Building More Climate Resilient Communities Under the Farmer-To-Farmer Special Program Support Project (Award No

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA India Farmer-to-Farmer Program – (2017-2018) Building More Climate Resilient Communities Under the Farmer-to-Farmer Special Program Support Project (Award No. AID-OAA-A-13-0053) FINAL PROJECT REPORT

Organization: Florida A&M University Date: 07/31/2018 Contact Person: Harriett A. Paul Telephone: (850) 599-8867 Fax: (850) 561-2794 Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: Office of International Agriculture Programs Florida A&M University 1740 S Martin Luther King Blvd., 204-S Perry-Paige Bldg. Tallahassee, FL 32307

Program Title: FAMU India Farmer-to-Farmer Program Grant No: SG-2017-4 Region(s): India Date of Submission: July 31, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Executive Summary ……………...... ………………………………………………Page 3

2. Summary of Key Activities and Results ...…………………………………………Page 4

3. Performance & Impact Indicators / Targets & Milestone Outcomes …………....Page 8

4. Summary of Volunteer Assignments …………..……………...... Page 9

5. Challenges, Lessons Learned and Recommendations……………………………Page 15

6. Summary of Public Outreach ...………….....…..…………………………………Page 15

ANNEXES

1. Standard Indicator Table 2. Demo Farm Crop Trial Update 3. Trip Report – Project Director H. Paul 4. Trip Reports 5. Appendixes to Trip Reports 6. Volunteer Recommendations Table 7. Volunteer Tracking Table 8. Success Story 9. Outreach Activities List 10. Volunteer Outreach Profiles 11. M&E + GAO Certifications + PERSUAP Compliance Report

1. Executive Summary The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Center for International Agricultural Trade Development Research and Training (CIATDRT) began the implementation of its “Building Climate Resilience” Farmer to Farmer (F2F) Project in India on October 1, 2017, with a nine month period of performance, ending on June 30, 2018 with a total cost of $132,460. This nine-month project was a follow-on to an initial 12- month project funded in 2016-17, also by the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA), which helped to increase the knowledge and capacity of farmers and agricultural extension agents in the Gujarat state for the use of more improved climate smart agricultural practices. The 2017-18 project continued its collaboration with its previous two Indian partners, the National Council on Climate Change and Sustainable Development (NCCSD) and the Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) whose primary mission is to assist rural villagers mitigate and adapt to climate change through the application of climate smart agricultural practices. FAMU learned under its first India F2F project that a major barrier to increased productivity for local farmers in the Gujarat State was the problem of high soil and water salinity. The local farmers had limited access to soil and water analysis services and they were in need of more resilient crop varieties. This follow-on project was designed to build on the accomplishments of the first work in India based on the following objectives: A. Support the establishment of a Climate Smart Demonstration Farm in Mandvi to test, select, and disseminate new technologies, practices, and climate information to local farmers. B. Strengthen the technical capacity of VRTI to conduct basic soil and water analysis at the Mandvi campus to improve farmers’ access to soil and water analysis services as a basic requirement for improved productivity and income. C. Build and expand on the work of FAMU’s first F2F project in India related to building the knowledge of farmers and agricultural extension agents on improved climate smart production practices.

The VRTI identified two demonstration sites to be utilized in this project, one rain-fed at the VRTI campus in Mandvi and the second site, an irrigated site at the C.C. Shroff Research Institute farm in Mandvi. The rain-fed demonstration site was established with crops planted in June 2018, with the start of the Kutch district rainy season. The irrigated site will be planted and included in the demonstration once the new irrigation equipment recommended by the F2F Volunteer is purchased and installed. From January to late May 2018, the 10 Volunteers worked closely with VRTI staff to design the layout of the demonstration plots and planting rows, provided guidance on drought tolerant plants for use in the demonstration in consultation with faculty from Anand Agricultural University (AAU), and advised on irrigation equipment that would be needed to improve the capacity and functionality of the irrigated site. Classroom and hands-on training were provided to VRTI staff, extension agents, and lead farmers on how to conduct crop trials and on-farm demonstrations, basic soil testing, determining proper methods for irrigation, and methods for obtaining and maintaining good soil health. VRTI was successful with setting up a basic soil and water lab facility and assigning one soil and water scientist and two technicians to run the lab. During this project, F2F Volunteers conducted a “Needs Assessment” on the lab, provided training on basic soil and water testing procedures, and gave recommendations that included: encourage farmers to institute improved methods for monitoring salinity in soil and water and encourage the lab to purchase additional equipment to improve its capacity to conduct soil and water analysis, which were adopted. Over the nine-month life of the project (LOP), 93 water samples and 175 soil samples were analyzed by the new VRTI Soil and Water lab. The VRTI staff were engaged in interactive classroom training on soil salinity, sodicity, field sampling, soil moisture, and procedures and methods for determining physical and chemical parameters of soil such as how to identify clay content and qualitatively establish soil texture. During the LOP, FAMU was highly successful in achieving program targets. As planned, 10 Volunteer experts were recruited and fielded to India. They provided training to 1,396 farmers and agricultural extension agents from the Kutch district on the use of climate smart agricultural technologies, designing

and implementing an on-farm demonstration, as well as the VRTI lab technicians trained on basic soil and water analysis methods – surpassing the project’s target of 1,000 persons trained at a rate of 140 percent above target achieved. A total of 2,815 persons were directly assisted, surpassing the goal of 1,500 at a rate of 188 percent above target achieved. Statistical details on Volunteer training sessions are in Annex #1 – Standard Indicator Table.

2. Summary of Activities and Results A. Support of Climate Smart Demonstration Farm in Mandvi to test, select and disseminate new technologies, practices and climate information engaging local farmers. The VRTI moved forward with two demonstrations at the rain-fed demonstration farm site during this planting season which was established in June 2018 with the start of the Kutch district rainy season. They were: 1) Soil moisture conservation for rain-fed farming 2) Salinity tolerance for select Groundnut crop species Volunteers assisted with designing the layout of the rain-fed farm plots and planting rows, advising on drought tolerant plants for use at this site, methods for moisture retention, and advising on the maintenance schedule. Volunteers communicated with VRTI staff via email and conference calls to coordinate plans for work needed to prepare the rain-fed site prior to their arrival on site in India. As previously indicated, the irrigated site selected to be included in the demonstrations had several infrastructure problem which required new irrigation equipment be purchased and installed prior to the site’s inclusion in the study. A brief summary of the plot designs, crops selected, and planting methods follows below. For complete details, see Annex #2 - Demo Farm Crop Trials Design.

Rain-fed Site Demonstration 1 - Soil Moisture Conservation. For soil moisture conservation, two crops were selected for the first trial: Greengram and Sorghum. The design for the moisture conservation trial was a Factorial arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCDB). This design was triggered by the topography at the demonstration site. The two factors used in determining the design were: 1) Land configuration (3 levels) (Flat bed, Ridge and Furrow, and Compartmental bunding); and 2) Five interventions (No mulch, Soil mulch, Residue mulch, Live mulch, and Hydrogel). A Soil Moisture Conservation study for the rain-fed trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of different treatments in Greengram and Sorghum crop varieties. The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design with three (3) Replications and 15 treatments. The crops were planted between June and July 2018.

Demonstration 2 - Salinity Management Trials The experimental design used for the salinity management trial was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and 16 treatments. Several species of Groundnut (GG) varieties were used with several microbe cultures (cultures: 00, J22, S29, and R51). The groundnut seed was planted in the field mid-July of 2018. Both VRTI and FAMU agreed that the plot layouts were arranged for suitable statistical analysis using the latest version of the statistical analysis system. This will allow unbiased analysis of the data such as estimating difference(s) between or among treatments. Results from this analysis will be used to determine differences among treatments as well as guide decision making with regard to varietal selection.

B. Strengthen the technical capacity of VRTI to conduct basic soil and water analysis at the Mandvi campus to improve farmers’ access to soil and water analysis services as a basic requirement for improved productivity and income. The VRTI began establishing its new soil and water lab in late 2017. At the time the F2F Volunteers arrived in January 2018, they had developed the capacity to monitor salinity in soil and water and were capable of measuring other parameters such as: pH, conductivity, major ions such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, nitrate, phosphate, and sodicity. During this project, a laboratory scientist and two technicians were trained on basic soil and water testing procedures. Interactive classroom training sessions were held for VRTI staff on soil salinity, sodicity, field sampling, soil moisture conservation, and procedures and methods for determining physical and chemical parameters such as how to identify clay content and qualitatively establish soil texture. Hands-on training was provided in soil and water sample collection. The extension staff training will hopefully assist the lab by preparing extension agents to better identify soils at the farm level that are not problematic, thereby helping to reduce requests from farmers for soils that have not displayed a problem. Volunteer Krishnakumar Nedunuri, Ph.D., (VF8), served as the primary technical consultant for the soil and water lab. He also conducted the “Needs Assessment for the Soil and Water Lab”. Dr. Nedunuri recommended the laboratory gain capabilities in analyzing soil texture, moisture and overall nutrient availability, which are critical to assessing farms in a semi-arid region that face negative effects from climate change. He recommended that plant, soil, and water relationships be monitored and evaluated in unison. To assist in this effort, he provided the VRTI staff with a comprehensive list of these parameters. It was also recommended that the VRTI acquire equipment to profile soil moisture and salinity while in the field. This recommendation has been adopted, with some equipment purchased and a proposal developed to acquire funding for the purchase of the field probes. The Volunteer’s recommendation that Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment for soil mapping of the region be used to geotag samples collected from the field will require additional training to help farmers obtain proper details on using accurate geographic coordinates to geotag soil samples. The VRTI staff members possess advanced degrees in chemistry and basic qualifications in mathematics and physics – an asset to VRTI in its ability to absorb and deploy any new methods in the analysis of nutrient, pesticide or soil amendments. They were encouraged to add to their knowledge base more concepts in soil science and agriculture practices. Dr. Nedunuri provided the VRTI staff with a list of internet resources from places that have similar microclimates and salinity problems. A trip was made to Krishi Vidyan Kendra (farm science center) an agricultural extension center in India which has a soil and water quality testing lab that caters to the entire Kutch district, an area of approximately 45,652 sq. km. (28,366 miles). Its lab has similar capabilities as that of the VRTI and can provide additional technical guidance on soil and water testing practices to the VRTI. This is beneficial because the additional technical knowledge gained here can then be dispersed to farmers trained by the VRTI in other areas and help reduce the long wait time farmers experience in getting back soil testing results. As a result of the training and recommendations provided by the F2F Volunteer, a total of 93 water samples and 175 soil samples were analyzed by VRTI Soil and Water lab during the project period. Based on the technical knowledge gained from the training, collecting 5

and analyzing samples, and if the recommended equipment is purchased, the VRTI expects to reach its goal of analyzing about 300 hundred soil and water samples per year. Please see Annex #5 - Appendix VF8 – Needs Assessment (Lab) Table for a list of specific equipment needs.

C. Build and expand on the work of FAMU’s first F2F project – increasing farmers’ and agricultural extension agents’ knowledge on climate smart production practices. Under FAMU’s first India project, the volunteer assignments focused on providing specific technical training to agricultural extension agents, VRTI personnel, and farmers in Anand, Junagadh and Kutch districts to better prepare the local small farmers to adapt to or mitigate the effects of climate change in their region at the farm level. One of the primary challenges identified across all regions was the issue of high soil and water salinity, with soil salinity taking on different characteristics in the different districts, thereby requiring a location specific approach to mitigate it. FAMU’s Volunteers provided guidance to farmers and support organization personnel (agriculture extension agents) so that the small producers, in particular, would be able to tackle the salinity issue and begin to achieve improvements in productivity and income. Under this first project, 4,654 persons were trained and 5,199 directly assisted. FAMU’s initial project, therefore, helped to build a small core of local capacity in the three districts (training trainers and progressive farmers) that understand the fundamental elements of soil and water salinity and are developing strategies for mitigating the impact of high salinity in their respective communities. It is on this foundation that FAMU’s second project 2017-18 was built, based on the recommendations of several volunteers and VRTI as to the next priority areas of focus in building climate resilience, which included: 1) support VRTI establishing a climate smart demonstration farm to test, select, and disseminate new technologies, more climate resilient crop varieties, improved practices and climate information; and 2) strengthen VRTI’s capacity to conduct basic soil and water analysis to improve farmers’ access to basic soil and water testing.

The VRTI has begun a new level of independent training of trainers to further scale-up the best practices that have been established by FAMU’s 23 Volunteers over the life of both projects. The training materials developed by FAMU F2F experts in the first project were used in the development of a “Guidebook for Small Farmers” by the NCCSD. Copies of the Guidebook were printed and made available to farmers across India and distributed in three languages: English (5,000 copies), Gujarati (20,000 copies covering all targeted villages) and most recently translated to Hindi. The Guidebook is available to all state government, agricultural universities and all members of parliament in India. It is also available online at the Climate Technology and Centre Network (CTCN) website: https://www.ctc-n.org/resources/building-climate-smart-farmers and the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA) Newsletter website, increasing its global reach. During the current (2017-18) project, in addition to the already reported classroom training, F2F Volunteers trained 10 VRTI researchers and extension personnel to conduct the crop trials on new varieties. In addition, Volunteers trained 174 farmers on how to conduct the crop trials on their farms, and the VRTI trained an additional 26 farmers. As 6 a result, 200 farmers are able to conduct crop trials on their farms. Farm visits by VRTI and the F2F Volunteers revealed that farmers were irrigating based on visual inspections alone and applying soil and water amendments without knowing how much chemicals were actually needed to improve the soil health for optimum crop yield. On-site soil tests were conducted by F2F Volunteer Ram Ray, Ph.D. (VF10) using a small supply of portable Ec and pH sensors which he provided. Local farmers were encouraged by the speed with which basic soil testing could be conducted on their farms using this low-cost sampling/sensor equipment. Dr. Ray also demonstrated how to use the sensors during his farmer training workshops. As a result, farmers indicated that they are more likely to have their soil tested prior to planting. However, funding is needed by VRTI to obtain additional recommended sensors and testing equipment to support farmers, and VRTI has written a proposal seeking these additional funds. Making low-cost soil testing available to farmers and teaching them how to properly use the kits will greatly benefit the farmers and the testing laboratory. Farmers would only need to travel to labs to bring samples in for testing when they see they have a soil problem as reflected by the results of the kits. This reduces unnecessary analysis by the VRTI lab and allows the lab to concentrate on farms that have a demonstrated soil problem. It also saves time for the farmers from traveling to the laboratories with soil samples that do not need additional testing. The VRTI has identified about 50 lead farmers (farmers who are advanced in their practices and serve as trainers in their village communities) who attended most of the training programs presented by FAMU F2F Volunteers during this project. These farmers, often referred to as “progressive farmers”, train other farmers on what they have learned through a variety of training programs, including the current F2F Volunteer-led training sessions. The 2018 crop/rainy season began in June and the VRTI planned and organized a variety of training programs at its Mandvi campus to further extend the new knowledge and content acquired through the FAMU F2F program across the Kutch district. Eighteen (18) recommendations for innovations/technologies made by our FAMU F2F Volunteers have been adopted (a 72 percent adoption rate) and are being used by farmers and trainers, as reported by the VRTI. It is anticipated this number will increase as training of progressive farmers (farmers who are also trainers) increases. By adopting these recommendations, farmers have a much higher potential to benefit from increased productivity through the improvement of physical, chemical and biological conditions of their soil, as well as the application of a number of other improved practices. Three major technologies were introduced to 300 local farmers with a 50 percent rate of adoption: 1) drip irrigation; 2) composting of farm waste; and 3) improved post- harvest handling of horticultural products. Drip Irrigation has helped improve farm management. Due to the adoption of drip irrigation, soil moisture management, and salinity management practices that were recommended by the FAMU F2F Volunteers, there have been notable savings in water and other resources such as fertilizer and labor. VRTI reports that through the expanded use of drip irrigation, water savings are in the range of 30 to 40 percent compared to flood irrigation. The VRTI predicts this will also improve crop production. Composting - Soil health management has improved with the VRTI reporting recently that farmers are now composting farm waste which ensures a good quality source of organic matter and other plant nutrients.

Improved post-harvest handling of horticultural products – Farmers were trained on improved post-harvest handling practices by F2F Volunteer VF7. This Volunteer reported that the farmers he trained stated that they would begin to use the post-harvest handling practices recommended during their next harvest season.

Additional recommendations made by FAMU F2F Volunteers that have already been adopted by farmers in India include: Soil Moisture Management – Mulching has been adopted by farmers for controlling soil moisture stress. Crop rotation and conservation tillage have also been adopted by farmers. Integrated Pest Management – Farmers have adopted multiple techniques of pest management as a result of training received. Yellow sticky trap, pheromone trap, and light trap are major components of IPM approaches now used by farmers in this program. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Agriculture – Farmers are using recommended ICT as a tool for improving their market intelligence. While bargaining with traders for farm produce, farmers have learned to use their mobile phones to access information of nearby markets which helps them to settle at good prices for their produce. Cooperative of Farmers for Market Linkage: Some farmers are working as an informal group, particularly in the fruit markets, with collective efforts for selling of produce. This provides an opportunity to obtain higher returns/profits for the produce. Some of the farmers who were part of the FAMU F2F training sessions have also recently formally marketed their horticultural produce – mango and date palm – under the banner of Rukmavati Rural Agro Producers Company. As a result, they have gained a better return/profit for their produce according to VRTI.

3. Performance & Impact Indicators: The following table includes key performance and impact indicators achieved during this project:

TABLE 1: PERFORMANCE & IMPACT INDICATORS

PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT TARGETS RESULTS % TARGET INDICATORS ACHIEVED Number of Volunteers 10 10 100 Number of Minority Volunteers 5 7 140 Innovations or Technologies Recommended by 50 53 106 Volunteers Volunteer Recommended 25 18 72 Innovations/Technologies Adopted Number of Volunteer Days 140 145 104 Number of Persons Trained 1,000 1,396 140

Number of Persons Directly Assisted 1,500 2,815 188

Below is a summary of milestone achievements for the life of the project presented in chronological date order: Milestone 1: (October 1, 2017, to November 31, 2017) During this period, FAMU developed the Program Work Plan, Scope of Work template, Host Baseline information, Process for Volunteer reference checks, Volunteer Recruitment & GAO Compliance policy, and Volunteer Orientation Safety & Security Guide. Volunteer assignments were planned and scheduled to start in January 2018. Milestone 2: (December 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018): Three Volunteer assignments were completed in January with 485 Persons Trained (in structured, classroom settings), and 104 persons assisted outside of a classroom setting. A “Needs Assessment Report” for the VRTI Demonstration Farm was completed by Volunteer V-F-2, as well as a program oversight trip by the Project Director. FAMU completed five outreach activities and wrote a success story to promote accomplishments by project Volunteers who travelled in January. Milestone 3: (February 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018) Five Volunteer assignments were completed out of the eight that were targeted, during this milestone period, with a total of 666 Persons Trained (in structured, classroom settings), surpassing the targeted goal of 500 administrators, scientists, technicians and producers trained. In addition, a total of 1,305 persons were assisted outside of a classroom setting. A “Needs Assessment Report for the Soil and Water Testing Facility” was completed by Volunteer V-F-8 in March 2018. Eleven (11) outreach activities were completed, surpassing the four targeted. A success story was published to promote Volunteer work completed through mid-March. As a result of on-site training and recommendations provided by F2F Volunteers, 64 water samples and 130 soil samples were analyzed from October 2017 to March 2018, covering Milestone periods 1, 2 and 3. Milestone 4: (April 1, 2018 – May 31, 2018): Two Volunteer assignments were completed with a total of 245 Persons Trained (in structured, classroom settings), surpassing the targeted goal of 200 administrators, scientists, technicians and producers trained. In addition, 10 persons were also assisted outside of the classroom. A “Gap Analysis for the VRTI’s Soil and Water Testing Facility” was completed by Volunteer V-F-9 in April of 2018. As a result of the collective training provided through FAMU F2F Volunteers, 29 water samples and 45 soil samples were analyzed by the VRTI from April 2018 to June 2018, during Milestone periods #4 and #5. Six outreach activities were completed out of the four targeted. A success story was also written and distributed through FAMU Communication offices to promote FAMU’s F2F Volunteer services. Milestone 5: (June 1 – July 31, 2018) Eighteen Volunteer recommendations were adopted by the VRTI and local farmers at a total adoption rate of 72 percent. As a result of the collective training provided through FAMU F2F Volunteers, 29 water samples and 45 soil samples were analyzed by the VRTI from April 2018 to June 2018, during Milestone periods 4 and 5. This brought the total numbers to 93 water samples and 175 soil samples analyzed by the VRTI Soil and Water lab by the end reporting date. Based on the technical knowledge gained from the classroom training, hands on training collecting and analyzing samples, and as the recommended equipment is purchased, the VRTI Soil and Water

lab should be able to expand its capacity to conduct up to 300 basic soil and water analysis per year.

4. Summary of Volunteer Assignments It is important to note here that the FAMU Project Director successfully completed a site visit to India in January 2018 to start up the field activities and organize the administrative procedures for the host site as required in the Milestone #2 delivery. For the full details on her Trip Report, please see Annex #3. The F2F Volunteers contributed significant training and technical expertise toward the achievement of all project objectives. Below is a summary of F2F activities carried out by each of FAMU’s 10 Volunteers, presented in chronological date order. For full details of the F2F Volunteer End of Assignment reports, see Annex #4 Trip Reports and Annex #5 Appendixes to Trip Reports. A full list of Volunteer Recommendations is included in Annex #6 – Volunteer Recommendation Table.

Outcome & Impact of Volunteer Assignments: V-F-1 “Needs Assessment and Development of Implementation Strategy for Model/Demonstration Farm” January 5-19, 2018. Volunteer Mehboob Sheikh, Ph.D., provided the leadership for the design of the demonstration plots and the crop selection. He visited VRTI’s five-acre site selected for use in the demonstration. He also participated in a series of discussions with AAU faculty and administrators to understand issues relevant to the target region, get local scientists input on the crop/varietal selection and field plot layout. Since it was determined that the irrigated site selected by VRTI needed additional equipment to be fully functional, the demonstration plot design was aimed at studying the performance of different crops under rain-fed conditions. Three (From Left) F2F Volunteers Mehboob different crop types were selected for inclusion in the Sheikh, Ph.D., and Brian Meese, Ph.D., at crop trials, including: legume crops (4 varieties of the VRTI demonstration farm in Mandvi. ground nut), forage crop (Sorghum), and pulse crop (Greengram). Dr. Sheikh trained 159 farmers and extension agents. In total, 193 persons were Directly Assisted. His recommendation to use mulch to increase water infiltration and protect soil surface porosity from the direct impact of rainfall was adopted.

V-F-2 “Value-added Agricultural Methods/Marketing and Branding/Alternative Use Products” January 5-19, 2018 – Volunteer Anne del Castillo presented trainings to farmers, VRTI staff, and Ag Extension agents on various aspects of value addition and its relationship with income generation. She identified the importance of determining demands of the

10 Volunteers Mehboob Sheikh, Ph.D. (third from left) and Anne Del Castillo (fifth from left) with Indian Food Safety and Economics experts.

targeted market, the income generating impact of simple measures such as additional cleaning, sorting, rudimentary processing, and the need to organize small growers to increase their ability to negotiate with buyers. Her presentation included basic product quality specifications for the major export markets for pomegranates and mango. She demonstrated the importance of ensuring crops and products match market requirements and encouraged farmers to work collaboratively to generate a sufficient volume of quality product. Producers were encouraged to concentrate on the changing needs of the domestic market to meet the demands of the growth of the Indian economy and the boom in the middle class. Castillo formally trained 179 farmers and extension agents, of whom 103 were female and 76 were male. In total, 213 persons were Directly Assisted. Ms. Castillo’s recommendation, “help farmers move towards marketing cooperatively” was adopted. A cooperative of farmers for market linkage in India has since been formed with farmers working as an informal group for fruit markets to collectively sell produce. Recently, some farmers who were part of this training program have also formally marketed their horticultural produce – mango and date palm, under the banner of Rukmavati Rural Agro Producers Company. This has provided higher returns for their produce. V-F-3 “Methods for Agricultural Extension Technology Transfer – Transferring Improved Practices from the Model Farm to Beneficiary Model Farm Sites” January 11-24, 2018. Volunteer Brian Meese, Ph.D., taught farmers new and improved agricultural methods for management of field crops and sorghum crop species. He discussed methods of conducting on- farm crop trials as well as basic agronomy principles. He also provided insights on evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural extension efforts on the targeted crop species. Training included improved agricultural production techniques, initial field data collection methods, and basic requirements of setting up a field plot. The Volunteer produced four documents on the protocols for the field plot demonstrations: 1) Soil Moisture Conservation Demonstration; 2) Salinity Management Demonstration; 3) Regulated Water Deficit Demonstration; and 4) Halophyte Screening Trial. He trained 147 farmers and extension agents. In total, 183 persons were Directly Assisted. VRTI has agreed to identify and collect commercially-available varieties of widely- grown crops in the area and establish ongoing variety trials to expand on the testing of important crop varieties to determine resilience.

V-F-4 “Integrated Pest Management – February 14-28, 2018 – Volunteer Ms. Rita Duncan trained farmers, VRTI staff and ag extension staff on pest identification and the different classes of insects relevant to local crops. Emphasis was placed on explaining the difference between harmful pests and beneficial insects and the importance of protecting beneficial insects by only spraying when absolutely necessary. Training was also provided to effectively identify insect pests and diseases of select crops, and how to manage them. A cell phone app was presented to identify insects and compare them with what is present in the field. They were also taught how to set field insect traps to capture pests. The Volunteer trained 112 farmers and extension agents. In total, 132 persons (Above photo) Mango were Directly Assisted. The Volunteer inflorescence found on a gifted the VRTI with some small vials, mango tree. (Left photo) F2F Volunteer Rita scissors, dissecting pins, and pens to help Duncan (right) guides a VRTI them to organize and maintain properly researcher in using a stored and properly labeled specimens for microscope to identify insects as part of IPM training. 11 identification purposes.

V-F-5 “Establishing Standards for Plant Sample Collection, Preparation, Storage, Data Analysis and Interpretation” – February 14-28, 2018 – Volunteer Gilbert Queeley, Ph.D., trained agricultural specialists, extension agents, field technicians, and lead farmers on best practices for sample collecting, sample storing, and analyzing and interpreting the results from field experiments and demonstrations. He also taught extension agents and lab technicians how to use the results from field trials to make informed decisions to help offset the effects of climatic risk factors. The Volunteer trained 81 farmers and extension agents. In total, 101 persons were Directly Assisted. VRTI has agreed to conducts experiments prior to the demonstration level study.

(Standing) F2F Volunteer Gilbert (Left) F2F Volunteers Mr. Trevor Hylton, Gilbert Queeley, Queeley, Ph.D., trains VRTI staff Ph.D., In-country F2F Program Coordinator Malay Joshi, on research protocols. founding member of VRTI Dr. Gosalia, and F2F Volunteer Rita Duncan.

V-F-6 “Soil Organic Matter Improvement and Good Agricultural Practices” – February 14 - 28, 2018 –Volunteer Trevor Hylton provided training to farmers, agriculture extension agents and VRTI staff that focused on soil improvement techniques through addition of organic matter. Methods included: composting, manures, cover crop, and mulching in addition to the use of best management practices to prevent soil compaction, improve percolation and increase aeration. He showed how farmer actions can impact soil fertility, and he outlined simple techniques to improve different types of soils and buffer soil pH. He shared ways to manage manure to prevent pollution of water bodies and contamination of produce. The Volunteer met with growers, observed their operations, and interacted with them on their farms. He observed some farms had areas that were tilled and laid waiting for the rainy season which, at the time, was four months away. He advised growers and agricultural technicians that, with careful planning, a cover crop should be planted to aid in soil building, and that in some cases a practice of low or no tillage would help maintain soil life – which would be important in increasing soil organic matter. This would be more practical in the areas with sandy loam soils. He explained how no-till and low-till practices could include tillage of seed beds to get plants started. The Volunteer trained 143 farmers and extension agents. In total, 1,211 persons were Directly Assisted. Of these, 1,050 were in attendance at an agriculture fair held near Mandvi, where Mr. Hylton spoke on the

(Left) F2F Volunteer Trevor Hylton speaks about the importance of organic matter in the soil at an agriculture fair near Mandvi, with an audience of 1,050 participants. (Right) a view of the audience at the agriculture fair at which Mr. Hylton spoke on benefits of organic matter. importance of organic matter in the soil. VRTI has agreed to include in its routine training concepts disseminated to farmers to promote crop rotation, the use of cover cropping, application of manure, and mulching. V-F-7 “Improved Post-harvest Practices for Horticultural Crops – March 3-17, 2018. Volunteer Anthony Ananga, Ph.D., provided training on the safety of farm produce (mango, date palm, bananas, papaya, pomegranate, tomatoes, and chilies) – starting from planting until post- harvest, with a focus on controlling food hazards. Farmers were taught Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Good Handling Practices (GHP), and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). This was done in both structured classroom training as well as onsite hands-on in villages and at the VRTI headquarters. The Volunteer assessed production sites to recommend relevant post-harvest technologies and methods for maintaining the quality of products from harvest to sale. He visited various fields and talked with farmers to identify potential low-tech methods for value addition such as turning fresh horticultural produce into locally desirable snack foods and canning or bottling. The Volunteer trained 202 farmers and extension agents. In total, 378 persons were Directly Assisted.

(Left, standing) F2F Volunteer Anthony Ananga, (Left) F2F Volunteer Anthony Ananga, Ph.D., Ph.D., trains farmers from Himatnagar, in the assesses a farmer’s pomegranate field. Sabarkantha District, is north of Ahmedabad, on Good Agricultural Practices.

V-F-8 “Needs Assessment for Soil & Water Testing Facility (lab)” – March 17 – 30, 2018. –The needs assessment for the lab, conducted by Volunteer Krishnakumar Nedunuri, Ph.D., involved visiting VRTI’s Soil and Water Quality testing facility multiple times to assess its capacity to conduct up to 300 basic soil and water sample analysis per year. He noted the lab currently has the capability to monitor salinity in soil and water and is capable of measuring other parameters such as pH, conductivity, major ions such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, nitrate, phosphate, and sodicity. It also has a refrigerator to store soil samples and has distilled water for analysis from outside sources, which meets the quality standards. He noted the lab may consider using an ion exchange unit to produce ASTM Type I reagent grade water in the future to respond to increasing requests from the farming community and as a cost-saving measure. The (Left) F2F Volunteer Krishna Kumar Nedunuri, Ph.D., and Malay Joshi, Volunteer trained 128 farmers and extension agents. In F2F India Coordinator, take soil total, 149 persons were Directly Assisted. One of the samples using a pipe with a sharpened Volunteer’s recommendations has been adopted: VRTI has end as a substitute for an auger. agreed to take surface and subsurface soil samples between the wetting and drying cycle to monitor the movement of salt. This is crucial for irrigation and drainage scheduling.

V-F-9 “Integrated Soil Nutrient Management Strategies” – April 14-27, 2018 – Volunteer Rishi Prasad, Ph.D. produced a GAP Analysis Report on current nutrient management practices in the Kutch district. He trained farmers and agricultural extension agents on improved nutrient management practices using an integrated approach. He found farmers rarely sample their fields for soil testing, their nutrient management practices were very traditional, and they failed to maintain a healthy soil quality on their farms generally. He encouraged them to test their soil for nutrients and base their nutrient management practices on soil test results and university recommendations. He also Volunteer Rishi Prasad, Ph.D., discusses discussed with farmers the importance of the use of cover the benefits of soil testing and healthy crops. VRTI staff was trained on plant nutrition, nutrient soil with farmers in the Kotaya village. management in saline soils, and measures to improve soil health. Several educational handouts were developed by the Volunteer and given to VRTI staff for future reference and dissemination to farmers. The Volunteer trained 126 persons. He directly assisted a total of 136 individuals. The VRTI has agreed to and adopted the Volunteer’s recommendation to continue to conduct soils training and make farmers aware of the consequences of unhealthy soils.

V-F-10 “Best Irrigation Practices for Saline Soils” – April 28 – May 11, 2018 – Volunteer Ram Ray, Ph.D., provided leadership for the establishment of the irrigation design for the irrigated demonstration plot which will be established at the C.C. Shroff Research Institute (CCSRI). It was determined that additional equipment would have to be acquired and installed prior to the site being brought into the demonstration. He discussed with VRTI the establishment

of a soil and water quality monitoring system and a sub-surface drainage system to control/reduce the salt accumulation on the root zone and on the soil surface. He also strongly recommended soil moisture EC, SAR, and pH sensors be installed at the site. Dr. Ray trained 119 persons and Directly Assisted a total of 119 persons. He also provided a lecture to approximately 500 persons during an agricultural expo where he presented on stage regarding the best irrigation practices for saline soils.

Volunteer Ram Ray, Ph.D. gives speech on the best Volunteer Ram Ray, Ph.D., (center) takes EC and 5. irrigation practices for saline soils among 500 pH measurements while a farmer (left) and farmers at Mandvi, Kutch Gujarat. VRTI researcher Mr. S.K. Paregi (right) learn the process. Challenges, Lessons Learned and Recommendations The election in Gujarat during the first quarter of this project (October-December 2017) created a delay in FAMU’s ability to send Volunteers to India during the first quarter. One Volunteer, at the last minute, was unable to travel in January 2018. As a result of this last-minute change FAMU only sent three volunteers in January instead of the planned four volunteers. A replacement Volunteer was quickly secured and prepared the assignment in March (Needs Assessment for Soil & Water Testing Facility). As a result of having a strong pool of Volunteers, FAMU was able to complete two Volunteer assignments in March that were originally scheduled for April. As a result of reorganizing the Volunteer assignment delivery, FAMU was able to complete all Volunteer assignments earlier than originally planned. This allowed time to monitor results of some of the training provided by the Volunteers and receive from the host updated numbers on adopted recommendations prior to the end of the project. Summary of Lessons Learned and Recommendations: a. Having multiple qualified candidates vetted early for each Volunteer assignment allowed FAMU to quickly replace a volunteer who suddenly was not able to travel. b. To the degree possible, schedule Volunteers from universities travel dates to coincide with their university’s Spring Break period or other workable holiday periods to ensure minimal disruption in their regular teaching or research commitments. c. It is important to discuss with the host early-on holiday as well as election cycles in the host country and include these “blackout” dates in the Volunteer assignment calendar.

6. Summary of Public Outreach During the project period, three (3) success stories were written and submitted to the FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences “CAFS Magazine” (15,000 subscribers) and the university’s Office of Communications for publication in “FAMU Forward,” its online newsletter (global reach). Twenty-one (21) social media posts (Facebook) posts were published 15 within the college (combined reach of 567 followers for two main accounts and additional tagged accounts university-wide). Please see Annex #8 Success Story for a copy of published success story during the Milestone #5 period. Please see Annex #9 Outreach Activities List for all activities conducted during the full project period.

FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Program Standard Indicator Reporting Tables Table 1: Volunteer and Assignment Data Number of Persons Number of Persons Number of Volunteer Recommendations Trained Directly Assisted Made

Assignment (Trip) Number Name Sex State of Residence Occupation Category Race/Ethnicity Service F2F Prior of Work of Scopes Number Type of Volunteer Assistance Chain Type of Commodity Activities Country F2F Country Project Scope of Work Start Date Date Scope of Work End Number of Volunteer Days Completed Value of Volunteer Time Leveraged Assignment on (U.S.$) Estimated Value of Host Contribution (U.S.$) Male Female Total Male Female Total Economic Organizational Environmental Financial Total Host(s)

Fiscal Year 2018 V-F-1 Mehboob Sheikh M FL E As Y 1 T F India SG-11 1/5/2018 1/19/2018 15 $7,050 $500 66 93 159 80 113 193 3 0 3 0 6 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-2 Anne del Castillo F SC T W/N Y 1 T M India SG-11 1/9/2018 1/22/2018 14 $6,580 $500 76 103 179 90 123 213 2 3 0 0 5 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-3 Brian Meese M IA T W/N Y 1 T F India SG-11 1/11/2018 1/24/2018 14 $6,580 $500 107 40 147 122 61 183 1 3 0 0 4 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-4 Rita Duncan F FL E W/N N 1 T F India SG-11 2/14/2018 2/28/2018 15 $7,050 $500 111 1 112 129 3 132 5 1 0 0 6 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-5 Gilbert Queeley M FL E B/N Y 1 T F India SG-11 2/14/2018 2/28/2018 15 $7,050 $500 80 1 81 98 3 101 1 5 0 0 6 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-6 Trevor Hylton M FL E B/N Y 1 T F India SG-11 2/14/2018 2/28/2018 15 $7,050 $500 120 23 143 557 654 1211 0 0 3 0 3 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-7 Anthony Ananga M FL E B/N N 1 T P India SG-11 3/3/2018 3/17/2018 15 $7,050 $500 145 57 202 234 144 378 4 1 0 0 5 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-8 Krishna Kumar Nedunuri M OH E As Y 1 T F India SG-11 3/17/2018 3/30/2018 14 $6,580 $500 59 69 128 74 75 149 0 0 6 0 6 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-9 Rishi Prasad M AL E As N 1 T F India SG-11 4/14/2018 4/27/2018 14 $6,580 $500 94 32 126 104 32 136 0 0 6 0 6 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) V-F-10 Ram Ray M TX E As N 1 T F India SG-11 4/28/2018 5/11/2018 14 $6,580 $500 70 49 119 70 49 119 0 0 6 0 6 Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) Counts: Totals: 145 $ 68,150 $ 5,000 928 468 1,396 1,558 1,257 2,815 16 13 24 - 53

Farmer-to-Farmer Program Standard Indicator Reporting Tables Table 2: Host Data (Baseline) Environmental Organizational Potential Beneficiaries Economic Indicators Indicator Financial Services Indicators Indicator

Host Country Project F2F Country Assessment Baseline of Date Host Gender Institution Type Members/Owners Employees Clients Suppliers & Members Family Total Production Area Potential of Influence (ha) Annual Gross Sales (Revenue) (US$) Annual Net Income (US$) under Potentially Area Improved Environmental/ Resource Natural (ha) Management Annual Value of Rural/ Agricultural Lending (US$) Number of Rural/ Agricultural Loans Issued Annually ODI Rating Fiscal Year anand Research and Training Institute (India CSA 11/24/017 N/A N 1,500 86 53 514 6,064 2,600 3,279,924 1,168,364 400 - - -

Count: 1 1 Total: 1,500 86 53 514 6,064 2,600 3,279,924 1,168,364 400 FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Program Standard Indicator Reporting Tables Table 4: Outreach and Leverage

Fiscal

Implementing Partner Name Year Number of Press Releases Number of Media Events Group of Number Presentations Total Number of Outreach Activities Value of Resources Leveraged by Grantee and U.S. the in Volunteers (U.S.$) FAMU/India FY2018 5 18 0 23 $ - $ - Total To-Date (Date): 5 18 - 23 $ - (all values leveraged above are $0) Soil moisture conservation trials: evaluating different treatments in Greengram crop

Treatment 7 Treatment 15 Treatment 1 Treatment 6 Treatment 8 Treatment 3 Treatment 13

Replication 3 Treatment 2 Treatment 5 Treatment 4 Treatment 11 Treatment 9 Treatment 14 Treatment 12 Treatment 10

Treatment 11 Treatment 12 Treatment 13 Treatment 14 Treatment 15 Treatment 11 Treatment 8 Treatment 5 Treatment 15 Treatment 9

Treatment 6 Treatment 7 Treatment 8 Treatment 9 Treatment 10 Treatment 7 Treatment 10 Treatment 12 Treatment 4 Treatment 2

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Treatment 4 Treatment 5 Treatment 13 Treatment 6 Treatment 1 Treatment 14 Treatment 3

Replication – 1 Replication - 2

Treatment 1: Flat bed with no mulch Treatment 6: Ridge & Furrow with no mulch Treatment 11: Compartmental bunding with no mulch

Treatment 2: Flat bed with soil mulch Treatment 7: Ridge & Furrow with soil mulch Treatment 12: Compartmental bunding with soil mulch

Treatment 3: Flat bed with residue mulch Treatment 8: Ridge & Furrow with residue mulch Treatment 13: Compartmental bunding with residue mulch

Treatment 4: Flat bed with live mulch Treatment 9: Ridge & Furrow with live mulch Treatment 14: Compartmental bunding with live mulch

Treatment 5: Flat bed with hydrogel Treatment 10: Ridge & Furrow with hydrogel Treatment 15: Compartmental bunding with hydrogel

Plot size: 6 meter X 5.4 meter Date of sowing: 18 & 19 July, 2018 Sowing distance: 45 cm X 15 cm

Soil moisture conservation trials: evaluating different treatments in Sorghum crop

Treatment - 8 Treatment - 15 Treatment - 4 Treatment - 7 Treatment - 2 Replication 3 Treatment - 14 Treatment - 6 Treatment - 9 Treatment - 11 Treatment - 3 Treatment - 13 Treatment - 10 Treatment - 1 Treatment - 5 Treatment - 12

Treatment - 7 Treatment - 9 Treatment - 5 Replication - 2 Treatment - 10 Treatment - 14 Treatment - 1 Treatment - 12 Treatment - 3 Treatment - 15 Treatment - 4 Treatment - 8 Treatment - 11 Treatment - 2 Treatment - 13 Treatment - 6

Treatment - 13 Treatment - 14 Treatment - 15 Replication 1 Treatment - 10 Treatment - 11 Treatment - 12 Treatment - 7 Treatment - 8 Treatment - 9 Treatment - 4 Treatment - 5 Treatment - 6 Treatment - 1 Treatment - 2 Treatment - 3

Treatment 1: Flat bed with no mulch Treatment 6: Ridge & Furrow with no mulch Treatment 11: Compartmental bunding with no mulch

Treatment 2: Flat bed with soil mulch Treatment 7: Ridge & Furrow with soil mulch Treatment 12: Compartmental bunding with soil mulch

Treatment 3: Flat bed with residue mulch Treatment 8: Ridge & Furrow with residue mulch Treatment 13: Compartmental bunding with residue mulch

Treatment 4: Flat bed with live mulch Treatment 9: Ridge & Furrow with live mulch Treatment 14: Compartmental bunding with live mulch

Treatment 5: Flat bed with hydrogel Treatment 10: Ridge & Furrow with hydrogel Treatment 15: Compartmental bunding with hydrogel

Plot size: 6 meter X 5.4 meter Date of sowing: 19 & 20 July, 2018 Sowing distance: 45 cm X 15 cm Groundnut varieties and microbes: screening for salinity tolerance

REPLICATION 1

1 – GG2 2 – GG 5 3 – GG7 4 – TG 37 5 – GG2 + J22 6 – GG5 + J22 7 – GG7 + J22 8 – TG 37 + J22

9 – GG2 + S29 10 – GG5 + S29 11 – GG7 + S29 12 – TG 37 + S29 13 – GG2 + R51 14 – GG5 + R51 15 – GG7 + R51 16 – TG37 + R51

REPLICATION 2

12 – TG 37 + S29 13 – GG2 + R51 4 – TG 37 1 – GG2 11 – GG7 + S29 7 – GG7 + J22 14 – GG5 + R51 5 – GG2 + J22

3 – GG7 6 – GG5 + J22 16 – TG37 + R51 8 – TG 37 + J22 2 – GG 5 15 – GG7 + R51 9 – GG2 + S29 10 – GG5 + S29

REPLICATION 3

14 – GG5 + R51 5 – GG2 + J22 9 – GG2 + S29 15 – GG7 + R51 16 – TG37 + R51 3 – GG7 11 – GG7 + S29 13 – GG2 + R51

7 – GG7 + J22 12 – TG 37 + S29 2 – GG 5 10 – GG5 + S29 6 – GG5 + J22 8 – TG 37 + J22 1 – GG2 4 – TG 37

Total Treatment 16: Groundnut Varieties 4 (GG 2, GG 5, GG7, TG 37); Microbial Cultures 4 (00, J22, S 29, R 51)

1 GG 2 5 GG 2 +J 22 9 GG 2 +S 29 13 GG 2 +R 51

2 GG 5 6 GG 5+J22 10 GG 5+ S 29 14 GG 5+ R 51

3 GG 7 7 GG 7+J 22 11 GG 7+ S 29 15 GG 7+ R 51

4 TG 37 8 TG 37+ J 22 12 TG 37+ S 29 16 TG 37+ R 51

Plot size: 6 meter X 4.5 meter

Date of sowing: 10 July, 2018

Sowing distance: 45 cm X 15 cm Groundnut GG – 2: Land configuration and microbes for salinity tolerance:

REPLICATION 1

T – 1 T – 2 T – 3 T – 4 T – 5 T – 6 T – 7 T – 8

T – 9 T – 10 T – 11 T – 12 T – 13 T – 14 T – 16 T – 16

REPLICATION 2

T – 12 T – 4 T -13 T -1 T -2 T - 7 T – 14 T – 5

T – 3 T – 6 T – 16 T – 8 T – 15 T – 2 T – 9 T – 10

REPLICATION 3

T – 14 T – 5 T – 9 T – 15 T – 16 T – 3 T – 11 T – 4

T – 7 T -12 T – 2 T – 10 T – 6 T – 8 T – 1 T – 13

Treatments: 1. Conventional flat Bed 9. RF Bed (Ridges & Furrow bed) 2. Conventional +FYM 10. RF +FYM 3. Conventional + Microbe I J22 11. RF + Microbe I – J22 – 12. RF + Microbe II – S29 4. Conventional + Microbe II- S 29 13 RF + Microbe III – RS1 5. Conventional + Microbe III – RS1 14 RF + Microbe I +FYM – J22 6. Conventional + Microbe I +FYM – J 22 15. RF + Microbe II + FYM – S29 7. Conventional + Microbe II + FYM – S29 16. RF + Microbe III + FYM – RS1 8. Conventional + Microbe III + FYM – RS1 Plot size: 5 meter X 4.5 meter

Date of sowing: 11 July, 2018

Sowing distance: 45 cm X 15 cm Photographs of Demonstration farm and crop trials at VRTI

Land configuration: Ridges & Furrow for soil moisture conservation trials

Land configuration: Compartmental bunding for soil moisture conservation trials

Sowing of Greengram at soil moisture conservation trial plots

Greengram after germination

Salinity trials: Groundnut crop

Annex 3 – Trip Report – Project Director – Harriett A. Paul – Milestone # 5 (7/26/2018)

TRIP REPORT

SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION

Traveler Name(s): Harriett A. Paul

Program Name: FAMU India Farmer to Farmer Climate Smart Agriculture Project

Site(s) Visited: Anand, Mandvi, Ahmedabad Date(s) Visited: January 5, 2018 to January 19, 2018

Date Submitted: January 31, 2018

SECTION B: PROJECT BACKGROUND

Florida A&M University (FAMU) received a Fixed Price Award on October 1, 2017 from the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) to carry out an eight (8)-month Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Special Program Support Project (SPSP) in India. The period of performance is October 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. This eight-month project builds on the work of FAMU’s initial project in India (2016-17) which revealed that a major barrier to increased productivity for local farmers in the Gujarat State is the problem of high soil and water salinity. Additionally, the local farmers have limited access to soil and water analysis services, and they are in need of more resilient crop varieties. The Year 1 (2016-17) F2F Consultants recommended that the capacity of FAMU’s host organization, the Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI), be strengthened such that the VRTI would be able to offer soil and water analysis services to their farming clientele. This, we agree, is a vital service needed to improve crop productivity and soil health. New or improved crop varieties must also be identified and tested under local conditions to assess their performance before being recommended to the broader community of farmers. FAMU’s 2016-17 Volunteers recommended to the VRTI that a vital next step towards achieving their goal of helping farmers improve productivity could be to establish a basic soil and water analysis laboratory at the VRTI’s campus and a demonstration farm to conduct crop trials on improved or alternative varieties in the local community. Therefore, this second project is being implemented based on the following objectives:

Project Objectives:

• Support the establishment of a Climate Smart Demonstration Farm in Mandvi to test, select and disseminate new technologies, practices, and climate information engaging local farmers. • Strengthen the technical capacity of VRTI to conduct basic soil and water analysis at the Mandvi campus to improve farmers’ access to soil and water analysis services as a basic requirement for improved productivity and income. • Build and expand on the work of FAMU’s first F2F project in India related to building the knowledge of farmers and agricultural extension agents on improved more climate smart production practices.

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FAMU’s second F2F program is engaged with the same partner, the National Council on Climate Change and Sustainable Development (NCCSD), and the same host, the Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI). FAMU’s project implementation is based on utilizing 10 Volunteer assignments over the life of project to carry out the project’s objectives.

The anticipated results of this project would include: • The establishment of a soil and a water testing lab at VRTI to provide testing services to the farming community in the Kutch district; • Training of two (2) scientists and two (2) technicians in basic soil and water testing procedures; • VRTI able to conduct up to three hundred (300) basic soil and water analysis for local small farmers across 50 villages annually; • Ten VRTI researchers and extension personnel trained to conduct the crop trails on new varieties; • Two hundred (200) farmers trained to conduct the crop trials on their farms; • One thousand farmers trained in improved methods at the demonstration farm site through training activities; • Three improved technologies or innovations introduced to 300 local farmers with 50 percent adoption by target beneficiaries; • Adoption will be measured by collecting recommendations from each assignment and noting and monitoring those recommendations that include new technologies and innovations. Monitoring by VRTI will allow us to determine the number of farmers and trainers who accept and adopt the new technology or innovation by the end date of the project. This data will be collected by VRTI F2F staff from the pool of farmers included in the training program who are regularly in contact with VRTI’s training facility.

This program addresses Foreign Assistance Framework (FAF) Program Element 4.5.2 “Agricultural Sector Productivity” and Program Sub-elements 4.5.2.1 "Research and Technology Dissemination," 4.5.2.2 "Land and Water Management," 4.5.2.4 “Agribusiness and Producer Organizations,” 4.5.2.6 “Emerging Agricultural Threats," and 4.5.2.7 “Agricultural Livelihood Services and Safety Nets.”

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SECTION C: TRIP PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE TRIP This trip report will provide key highlights of the FAMU Project Director’s (PD) site visit to India (January 5-19, 2018) to accomplish the following objectives: 1. Meet with relevant collaborating or support organizations: AAU, other university heads, research centers, the Indian Ministry of Agriculture, the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, and other partnership officials to leverage the work done and existing resources. 2. Meet with the NCCSD, and the host institution VRTI to: review the previous project and recommend implementation adjustments as necessary; establish the current project’s administrative procedures; finalize the volunteer assignment plan; review with the host the “Safety and Security Plan;” discuss the remaining assignments to be fielded by April 2018; discuss the technical aspects of the SOWs; discuss the PERSUAP requirements; discuss the required inputs and resources needed to support the demonstration farm’s implementation; and review volunteer logistics/care procedures. 3. Visit with key stakeholders and beneficiaries to observe local agricultural conditions, needs and priorities, to lay a strong platform from which the project will be launched.

SECTION D: ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Trip Objective 1: January 7-9, 2018 Anand Agricultural University

FAMU’s PD, Harriett A. Paul, completed a highly successful site visit to India during the period January 5-19, 2018. During this period, the first three F2F Volunteers were mobilized to India, and she travelled to India accompanied by VF2, Dr. Mehboob Sheikh from FAMU.

Upon arriving in Ahmedabad, India on the evening of January 7, 2018, Ms. Paul and Dr. Sheikh were greeted at the airport my a faculty member from Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Dr. Bharat Patel, Weed Scientist from AAU’s BA College of Agriculture. The first scheduled event for Dr. Sheikh and Ms. Paul was to serve as panelists at the 52nd Annual Convention of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE) and the National Symposium on Doubling Farmers’ Income through Technological Interventions at AAU on Monday, January 8th. Ms. Paul was invited by the AAU Vice Chancellor, Dr. N.C. Patel, to comment on the various presentations that were made during the technical session of the conference on the topic of how to double Indian farmers’ income over the next five years (by 2022). Ms. Paul spoke in her capacity as the Program Director of the India F2F Program. She commented on the ideas conveyed by the various speakers based on her first-hand experience working in India helping farmers develop more climate smart agricultural practices. Dr. Sheikh spoke during the “Industries Session” in his capacity as a FAMU F2F Volunteer expert and senior agricultural research faculty at FAMU. More than 500 conferees were in attendance, including many dignitaries from government, the private sector, and the university community. Participating in this symposium allowed Ms. Paul and Dr. Sheikh to disseminate information about the work of the FAMU F2F Program to a very wide agricultural audience in India with delegates from around the globe.

It is important to note that AAU and FAMU signed a five-year Memorandum of Agreement during the symposium, and the work of the FAMU India F2F Program was widely applauded as greatly contributing to the India Prime Minister’s goal of doubling Indian farmers’ income in five years. Ms. Paul was invited to assist Mr. Parshottam Rupala, India’s National Minister of Agriculture with the ribbon cutting event that started the “Exhibition of Innovative Agricultural Technologies.” This event concluded the Monday, January 8th morning session. 3

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Ribbon cutting ceremony for the “Exhibition of Innovative Agricultural Technologies” event.

(Left photo) Ms. Harriett Paul, FAMU F2F Project Director, speaks during Panelist Discussion.

At the completion of the afternoon session, visits were made to several departments including the Food Technology program were many examples of the value addition research were on display.

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Tuesday, January 9th, 2018. Ms. Paul and Dr. Sheikh had requested a morning meeting with the BA College of Agriculture Principal and Dean, Dr. K. P. Patel and relevant research scientists across several disciplines. Ten scientists from microbiology, agronomy, genetics and plant breeding, soil science, and biochemistry participated in the meeting including the college’s dean to discuss the selection of improved or new crop varieties that may be useful in the demonstration trials in Kutch. An active discussion took place relative to their related on-going research. Details of the demonstration plan for the VRTI Kutch district F2F program was shared to get their input and guidance. The discussions revealed the agronomy faculty is working on oil seed crops such as peanut, mustard, castor, cotton, and soybean. They recommended using short-duration peanut variety GG6 in the VRTI demonstration plots at Mandvi.

The next and final meeting at AAU before departing was with Dr. K.B. Kathiria, Director of Research and Dean of P.G. Studies. Dr. Sheikh conveyed the outcome of the faculty meeting with the selected scientists and their dean. Dr. Kathiria committed his full support to the FAMU F2F project and stated that he is willing to provide his faculty support to accomplish F2F project goals. We were pleased to have a final cell phone communication with Vice Chancellor Patel and he again conveyed his strong support of the F2F project and for the new partnership with FAMU. With this last communication Ms. Paul and Dr. Sheikh were driven by VRTI personnel to Mandvi and arrived in Mandvi around 10:00 pm that evening, checked into the Village Resort Hotel, and retired for the evening.

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Trip Objective 2: Meet with VRTI Staff - January 10 -18, 2018 Wednesday, January 10th, Dr. Sheikh and I were picked up at the hotel by VRTI and transported to the main office on the Mandvi campus. We met with Mr. Malay Joshi, F2F Coordinator, and his VRTI team including Mr. Jayaprakash Gosalia, Advisor-CSR, Excell Industries Ltd. at Mandvi. The VRTI team requested that we start the meeting with a review of Year 1 activities. I provided a summary of our strong points and areas where additional attention was needed. I was pleased to say we were able to adequately address the areas where we were challenged. Following the review and assessment of the Year 1 program, we proceeded to discuss the administrative procedures for the new project. We reviewed the Volunteer recruitment schedule and confirmed the dates on all of the remaining seven assignments. Scope development was the next topic and as part of this discussion; Mr. Joshi requested to change the title of two assignments. The Safety and Security Plan was briefly discussed and the need for Mr. Joshi to discuss with each Volunteer the PERSUAP requirements. This was necessary, even if the assignment was not a Type 1 or 2 assignment. Volunteer care and logistics were also discussed and the need to have a clearer, cleaner way of verifying the “persons trained” and the “persons directly assisted.” There was considerable discussion on the requirements of the demonstration farm guided by the plan that was developed by the FAMU F2F Volunteers. A meeting was scheduled to meet with the VRTI technical staff to review the demonstration plot design and get their input. Dr. Sheikh discussed with the VRTI group about his meeting with the AAU scientists and their in-depth talk about the new crop variety recommendations and selections. The team meeting was effective in identifying areas that need strengthening and agreeing on a corrective plan moving forward to create continuity and further leverage our experiences and resources. Mr. Joshi and Mr. Gosalia were appreciative of the project information. They provided an overview of the human and physical facilities available at VRTI for the current project. After the meeting, the group visited the two demonstration project sites to learn about plot status, available/usable plot area, field condition, and land preparation needs to enable its use for setting up the demonstration plot. The VRTI Demonstration Farm site will be where the rain-fed demonstrations are organized. It is a very convenient set-up as the VRTI Demonstration Farm is directly across the road from the new Non-formal Education Center.

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The second demonstration site is the CC Shroff Research Institute (CCSRI) – pictured above - this is the site for conducting the Regulated Water Deficit, Irrigation and Salinity Management demonstrations. Dr. Sheikh made an initial visual survey of the property to determine the location’s suitability for the irrigated demonstrations.

Trip Objective 3: Meeting with Farming Clientele Thursday, January 11th: VF1, Anne del Castillo arrived. I assisted her with check in at the Village Resort Hotel and Dr. Sheikh and I went to the VRTI office. Dr. Sheikh conducted a training program on three different topics. Following some morning rest, Anne joined us for lunch and VRTI took us after lunch to visit Mr. Ramesh Bhai’s pomegranate farm. We learned about cultural and management strategies he is using in fruit production. He is managing the water and fertilizer needs of his pomegranate orchard through drip irrigation. Mr. Bhai uses an agricultural consultant to manage his cultural practices, irrigation, pest control, and crop fertilizer needs. His crop generally looks healthy. Dr. Sheikh asked many questions relative to his farming operation. We also met the owners of the farm who live in Mumbai. Mr. Bhai is the manager.

Friday, January 12th – Sunday, January 14th: I was invited to speak at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce in Ahmedabad on the occasion of the book launching for the guide book for farmers produced by the NCCSD, Dr. Kirit Shelat. Dr. Shelat invited a FAMU faculty member to co-author the book with him. The book is a compilation of information on climate smart agriculture in India. Several FAMU F2F Volunteers’ training materials have been included in the document. An electronic copy can be shared upon request. 7

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Book Launch Ceremony, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, Ahmedabad.

Mr. Ashwin Shroff, Excell Corporation

Monday, January 15th: Dr. Sheikh and I met with VRTI staff to finalize the demo plot designs.

Tuesday, January 16th: Dr. Sheikh conducted a training session, and the work continued on the demo plot designs.

 PD TRIP REPORT 

Wednesday, January 17th: Our group, the three FAMU Volunteers and I, met with a group of mostly women scientists who were attending a workshop at VRTI on “Capacity Building Program – Empowerment of Farm Women on Climate Change” – AICRP at the VRTI Farm Education Center. The participants were home scientists from across the country from Indian Universities. The university faculty is involved in teaching outreach activities that are extension based. They were at VRTI to learn how to better empower farm women in smart agricultural practices.

I was asked to address the group and provide some background on the climate smart agriculture work we have been doing in Gujarat. Mr. Ashwin Shroff, Chairman and Managing Director, Excell Industries; Dr. Kirit Shilat, Director, NCCSD; Mr. Malay Joshi; and several VRTI staff provided the leadership for managing the group. The VRTI presentations were focused on building climate smart farmers, understanding the impact of climate change, unforeseen changes during monsoons, and field visits involving river basin management including: different interventions and farmers’ experiences on crop management, water management, cattle management, value addition, producer company, and women farmers/rural youth.

Thursday, January 18, 2018: I departed India for the U.S. The three F2F Volunteers visited Mr. Kantilal Bhimani’s Jalram Farm, Ratnapar, Kutch, Gujarat to learn about his crop management practices, irrigation techniques, mixed cropping, multiple cropping, bio- fertilizer production using farm, and cattle waste. Mr. Bhimani is a very dedicated progressive farmer who is involved in the organic farming of banana, papaya and mango under various management techniques to minimize water use, fertilizer and pesticide applications. His crop production techniques were impressive and required minimal inputs to maximize the output to enhance his income while at the same time remaining climate friendly and sustainable.

Friday, January 19th: Arrived safely back at home to the USA in the evening.

ANNEX 6 - M5 - Volunteer Recommendation Table - India F2F Volunteer Recommendation FY 2017-2018 Number of Volunteer Recommendations Made

Assignm ent Host Number Volunteer Dates of Assignment Assignment Recommendation Economic Organization al Environment al Financial Total Recommenda adopted tion VRTI V-F-1 Anne del Castillo 01/09/2018-01/22/2018 Value Added Agricultural Methods/Marketing and Provide basic Marketing skills using participatory Branding/Alternate Use Marketing techniques 1 1 Help farmers understand the practices of marketing cooperatively in India. 1 1 1 Identify farmers with strong leadership ability and interest in being a leader 1 1 Institute could seek funding for post harvest equipment for perishable fruits, especially cold storage. 1 1 To optimize learning impact, the Institute could explore alternative teaching modalities and techniques. 1 1 5 1 VRTI V-F-2 Mehboob Sheikh 01/05/2018-01/19/2018 Needs Assessment and Development of Use advanced drought and salt tolerance crop Implementation Strategy for Model/Demonstration varieties with high water use efficiency and salt Farm tolereance characteristics 1 1 Maximize water infiltration into soil for efective plant use 1 1 Retain maximal amount of rainfall to increase water retention at the site 1 1 1 Amelioration of salinity 1 1 Impact of cultural practices on plant productivity, product quality, value and marketability 1 1 Application of cutting edge technologies. 1 1 6 1 VRTI V-F-3 Brian Meese 01/11/2018-01/24/2018 Methods for Agricultural Extension Technology Establish am medium tillage in most of the 1 Transfer – Transferring Improved Practices from the agricultural fields in thearea 1 Model Farm to Beneficiary Farm Sites Do Simple comparison such as variety comparison/conservation tillage comparison. 1 1 1 Have round-table discussion with each Farmer-to Farmer program volunteer and a small group of local farmers at the beginning of each volunteer visit. 1 1 1 Identify and collect commercially available varieties grown crops in the area and establish ongoing variety trials. 1 1 4 2 VRTI V-F-4 Rita Duncan 2/14/2018-02/28/2018 Integrated Pest Management Acquire a good dissecting microscope. 1 1 One or two people be in charge of taking in samples from the farmers or brought in by the agents, and checking them under the dissecting microscope to determine the problem. 1 1 Purchase a good light for the microscope, preferably a gooseneck light source. 1 1 Purchase a camera for the microscope. 1 1 Alcohol is needed to save samples collected for identification. 1 1 All manner of small vials, scissors, dissecting pins, vials, and pens are needed. 1 1 6 VRTI V-F-5 Gilbert Queeley 02/14/2018-02/28/2018 Establishing Standards for Plant Sample Collection, For future plots, use a design that facilitates unbiased Preparation, Storage, Analysis and Interpretation of data collection. 1 1 1 the Data (farm) Utilize pseudo-replication when collecting samples from the mulch experiment. 1 1 1 Consider doing experiments as a precursor to demonstrations. 1 1 1 Reduce the scope of the research at demonstration plots. 1 1 Avoid comparing too many crop varieties at once. 1 1 Train farmers in sampling methods in an effort to provide unadulterated data to VRTI technicians. 1 1 6 3 VRTI V-F-6 Trevor Hylton 02/14/2018-02/28/2018 Soil Organic Matter Improvement and Good Implement tillage and cultivation practices to Agricultural Practices maintain and improve the physical, biological and chemical condition of the soil. 1 1 Manage nutrient fertility through crop rotation, cover cropping, application of manure, and mulching. 1 1 1 VRTI should include organic matter as a factor in the research design that will be implemented soon. 1 1 1 3 2 VRTI V-F-7 Anthony Ananga 03/03/2018-03/17/2018 Improved Post-harvest Practices for Horticultural VRTI should be empowered to have the capacity to Crops carry out microbial testing, i.e soil microbiology. 1 1 Postharvest loss and quality assessment should be performed for most of the horticultural crops grown in Mandvi 1 1 Identify and test protective packaging and packaging materials that can be re-used and/or recycled 1 1 Identify and test lower cost, safer food additives and preservatives for improved processed local products. 1 1 Designs and tests of cost effective insulated cool boxes and package covers of varying sizes and types for use in maintaining cool temperatures variations during short distance transport. 1 1 5 VRTI V-F-8 Krishna Kumar 03/17/2018-03/30/2018 Needs Assessment for Soil & Water Testing Facility Add a capability on particle size distribution in the lab Nedunuri Vol to determine soil texture. Use approximate “feel Subset: Establishing Standards for Soil & Water good” procedures to get quick and preliminary Sample Collection, Storage, Analysis & Interpretation assessments on the field. 1 1 of Data (farm to lab) Encourage VRTI staff to not only take surface samples but also subsurface samples between the wetting and drying cycle to monitor the movement of salt. This information is crucial for irrigation and drainage scheduling. 1 1 1 Use the capabilities of the four agricultural universities in Gujarat to generate soil water retention curves for these soils. It would be necessary to create student projects at these universities and allow students to work at the VRTI campus for soil collection and analysis either in the university soil physics laboratories and research extension units. Establish field capacity, saturation moisture content and wilting points for these soils. 1 1 Collaborate with four universities to gather soil mineralogy information for Mandvi soils. 1 1

It is the opinion of the volunteer to recommend to farmers to avoid use of saline water in sodic soils. If necessary treat water before application to soil. 1 1 Avoidance of saline water is the most preferable solution in farms having sodic soils and explore addition of sulfuric acid in the form of Di-ammonium phosphate. 1 1 6 1 VRTI V-F-9 Rishi Prasad 04/14/2018-04/27/2018 Integrated Soil Nutrient Management Strategies Farmers should be encouraged to test their soils and apply nutrients based on soil test report and university 1 1 Farmers shoulddi be trained on the regional best management practice for nutrients on a regular basis by a trained extension agent. 1 Deep tillage systems should be discouraged 1 1 Farmers reduce the fallow period by practicing relay or cover cropping system. 1 1 Farmers should be made aware of the consequences of unhealthy soils. 1 1 1 Bring an irrigation management specialist who can provide assistance in optimizing the water requirement while preventing the salt build up. 1 1 6 1 VRTI V-F-10 Ram Ray 04/28/2018-05/11/2018 Monitoring soil water content, Electrical Conductivity/Total Dissolved Solids (EC/TDS), pH and Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) on a regular Best Irrigation Practices for Saline Soils basis. 1 Monitoring groundwater quality and groundwater table. 1 Improving soil sampling techniques. 1 Scheduling surface drip irrigation during the night or when evaporation rate is low. 1 Monitoring soil and water quality parameters at VRTI demonstration farm. 1 Introducing Sub-Surface Drainage System 1 6 Annex 7 – Volunteer Tracking Table – Milestone 5

FAMU INDIA F2F VOLUNTEER Tracking Table *Updated March 31, 2018

Assign- Title of SOW SOW Name of Planned Dates SOW Mission Contact Details Actual Dates of ment approved Volunteer (if one of Volunteer involves Volunteer Name & Title of Mission Number by VEGA has been Assignment Pesticide Assignment Contact; Date Mission informed recruited) use or (complete this post- of Volunteer Assignment. training assignment) Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-1 Value - Added Agriculture VEGA Anne del Castillo January 5 – 19, NO Jan 9-22, 2018 Director, Office of Food Security Methods / Marketing & Approved 2018 Type 3 US Agency for International Branding / Alternative Use 12/15/2017 PERSUAP Development Products 2 Volunteers American Embassy Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected] Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-2 Needs Assessment & VEGA Dr. Mehboob January 5 – 19, NO Jan. 5 – 19, 2018 Director, Office of Food Security Development of Approved Sheikh 2018 Type 3 US Agency for International Implementation Strategy 12/15/2017 PERSUAP Development for Model / American Embassy Demonstration Farm Shantipath, Chanakyapuri Subset: Exploration and New Delhi-110021 Selection of Alternative Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 Salinity Resistant Crop email: [email protected] Varieties for Model Farm and Model Farm Crop Experimental design Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui N/A FAMU Project Director N/A Ms. Harriett Paul January 5 – 19, NO Jan. 5 – 19, 2018 Director, Office of Food Security Site Visit - Project 2018 US Agency for International Planning/Design & Development Implementation American Embassy Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021

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FAMU INDIA F2F VOLUNTEER Tracking Table *Updated March 31, 2018

Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected] Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-3 Methods for Agricultural VEGA Dr. Brian Meese January 11 – 24, NO Jan. 11 – 24, 2018 Director, Office of Food Security Extension Technology Approved 2018 Type 3 US Agency for International Transfer – Transferring 12/18/2017 PERSUAP Development Improved Practices from American Embassy the Model Farm to Shantipath, Chanakyapuri Beneficiary Farm Sites New Delhi-110021 Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected] Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-4 Integrated Pest VEGA Ms. Rita Duncan February 14 - 28, YES Feb. 14-28, 2018 Director, Office of Food Security Management 2018 (Training) Approved US Agency for International 02/13/2018 Type 1 Development PERSUAP American Embassy

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected] Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-5 Establishing Standards for VEGA Dr. Gilbert February 14–28, NO Feb. 14-28, 2018 Director, Office of Food Security Plant Sample Collection, Queeley 2018 Approved Type 3 US Agency for International Preparation, Storage, Data 02/09/2018 PERSUAP Development Analysis and American Embassy Interpretation Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected] Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-6 Soil Organic Matter VEGA Mr. Trevor Hylton February 14 -28, NO Feb. 14-28, 2018 Director, Office of Food Security Improvement and Good 2018 Approved Type 3 US Agency for International Agricultural Practices 02/09/2018 PERSUAP Development

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FAMU INDIA F2F VOLUNTEER Tracking Table *Updated March 31, 2018

American Embassy Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected] Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-7 Improved Post-harvest VEGA Dr. Anthony March 3 – 17, NO Director, Office of Food Security Practices for Horticultural Approved Ananga 2018 Type 3 US Agency for International Crops 3/2/2018 PERSUAP Development American Embassy Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected] V-F-8 Needs Assessment for Soil Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui VEGA Dr. Krishnakumar March 17 – 30, NO & Water Testing Facility Director, Office of Food Security Approved V. Nedunuri 2018. Vol Type 3 US Agency for International 3/8/2018 Subset: Establishing PERSUAP Development Standards for Soil & Water American Embassy Sample Collection, Storage, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri Analysis & Interpretation New Delhi-110021 of Data (farm to lab) Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected] Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-9 Integrated Soil Nutrient VEGA Dr. Rishi Prasad April 14 – 27, NO Director, Office of Food Security Management Strategies Approved 2018 Type 3 US Agency for International 3/19/2018 PERSUAP Development American Embassy Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected]

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FAMU INDIA F2F VOLUNTEER Tracking Table *Updated March 31, 2018

Mr. Mustapha El Hamzaoui V-F-10 Best Irrigation Practices VEGA Dr. Ram Ray April 28 – May NO Director, Office of Food Security for Saline Soils Approved 11, 2018 Type 3 US Agency for International 3/22/2018 PERSUAP Development American Embassy Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Tel: +91 (11) 2419-8748 email: [email protected]

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Annex #9 – Milestone 5 - Outreach Activities List – Compilation

FARMER-TO-FARMER SPECIAL PROGRAM SUPPORT PROJECT SMALL GRANTS 2016 FAMU INDIA FARMER-TO-FARMER CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE PROJECT (SG-2016-4)

HARRIETT A. PAUL, DIRECTOR

MILESTONE 5 - OUTREACH ACTIVITIES LIST - COMPILATION

Volunteer outreach activities from October 1, 2017 – May 31, 2018: Farmer to Farmer Facebook Posts listed below can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/FAMUFarmertoFarmerProgram/ Office of International Agriculture Programs Facebook Posts Listed below may be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/Office-of-International-Agriculture-Programs-618906954849424/

1. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 1/18/2018 - Featured Florida A&M University's (FAMU) Office of International Programs (OIAP) actively engaged in institutional partnership with the National Council for Climate Change Sustainable Development and Public Leadership (NCCSD) and the Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) in Gujarat, India. 2. Published post and photos on Office of International Agriculture Programs Facebook Page: 1/18/2018 - Featured Florida A&M University's (FAMU) Office of International Programs (OIAP) actively engaged in institutional partnership with the National Council for Climate Change Sustainable Development and Public Leadership (NCCSD) and the Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) in Gujarat, India. (19 people reached; 61 people follow the page) 3. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 1/27/2018 – Featured FAMU's first three Farmer to Farmer (F2F) Volunteers Dr. Mehboob Sheikh, Dr. Brian Meese, and Ms. Anne del Castillo, along with Project Director Harriett Paul and Mr. Shouvik Jha, Environmentalist VRTI Host in Mandvi. (93 people reached; 506 people follow the page) 4. Published post and photos on FAMU Office of International Agriculture Programs Facebook Page: 1/27/2018 – Featured FAMU's first three Farmer to Farmer (F2F) Volunteers Dr. Mehboob Sheikh, Dr. Brian Meese, and Ms. Anne del Castillo, along with Project Director Harriett Paul and Mr. Shouvik Jha, Environmentalist VRTI Host in Mandvi. (19 people reached; 61 people follow the page) 1

5. Success Story – 1/31/2018 – “FAMU Collaborates to Establish Model Demonstration Farm Plots for Drought, Saline Tolerant Crop Trials to Aid Farmers in India Using Climate Smart Technologies” - submitted for publication in the Florida A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences “CAFS Magazine” (15,000 subscribers). 6. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 2/21/2018 – Featured FAMU F2F Volunteers Rita Duncan, Trevor Hylton and Gilbert Queeley, along with F2F In-country Program Coordinator Malay Joshi visiting a pomegranate and date palm farm near Mandvi, India and speaking with farm manager Ravibag. Also highlighted Rita Duncan’s training on “Integrated Pest Management” (280 people reached, 506 people follow the page). 7. Published post and photo on FAMU Office of International Agriculture Programs: 2/21/2018 – Featured FAMU F2F Volunteers Rita Duncan, Trevor Hylton and Gilbert Queeley, along with F2F In-country Program Coordinator Malay Joshi visiting a pomegranate and date palm farm near Mandvi, India and speaking with farm manager Ravibag. Also highlighted Rita Duncan’s training on “Integrated Pest Management” (61 people like and follow this page). 8. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 2/22/2018 – FAMU F2F Volunteer Gilbert Queeley sharing expertise with farmers in the Kutch Region (Mandvi) in northwest Gujarat, India and training farmers and agricultural extension agents on "Establishing Standards for Plant Sample Collection, Preparation, Storage, Analysis, and Interpretation of the Data." (263 people reached, 509 people the page, 506 people follow the page). 9. Published post and photo on FAMU Office of International Agriculture Programs Facebook Page: 2/22/2018 – FAMU F2F Volunteer Gilbert Queeley sharing expertise with farmers in the Kutch Region (Mandvi) in northwest Gujarat, India and training farmers and agricultural extension agents on "Establishing Standards for Plant Sample Collection, Preparation, Storage, Analysis, and Interpretation of the Data" (61 people like and follow this page). 10. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 2/23/2018 – Featured FAMU F2F Volunteer Trevor Hylton training farmers and agricultural extension agents in Mandvi, India on "Soil Organic Matter Improvement and Good Agricultural Practices" (110 people reached, 509 people the page, 506 people follow the page). 11. Published post and photo on FAMU Office of International Agriculture Programs: 2/23/2018 – Featured FAMU F2F Volunteer Trevor Hylton training farmers and agricultural extension agents in Mandvi, India on "Soil Organic Matter Improvement and Good Agricultural Practices" (61 like and follow this page). 12. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 3/23/2018 – Featured FAMU F2F Volunteer FAMU F2F Volunteer Krishna Kumar V. Nedunuri, Ph.D., training VRTI staff and scientists in India on how to identify equipment and methods to assess soil moisture and permeability. (104 people reached, 509 people the page, 506 people follow the page).

13. Published post and photo on FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Facebook Page: 03/23/2018 – Featured FAMU F2F Volunteer FAMU F2F Volunteer Krishna Kumar Nedunuri, Ph.D., training VRTI staff and scientists in India on how to identify equipment and methods to assess soil moisture and permeability (57 people like and follow this page). 14. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 03/28/2018 – Featured F2F Volunteer Krishnakumar Nedunuri, Ph.D., and Malay Joshi, F2F India In-Coordinator, taking soil samples using a pipe with a sharpened end as a substitute for an auger. (228 people reached, 506 people followed the page). 15. Published post and photo on FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Facebook Page: 03/28/2018 – Featured F2F Volunteer Krishnakumar Nedunuri, Ph.D., and Malay Joshi, F2F India In-Coordinator, taking soil samples using a pipe with a sharpened end as a substitute for an auger (57 people liked and followed this page). 16. Success Story: Feature Article Success Story written a summary of the F2F Volunteers who have travelled through March 2018 included persons trained to date and an example of a recommendation from F2F Volunteer Dr. Gilbert Queeley that was immediately adopted. This story was submitted for publication in the Florida A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences “CAFS Magazine” (15,000 subscribers) and will be submitted to the FAMU Office of Communications for publication in the university’s “FAMU Forward” online newsletter and “FAMU Info,” the university’s all-employee and all-student email distribution service. 17. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 3/19/2018 – Featured FAMU F2F Volunteer Anthony Ananga, Ph.D., who travelled to India March 3-17 to conduct a two-week assignment on Improved Practices for Horticultural Crops. This post was also tagged to the following Facebook Pages for further promotion: 1. FAMU CAFS and 2. Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA). (476 people reached, as of 5/30/2018; 524 people Like the page, 521 people Follow the page).

18. Published post and photo on FAMU Office of International Agriculture Programs: 3/19/2018 – Featured FAMU F2F Volunteer Anthony Ananga, Ph.D., who travelled to India March 3-17 to conduct a two-week assignment on Improved Practices for Horticultural Crops. (61 people Like and Follow this page).

19. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 5/4/2018 – FAMU F2F Volunteer Rishi Prasad, Ph.D., who travelled to India April 14-27 to conduct training on Integrated Soil Nutrient Management Strategies." This post was also tagged to the following Facebook Pages for further promotion: 1. FAMU CAFS and 2. Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA). (305 people reached, as of 5/30/2018; 524 people Like the page, 521 people Follow the page).

20. Published post and photo on FAMU Office of International Agriculture Programs Facebook Page: 5/29/2018 – FAMU F2F Volunteer Rishi Prasad, Ph.D., who travelled to India April 14-27 to conduct training on Integrated Soil Nutrient Management Strategies.” (61 people Like and 61 people Follow this page). 3

21. Published post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 5/4/2018 – FAMU F2F Volunteer Ram Ray, Ph.D., who recently shared his irrigation expertise and trained 119 farmers, agricultural extension specialists and research scientists in Gujarat, India from April 28 to May 11, 2018. This post was also tagged to the following Facebook Pages for further promotion: 1. FAMU CAFS and 2. Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA). (446 people reached as of 5/30/2018; 524 people Like the page, 521 people Follow the page).

22. Published post and photo on FAMU Office of International Agriculture Programs: 5/29/2018 – FAMU F2F Volunteer Ram Ray, Ph.D., who recently shared his irrigation expertise with 119 farmers, agricultural extension specialists and research scientists in Gujarat, India. (61 people Like and Follow this page).

23. Success Story: Success Story written on F2F Volunteers who completed assignments in April and May 2018. This story was submitted for publication in the Florida A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences “CAFS Magazine” (15,000 subscribers) and will also be submitted to the FAMU Office of Communications for publication in the university’s “FAMU Forward” online.

24. Published online post and photos on FAMU Farmer-to-Farmer Facebook Page: 6/19/2018 - FAMU USAID Farmer-to-Farmer's Smart Agriculture Project in India featured in CAFS magazine. Click the link and flip to page 14 to see how our volunteers help farmers in India grow drought, saline tolerant crops and adopt climate-smart technologies in agriculture. https://issuu.com/cafsmagazine/docs/cafs_magazine_summer_2018_onlin e/14

VEGA VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Name: Ram Ray, Ph.D. Current title/profession: Research Scientist Current hometown: Cypress, Texas Areas of expertise: Water Resources Management, Irrigation Scheduling Career summary (can link to bio, as well): https://www.pvamu.edu/cahs/carc/natural-resources-and- environmental-systems/ram-ray/ http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tQaUkVIAAAAJ&hl=en

F2F Volunteer Ray Ram, Ph.D. (left) measures Soil pH and EC Education: PhD Civil Engineering (Water Resources) at a pomegranate farm in India.

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW Name of project: Farmer-to-Farmer Climate Smart Agriculture Project Location of the project: Mandvi, Kutch, Gujarat, India Duration of assignment: April 28, 2018 – May 11, 2018 Organization that sent the volunteer: Prairie View A&M University Implementer of this project on behalf of USAID: Florida A&M University

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Although I have visited India multiple times, this was my first time in the state of Gujarat. I heard a lot about infrastructure development in Gujarat and, at the same time, issues and challenges that coastal cities are facings in this state. I was excited to look at the issues and challenges of the coastal city Mandvi, Kutch. I came to know, from F2F a project team member that one of the critical issues, mainly in the agricultural sector, was to deal with saline soil and water. Indeed, expertize in irrigation water resources management, soil health and water quality were needed to address this issue. I was interested in these challenges, because I had experiences dealing with such issues in Texas, in the United States. My main goal was to train and educate farmers and researchers of the Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) on best irrigation practices for saline soils and water. It was my first experience volunteering for F2F, but I did not feel that I was volunteering first time. The F2F project team members, both from Florida A&M University and VRTI, were so cooperative and helpful; they did not let me feel I was new in the F2F program. First, I tried to understand the real challenges of the farmer community’s saline soils and water, the sources of irrigation water, the VRTI demonstration farm, and how VRTI is addressing those critical issues. I visited VRTI’s demonstration farm and a number of other farms’ cropped/planted with pomegranate, cotton, pepper, castrol, lemon, sorghum and others in the Mandvi block. During my visit, I did a number of tests to know the Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, and Oxidation reduction Potential (ORP) of soil and Irrigation water being used by using portable sensors. I came to know from farmers and VRTI researchers that getting soil and water quality testing is a lengthy process for farmers. They were excited to see their soil and water quality report completed on site within a few minutes. Farmers wanted to discuss a lot with me on their issues, but they could not talk with me directly, because I did not completely understand their native language – which was kind of a challenge for me. However, the F2F program coordinator was available to help me all the time and translated my training presentations. During the visit, many times when I used the portable EC and pH sensors, I noticed most of the farmers were excited to know the price and how they could get similar sensors to monitor their soil and water quality parameters on a regular basis. Because, they had thought the testing of soil and water was a complicated and time consuming process. Normally, they wait more than two weeks to get their test results. However, I gave them test results within couple of minutes. I realized this was a big difference for farmers and VRTI researchers, but farmers could not immediately buy any of the suggested sensors. However, VRTI researchers are going to buy some shortly. I would like to include a quote “Volunteers cannot do everything, but definitely can do something, and by doing something will definitely bring some difference.” Because of this project, most of the farmers and field technicians became aware of techniques that can be used to reduce the salt accumulation on soil. They learned many techniques and will adopt some of them shortly on their farms. They learned to avoid flood irrigation and apply micro-irrigation for the saline soil and saline irrigation water. Overall, a positive impact on communities was observed, especially with the increased importance of soil and water quality monitoring, changing irrigation methods, using crop rotation and mix cropping to reduce salt content on soil. I have never been in this part of India. I found all of the farmers, researchers and community people were very nice, cooperative, tried to learn some new methods, and most importantly were very hard working and struggling to reduce salt content in their soil. I was much impressed from their hard work. I wish I could go back many times to work with them to address those critical issues. Again I would like to include a quotation, “You never get satisfied in your paid job at the extent you can get as a volunteer, because your effort can bring smiles on the faces of needy people.” I had not expected my visit would lay a very strong foundation to continue work in collaboration. After my return to the U.S., I have already received multiple requests from those scientists and other stakeholders to work in collaboration. In addition, I shared my experience among many other scientists and stakeholders that I learned during my visit. I learned how even critical issues can be addressed using limited resources and technologies. Last but not least, I would like to give a message to potential volunteers to come forward and share your expertise among others who really need it. It would be great for all of us if we volunteers can bring some smiles to the faces of needy people. The F2F program is not only beneficial for farmers and researchers of the country where we went to volunteer, but also for us. VEGA VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Name: Krishna Kumar V. Nedunuri

Current title/profession: Professor and Head

Current hometown: Dayton, OH

Areas of expertise: Soil and Water Quality

Career summary (can link to bio, as well): Krishna Kumar (Kumar) Nedunuri has over 20 years of professional experience in the fields of remediation and soil chemistry, 15 years in water quality, and 10 years in international sustainable development. Kumar works for the International Center for Water Resources Management at Central State University

providing leadership in academic, research, and extension areas of water resources within the center. He is also a professor of environmental engineering at the center teaching water chemistry, water treatment, and groundwater hydraulics. He is a member of American Chemical Society and American Society of Civil Engineers.

Education: PhD in Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering (Purdue University), Masters in Chemical Engineering Science (IIT Mumbai, India), BS in Chemical Engineering (Andhra University, India).

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

Name of project: Needs Assessment for Soil and Water Testing Facility Location of the project: Vivekanand Research and Training Institute (VRTI) - (NGO)

Mandvi, District: Kutch, State: Gujarat

PIN 370465, India Duration of assignment: 145 days Organization that sent the volunteer: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Farmer to Farmer Program (F2F) Implementer of this project on behalf of USAID: Ms. Paula Harriet, Director, FAMU F2F Program

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE This should read like a story and summarize the volunteer’s role, assignment and impact. Please provide one to four narrative paragraphs that address most of the following types of questions. Please provide at least one quote:  What was the purpose of the assignment? Why was the volunteer’s expertise needed? Mandvi, Gujarat has been one of the regions in India severely affected by prolonged dry periods. Excessive evaporation from a semi-arid land has dried up the shallow aquifers. The nutrients essential for crop production have been depleted in Mandvi soils and were the lowest among all places in Kachch region. Farmers have no other way but to go deeper to find waters up to 500 -550 feet from the surface to pump irrigation water. This irrigation water contains high salinity with TDS values going as high as 5000 ppm in several areas. Farmers could no longer grow wheat or cotton at the same productivity levels as before and several had to abandon these crops for alternative crops such as date palms which have proven to be salt tolerant. The soil has lost its organic matter over period and supports little to none microbial activity necessary for making soil nutrients available to plants. Where the soil profiles are dominated by sand with little clay have seen salt deposits on the surface indicative of the salt stress by the plants whose root zone has been limited to only few inches below the surface. Since water and soil limitations on crops have been the major issues in this region that are only being aggravated by the climate change, there was an urgent need to equip the regional soil and water quality testing lab with necessary and adequate physical infrastructure and equipment, as well as the human capacity in this critical area of agriculture and crop production. Hence, the purpose of this trip is to assess the current capabilities of the lab and make recommendations to address and solve emerging challenges of water scarcity and soil nutrient deficiency. The volunteer had extensive experience in assessing laboratory needs in soil and water quality and in conducting field research in soil and water reclamation in semi-arid regions within the US and also in other countries which was found to be adequate and necessary for this assignment in India. The volunteer was selected, identified, and approached for this task by the center director Paula Harriett based on volunteer’s qualifications and experience, and her prior partnership with the volunteer on a similar assignment in Haiti.

 Specifically what did the volunteer do and how did he/she do it? The volunteer recommended acquisition of equipment to assess soil physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics critical to VRTI’s future mission of deploying sustainable practices to improve soils and water in farmer’s lands aimed at increasing profitability of their produce and contributing to improvement in their health and wellness. The volunteer trained lab technicians in adopting both problem specific and holistic approaches to assessing field soils and water to address salinity in soils and improve their health. The volunteer brought awareness to farmers on problems associated with soil salinity and educated them on various ways to remove salinity from soils on their farms as a short term goal and on adopting sustainable methods to conserve fresh water and improve soil health as long term goals.

The volunteer developed training and presentation handouts to VRTI before departure to India based on statement of work. The volunteer very quickly found out from initial and direct discussions with VRTI staff that presentation was broad and did not explicitly address the problems farmers were facing and VRTI staff’s needs. Volunteer had to quickly revamp his strategy on designing the presentation and training materials. He held direct discussions with the coordinator and other VRTI staff and assessed VRTI research farms before 2 redeveloping training documents that specially cater to different needs of staff and farmers. Volunteer conducted the first training session with the farmers and would not feel totally satisfied with the impact though there was observed a definite awareness among female farmers and female spouses to farmers on problems with salinity and a resolve to fix the issues. The volunteer then made several farm visits along with VRTI staff, held direct discussions with farmers while training the staff on how to conduct a systematic survey of farmers’ fields to understand the problems associated with water, soil, and crops. The training materials were further enhanced to include solutions and practices for addressing salinity in Mandvi water and soils and design short term and long term solutions through a holistic monitoring of soil health on the farms at strategic times. After the second training session, farmers held detailed discussions with the volunteer on how to remove salt from their farms, improve the condition of their soils, and enhance crop productivity and also restore original crops. Simultaneously, the needs in the Soil and Water Lab facility at VRTI were also accomplished through daily discussions with VRTI staff in the office, soil and water lab, on the research demonstration field and through observing soils on various farms in Mandvi.

 What challenges did the volunteer face? Available materials, indigenous methods, and improvisation of established techniques had to be used to assess soil texture, water holding capacity, clay content, and salinity or sodicity in the absence of standard equipment normally used in the United States for such an analysis.

 Was there a moment when the volunteer realized a real difference was being made? If so, please describe (good potential quote). I compared a soil report with a health report that people receive through blood work, farmers both small and big, unanimously agreed to have their soils tested in the future. The village leader had commented that a lifetime of his work on the field was reflected in the volunteer’s presentation. Both volunteer and farmers had a unanimous slogan that the “problem was in the water, not in the soils” at the end of training and discussion.

 What was the result of the assignment or project? What was the impact on the community served? The use of systematic soil and water testing for assessing soil health, crop productivity, and water and nutrient additions brought an awareness to the farming community and inspired the VRTI staff to enhance its soil and water quality laboratory through enhancing their knowledge, skills, and experience in soil and water quality. A method was recommended to remove salinity in soils using a combination of leaching and drainage.

 What was the impact on the volunteer? (quote?) The experience was great. It was a humbling experience to understand, assess and make recommendations to farmers in a region with limited availability of water resources. I began to recognize the complex problem this region would be facing in the future. It is really difficult to build or maintain soil health in an arid or semi-arid region facing water scarcity. The problem only worsens as dry periods extend and become more severe in the future. I have been motivated to continue to seek solutions such as water conservation, sustainable agronomic practices, and community engagement.

 What has happened since the assignment? Has there been continued contact between the volunteer and the community served? Has the volunteer shared the experience with others since returning stateside? (quote?) I to provide assistance on acquiring soil and water testing capability, interpretation of soil tests, and addition of soil amendments to control salinity and sodicity.

 What do you want potential volunteers to know about the F2F Program (good potential quote)? The F2F program has proven to be the best avenue for volunteer experts in the agriculture and natural resources fields to apply their expertise to serve the needs of the underserved global agriculture communities.

ANNEX 11 – M5 - M+E & GAO Certifications, PERSUAP Compliance

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

Farmer-to-Farmer SPSP Certifications Checklist for Small Grant (SG-2017-4) India Farmer-to-Farmer Program – (2017-2018) Small Grant Final Report - July 2018

X PERSUAP Certification (see below) X GAO Recommendations Certification (see below) X M&E Certifications (see below)

MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) CERTIFICATION (Standard Language) Florida A&M University (FAMU) confirms that we have: a) used established indicators and definitions; b) participated in regular (annual) workshops reviewing indictors and M&E systems; and c) trained field staff on indicators and data collection systems. The above mentioned training sessions include extensive instruction in the collection and reporting of indicators.

BACKGROUND CHECK COMPLIANCE (Standard Language) Per GAO recommendation, FAMU conducts reference checks on volunteers. This confirms that FAMU: • Does not engage in transactions with, nor provide resources or support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism, including those individuals or entities that appear on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by the U.S. Treasury or the United Nations Security designation list. All potential volunteers are screened against these and other watch lists, and this provision is included in all sub-agreements, including sub-awards and contracts issued under the F2F award.

• Carries out at least two reference checks on all potential first-time F2F volunteers in addition to other required screening and carries out reference checks on all repeat F2F volunteers with regard to prior F2F assignments, and additional external references in no F2F assignments have been completed within the past 24 months.

PESTICIDE EVALUATION REPORT AND SAFER USE ACTION PLAN PERSUAP Implementation Experience – F2F Assignments: Over the period covered by this project, the following was experienced in implementing the F2F PERSUAP:

Assignments with Pesticides: The following Type 1 volunteer SOW was completed during the reporting period. 1. Volunteer Rita Duncan for Assignment V-F-4: A. The volunteer did not recommend pesticides, but she gave a copy of pesticide information to FAMU F2F and the India F2F host for their records. B. The Volunteer noted that farmers do spray a lot, sometimes without knowing the specific pest problem in their field. Farmers obtain most of their pesticide recommendations from the agents selling the pesticides. C. Volunteer recommends establishing a clinic that takes in samples, identifies the pest problem and can recommend the appropriate action. This is vital in establishing a good IPM program in the area. Needs for a PERSUAP amendment: The following needs for a PERSUAP amendment to add pesticides were identified during the reporting period: None identified.

F2F PERSUAP Assignment Data Table1:

Assignment Volunteer Country Country PERSUAP Work Directly Training Training (Trip) Name F2F Assignment with USAID Syllabus Sent Attended Type Mission or to F2F by USAID Number Project Mission- AOR/Mission (Type 2) – funded Environmental Check for Project (Type Officer (Type Yes 4) – Check for 1) – Check for Yes Yes

V-F-4 Rita United India Type 1 Yes Duncan States

Counts: 1 1 1 1 0 1 0

Certifications of assignment and office compliance with PERSUAP guidelines: A. PERSUAP Compliance – F2F Assignments FAMU certifies that all volunteers have received the F2F Environmental Brochure. For all PERSUAP Type 1, 2, and relevant Type 4 SOWs, FAMU further certifies the following have been prvided to and developed by the relevant volunteers: Type 1 SOWs2 Type 2 SOWs2 Provided to • F2F PERSUAP with Attachments A - H • F2F PERSUAP with Attachments B, C, Volunteer • SUAP briefing with F2F field staff F, H • Implementing Partner F2F PERSUAP • SUAP briefing with F2F field staff Questionnaire • Implementing Partner F2F PERSUAP • List of any IPM practices and any tools, forms, Questionnaire protocols, plans from previous volunteers • List of IPM practices from previous • Host country list of approved pesticides volunteers • Approved pesticide list from any other applicable PERSUAPs Developed/P • Syllabus for training event • Limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP rovided by • Material Safety Data Sheets (filed in field office) • Recommendations for additional Volunteer • Any pesticides that the F2F program should be support on pesticide management able to recommend/use which are included on practices an approved list • Recommendations/feedback on local • Limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP IPM practices • Recommendations for additional support on pesticide management practices • Recommendations/feedback on local IPM practices • Highly Toxic Pesticides (Attachment E)/poor pesticide practices witnessed • Tools, forms, protocols, plans for implementation of pesticide-related recommendations

B. PERSUAP Compliance – F2F Offices FAMU certifies that all F2F staff reviewed the F2F Environmental Brochure for staff for the fiscal year and the following have been updated and kept on file: Home Office Field Office Documents • F2F Environmental Brochure • F2F Environmental Brochure for staff Updated and for staff • PERSUAP with Attachments A-I on File • PERSUAP with Attachments A-I • USAID Mission- or sector-wide PERSUAP(s) for relevant • Any USAID Mission- or sector- country/sector wide PERSUAP(s) for relevant • Host country list of approved pesticides3 country/sector • Implementing partner F2F PERSUAP Questionnaire, with any volunteer additions • Material Safety Data Sheets for relevant pesticides4 • Tools, forms, protocols, plans developed by volunteers

• The syllabus for each training event that includes pesticide use was be submitted to the Mission Environmental Officer and the USAID F2F AOR/COR for review and comment. • A representative from USAID (preferably the Mission) was invited to attend the training sessions. • All Implementing Partners (IPs) were provided with the environmental brochures developed for the Farmer-to-Farmer Program.

SIGNATURE:______DATE:__July 30, 2018______

Printed Name: ___Harriett A. Paul______