R&D Fund Assistance of NABARD

Transcription

1 s ir y '^'fert, Piwfl H'f^ri, TSD, 'C Wing, Third Floor i?rrcr 3. tfi-24, *ft s^fa; Plot No. C-24, G-Block ^tstt ^c=rf *iw)<hi Bandra-Kurla Complex NATIONAL BANK FOR *rto ^?rf <h)wl<h titiz iffez J Post Box No AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT «HT^H -=T MtjJ (ij^), *j*rf Bandra (East), Mumbai tfa : (O) Tel: (O) T<k<HT : Fax No Dept: Technical Services Department #>TH tsd@nabard.org CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER Ref.No. DO.NB. TSD. R&D/ R&D 41/ / March 2011 R&D Fund Assistance of NABARD As you are aware, though, the Indian Economy has recorded an impressive growth of 7.4% in GDP during , the growth in agriculture sector is very poor pegging at 0.2%. The current situation in Indian agricultural scenario calls for concerted efforts among all stake holders including the technocrats to address the various pertinent issues like improving productivity, reducing production cost for increasing the real income of farmers, strengthening the extension services and exploring newer marketing channels etc. 2. In this direction, NABARD over the years has been striving hard to link all the concerned agencies, universities, research organizations, financing institutions to focus on the key issues like technology innovation/ up gradation & transfer and adoption. The Research and Development (R & D) Fund in the Bank is set up with a view to acquiring new insights into the problems of agriculture and rural development through in-depth studies and applied research and trying out innovative approaches. Grant assistance is provided from the R & D Fund for disseminating and collation of information relating to the functional areas of NABARD and for training of the personnel of the client institutions. 3. Despite targetted interventions by the concerned agencies in the past, Indian agriculture today is still facing many challenges that need to be addressed through research studies and strengthening of the delivery systems, including extension services. Though we receive a number of proposals soliciting NABARD's assistance under R&D Funds for undertaking research activities most of them are not qualifying for sanction as they do not fall within the stipulated guidelines' of the Fund and also may not be directly linked to the problems /issues at the grass root level which needs to be visit us at Two Decades of Committed Service to Rural Prosperity

2 tackled. As discussed in the Vice Chancellor's Conference at NASC, ICAR, New Delhi on 22 nd February 2011 this situation warrants better coordination between the research institutes/ Agricultural Universities and NABARD. 4. It is in this context we have identified certain priority areas in each sector which can be assisted through our R&D Funds (copy enclosed). I therefore request you to kindly advise the concerned Departments so that they will be able to submit project proposals for our R&D assistance focussing on the issues highlighted in the priority areass.. 5. Further, I would also suggest that the concerned scientists may be advised to prepare a brief synopsis of the proposed study / concept note (2-3 pages) and forward it by e- mail (tsd(5jnabard.orq) before submission of the detailed proposal through proper channel. This would definitely help us to guide them to modify the proposal, if necessary and firm up the proposal conforming to the requirements and guidelines laid down for sanctioning R& D project proposals. This effort also would save time while processing the proposals for sanction and avoid protracted correspondence. A copy of the format of the application for R&D project proposals/ conferences / workshops / seminars and the general guidelines governing the R&D Fund of NABARD is enclosed for your kind perusal. I hope that this kind of a coordinated effort between the partners in progress will definitely help the farmers of rural India to solve the pertinent issues in agriculture and allied sector and benefit the farmers to prosper and scale newer heights. (Dr P. Renganathan) End : As above To

3 NABARD'S Research and Development Fund (General Principles and Guidelines) INTRODUCTION The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has established, in accordance with the provisions of the NABARD Act, 1981, a Research and Development (R&D) Fund for providing facilities for training, dissemination of information and promotion of research, undertaking of studies, techno-economic and other surveys in the field of rural banking, agriculture and rural development as well as for providing for chairs to research institutions. In addition to abovei, the objectives of the fund are to support a. Bringing out Occasional Papers/monographs for wider sharing and dissemination of research findings on subjects related to the operation of the Bank. b. Setting up Committees to look into procedures, processes, institution building, etc., c. Instituting a scheme of scholarship for post-graduate research students in prominent agricultural & veterinary universities/other Universities. CRITERIA FOR ASSISTANCE A. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE? Approved research institutions, organisations and other agencies which are engaged in action-oriented, applied research would be eligible B. WHAT PROPOSALS ARE ELIGIBLE? The criteria for judging the eligibility of proposals for assistance from the Fund are a) The subject matter of the proposal should pertain to any one or more aspects of the entire spectrum of development of agriculture and other rural activities, including constraints to such development and suggestions for overcoming them. b) The proposed research must be of an empirical nature having a bearing on problems of agriculture and rural development including those relating to rural industries, rural artisans, services, etc. In the context of social science research, the term 'empirical research' means an analysis of the primary data to be collected by the sponsor through surveys or case studies or analysis of secondary data already published by officials or other agencies.

4 c) The proposed research should pertain to technical, socio-economic and managerial aspects d) The proposed research should be of an original nature in the sense that it does not repeat the work already done or being done by other agencies. C. WHAT COSTS OF RESEARCH CAN BE FUNDED a) Every proposal seeking assistance from the R & D Fund should include, a budget showing the estimated cost of the proposed task. NABARD shall ordinarily reimburse the following expenses. b) The recurring costs on account of salaries and allowances, travel, postage, stationery, typing etc. related to the project. c) Non-recurring costs, if any, on the purchase of laboratory equipment, books, etc. required exclusively for the project d) A share of the overhead costs of the sponsoring institutions towards the use of office premises, furniture, typewriters, calculators etc. in accordance with its rules. e) Expenses on computerised analysis of data, if any. The budget estimate must be reasonable and realistic. The salary levels of the concerned staff must be comparable with those obtaining in universities and other academic bodies. D. INELIGIBLE PROPOSALS The following categories of proposals will not be eligible for assistance from the Fund. a) Proposals involving fundamental research b) Studies/research falling within the normal functioning or jurisdiction of governments, universities or ICAR and for which assistance is normally available from the State or Central Government or institutions such as ICAR. c) Proposals involving sizeable capital investment in land, buildings, machinery, tools, appliances, furniture and fixtures, vehicles etc. d) Research or training which may result in duplication of efforts e) Projects of which may exceed 3 years for completion f) Proposals not related to NABARD's objectives or functions g) When the research project/study is outsourced by the agencies entirely or partly

5 E. HOW MANY PROPOSALS? No institution or individual shall ordinarily be sanctioned a fresh project without its successful completion of the previous one. It shall, however, be permissible to break one big project into identifiable phases with separate budgets for each phase, but disbursements for the second or subsequent phase shall depend upon the sponsor successfully completing the previous phase/phases. In case of Universities/Institutes, each Department may be considered as a separate unit entitled for grant assistance under R&D Fund of NABARD F. NATURE OF GRANT SUPPORT Assistance from the R & D Fund would be in one or more of the following forms: a. Grant b. Loan carrying interest (to be determined by NABARD) c. Grant-cum-loan G. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SANCTION The general terms and conditions governing the sanction of financial assistance from the R & D Fund would be broadly as under; a) Depending upon the merits of each proposal, necessary assistance would be extended by way of grant or loan. In the latter case, the rate of interest and the period of repayment would be specified by NABARD in each case. b) Eligible institutions availing of financial assistance would be required to give an undertaking for proper utilisation of the assistance from NABARD. Where the amount of assistance disbursed by NABARD has not been utilised for the purpose for which it was sanctioned and no satisfactory explanation acceptable to NABARD is forthcoming, NABARD reserves the right to recall the entire amount of grant/loan at once. c) The institutions/organisations seeking assistance from the Fund would be required to execute such Agreements as may be prescribed by NABARD. d) Separate accounts showing details of expenditure in respect of each of the approved projects for which the assistance is extended will have to be maintained by the recipients e) The assistance would normally be released by NABARD in suitable instalments. f) For each instalment of assistance released by NABARD, the recipient would be required to submit periodic expenditure statements and utilisation certificates prescribed by NABARD from time to time.

6 g) The recipient shall not publish the reports or results of research without obtaining written permission from NABARD. NABARD shall also have the right to use the reports or results of research for its internal use and for training purpose after acknowledging the source. h) Where the results of research or studies assisted by NABARD lead to the sponsors obtaining a patent or to its commercial exploitation in any other form, NABARD shall have a right to demand a share in the gains made by the sponsors. Minimum financial involvement of the agency Under the Fund, financial assistance up to a maximum of 100% of project cost would be provided. The extent of sharing would be decided by NABARD depending upon the financial health of the recipient agency and the importance of the research under consideration. Maintenance of Account Separate account of receipt and expenditure in respect of each of the approved projects will have to be maintained by the recipients and submitted to NABARD on quarterly basis or while making claims for release of the subsequent installment of grant assistance. Submission of Draft / Final Report The agency would be required to submit three copies of the draft report. The agency shall finalise the report taking into consideration the comments / suggestions of NABARD on the draft report and submit the final report in 25 hard copies (20 to HO and 5 to concerned RO) along with soft copy. Publication of the Report The recipient shall not publish the reports or the results of study project without obtaining written permission from NABARD. NABARD shall have the sole right to use the report or results of research for its internal use as also for training purposes after acknowledging the source. Tax Liability Any statutory obligation arising out of the study Project / Programme, such as payment of income tax / service tax etc., shall be the exclusive responsibility of the agency. Exemption, if any, is required to be sought by the agency from the competent authority and file the certificate of exemption with the bank to avoid deduction at source. The details of this may be stated in the proposals submitted for R & D fund assistance.

7 Sharing of Royalty In case, the researcher gets permission from NABARD to publish the report and the researcher receives royalty, 50% of the amount thus received would be deposited to NABARD. Further, where the results of research assisted by NABARD lead to the sponsors obtaining a patent or to its commercial exploitation in any other form, NABARD shall have a share of 50% in the gains for five years. Monitoring Mechanism The research project would be monitored by NABARD. The agency would be expected to submit Monthly / Quarterly Progress Reports to the concerned Regional Office with a copy endorsed to Head Office. The concerned Regional office would scrutinize the Monthly / Quarterly Progress Report and forward their observations / comments / recommendations to the Head Office. If need be, NABARD may also inspect the progress of work, including Accounts by visiting the agency/ project site and submit the report thereon to the Management.

8 PROFQRMA APPLICATION FOR R&D PROJECTS (Attach separate sheets wherever necessary. All the points indicated, are to be attended /answered) 1. Title of the Research Project/study : 2. Name of the sponsoring agency and address : 3. Status of the applicant: 3.1. Whether individual or organization: 3.2. If organization, its constitution in brief: 3.3. Mandate of the organization and its main activities: 4. Information regarding Principal Investigator (PI) : 4.1. Name/designation/department: 4.2. Brief biodata indicating his specified interest, particularly in relation to the proposed research work 43. List of important publications in this or related field : (clearly indicate names of co-authors, if any, full title, name of journal, volume, year, page number in chronological order as separate annexure) 4.4. List of other important research projects /schemes being carried out by the Principal Investigator and the sponsoring agency with financial support from various agencies /organizations : S.No. Name of agency Title of scheme Period i) jj) 4.5. Details of any project funded by NABARD which was/is being implemented at the sponsoring institution : 4.6. Patents obtained and details thereof: 5. Information regarding other research staff to be associated with the investigation/research, person wise : 5.1. Name/designation/department: 5.2. Brief biodata indicating his specified interest particularly in relation to the proposed research work 5.3. List of important publications in this or related field : (clearly indicate names of co-authors, if any, full title, name of journal, volume, year, page number in chronological order as separate annexure) 5.4. List of other research projects/schemes being carried out by the Co-Investigators and the sponsoring agency with financial support from various agencies/organizations : S.No. Name of agency Title of scheme Period From ') ji) 5.5. Details of any project funded by NABARD which was/is being implemented at the institution to which the co-investigators belong : 5.6. Patents obtained and details thereof: To 6. Availability of technical staff: 7. Actual location where the research work will be carried out: 8. Whether the project has been/was submitted to any other agency and, if so, what is their reaction? 9. Specify (self-contained details with regard to the nature of research project proposed to be undertaken with the assistance from NABARD fund): 9.1. Objectives : Should be precise, problem oriented and achievable within the specified period of time. Before specifying the objectives, a statement of the importance and the relevance of the problem in the background of which the objectives have been formulated, to be given. The assumptions made and a clear-cut formulation of the basic hypothesis to be tested should also be given Practical/scientific utility:

9 Practical utility of the project including socio-economic implications of the results likely to be achieved through this project, necessity for further research indicating the gap in the knowledge on the subject State clearly, how the proposed research would benefit NABARD? 9.4. Review of research conducted / being conducted on the subject in India and abroad At the sponsoring institution : State preliminary work already done, techniques standardized, data collected etc Research work done and in progress in India : Research work done and in progress abroad : Review of literature available on the subject: 10. Technical feasibility: Explain the technical feasibility : In what way the proposed research is technically different from those undertaken by Agricultural Universities, ICAR, ICMR, CSIR and agencies already working on the subject? What is the uniqueness of the proposed work? What technical innovations are proposed to be introduced? 11. Design of Experiments/Studies, methodology to be followed sad sample size: To be written as informative statements indicating essential phases, methodology and design with sketch of experiments, treatments proposed, observations to be collected, statistical analysis proposed etc. Whether these studies cover all the objectives? Relevant quantitative data on sample size like area of field trials, size of plots, number of green house pot cultures etc. to be given. 12. Observations/data: The main items of observations to be recorded : Give a list of all major observations/parameters including chemical, biochemical, biometrics etc. of laboratory, field, glass house studies Arrangements for analyzing and processing the data : The items of investigation for which collaboration with other agencies are required/proposed : Indicate the collaboration with other Section/Department/ Institutions. 13. Duration of project/study and phasing the work plan : Total duration in days/weeks/months : Equivalent number of quarters : Weekly/quarter wise phasing of activities/work plan : If more than one experiment/study to be conducted, a flow chart may be given.. Quarter/weeks(s)/day(s) Activities/tasks to be accomplished i) ji) (Activities to be indicated for all the days/weeks/quarters mentioned in 13.2 above. Simultaneous work to be indicated.) 14. Staff requirements : (Details of research, technical and other investigating staff actually to be employed in the project may be provided as under) S.No. Qualification Designation Number Scale of pay (Rs) i. ii. 15. Financial aspects : a. The following financial particulars may be furnished indicating the Year wise /item wise recurring and non-recurring expenditure. b. Details as to how these estimations are made and justification for each item to be given Non-Recurring expenditure : i) ii) i»o Total Items Year I Year II Year III Total

10 15.2. Recurring expenditure : Items Year I Year II Year III Total i) Salary/Honorarium ii) Travel iii) Stationery, typing, printing etc. iv) Contingencies (specify) v) Others (Specify) Total Grand Total ( ) ( Rupees -. only ) Note: i) Perquisites like LFC, medical expenses etc. should not be included. ii) Indicate particulars of capital expenditure included in the project and justification for inclusion of each item (excepting a few additional laboratory equipments, medicines and chemicals essentially required; other capital items will not be considered. In case of equipment, justify the need and include specifications and quotations.) 16. Share: Share of the sponsoring or any other agency: Share of NABARD : 17. Any other details relevant to the project: 18. Certificate/undertaking Certified that the research work proposed under the project does not in any way duplicate the research work already done or being carried out elsewhere no research project in the proposed area is ongoing in the agency or in any other agency, as a part of normal or sponsored research the proposed research does not fall within the normal and routine activities of the applicant/agency the proposed research/study has the approval of the competent authority of the applicant/agency the facilities and infrastructure of the institution will be made available for the study/research We undertake to commence and complete the work as per the approved time schedule, if sanctioned that the project/study will be open to any designated team of NABARD at any point of time to refund at once the entire amount of grant provided by NABARD if the amount is not utilized for the approved purpose or found misused to maintain separate accounts showing details of income and expenditure in respect of each of the project for which the assistance is extended by NABARD to submit periodic expenditure statements and utilization certificates prescribed by NABARD from time to time that we shall not publish the reports or results of research without a written permission from NABARD that NABARD's support to the project would be acknowledged at the appropriate places (i.e. at the site to the report etc.) to share the monetary benefits in terms of patents/royalties, if any, arising out of the research/study that the principal investigator will continue to work on the project and not to be transferred elsewhere till the completion of the project. 1. Signature 2. Signature Name and Designation Name and designation Date: Date : (Principal Investigator) (Director of Research/Vice Chancellor)

11 PROFORMA APPLICATION FOR CONFERENCES/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/SYMPOSIA ETC., 1. Name of the Organizing Agency and address (with Telephone/Fax No./ ): 2. Name of the Co-ordinator / Convenor: 3. Title of the Conference/Seminar/Symposia/Workshop : 4. Topics to be discussed (include a copy of day to day programme) : 5. Objectives of holding the Conference/Seminar/Symposia/Workshop : 6. Date / duration and day to day programme (Copies of announcements, circulars, etc., are to be included) : 7. Venue: 8. Number of participants/delegates (indicate participant category as per 12 below): a) From India b) From Abroad c) Level of participation: 9. Name of the countries in respect of foreign participants : 10. If invited, the designation, vocation, expertise in respect of persons presenting the lead /invited papers/ memorial lectures/ plenary talks : 11. Relevance of the conference : a) For agriculture and rural development: b) To the banking sector /NABARD : 12. Delegate fee/ Registration fee per head (including various categories) : 13. Name of Cosponsoring and amount of grant expected from each of them : 14. Own involvement of the agency : 15. Budget (estimation of item-wise expenditure): 16. Estimated gap in the budget : 17. Amount and purpose for which assistance sought from NABARD : 18. Convenor/Organising Secretary (Signature/date/name/designation): 19. Recommended by - Director/Dean/Principal/Vice-chancellor: (Signature/date/name/designation)

12 Discipline wise Research priorities for R& D projects Animal Husbandary 1. Development of energy efficient methods / equipment in processing of milk / meat. 2. Equipment for village level cooling of milk. 3. Studies on viability of rural slaughter houses. 4. Research on emu in the following areas S Standardization of slaughter procedure, slaughter parameters and nutritional qualities of meat. S Rendering / processing of emu fat and analysis and documentation of physico-chemical and medicinal properties of oil V Utilisation of other by-products such as skin, blood, feathers, egg shell. 5. Animal husbandry based livelihood activities for high altitude areas. 6. Study of cattle / livestock markets - present systems and methods being followed and suggestions for Iheir betterment. 7. Studies on progress made in conservation of indigenous breeds such as Gir, Tharparker, Ongole etc. in their breeding tracts through Government and private organisations. 8. Production of biogas from dung even at suboptimal temperatures. Forestry & Wasteland 1. Research on potential and promising fast Growing Tree Borne Oilseeds species in wastelands 2. Agro-forestry models for dry and arid regions of the country with fast growing short rotation hardy tree crops. 3. Impact of climate change on Forest ecosystem and adaptability measures to new climatic conditions 4. Research on renewable energy plant resources for Bio-fuels. 5. Improved collection and processing technologies for important Non Timber Forest Produces for sustainable livelihood of tribals. 6. Innovative durable Bamboo and Bamboo products for rural housing / rural infrastructure development. 7. Research on underutilised tree species for commercial production of valuable food, beverages and health products.

13 8. Development of improved clones of Multiple purpose fast growing short rotation tree species suitable to different regions. Plantation & Horticulture 1. Standardization of Package of Practices for organic cultivation of plantation and horticultural crops which are commercially important and having high export potential 2. Standardization of Package of Practices for cultivation of commercial important medicinal crops 3. Standardization of post harvest management technologies (including semi processing) of fruits and vegetables suitable for micro-enterprises 4. Research projects on upcoming processing technologies like Hurdle Technology, Cryo Preservation which can be applied on a low cost - low investment basis 5. Precision farming of input intensive crops like vegetables, grapes etc. in concentrated pockets. 6. Improving systems for water use efficiency in arid zone horticulture crops. Land Resources 1. Reclamation of problematic soils - Acid soils, Saline soils, Saline - Alkali soils, Ravine lands 2. Seed production, processing, certification and supply of quality seed programes for increasing Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR) 3. Adoption of improved package of practices for crop production - with respect to water saving, weed control, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), adoption of technology, Agriculture Extension programmes for transfer of technology. 4. Organic Farming practices including production of organic inputs like Biofertilizers, Biopesticides, Vermicomposting, Green Manuring, Organic Seed Production etc. 5. Crop Innovations like System of Rice Intensification (SRI), System of Wheat Intensification (SWI), Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI), and other Innovative systems of crop Intensification. 6. Programmes/ Projects for popularization of importance of soil testing in crop production - Mobile Soil testing laboratories, portable soil testing kits, soil health cards etc. 7. Crop production technologies for Dry land Agriculture for improving production of dry land crops like pulses and oilseeds. Fisheries

14 1. Standardisation of hatchery technology of alternate species in fresh water and brackish water culture systems. 2. Standardisation of farming technology of alternate species in fresh water and brackish water culture systems. 3. Standardisation of organic aquaculture practices. 4. Water budgeting in aquaculture. 5. Standardisation of culture practices of genetically improved varieties for aquaculture. 6. Probiotics and bioremediation in shrimp culture systems. 7. Development of fish and fishery based bye products. 8. Development of value added of fish and fishery based products. 9. Yield optimisation from natural water bodies within the ambit of environmental sustainability and social equity. 10. Climate change and its effects on Fisheries. 11. Models of Modern fish markets - Retail and whole sale Bio Technology 1. Plant tissue culture - Mass propagation of elite varieties of commercial value tree species and plantation crops 2. Genetically modified crops/ transgenic lines for commercial crops 3. Nanobiotechnology in Agriculture 4. Biofertilizers and biopesticides Water Resources 1. Conservation of Ground Water for augmentation of spring discharge in mountainous alluvium areas of the country. 2. Research Project on Impact of Wind farms on the Rural Economy. 3. Sustainable Development of the Poor Farmers through Innovative Water Management. 4. Impact of Use of Fertilizer, Irrigation and Intensive Agriculture on Soil Fertility and Quality of Surface and Ground water.