Open Distance Learning for Seed Technology

Results achieved as of (March 2013) include: (i) strengthening the distance learning at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) (ii) providing training on seed technologies through a distance learning program to 30 TNAU faculty and staff 12 non-governmental organization (NGO) staff and 25 farmers; and (iii) setting up 174 demonstrations sites for various agriculture crops. The distance learning program reached a total of 4 267 farmers: In Rasingapuram the NGO Vidiyal reached 2 165 farmers (61% of whom are women) exceeding its target of 2 000. In Karamuthur Arul Anandar College (AAC) reached 550 farmers (15% of whom are women) exceeding its target of 500. In Kannivadi the Rediarchatiram Seed Growers Association (RSGA) reached 1 552 farmers (46% of whom are women) exceeding its target of 1 500. Part of these farmers have taken up seed production as a commercial crop: 64% of participants of the program offered through Vidiyal with Groundnut seeds 52% of participants through AAC with Paddy seeds and 10% of participants through RSGA with onion chickpea and paddy seeds. These results contributed to expanding the use of distance learning for seed technology and increase number of farmers using improved seed technologies for growing crops and trees in target areas in India.