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extension agency in <strong>the</strong> district, <strong>the</strong> ADO played a vital role in streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong><br />
FSR program and was aware of <strong>the</strong> importance of on-farm <strong>research</strong>.<br />
The livestock services center at Pumdi Bhumdi was responsible for <strong>the</strong><br />
supply of fodder saplings, forage seeds, and primary health care for <strong>the</strong> animals. In<br />
<strong>the</strong>se areas, <strong>the</strong>re was good understanding among <strong>the</strong> farmers, <strong>the</strong> livestock service<br />
center, and <strong>the</strong> FSR site coordinator.<br />
Finally, <strong>the</strong> FSR site coordinator and <strong>the</strong> farmers developed a close working<br />
relationship and effective links and collaboration. These factors contributed to <strong>the</strong><br />
positive impact of <strong>the</strong> FSR-recommended technologies on farmers in Pumdi<br />
Bhumdi.<br />
Constraints to adoption of FSR-recommended technologies<br />
The major problems in <strong>the</strong> adoption of FSR-recommended technologies were <strong>the</strong><br />
unavailability and untimely supply of inputs and lack of money to purchase <strong>the</strong><br />
inputs (Table 18). O<strong>the</strong>r problems included were: more labor was required to adopt<br />
<strong>the</strong> recommended cropping patterns and cultural practices; <strong>the</strong> late maturity and<br />
low palatability of <strong>the</strong> recommended varieties (especially maize); more seed was<br />
required for <strong>the</strong> improved varieties than for <strong>the</strong> local varieties; and <strong>the</strong>re were more<br />
diseases and insect problems during storage (especially maize and potatoes).<br />
The majority of <strong>the</strong> control farmers reported that <strong>the</strong>y did not have enough<br />
technical knowledge of <strong>the</strong> recommended practices because <strong>the</strong>y had no ready<br />
access to <strong>the</strong> information. To acquire more knowledge on <strong>the</strong> recommended<br />
technology, <strong>the</strong>y had to visit <strong>the</strong> FSR site office. However, because of inadequate<br />
time during <strong>the</strong> peak periods, <strong>the</strong>y did not have <strong>the</strong> time to visit <strong>the</strong> FSR site office.<br />
Some o<strong>the</strong>r constraints identified at <strong>the</strong> site were:<br />
m The main climatic constraints to increased cropping intensity were occasional<br />
drought and frequent hail storms.<br />
H Limited technology was available for most of <strong>the</strong> crops (e.g., hill crops, grain<br />
legumes, fruits, and vegetables) for on-farm testing which limited <strong>the</strong><br />
alternatives available to <strong>the</strong> farmers.<br />
¤ Climatic constraints (hail and drought) have rnade agricult~lre<br />
risky in this<br />
region; <strong>the</strong>refore, farmers were hesitant to make larger investments in crops<br />
(e.g., use chemical fertilizers or pesticides).