produce more. food needs, particularly on the part of the poor. • What is equally important is people's ability to secure food and in particular • Even in times of food scarcity those with how to achieve the poor's access to food. the resources to purchase fcod can usu- Second, hunger is not a question of en- ally obtain it. Conversely, even in times ergy (calorie) deficits only. of food abundance those without the means are often hungry and malnourished. • Development of agriculture and the rural Poverty, more than lack of availability, is economy is an indispensable step in the what denies many the access to the food direction of overall economic development they need. and poverty alleviation. It follows that the widely held view that the persistence of • The decade of the 1990s has brought the food insecurity and under-nutrition is not concerns of sustainability to the fore. a problem of production (or production Sustainable development is not just an op- potential) but rather one of distribution tion, but an imperative, in environmental, (or access, or entitlements), can be both economic and social terms. It requires a true and false at the same time. It is largely major commitment by governments, the true if it refers to the world as a whole, scientific and research community, busi- but this is not a very helpful conclusion. ness and industry, and civil society. • I note that poverty-reducing economic • International agricultural research is an growth and all that goes to make it hap- imperative. The agricultural research com- pen, e.g. debt relief is a must. But growth

185 l Annual Report. 1998-99

is not enough. Policies are also required • Dr. Ganesh M. Kishore in both the economic and social areas Principal Biotechnologist, Monsanto that enhance the employment and income earning opportunities of the poor, such as • Dr. Usha Barwale access to land, credit, education and health Director, MAHYCO services. • Prof. V. 1. Chopra • To make sustainable improvements, in- B.P. Pal National Professor, vestments will be needed in both of these Indian Agricultural Research Institute resources. Investing in people will need • Prof. LV. Subba Rao to come in the form of education, clean Vice Chancellor, Acharya water and sanitation, health and social N.G. Rangan Agricultural University services, and when needed, direct food and nutrition support. 22 journalists ranging from language press to international correspondents attended the Media Workshop workshop. It is the first ever workshop con- A Media workshop on Genetically Modified ducted for media persons in the country on Organisms (GMOs) was organised as a part GMOs. Considering the widespread public of the National Consultation on GMOs (re- concern about possible unethical uses of ported in SPASOl). Mr. N. Ram, Editor, Front- genomics and molecular breeding as, for line chaired the workshop. The workshop example, the recent apprehension about ter- comprised a panel discussion, which was minator technology, journalists asked what followed by an interactive session with me- steps are needed to integrate the ethical dia personnel. The participants were: concerns and public good with those of biosafety and field testing of GMOs. Some • Prof. Peter Raven, journalists asked if there were existing pro- Director, Missouri Botanical Gardens, cedures for assessing benefits and risks ad- USA equate to inspire public opinion. They also • Prof. A. Mahadevappa mentioned that they had begun to suspect Vice Chancellor, Karnataka Agricultural technologies, because they received no re- University sponse from companies like Monsanto, when queries were made. While scientists did agree • Mr. G. Ananthakrishnan in principle that such indifference should be Environmental Activist avoided, they pointed out that the media • Prof. Arie Altmann more often wage attacks on companies than Hebrew University of Jerusalem seek explanations . • Dr. G.S. Khush Principal Plant Breeder They complained that many media reports International Rice Research Institute lack factual information and accuracy and

186 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building often sensationalise. issues, leading to ma- systems (ISME), based in Okinawa, Japan, nipulation of facts. There is a need. to make invited the MSSRF to join the GLOMIS media more effective and carry more bal- programme of ISME.In September '98, MSSRF anced views. They also pointed out that when was made the coordinating agency of GLOMIS a referendum was made in Switzerland on for the Indian Ocean region. The MSSRF carrying out biotechnology research, people programme of MEIS is merged in parts with welcomed the idea overwhelmingly. This is the GLOMIS, so that the experts directory very significant in the context of the vehe- and bibliography of mangroves developed ment attacks being constantly made in Eu- under MEIS will be accessible through rope. Scientists also urged the media to play GLOMIS.MSSRFis now a partner in a net- a role in harnessing new opportunities and work of GLOMIS coordinating institutions, technologies in overcoming chronic poverty namely, the University of the Ryukyus Qa- and malnutrition. pan), University of Nitteroi (Brazil) and Uni- versity of Ghana. The Directory of Experts There was a consensus on the strategy of located in.South Asia and Eastern and South- briefing vernacular journalists as they influ- ern Mrica has been updated. The bibliogra- ence village people and farmers whose life phy database in relation to this area has also is directly affected by the technology. This been updated. requires access to scientific literature in the regional language with little jargon so as to Farmers' Rights Information Service equip the farmers and local consumers to (FRIS) make their own choice. The FRIS,which has been in existence since 1997, was completely redesigned during this Sub Programme Area 505 year. Work on the Farmers Rights' Informa- tion Service (FRIS) was carried out and the Databases: Design, Mainte- details are found in SPA 205 in this Report. nance .and Dissemination Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Food Significant progress was made in gaining Security wider recognition of the databases designed A number of databases for the project on and developed by MSSRF.Important link- . Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Food ages with national and international Security have been designed by the centre organisations have been established, to en- (SPA 503 above). sure greater access to the databases. Consistent with our principle of using non- Global Mangrove Information System propreitary, open systems for ease of dis- (GLOMIS) semination, Hyper Text Mark-up Language The International Society for Mangrove Eco- (HTML) has been used in all our databases

187 Annual Report 1998-99

so that the World Wide Web becomes the be two clusters of scientists (and institutions), medium of dissemination. The WEB site of one working in new biology and publishing MSSRF has been redesigned to include a a good proportion of their papers in me- number of our publications in both .HTML dium and high-impact journals published and PDF formats. outside' India and the other much larger clus- ter working in agriculture and classical biol- During the year, the Informatics Centre re- ogy publishing their work mostly in low- ceived recognition from the Department of impact and often in Indian journals. It would Biotechnology, .Government of India, as a be worthwhile to encourage appropriate sub-centre in' the national network of groups from these two clusters to work on Bioinformatics Centres. The DBT has. also common problems and thus facilitate inter- approvea a project for the development of mingling across the cluster divide. database on plant tissue culture techniques. This will be implemented by MSSRFin part- Currently, work is in progress on interna- nership with the National Chemical Labora- tional collaboration in new biology as re- tory (NCL) and the Tata Energy Research vealed by co-authored papers indexed in Institute (TERI). Biochemistry and Biophysics Citation Index. In this work, Mr.]inandra Doss of CLRI,who ~as competence in both computing and sta- Sub Programme Area 506 tistics, is assisting us. In this analysis, we are looking at papers from India, Israel, Italy, China and a few other countries. Preliminary results show that between 1992 and 1998, The Literature Analysis Group the percentage of Indian papers resulting from international collaboration has increased from Two projects were completed this year, both about 10 to 12.7. More than 40% of these for NISSAT-DSIR.One was based on an papers are in collaboration with authors in analysis of publications from India indexed the USA.The number of papers from China in CAB Abstracts 1990-1994, and the is increasing at a much faster pace and China other was based on an analysis of Indian also collaborates more with Western authors work indexed in Biological Abstracts 1992- than India does. More than 40% of papers 1994. from Israel have a foreign collaborating au- thor. The important findings are: (i) Both in life sciences and in agricultural sciences, Indian We have carried out an analysis of more researchers publish a far higher percentage than 11,000 papers from India indexed in of their collective research output in Indian Science Citation Index (SCI) 1997. Unlike in journals than in physics, chemistry, materials the United States and the world as a whole, science and medicine; (ii) There appear to where biology (including classical and new

188 Education, Communication, Training and Capacity Building

biology, biomedica~ research and agriculture) from 1972 onwards. The collection Biophysi- accounts for more than half the published . cal .and Biochemical Citation Index work, in India chemistry and physics .account CD-ROMshas also been updated. The entire for a larger number of papers than biology. collection is available on a stand-alone PC at Overall, the findings are not considerably MSSRF. different from our earlier analysis based on SCI 1992-1994. The staff of the library and information ser- vices programme helped about 800 research scholars from 13 different universities with Sub Programme Area 507 queries for search of technical literature, during the reporting year. To improve our library and Information Ser- reach among the research students in the vices broad area of life sciences in India, special efforts are being made to offer information services through the network of 38 The print library now has a base collection Bioinformatics Centres supported by of approximately 8,100 books and 120 pro- the Department of Biotechnology, Govern- fessional journals. The library operations have ment of India. The following organisations been computerised fully, using a package of donated used PCs for use in various out- software applications developed on Mircrosoft reach projects; Visual FoxPro. This package, named MATHURAM,enables automation of circula-. • American Chamber of Commerce in Japan tion, membership services an~ provides ac- • Ford Motor Company, Japan cess to the library catalogue. The catalogue can be .accessed on the MSSRFIntranet. The • Union Bank of Switzerland, Japan library section also provides access to the • Price Waterhouse, Tokyo World Wide Web to enable users to consult • Allied Pickfords, Tokyo journals on-line wherever possible. • First Union National Bank, Tokyo Branch The CD-ROMcollection is regularly updated. • Shipping Corporation of India, Tokyo The CAB-CDcollection of CD-ROMsin agri- Office. cultural sciences has been updated till the first quarter 1998, making available a set of The donation was coordinated by Dr. Geeta records in every area of agricultural sciences Mehta of Tokyo.

189

L. Programme Area 600

.Special Projects -

ssistance was pravided to. the .Gavernment af Mizaram in preparing an Agenda 21 far the A State. A detailed praject prapasal was prepared far the canservatian af the unique bialagical wealth af the Gulf af Mannar area which was approved by the Cauncil af the Glabal Enviranment Facility. Under the B.P. Pal Natianal Fellawship, an ecarestaratio.nplan was develaped far the Eastern Ghats Regian.

601 Conservation and Sustainable use of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve's Coastal Biodiversity 191 602 B P Pal National Environment Fellowship 192 603 Agenda 21 for Mizoram State 195 Special Projects

Sub Programme Area 601 • The Biosphere ReselVe Trust/Foundation and the Long Term Funding Mechanism Conservation and Sustainable appear fully appropriate and consistent with the importance, complexity and sta- use of the GuHof Mannar Bio- bility of the project. It is understood that sphere Reserve)s Coastal the Trust/Foundation with the Project Co- Biodiversity ordination Unit constitutes the managing authority for the entire Biosphere ReselVe, including the National Park. Preparation of a proposal for ConselVation and Sustainable use of the Gulf of Mannar • The presence of a permanent research and Biosphere ReselVe's Coastal Biodiversity was obselVation station within the national taken up by MSSRFon behalf of the Ministry park, possibly in Krusadai Island, would of Environment and Forests, Government of be of significant advantage, and would India, for submission to the Global Environ- constitute a visible symbol of the impor- ment Facility (GEF). This task was guided by tance attached to the area. a steering committee comprising all the major • The provision for a Biosphere ReselVe stakeholders including the Government of Trust/Foundation together with a Long Tamil Nadu and the relevant Central Minis- Term Funding Mechanism, with an over- tries. The proposal envisions the formation all Project Coordination Unit (covering the of a Gulf of Mannar Biodiversity Trust, which National Park) and a Board of Trustees will be a policy-setting and fund-administer- representative of all stakeholders (Tamil ing body, comprising representatives from Nadu Government, Central Government the key stakeholder groups. The Trust, Departments as well as appropriate NGOs through its Project Coordination Unit, would seems to constitute an original and valid ensure integration at the ground level of all pattern for a complex project of that type. the relevant line departments' activities and The operation of this mechanism should provide broad direction towards strengthen- however make sure that not only a top- ing the sustainable management options in down approach is followed but that sat- the area. Demonstration and dissemination isfactory arrangements are made for a of new, technology-based options for liveli- parallel bottom-up approach through hood security for the families in the vicinity which the views and expectations of the of the Gulf will be an integral component of the project. village councils and of the panchayats are properly taken into account. In the review of the proposal carried out on • There is no doubt that the project can behalf of the Science and Technology Panel provide considerable demonstration values (STAP) of GEF, Dr. Michel Batisse made the for other coastal regions, which represent following comments: probably the most difficult challenge for

191 - Annual Report 1998.99

biodiversity conservation and land water District, Tamil Nadu and development of an management. Coastal regions in the north- Eco-FriendlyRestorationPlan of Eastern Ghats ern coast of Cuba, Belize, Papua New were taken up. Guinea, Indonesia or the Philippines for Sirumalai is a range of mountains, forming instance, could benefit from the experi- part of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu with ence acquired in the Gulf of Maimar. several villages depending heavily on the The proposal, after official approval of the health of its ecosystem. Government of Tamil Nadu and the Union The objectives of the study are: Ministry of Environment and Forests, was approved by the GEF Council in May '99. In • To study the changed/changing forest its note circulated for the Council meeting, cover of the Sirumalai Hills. (from the the GEF Secretariat described the project beginning of the century) based on sec- proposal as exemplary in the way the cost ondary official data and aerial survey (sat- calculations have been carried out. In the ellite) pictures process of approval, it was mentioned that • To record the initiatives taken by the the concept of a Biosphere Trust was an Government to conserve and increase the innovative one. The GEF will extend a grant forest cover and the level of success in- of USD 7.85 million to the project with a con- cluding Joint Forest Management strategies tribution of USD 1 million from UNDP (chan- nelled through the Ministry of Rural Areas, • To have a ground level check at three Government of India). The Tamp Nadu elevation levels to assess the CO changes, Government and the Union Government will (ii) quality of life, and (iii) participatory make contributions in both cash and in kind. potential for Joint Forest Management The GEF procedures require the transforma- Methodology tion of the project brief into a work plan based The study is an analysis of secondary data on whi9h the credit flow will commence. This relating to historical perspective, policy process will be completed by August-Septem- changes, management approach and strategy ber '99 so that the project could commence affecting natural resource status and an in- within the Fiscal Year 1999-2000. terpretation of satellite data on changing natu- Sub Programme Area 602 ral resource status. It is complemented by data on socio-economic groups, their use of B P Pal National Environment forest produce, perception, utilisation, eco- logical history and management options, Fellowship collected through a structured socia-economic field survey of select variables relevant to Under this Fellowship, a study of the chang- the objectives of the study. All the necessary ing profile of Sirumalai Forest Hills, Dindigul data related to deforestation and social re-

192 Special Projects

sponses including the determinants such as backed by ground and field verification, it is livelihood needs, demand and supply com- possible to deduce the causes with some pulsions, market-forces, particularly the socio- degree of reliability. economic perspectives having a bearing on natural resource management and other rel- For the socio-economic study, a Stratified evant aspects have been considered (Figure Random Sampling Design was employed. 6.1). Stratification and selection of villages formed the first stage and selection of individuals Action within the villages formed the second stage. 1. A critical analysis was made of secondary The study sites differ widely with respect to data on Sirumalai Forest Area available at ecological conditions and corresponding man- Archives, erstwhile Board of Revenue, the nature relations. An attempt has been made Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, to highlight the distinguishable common el- Chennai, District Forest Officer, Madurai ements of ecological relationships as well as District Gazetteer (several editions), sea- those which show marked variation. son and crop reports (series published by The villages studied were chosen from 3 Government of Tamil Nadu), Swedish In- distinct attitudes: (i) top level villages near ternational Development Agency (SIDA) forests; (ij) villages in Sirumalai area plateau aided Social Forestry reports, Forest Manu- lying within forests; and (ij) villages lying als, Official Orders, Circulars, etc. scattered around the foot of Sirumalai Hills, 2. A study was made of available Remote to gain a broad appreciation of the lifescape Sensing Data/SOl Sheets on changing the and peoplescape of the study site. forest cover in Sirumalai Hills. Satellite The field study included one or more mem- images of the area under study were gath- bers familiar with the study area, preferably ered from National Remote Sensing Agency a tribal or a local low level functionary (Fire (NRSA),and the data was interpreted using Watcher). To guide and focus the interview, digital methodology. a comprehensive questionnaire which cov- 3. A socio-economic field study was designed ered all the parameters and variables rel- to analyse the forest 'resource status, causes evant to the socio-economic study was used. of deforestation and the possibility of an Individual interviews, field visits and map- eco-friendly management approach. ping were also carried out. At the final stage, A change monitoring study was carried out another grama sabha was called to brief the for the Sirumalai forest to find changes in entire village about the outcomes of the study and desired follow-up. land cover/vegetation cover during 1990-94 and to understand the factors responsible for Conclusion these changes. From the obselved changes in vegetation density at two different times, The hands-off approach to conservation

193 Annual Report 1998-99

Figure 6.1 : Causes offorest destruction

194 Special Projects which tries to keep people away from natu- cies and financial resources for their sustain- ral resources is proving to be ecologically able development. flawed. It leads to loss of local support for conservation and helps mis-appropriation by New strategies and approaches have to be powerful outsiders. Management of resources designed, to create an alternate sustainable should hinge upon eliciting the support and livelihood and to improve land use and natural participation of all stakeholders and where resources use practices which are ap propriate feasible be inducted into the new Panchayat to and harmonious with the ecosystem. Raj System. Conservation is possible if most, if not all villagers evolve and support eco- Objective friendly development plan. So an eco-friendly To design strategies and proposals for rais- participation development plan, with the re- ing financial support for an integrated quired modification to suit traditional ap- development programme aimed at reducing proaches and empowerment of local people jhum. based on successful JFM, strategies is drawn up for SilUmalai hills of Eastern Ghats. Approach Sub Programme Area 603 • Policies favouring the informal sector and activities which provide linkages of vil- lages to the regional and national eco- nomic network A~noo21furMaornmSmre • Improving infrastlUcture to cater to the marketing needs of lUrdl produce The current livelihood and resource use • Provide a firm foundation and lend firm systems (land and human) of Mizoram are support to less exploitative local produc- unsustainable. Degradation/deterioration has tion systems, caring for the wellbeing of taken place on an alarmingly large scale. the human and ecosystem needs by: High rainfallcombined with deforestation has led to severe top soil erosion. a) Environmental conservation MSSRFwas specially requested by the Chief b) Sustainable livelihoods Minister and Governor of Mizoram State to c) Eradication of poverty draft a Project entitled "Mizoram's New d) Improving the existing agricultural sys- Agenda for Sustainable Economic and Rural tem, and Development" considering that the Mizoram e) Promoting micro-enterprises. mountain ecosystem and traditional primary producer systems are under increasing stress Key components proposed are: due to population growth, heavy use of • Introduce new environmentally sound natural resources, lack of appropriate poli- crops, trees and practices

195 Annual Report 1998-99

• Aggressive promotion of crops like tea, Monitoring and correction: In this unique coffee, rubber, pineapple, oranges, other process of development a social mobilisation citrus fruits, passion fruits, arecanut, would ensure transparency and accountabil- peppervine, spices, tung oil and orchids ity. • Development of agroforestry system which Two initiatives are considered necessary for can give high economic returns this. The village level organisations should be empowered to plan and execute propos- • Development of supplementary environ- als. The second initiative is to enhance the mentally sound activities like apiary, role and participation of women in such pisciculture enterprises. • Marketing infrastructure as support to the Bearing this in mind a specially constituted local production system team of experts comprising Dr. K. Kanungo • Financial system which will provide mod- (Team Leader), Mr. E.S. Thangam (Deputy est levels of credit Team Leader), Dr. S. Sambandamurthi, Mr. V. Lakshmanan, Mr. C. Ashok Kumar and Mr. S. • Training and extension by government and John Joseph (Coordinator) undertook this NGOs to support small-scale enterprises mission. This team toured the various areas and agricultural innovations of the State, deliberated upon the issues at • Aggressive government policy to promote various levels and drafted a report: "Agenda regional growth and encourage local pro- 21 for Mizoram State". This was refined and duction and marketing. forwarded to the Mizoram government. The Report was acclaimed as a path-breaking Implementing mechanism and institutional comprehensive strategy report and the Gov- mechanisms: Recognition and support to ap- ernor of Mizoram expressed his satisfaction propriate departments to promote ventures and appreciation in his Annual Budget Speech and activities. in January '99.

196 Publications M.s. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 1999. Biotechnology and Water Security in the Books/Monograph/Manuals 21st Century: Report of the Panel on Bio- technology of the World Commission on Alagarswami, K. (ed). 1999. Code of Conduct Water for the 21st Century. Proceedings for Sustainable Fisheries in India: Adopted no. 28. MSSRF,Chennai. 21pp. at the Workshop on Sustainable Livelihoods vMGwaminathan Research Foundation. 1999. and Environment Management of Coastal .Enlarging the Basis of Food Security: Role Ecosystems. Proceedings no. 27. MSSRF, Proceedings no. Chennai. 12pp. . of Underutilized Species. 29. MSSRF,Chennai. 34pp. Anand, Rajeswari., K. Dorairaj and A. Parida. ~wa~nathan Research Foundation. 1999. (eds). 1998. Biodiversity of Gulf of Mannar Towards a Hunger Free World : Gender Marine Biosphere Reseroe. Proceedings and Public Action. Proceedings no. 30. nO.24. MSSRF,Chennai. 189pp. MSSRF,Chennai. 26pp. Arunachalam, V. (ed). 1998. Participatory Plant M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 1999. . Improvement. Proceedings MSSRF-ICRISAT Child Care Workers in the Voluntary Sec- /Workshop. MSSRF,Chennai. 66pp. tor in Tamil Nadu. Proceedings no. 31. MSSRF,Chennai. 27 pp. Balaji, V. and M.S. Swaminathan. (eds). 1998. Partnerships for Food and Livelihood Se- ~waminathan Research Foundation. 1999. curity : A Dialogue. Proceedings no. 23. Towards a Hunger Free World: The Final MSSRF,Chennai. 182pp. Milestone. Proceedings no. 32. MSSRF, Chennai. 107pp. Glory, 1. (ed). 1998. Aadippaadi: Mazhalaiyar Kalvikkaana Sila Seyalpaadugal (Tamil). Parida, A. (ed). 1999. Genetically Modified MSSRF,Chennai. 72pp. Plants : Implications on Environment, Food Security and Human Nutrition. Pro- Kanvinde, Hemal S. 1999. Gender Roles in ceedings no. 26. MSSRF,Chennai. 29pp. Maldivian Bio-Resources Management. Food and Agricultural Organization of the Shanmugavelan, Murali. (ed). 1999. Tamil Natil United Nations, Bangkok, Thailand and Thai Sey Urimai-Oru Paaroai (Tamil). MSSRF,Chennai. 58pp. MSSRF,Chennai. 20pp. Swaminathan, Mina. (ed). 1998. The First Five M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. 1998. Years. Sage, New Delhi. 312pp. Towards an Evergreen Revolution : A Report on the Dedication of JRD Tata Swaminathan, M.S. (ed). 1998. Gender Dimen- Ecotechnology Centre. Proceedings no. 25. sions in Biodiversity Management. Konark, MSSRF,Chennai. 29pp. New Delhi. 229pp.

197 Annual Report 1998-99

Thesis Reports Anand, Ajith. 1999. Studies on Genetic Diver- Arunachalam, S. 1998. Agricultural Research sity, Propagation and Rehabilitation of a in India - A Profile Based on CAB Ab- Critically Endangered Tree Species: stracts 1990-1994. Submitted to the N;f- Syzygium travancoricum Gamble. Thesis tional Information System for Science and submitted to the University of Madras in Technology - Department of Scientificand partial fulfilment of requirements for the Industrial Research. New Delhi. degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Arunachalam, S. 1998. Mapping Life Science John Joseph, S. 1999. A Study into the Chang- Research in India : A Profile Based on ing Profile of Sirumalai Forest Hills and BIOSIS 1992-1994. Submitted to the Eco-friendly Restoration Plan. Thesis sub- National Information System for Science mitted to Gandhigram Rural Institute in and Technology - Department of Scien- partial fulfilment of requirements for the tific and Industrial Research. New Delhi. degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Christiana, J. Jayanthi Rani., S. Raja Samuel, Lakshmi, M. 1999. Genetic Diversity in Man- 1. Vedavalli, A. Sarvesan, and R. Santhiya grove Species of the Family Maheswari. 1999. '!be First Teacher: Child Rhizophoraceae. Thesis submitted to the Care Workers in the Voluntary Sector in University of Madras in partial fulfilment Tamil Nadu. Research Report no. 3. of requirements for the degree of Doctor MSSRF,Chennai. 48pp. of Philosophy. Articles in Journals/Books Parani, M. 1999. Isolation of Salt Tolerance Genes from Mangroves: Characterisation Arunachalam, S. 1998. From Copycat to Inno- of Betaine Aldehyde Dehydrogenase vator: Science and Technology in Japan. (BADH) Gene from Avicennia marina Current Science. 74:822-823. and its Expression in Tobacco Transgenic Arunachalam, S. 1998. Information Technol- Thesis submitted to Anna Uni- System. ogy: What it Means for Science Commu- versity in partial fulfilment of require- nication in Developing Countries. Cur- ments for the degree of Doctor of Phi- rent Science. 75:179-181. losophy. Arunachalam, S. 1998. Assuring Quality and Rao, C.S. 1998. Studies on Clonal Propagation Relevance of Internet Information in the of Some Indian Mangroves and Species Real World. British Medical journal. Differentiation in the Genus Rhizophora. 317:1496-1502. Thesis submitted to Osmania University in partial fulfilment of requirements for Arunachalam, V. 1999. Quality of Research in the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Science. Current Science. 76:266-267.

198 Publications

Capesius, 1., M. Parani and A. Parida. 1998. Latha, R., Ajith Anand, C.S. Rao, P. Eganathan Sequence of 18S rDNA from Avicennia and P. Balakrishna. 1998. In Vitro Propa- marina (Accession No:Y17766) Sequence gation of Salt Tolerant Wild Rice, Announcement. Plant Mol. Bioi. 38:1267. Porteresia coarctata T.]. Plant Growth Regul. 17: 231-235. Daniels, R.].R. and M.V. Ravikumar. 1998. Loganathan, P., R. Sunitha, A. Parida and Amphibians and Reptiles of Kolli Hills. Sudha Nair. 1999. Isolation and Cobra. 31: 3-5. Characterisation of Two Genetically Dis- tant Groups of Acetobacter diazotrophicus Daniels, R.].R. and J. Vencatesan. 1998. Eco- from a New Host Plant Eleusine corcana system Flips in Cultural Landscapes: The 1. ]. of Appl. Microbiol. 86:1053-1058. Case of Kolli Hills in South India. Cur- rent Science. 75(4): 353-355. Mangai, A. 1998. Cultural Intervention Through Theatre: Case Study of a Play on Female Daniels, R.].R. 1998. Biodiversity: Science and Infanticide/Foeticide. Economic and Po- Policies in the Millennium 2000. Living litical Weekry. XXXIII(44): 70-72. Resources for the Millennium 2000. (ed) Murugakani, S., T. Ranganathan and M. S.John William. Loyola College, Chennai. Sundaramani. 1999. Adoption Behaviour 43-50. of Irrigated Groundnut Seed Growers. Journal of Extension and Research. Daniels, R.].R. 1999. Biological Diversity and 1(2):105-110. Intrinsic Value. Convergence. 1(1):18-23. Parani, M., M. Lakshmi, P. Senthilkumar, Daniels, R.].R. 1999. The Mangroves' Last Nivedita Ram, and A. Parida. 1998. Mo- Stand. Biologist. 46(1): 8-11. lecular Phylogeny of Mangroves V: Analy- sis of Genome Relationship in Mangrove Daniels, R.].R.,J. Vencatesan and G. Anuradha. Species Using RAPD and RFLP Markers. 1999. Application of Biotechnologies at Theor. Appl. Genet. 97:617-625. Field Site for Adoption by Rainfed Farm- Parani, M., P. Senthilkumar, M. Lakshmi and ing Communities Emphasizing Participa- A. Parida. 1998. A Nuclear Gene from tory Approaches-Bioindexing and Avicennia marina Homologous to the 405 Biomonitoring. Proceedings of the Re- Ribosome Protein 57 Gene of Animals and gional Training-cum- Workshop on Appli- Humans (Accession No. AF098519) cation of Biotechnologies to Rainfed Farm- (PGR98-203). Plant Physiol. 118:1534. ing System, including Bioindexing, Em- phasizing Participatory Approach at Com- Raman, K.V. 1998. Agricultural Production in munity Level. Department of Biotechnol- Semi-Arid and Arid Regions: Future Sce- ogy, Government of India, New Delhi. nario. Proceedings of the Nutrition Soci- 7-12. ety of India. 45: 103-117.

199 Annual Report 1998-99

Rao, C.S. and H.S. Chawla. 1998. Interaction Swaminathan, M.S. 1998. Developments in In- of Genotype, Culture Medium, Growth dian Agriculture. Footprints of Enterprise: Regulators and Level of 2,4-D on the Indian Business Through the Ages. Fed- Regeneration Response of ~heat. eration of Indian Chambers of Commerce Acta Agronomica Hungarica. 46(2):105- and Industry. Oxford University Press, 112. New Delhi. 174-187.

Senthilkumar P., M. Parani, M. Lakshmi and Swaminathan, M.S. 1998. Farmers' Rights and A. Parida. 1999. Histon H3 Gene from Plant Genetic Resources. Biotechnology Porteresia coarctata. (Accession No. and Development Monitor. 36: 6-9. AF109910)(PGR99-023). Plant Physiol. 119:806. Swaminathan, M.S. 1998. 50 Years of Progress in Indian Agriculture. Independent India: Swaminathan, Mina, A. Mangai and S. Raja The First Fifty Years. (ed) Hiranmay Samuel. 1998. Confronting Discrimination: Karlekar. Oxford University Press, New Some Approaches to the Issue of Female Delhi. 146-148. Infanticide. Search Bulletin 13(3): 64 - 74. Swaminathan, M.S. 1999. Genetically Modi- fied Organisms in Agriculture: A Risk- Swaminathan, M.S. 1998. Food Security and Aversion Package. Current Science. 76(4): Agrobiodiversity. Valuing the Global En- 468-470. vironment: Actions and Investments for the 21st Century. (ed) Susan Drake Swift. Global Environment Facility, Washington Swaminathan, M.S. 1999. Management for DC. 54-55. Greater Synergy. Management Perspec- tives: Essays on Managerial Priorities and Swaminathan, M.S. 1998. Sustainable Devel- Management Education. (ed) N. Bala- opment: Meeting the Challenges of Food subramanian. Macmillan India, New Delhi. Security and Climate Change. Innovative 335-345. Strategies for the 21st Century Towards Business Excellence. (ed) P. N. Mogre. Swaminathan, M.S. 1999. Development and Indian Merchants' Chamber, Mumbai. 29- Spread of Integrated Nutrient Supply 36. Systems. Proceedings of the Regional Training-cum- Workshop on Application of Swaminathan, M.S. 1998. Rural India - The Biotechnologies to Rainjed Farming Sys- Sleeping Giant. India - A look Ahead. tem, Including Bioindexing, Emphasizing Associated Chambers of Commerce and Participatory Approach at Community Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), New Level. Department of Biotechnology, Gov- Delhi. 97-110. ernment of India, New Delhi. 1-2.

200 Publications

Swaminathan, M.S. 1999. Science in Response Eganathan, P., C.S. Rao, and P. Balakrishna. to Basic Human Needs. Current Science. 1998. Influence of Auxins and Seasonal 77(3): 101-112. Variation on the Vegetative Propagation Responses of Twelve Indian Mangrove Vencatesan, ]. 1998. Biodiversity and Gender Species. National Symposium on Future Correlates of Food Security. Proceedings Goals of Physiological Research for the of the International Human Dimensions Improvement of Plant Genetic Resources. Programme .. (ed) Ramine Shaw. IHDP, Annamalai University. December 18-20. Bonn, Germany. 15-16. Gnanappazham, L., M. Navamuniyammal and Presentation in Conferences/Symposia L.R.A. Narayan. 1998. Application of j t/ Arunachalam, S. 1998. Information Technol- Remote Sensing and GIS in Management ogy and its Implications for Scholarly of Coastal Area. XVIII International Con- Communication in the Developing Coun- gress of INCA. Calcutta. December 15-18. tries. Science Communication for the Next John Joseph, S. 1998. Methodology for As- Millennium: 9th International Conference sessment, Measurement and Monitoring of the International Federation of Science of Vegetative Biodiversity - Global and Editors. Egypt. June 7- 11. Regional Perspective. National Seminar Arunachalam, S. 1999. Information Technol- on Biodiversity ConsenJation - Challenges ogy and Rural Development. National and Opportunities. Indian Council of Science Day Lecture. Madurai Kamaraj Forestry Research and Education, Dehra University, Madurai. February 27. Dun. October 9-10. Arunachalam, S. 1999. Science Coverage in John Joseph, S. 1998. Community Participa- the English Language Press in India. tion. Welt Forum Wald on Biodiversity - Seminar on Science and the Media. Inter- Treasures in the World's Forests. University Centre for Astronomy and As- Schneverdingen, Germany. July 3-7. trophysics. Pune. March 1-2. Balasubramanian, K. 1999.Information Villages. John Joseph, S. 1998. Non-Timber Forest Prod- IT& Development in the Next Millennium, ucts of India. Welt Forum Wald on Asia-Pacific Development Information Biodiversity - Treasures in the World's Programme. Kuala Lumpur. March 24-27. Forests. Schneverdingen, Germany. July 3-7. Daniels, R].R and]. Vencatesan. 1998. What- ever Happened to India's Conservation Latha, R 1998. Analysis of Genetic Relation- Traditions? National Workshop on Classi- ship Using AFLPMarkers from Wild Rice, cal and Legal Concerns in Environmen- Potteresia coarctata T. First National Plant tal Protection. National Law School, Ban- Breeding Congress. Tamilnadu Agricultural galore. September 26-27. University, Coimbatore. July 1-3.

201 L Annual Report 1998.99

Mangai, A. 1998. Cultural IntelVention Through Parida, A. 1999. Isolation and Characterisation Theatre : Case Study of a Play on Fe- of Salt Tolerant Genes from Mangrove male Infanticide/Foticide. Pacha Mannu Species. Invited lecture. CIMMYT,Mexico. Biennial Conference. Indian Association May 25. for Women's Studies, Pune. May 31 - June 2. Rajagopalan, S. 1998. Policy and Research Is- sues Relating to Micronutrients. UNICEF Mohan, M.S.S. 1999. Morphogenetic Patterns Seminar. Chennai. September 2. in Two Isolates of Chalara spp. Interna- Raman, K,v. 1998. Sustainable Agriculture for tional Symposium on Tropical Mycology. Food Security. IV International Food Con- Chennai. January 20-22. . vention. Mysore. November 24-27. Nair, Sudha. 1999. Technological Empower- Raman, K.Y. 1999. Food Security and Aug- ment of Women. Forum of Women and mentation of Food Resources. Interna- Science, 86th Indian Science Congress. tional Course on Nutrition. National Insti- Cbennai. January 3-7. tute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. January 21. Raman, K,V. 1998. Role of Agricultural Uni- Parida, A. 1998. New Technologies for Agri- versities in Rural Development: Indian cultural Development. International Scenario. Regional Meeting on the Role of Workshop on Managing Biotechnology in Universitiesfor Rural Development. Beijing, the Time of Transition. Hainan, China. China. September 14-17. November 1-15. . Raman, Sarojaand Raman, K,v. 1998.SoilQual- Parida, A. 1999. Emerging Priorities in Plant ity Audit for Resource ConselVation in In- Genome Research in Improving Agricul- dian Agriculture. Workshop on ECological tural Productivity. Plenary Lecture, Ge- Responsibility. Council for Social Develop- nome Summit, 86th Science Congress. ment. New Delhi. November 16-19. Chennai. January 3-7. Subashini, H.D. 1998. Make Composting Easy Parida, A. 1999. Empowerment is the Key to with Microbial Degraders. INDO-US Work- shop on Applications of Biotechnology for Achieving Sustainable Development. Re- gional Workshop on Agricultural and Clean Environment and Energy. Banga- Rural Development in South hast Turkey. lore University. August 5-8. Sanliurfa, Turkey. May 12-15. Subashini, H.D., Y.Joe and Y.N. Rayudu. 1998. A Case Study of Cleaner Technologies Parida, A. 1999. Molecular Tools for towards Eco-friendly Tanneries. III Inter- Biodiversity Assessment and Management. national Workshop on Cleaner Produc- UNESCOMeeting on South-South Coopera- tion and Waste Prevention. Basel, Swit- - tion, Xalapa. Mexico. May 18-25. zerland. October 5-16.

202 J Publications

Swominathan, Mina. 1998.Reproductive Health Balaji, V. 1999. Thinktank on Distance Edu- and Child Rights. International Confer- cation Strategy in Rice Research. Interna- ence on Women and Child - Health, tional Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Empowerment, Rights and Development. Philippines. April 13-15. Loni, India. November 14-16. Balasubramanian, K. 1999. Millennium Assess- Thamizoli, P. and Sylvia Jasper. 1998. Ecol- ment Prototype. World Resources Insti- ogy and Equity: The Malaimalasar and tute, Washington. February 10-11. the Environment of Anamalai Hills, South India. 8th International Conference on Eganathan, P. 1999. Summer School on Crop Hunting and Gathering Societies. National Improvement in Plantation Crops. Cen- Museum of Ethnology. Osaka, Japan. Oc- tral Plantation Crop Research Institute tober 26-30. (lCAR). Kasaragod, Kerala. June 8-28.

Vencatesan, J. and R.].R. Daniels. 1998. Gen- Geetha Rani, M. 1998. 9th International Course der and Biodiversity in a Cultural Land- on Desert Agro-Biology. The Jacob scape: A Case Study in South India. Re- Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, gional Conference on Gender and Devel- Israel. December I-January 20. opment. Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. August 3-6. Hariharan, G.N. 1999. Resource Person in the National. Workshop on Lichens. Univer- Participation in Training Programmes/ sity of Perdeniya and Royal Botanical Workshops Gardens, Perdeniya, Srilanka. May 1-31.

Anand, Ajith. 1998. UNESCO Biotechnology Johnson, K. 1998. Workshop on Coastal Zone Action Council Fellowship. Kansas State Management. Victoria, Canada. August 31- University, USA. July 5 - October 4. September 3.

Balaji, V. 1998. Workshop for Establishment of Mangai, A. 1998. National Workshop on a Global Mangrove Information System Women's Theatre. Kerala Sangeetha (GLOMIS). International Society for Man- Nataka Akademi, Thrissur. December 19- l' grove Ecosystems. University of the 29. Go' Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. September 5- 8. Mohan, M.S.S. 1998. Training Course on Mo- lecular Approach to Measuring the Ge- Balaji, V. 1999. Scientific Advisory Council netic Diversity and Mapping Genes Influ- Meeting of the Environment in a Global encing Economic Traits of Forest Tree Information Society (EGIS). International Species. University of Kebangsaan, Ma- Council of Science. Paris. March 28-30. laysia. November 9-14.

203

L ______J Annual Report 1998.99

Nagaraja, C. 1998. Training Programme on Swaminathan, M.S. 1999. Shatabdi Puraskar Breeding and Hatchery Management of in the field of Agricultural Sciences. In- Giant Freshwater Prawn. Central Institute dian Science Congress Association. of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar. April 17- July 4. Swaminathan, M.S. 1999. Legend in his Life- time Award. World Wilderness Trust. Nair, Sudha. 1998. Indo-American Environ- mental Leadership Programme-Internet Training. USIS, New Delhi. September Web Site 17-19. Farmers' Rights Information Service (FRIS), Nair, Sudha. 1999. Promoting Gender Equal- MSSRF.September 1998. ity in the Asia-Pacific Region: Programme (http://www.mssrf.org.sglwebfris). Startup and Implementation Planning Workshop. Makati City, Philippines. April 12-14. Videos Subashini, H.D. 1998. Training Programme on Operation and Management of Envi- Jnani. Enna Pannikittirunde?-Multiple Roles ronmental Testing Laboratories. Environ- of Rural Women. 1998. 3.8 mins. (Tamil). mental Training Institute, Tamilnadu Pol- Jnani. Yaar Kaaranam?-Scientific Causes De- lution Control Board, Chennai. July 21. termining the .Sex of the Child. 1998. 1 min. Awards/Honours Jnani. Enna Pidikkum?-Understanding the Dhanapal, D. 1999. Gender Matters Award. In- Child's Developmental Needs. 1998. 1.7 ternational Development Research Centre. mins. (Tamil).

204 About the Foundation M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)was registered in 1988 as a non-profit Trust, recognised by the Government of India, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, and by the Director General of Income Tax Exemptions, for the purpose of exemption of contributions from Income Tax under Section 80G and section 35 (1) (ii) of Income Tax Act, 1961, read with Rule 6 of Income Tax Rules, 1962. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Governm@ntof India, has recognised the Foundation for receiving funds from sources abroad under the provisions of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976.

Board of Trustees Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Chennai Ms. Anuradha J. Desai Chairman Chairperson Prof. V. 1. Chopra Sri Venkateswara Group B P Pal National Professor of Agriculture Pune New Delhi Dr. v'K. Ramachandran Dr. K. Kanungo Indira Gandhi Institute for Development Former. Vice-Chancellor Research, Mumbai Orissa University of Agriculture & Dr. Soumya Swaminathan Technology, Bhubaneswar Deputy Director Mr. R.M. Lala Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai Director Dr. Usha Barwale Zehr Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai Joint Director (Research) Ms. Mina Swarninathan Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Co Ltd Educationist, Chennai jalna

Centre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (CRSARD) Registered in 1990 as a Society under the Ta.mil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975

Governing Body Ms. MalavikaVinod Kumar, Treasurer Technical Director Prof. M.S.Swaminathan, President Sundar Chemicals (P) Ltd, Chennai 11, Rathna Nagar, Chennai Prof. A. Abdul Karim Dr. S. Rajagopalan, Secretary Vice-Chancel/or Distinguished Fel/ow Tamil Nadu Agricultural University MSSRF,Chennai Coimbatore

205 Annual Report 1998.99

Mr. S.S. Rajasekhar Dr. T. N. Ananthakrishnan "River View" Former D' zrector,Entomology Research Institute Kotturpuram, Chennai Mr. A. M. Mahmood Hussain, IFS (Retd.) Dr. K. Alagarswami Forestry Expert, Chemzai Former Director Central !mtitute for Brackish WaterAquaculture Dr. Parvathi Menon Chennai The Frontline Mr. A.M. Mahmood Hussain Dr. S. ]ayaraj ICARNational Professor, Pore-,IIY Expert Cbennai Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Dr. R. Prabaharan Dr. K. V. Raman Vice-Chancellor Director, B. V.Rao Centre, MSSRF Tami! Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences Prof. P. C. Kesavan University, Chennai DAE-Homi Ehabha Chair, MSSRF prof. Kunthala ]ayaraman Dr. S. Rajagopalan Centre for Biotechnology Secretary, CRSARD& Distinguished Fellow, MSSRF Anna Universi~y, Chennai Prof. T.N. Ananthakrishnan Project Advisory/Management Commit- Former Director tees Entomology Research Institute, Chennai Management Committee for the Project Coastal Auditors Wetlands: Mangrove Conservation and Mis. Brahmayya & Company, Chennai Management Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Research Council of CRSARD Chairman Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Shri. Vinod Vaish, IAS Chairman Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment & forests Dr. M. Ananda Krishnan Government of India Vice-Chairman, Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education Shri. C.S. Rangachari, lAS Principal Secretary, Environment, Forests, Science & Dr. R. Prabaharan Technology, Government of Andhra Pradesh Vice-Chancellor, Tami! Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences Universi~y Thiru. K. S. Sripathy, lAS Secretary- forests & Environment prof. A. Abdul Karim Government of Tami! Nadu Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Dr. K. Alagarswami Shri. S. Rath, lAS Former Director, Central Institute of Brackisb Water Commissioner-cum-Secretary, forests Aquaculture, Chennai Government of Orissa

206 About the Foundation

Dr. KK Bagchi, lAS Technical Advisory Committee for Project Secretary, Forests & Environment Department Operation Resource Support Government of WestBengal Dr. L. S. Saraswati Thiru. V.R. Chitrapu, IFS EducationalConsuftant Principal Chief Conseroator of Forests, Tamil Nadu Chennai Ms. E. V. Shanta Shri. S.D. Mukerjee, IFS Freelance Consultant, Chennai Principal Chief Conseroator of Forests Andhra Pradesh State Representative UNICEF,Chennai Shri. S.K Patnaik, IFS . Chief Conseroator of Forests (Wildlife), Orissa Mr.]nani Communicator, Chennai Shri. A.K. Syangden, IFS Dr. K Shanmugavelayutham Principal Chief Conseroator of Forests, WestBengal Convenor, TN-FORCES,Chennai Dr. A.G. Untawale Director of Social Welfare Deputy Director, National Institute of Government of Tamil Nadu Oceanography, Goa Chennai

Mr. Steven Rayfield Programme Advisory Committee for Uttara Devi First Secretary, Canadian High Commission Resource Centre for Gender and Development New Delhi Dr. K. Kanungo Mr. Alan Ferguson Former Vice-Chancel/or, Orissa University of Agricul- Project Director, ICEP,New Delhi ture & Technology, Bhubaneswar

Dr. lara Chatterjee Dr. Suma Chitnis Senior Project Officer, ICEP,New Delhi Director,j.N. TataEndowment, Mumbai

Mr. R. Rajamani, lAS (Retd.) Ms. Lakshmi Krishnamurthy Member, Social Audit Panel, Hyderabad Director, "Alarippu ': New Delhi

Dr. P. Mohanty-Hejmadi Ms. Leela Gulati Bhubaneswar Associate Fel/ow, Centre for Development Studies 1biruvananthapuram Shri. G. Gopal, lAS Director, Environment Protection Training & Dr. V.B. Athreya Research Institute, Hyderabad Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai

Mr. S. Sankaramurthy, IFS (Retd.) Dr. Radha Paul Project Director, MSSRF (Member Secretary) National Director, World Vision of India, Chennai

207 Annual Report 1998-99

Dr. V. Vasanthi Devi Mr.J. B. Sinha Former Vice-Chancellor, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Jt. Accts. Officer, Department of Biotechnology University, Chennai Government of India

Institutional Biosafety and Bioethics Prof. P. C. Kesavan Committee DAE-Homi Bhabha Chair, MSSRF Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Dr. Sudha Nair Principal Scientist, MSSRF MSSRF (Chairman) Dr. Ajay Parida Dr. Jeffrey A. McNeely Principal Scientist, MSSRF (Member Secretary) Chief Scientist, WCN Programme Management Committee for De- Dr. S. 1. Govindwar partment of Atomic Energy Support for Nuclear Representative, DBT and Biotechnological Tools in Coastal Systems prof. P. C. Kesavan Research DAE-Homi Bhabha Chair, MSSRF Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Dr. Sudha Nair MSSRF(Chairman) Principal Scientist, MSSRF Ms. Sudha Bhave, lAS Joint Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy Dr. Ajay Parida Government of India Principal Scientist, MSSRF (Member Secretary) prof. P. C. Kesavan Project Management Committee for DBT DAE-Homi Bhabha Chair, MSSRF Programme Support for Bioprospecting, Genetic Enhancement and Biomonitoring Dr. S. S. Sood Director, Radioisotope Group, Bhabha Atomic Prof. Bharat B. Chattoo Research Centre (BARC) M. S. University, Baroda (Chairman) Dr. R. K. Mitra Prof. K. Veluthambi Head, NA&BT, BARC Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai Dr. S. K. Apte Dr. G. Suresh Cell Biology Division, BARC SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai Dr. K. Balasubramanian Dr. K. Gurumurthy Director, JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre, MSSRF Advisor, Department of Biotechnology Government of India Dr. Sudha Nair Principal Scientist, MSSRF Dr. Renu Swarup PSO, Department of Biotechnology Dr. Ajay Parida Government of India Principal Scientist, MSSRF (Convenor)

208 Foundation Staff Mr. L.R.A. Narayan Distinguisbed Fellow Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Chairman and Mr. K Johnson UNESCO-Cousteau Chair in Ecotechnology Project Officer Dr. V. Selvam Administrative and Support Services Project Coordinator, Tamil Nadu Mr. C.K Ramachandran Dr. T. Ravishankar Director (Finance & Donor Relations) Project Coordinator, Andbra Pradesb Ms: Sudha Umapathy Mr. Prafullakumar Mishra Manager (Personnel & Administration) Project Coordinator, Orissa Mr.,R. Venkataramanan Manager (Accounts) Dr. Dorai Sridhar Site Manager, Nagayalanka Mr.,N. Parasuraman Manager (Estate) Dr. R. Ramasubramanian Site Manager, Kakinada Ms, V. Sridevi Executive Secretary Mr. KK Ravichandran Ms. D. Rukmani Site Manager, Picbavaram Assistant Manager (Purchase) Mr. Saroj Kumar Pradhan • Mt. S. Karthikeyan Site Manager, Mabanadbi Assistant Manager (Accounts) Dr. R. Somasundaram • Ms. R. M~lathy Site Manager, Mutbupet Senior Secretary Mr. 0'. Ramakrishna Ms. T. Vijayasulochana Hydrologist, Kakinada Senior Administrative Assistant Mr. Y. Ansary • Ms. G. Padmavathy Agronomist, Mutbupet Receptionist cum Telephone Operator Mr. KG. Mani Programme Area 100 : Coastal Systems Agronomist, Picbavaram Research Mr. Maqboolmohhidin Jeelani Coastal Wetlands Project Agronomist, Kakinada Mr. S. Sankaramurthy Mr. Sibashankar Mahapatra Project Director Agronomist, Mabanadhi • Left During tbe year

209 l Annual Report 1998-99

Ms. L. Gnanapazham • c Mr. G. Suresh Kumar . Senior Scientist/Cartographer Technical Assistant Mr. V.M. Karunakaran Ms. S. Geetha Social Scientist, Muthupet Project Assistant Mr. Sathyashree Nayak Ms. R. Karpagam • Social Scientist, Bhitarkanika Project Assistant

Mr. K. Anbalagan • Mr. R. Baskar Social Worker, Muthupet Accounts Assistant

Mr. Billamanikya Rao Ms. R. ]ayashree SociaIWomer,Nagaya~nka Accounts Assistant

Mr. Mihir Kumar lena • Mr. T.E. Krishnan Social Worker, Mahanadhi Driver Mr. Nune Srinivasa Rao Mr. Subodh Ranjan Das Social Worker, Kakinada Consultant (Agriculture Specialist) Mr. R. Rameshbabu Mr. B.N. Mishra Training Coordinator Consultant (Social Scientist) Ms. M. Navamuniyammal Nuclear Toolsfor Coastal Systems Research Project Associate (Remote Sensing) Ms. M. Lakshmi Mr. Vatturi Srinivas • Research Associate Project Associate Mr. M. Parani Ms. Sylvia Snehalatha Research Associate Manager (Library Services) Mr. J. Raju Mr. P.V. David Project Associate Research Fellow, Muthupet Ms. Annie ]enifer Mr. M. Muniyandi • Library Assistant Project Associate ./ Ms. Seyda Habi Banu Begum Mr. M. Nageswaran Technical Assistant Project Associate Mr. B. Senthil Kumar Ms. Lilly M. Saleena " Technical Assistant Junior Research Fellow • Left During the year

210 j The Foundation Staff

Mr. R. Kalaimani Mr. P. Loganathan Field Assistant Senior Research Fellow

Mr. A. Mohan Doss • Mr. P. Balaji Training Coordinator Junior Research Fellow DAB-Romi Bhabba Chair Ms. R. Sunita Junior Research Fellow Prof. P.e. Kesavan DAFrHomi Bhabha Chair Mr. K. Ravikannan v Technical Assistant Ms. K. Sheela Pankaj Secretary Bioprospecti ng, Biopartnership and Micropropagation Programme Area 200 : Biodiversity and Biotechnology Dr. P. Balakrishna • Senior Scientist Molecular Mapping and Genetic Enhancement Dr. M.S.S. Mohan Dr. Ajay Kumar Parida Senior Scientist Principal Scientist Mr. Ajith Anand • Mr. P. Senthilkumar CSIR Senior Research Fellow Research Associate Mr. C. Srinivasa Rao Mr. M.N. Jithesh CSIR Senior Research Fellow Junior Research Fellow Mr. P. Eganathan Ms. Priya Pillai • .Senior Research Fellow Junior Research Fellow Ms. R. Latha # Mr. M. Kadirvelu Senior Research Fellow Technical Assistant Ms. R. Radha Biomonitoring CSIRJunior Research Fellow Dr. Sudha Nair Ms. R. Anuradha • Principal Scientist Junior Research Fellow Dr. G.N. Hariharan Ms. Sandhya Mohan Senior Scientist Junior Research Fellow

• Left During the year • On leave visiting the IntI. Rice Research Institute

211 L --~-----j Annual Report 1998.99

Mr. H.M. Sankararamasubramanian Mr. M.K. Rateesh Narayanan Junior Research Fellow Junior Research Fellow

Mr. M.M. Saravanan Mr. T. Manojkumar Technical AssL~tant Technical AssL~tant Mr. R. Sunil Kumar * Ms. Elsy Mathew Technical AssLI'tant Technical AssL~tant

Mr. E. Thiruvengadam Dr. N. Ravi Technical Assistant Consultant

Community Biodiversity Programme and Dr. R.D. lyeI' Technical Resource Centre Consultant Mr. S. John Joseph Dr. V.P.K Nambiar B. P. Pal National Environment Fellow Consultant Dr. V. Arunachalam Pro;ect Leader (Participatory Plant Breeding) Agrobiodiversity Programme, Orissa Ms. M. Geetha Rani Dr. ~.D. Sharma Gene Bank Manager DL~tinguishedFellow Mr. Bibhu Prasad Mohanty Community Agrobiodiversity Conservation Project Leader Centre, Kalpetta, Kerala Mr. Trilochana Ray Dr. N. Anilkumar Community Organiser Project Leader Mr. Manoj Kumar Nayak * Mr. G. Girigan Research A~sociate Communi~v Organiser Mr. Saujanendra Swain Mr. KF. Thomas Research Associate Farm Manager Mr, V. Balakrishnan Mr. Sukanta Kumar Sarangi Research Fellow Junior Research Fellow Ms. Pratibha Joy Mr. Amarendra Mishra * Junior Research Fellow Junior Research Fellow Mr. Rajesh Jacob Mr. Susanta Sekhar Chaudhary Junior Research Fellow Junior Research Fellow • Left During the year

212

h. \

The Foundation Staff

Mr. Gopal Chandra Mohapatra • Dr. M. Kaliyamurthy @ Herbarium Technician Senior Scientist

Mr. Kailash Chandra AgalWal Dr. V. Amalan Stanley Administrative Assistant Project Coordinator

B R Banvale Chair in Biodiversity Dr. D. Dhanapal Project Coordinator Prof. R.]. Ranjit Daniels BR Barwale Chair Dr. H.D. Subashini Project Coordinator Dr. Ouseph Alphonse Senior Fellow Dr. P. Thamizholi Project Coordinator Ms. G. Anuradha Project Associate Mr. M. Ganesan Mr. M.V. Ravi Kumar Project Associate Research Assistant Mr. A. Gopalakrishnan Mr. Jyothi Ranjan Mohanty Project Associate Research Assistant Mr. E.D. Israel Oliver King Mr. Jai Ranganathan Project Associate Visiting Scholar Mr. M.S. Kuberaraj Ms. Sunita Ram • Project Associate Visiting Scholar Mr. S. Malarvannan Programme Area 300 : Ecotechnology and Project Associate Sustainable Agriculture Mr. S. Murugesan JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre Project Associate Dr. K. Balasubramanian Ms. R. Rengalakshmi Project Associate Director

Dr. A. Venkataraman Ms. A. Shaleesha Distinguished Fellow Project Associate

Dr. K. Alagarswami Ms. Shilpa Patel Consultant Project Associate

• Left During the year @ On deputation from Central Institute of Fresh Water Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar

213 --~-j F••.•••••------,..------_

Annual Report 1998-99

Mr. N. Shivakumar • Mr. S. Mohan Project Associate Office Assistant

Mr. A Vedamoorthy Mr. K. Ramanathan • Project Associate Consultant

Dr. L. Vedavalli' Biovillage & Biofertilisers Project, Pondicbeny Project Associate Dr. RS. Shantak~mar Hopper Mr. S. Arivukarasu Project Coordinator Project Assistant (Systems) Ms. Pushpalatha Sivasubramanian Ms. AP. ]eyabharathy Bio-Centre Manager Project Assistant Dr. AR Thiagarajane Mr. Murugakani Consultant Project Assistant Mr. S. Anbumani • Mr. C. Thilagar Project Associate Project Assistant Mr. P. Balachander Project Associate Mr. C. Nagaraja Technical Assistant Mr. J.S. Balaji Project Associate Mr. S. Rajakani Technical Assistant Mr. R: Balasubramanian . Project Associate Mr. E. Selvaganapathy Field Assistant Ms. Bindu Padmini • Project Associate Mr. R Ondiveeran $ Mr. D. Manimaran Field Assistant Project Associate Mr. B. Sivabalan • Ms. Niraimathi Rajendran • Field Assistant Project Associate Ms. D. Rojarani Mr. A Nirmal Rajkumar Accounts Assistant Project Associate Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan Mr. R Parthasarathy Driver Project Associate

• Left During the year

S Deceased

214 The Foundation Staff

Mr. S. Ramesh Ms. G. Meenakshi Project Associate Field Assistant Mr. D. Rosario Mr. T. Oudaya Baskar * Project Associate Field Assistant Ms. J. Sasikala Mr. S. Saravanane Project Associate Field Assistant Mr. B. Shanmugasundaram * Mr. K, Srinivasan Project Associate Field Assistant Mr. S. Soundararadjane Mr. V. Tirumal Project Associate Field Assistant Dr. V. Sukumaran * Mr. M. Babu Project Associate Driver Mr. D. Tiroutchelvame * Dr. B. V. Rao Centre for Sustainable Food Se- Project Associate curity Mr. K, Vengadessan Dr. K,V. Raf!lan Project Associate Director Ms. B. Vijayalakshmi Dr. S. Rajagopalan Project Associate Distinguished Fellow Mr. G.V. Narayan * Ms. Jayashree Vencatesan Office Manager Project Coordinator Mr. S. Anand Ms. Smita Kapoor * Field Assistant Project Associate Mr. A. Govindarasu Mr. S. Saravanan Field Assistant Junior Research Fellow Mr. R. Jeeva Mr. M.K. Satishkumar Field Assistant Secretary Mr. P. Kumaran Mr. K, Sunder Vadivelu Field Assistant Secretary Mr. T. Kumaran Mr. C. Sivaraj Field Assistant Electrical Supervisor • Left During the year

I 215 l ------oj Annual Report 1998-99

Mr. N. Sundaram Uttara Devi Resource Centre for Gender and Accounts Assistant Development

Prof. Joseph H. Hulse Ms. Mina Swaminathan Visiting Professor (Canada) Hon. Director

Programme Area 400 Reaching the Dr. V. Padma • Unreached Uttara Devi Fellow Ms. J. Latha Project ACCESS Programme Assistant Ms. Mina Swaminathan Hon. Director Programme Area 500 : Education, Com- munication, Training and Capacity Build- Mr. S. Raja Samuel • ing Project Coordinator

Ms. Rama Narayanan Informatics Centre, CD-ROM Library and "The Hindu" Media Resource Centre Fellow & Project in charge Ms. M. Bhuvaneswari Dr. V. Balaji Project Associate Director Ms. A. Christina Prof. Subbiah Arunachalam Project Associate Distinguished Fellow Ms. J. ]ayanthi Rani Christiana Mr. S. Senthilkumaran Project Associate Systems Manager Ms. B. Lakshmi Priya Dr. Vijay R. Subbiah Project Associate Research Associate

Ms. S. Chitra Mr. C.V. Parthasarathy Secretary Senior Programmer

Ms. V. Gayathri Mr. Murali Shanmugavelan Secretary Project Associate (Media Resource Centre) Mr. U. Imran Ms. K. Umarani Secretary Research Assistant

Mr. M. Rajakumaran Mr. S. Gilbert Samson Administrative Assistant Technical Assistant • Left During tbe year

216 j The. Foundation Staff

Mr. M. Kuppusamy Information. Villages Programme, Pondicherry Library Assistant (CD-ROM) Mr. K.G. Rajamohan Mr. M. Madhan Project Associate Library Assistant Mr. R. Rajasekarapandy Mr. R. Chendil Kumar Project Associate Research Assistant

Mr. T. S. Chandrashekaran Ms. M. Vijayapoorni Office Assistant Programmer

Mr. S. Purushothaman Ms. P. Pakkialatchumy Office Assistant Technical Assistant

I 217 L J Annual Report 1998.99

List of Donors 1998-99

1. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth 5. Citadel Fine Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

2. Diana World Travel Pvt. Ltd 6. Induss Food Products & Equipments Ltd.

3. Natraj & Venkat Associates

4. New Metro Constructions Pvt. Ltd

1. Prof. M.S. Swaminathan 6. Ms. S. Sharada

2. Dr. S. Rajagopalan 7. Ms. Geeta Mehta 3. Master Ashish R. Barwale 8. Dr. Maurice F. Strong 4. Mr. Bhagwan Manior 9. Mr. Utsav Parikh 5. Dr. P.v. Shenoi

1. R.D. Tata Trust, Mumbai 4. Gopuri Charitable Trust, New Delhi 2. Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai 5. Sikkim Charitable Trust, Sikkirn

3. Kasturi & Sons Ltd, Chennai

218 j Sources of Project Support

National International Department of Atomic Energy, India-Canada Environment Facility, Government of India New Delhi. .

National International

Ministry of Environment & Forests, International Development Research Government of India, New Delhi Centre (lDRC), Canada

Department of Biotechnology, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Government of India, New Delhi Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), Germany

Department of Agriculture, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Tamil Nadu The Netherlands

Government of Mizoram, Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Mizoram, Aizawal Philippines Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

National International Department of Biotechnology, The Hunger Project - India Government of India, New Delhi Council for Advancement of People's Action United Nations Educational, Scientific and and Rural Technology, New Delhi Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce United Nations Development Programme, and Industry, New Delhi (UNDP), New Delhi

219

----~ Annual Report 1998.99

Directorate of Agriculture, Government of International Development Research Centre Tamil Nadu, Chennai (Food Links), Canada

Indian Overseas Bank, Chennai The Global Hunger Project

Hindustan Lever Research Foundation German-Israel Fund for Research and Interna- Mumbai tional Development, Israel

National International

National School of Drama, New Delhi The Hunger Project

Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi Humanistic Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries (HIVOS), Bangalore

National Commission for Women, Bernard van Leer Foundation, New Delhi The Netherlands

National International

Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Munibai United Nations Development Programme R.D. Tata Trust, Mumbai United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Council for Advancement of People's Action Food arid Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and Rural Technology, New Delhi Rome

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, International Development Research New Delhi Centre (IDRC), Canada Department of Scientific and Industrial Iwokrama International Rain Forest Centre, Research, Government of India, New Delhi Guyana National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Dutch Trust Fund, Clo World Bank,. Development (NABARD), Mumbai USA National Commission for Women, New Delhi World Humanity Action Trust, United Kingdom

220

~---- So~es of Project Support

Ministry of Environment & Forests, International Plant Genetic Resources Government of India, New Delhi Institute (IPGRI), Italy

Department of Biotechnology, International Society for Mangrove Ecosys- Government of India, New Delhi tems (ISME),Japan

Department of Science & Technology, mCN-World Conservation Union Government of India, New Delhi

Indian Council for Medical Research, Bay of Bengal Programme of FAO New Delhi International Ocean Institute, India Center, International Tropical Timber Organisation Chennai (ITTO), Japan Ministry of External Affairs, UNICEF Government of India, New Delhi

Society for Social Forestry Research & Development, Tamil Nadu C.P.R.Environmental Education Centre, Tamil Nadu

Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd., New Delhi Coffee Board,. Bangalore University Grants Commission, New Delhi

NattolUll InternattolUll

Government of Mizoram UNDP-Global Environment Facility

Union Ministry of Environment & Forests

221 . ------J Address: M. S. Swami nathan Research Foundation III Cross Road Institutional Area Taramani Chennai-600 113. India.