ICAR plans to sell NAIP's top 30 farm technologies next month

Government agri-research body ICAR plans to sell up to 30 new farm technologies developed under the World Bank-aided project NAIP at the two-day agri-business conclave to be held here next month.
The National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP), being implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), had kick-started in September 2006 with a total investment of USD 250 million. The World Bank has funded USD 200 million, while USD 50 million is by the Centre.
Around 300 new technology models have been developed under NAIP, of which 80 are commercialised so far. Before the project closes in June this year, ICAR said it would sell up to 30 top technologies developed under the project.

"Every rupee invested in agriculture R&D gives a return of Rs 13. ... Home-grown technologies are important for our agriculture. We cannot import them," ICAR Director General S Ayyappan told reporters.
Under NAIP, many technologies have been developed and would be showcased for adoption by entrepreneurs, business enterprises and corporates at 'Agri-business Conclave' to be held on May 18-19, he added.
"We have already sold 80 technologies. We have much more. Our technologies are tested in fields. At conclave, we will discuss on scalping-up and partnership opportunities of our top

25-30 technologies," NAIP's National Director, Rama Rao, said.
To promote entrepreneurial climate in agriculture sector, ICAR will organise 'Agri-bix idol camp' to provide a platform for students to share their business ideas and nurture them to start new ventures, he said.

That apart, ICAR has decided to take best 50 farmers and entrepreneurs, who benefited from NAIP technologies, on a tour 'Krishi Parivartan Yatra' to five cities -- Hyderabad, Nagpur, Bhopal, Mathura and Delhi -- starting May 11.
The yatra is being organised to share experiences of the successful cases, develop network of entrepreneurs and create awareness about the technologies, he added.
On the success of NAIP, World Bank's William Margaret said, "We had ups and downs. The project was more or less satisfactory.