Observational analysis reveals increased crop productivity and household incomes in smallholder farmers, indicating the power of inclusive innovation.
The Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP), launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), represents a paradigm shift in agricultural research by positioning farmers as central stakeholders in the innovation process. This study explores the participatory model adopted across five ICAR institutes – ICAR-IIMR, ICAR-CRIDA, ICAR-IIOPR, TANUVAS, and ICAR-IIOR – emphasizing the co-development and validation of context- specific technologies. Through extensive farmer-scientist interface activities including trainings, field visits, and exposure programs, over 24,000 farmers were engaged in adaptive problem-solving. Empirical findings reveal significant gains in crop productivity, resource efficiency, and household incomes. Notable successes include enhanced millet yields, improved irrigation efficiency, reduced input costs, and the empowerment of women through value-addition initiatives. The participatory approach has not only bridged extension gaps but also enabled farmers to emerge as community knowledge leaders. The FFP offers a replicable model of inclusive innovation, showcasing the transformative potential of collaborative research in addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges of smallholder agriculture in India.
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Dubany et al. (2025) studied this question.
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