AIP comprises a consortium of agricultural universities and institutes in India, land-grant universities in the US & various private enterprises involved in offering products and services to the agricultural value chain. It focuses on improving food availability, nutrition and health in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Project Duration: 2011-2015 Awarding Organization: USAID
Project Value: USD 5.4 million Geography: India: Assam, Uttar Pradesh
- To reform agricultural education in order to enhance quality of professionals for farm and food sector by adopting innovative approaches
- To provide opportunities for diversification of income and consequent economic and social advancement of the rural poor in general and women in particular by modernizing agricultural sciences and extension curriculum
- Provide a broad analytical framework to examine technological change in agriculture and initiate interactions among diverse sects engaged in generating and exchanging knowledge
- Help farmers prosper using innovative technologies combined with optimum regulatory policies that increase farm productivity through better cropping practices and improved access to technologies and markets
- Created and facilitated adoption of innovative approaches in building next generation human resource that transform agriculture practices
- Reformed curricula to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed in the contemporary job market
- Created a paradigm shift in knowledge delivery by introducing and effectively implementing E-Learning in Indian partner Universities through introduction of tools like Online Learning and Training (OLAT)
- Designed and deployed game changing technological solutions to farmers for enhanced farm productivity
- Engaged with agriculture education institutions, research organizations and the industry in creating a sustainable capacity to apply technologies for enhancing competitiveness of farm and post farm activities in the region
- Created and facilitated adoption of innovative approaches in building next generation human resource that transforms agriculture practices
- Reformed curricula to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed in the contemporary job market
- Created a paradigm shift in knowledge delivery by introducing and effectively implementing E-Learning in Indian partner Universities through introduction of online learning tools
- Designed and deployed game changing technological solutions to farmers for enhanced farm productivity
- Engaged with agriculture education institutions, research organizations and the industry in creating a sustainable capacity to apply technologies for enhancing competitiveness of farm and post farm activities in the region
- Fostered linkages between SMEs, university system and industry for technology transfer and commercialization
Project Conceptualization & Management
Sathguru conceptualized the project in terms of bringing Indian agricultural education at par with global Agri universities, produce next generation of agricultural students more employable. Sathguru based on its strong regional understanding worked closely with SAUs to conceptualize and implement regionally relevant interventions to revamp curriculum and introduce technology driven teaching methodologies. In order to bring about a transformation, Sathguru proposed a model to provide an impetus for need driven research through creation of innovation ecosystem triggering faculty for product development and commercialization.
- 41 courses developed – One of the biggest in Indian Agricultural University system
- USD 20.6mn funds attracted for curriculum development
- Conceptualized and introduced e-learning, digitization, cyber library and center of teaching excellence
- 9133 farmers
applied new technologies
Global Collaborations
Sathguru worked closely with its global partners including research and academic institutions, leveraged consortium strength and infrastructure to bring international expertise and learning infrastructure in the Indian agricultural education system. Sathguru as the Indian coordinating partner was the crucial link between US partners and three SAUs in India.
- Partner Universities became pioneers in establishing Centers of Teaching Excellence
- Ensured seamless connectivity between partner Universities and world class faculty
Policy Advocacy
Sathguru had the arduous task of working with India’s apex body in agriculture the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to bring in policy level changes that were conducive for carrying out reforms in the curriculum structure and delivery methodologies. Sathguru inherent understanding of national requirements and experience of working closely with the policy makers, engagement with partner universities and respective state and central department helped secure necessary approvals for launch of revised courses.
- Refurbished agricultural education delivery and curriculum structure
- 77% of total 30 new and revamped courses were approved and were launched periodically
Information, Communication & Technology
Sathguru’s inherent understanding of regional requirements, technical aspects and processes coupled with its in-house information technology capabilities enabled it to conceptualize, design and introduce technology driven solutions in mobile devices.
- Conceptualized and introduced game changing mobile solutions for farmers to enhance farm productivity – 26,838 Ha under improved ICT technologies; > 24,000 farmers benefited
- Created a full-fledged e-learning infrastructure and modules using open source applications: > 1300 lectures digitalized through OLAT
- Introduced first of its 24*7 cyber library in South Asia at BHU – a world class learning Centre
Market & Value Chain Development
Sathguru focused on enhancing innovation in developing minimally processed products, using locally available materials; conceptualized the concept of a hub of technology transfer, mentored researchers for managing and commercializing industry ready technologies. Sathguru facilitated linkage among universities and private sector to create an ecosystem for the development of small and medium enterprises.
- Transferred and commercialized Technologies through Small and Marginal Enterprises (SMEs) – novel and regionally relevant food products like Chicken and Fish pickle
- Partnership between private sector players and university were in farmer extension programs, and collaborative research in Natural Resource Management (NRM) – Utilized agro waste for composite product development
- 2000 beneficiaries trained on farming for various value chains
Capacity Building
Sathguru worked towards building sustainability among all stakeholders beyond the project period. Sathguru judiciously trained a critical mass of personnel across all the intervention areas as trainers who in turned trained further beneficiaries or end-user. Training programs were tailor made to requirements of the participants.
- >5000 personnel trained to improve agricultural productivity
- 2685 students trained on new courses
- 2000 faculty and students trained on effective usage of e-learning platforms
Innovation Impact: A success story
Publications
AIP-The Innovation Impact