Organizing large scale demonstration (886) in farmer's ponds without giving any input/credit support and within a limited time of one year was possible mainly because of highest level of support by the Govt. and deepest sense of involvement of the counterpart officers and farmers. All these indicate that the extension approach as well as the technology selected for semi-intensive culture in rural undrainable ponds are fitting well to the local conditions, structural and functional framework of the DOF and the socio-economic and cultural profile of the clientele. In fact the technology as well as the methodology for technology transfer have been found to reinforce each other. Govt. has taken wise step in launching a nationwide project “Thana Level Fish Culture Extension Programme” at the most appropriate moment. Successful implementation of the Govt. project will give final shape to the self sustaining institutionalised fisheries extension services under the DOF. However, the success of the Govt. project will be the decisive factor in taking such a vital course of development. Through implementation of this TCP Project, the field functionaries have become familiar with the technology, technology transfer methodology and field level extension services support system. However, it has been identified that extension management skill among the core staff to operate a nationwide programme is still lacking. Without establishing a core group and developing such capability among them, success of the Govt. project seems to be bleak and doubtful. It is thus recommended that technical assistance may be provided to the DOF at least for initial one year for helping them establishing an extension cell in the DOF and developing extension management capability among the core personnels of the cell. Pending approval and mobilising funding support for another technical assistance project, the existing project may be extended up to the end of this year to provide support to the Govt. extension project at this most critical phase. The national expert will be able to support in selection of the RDFs in thanas to be brought under the Govt. Project and training the FAs. It is possible to run the project upto Dec. `95 with the savings. A work plan which has been prepared in consultation with the NPD who is also the Project Director for the National Extension Project is enclosed (Annexure-X).
Although there is significant increase in the average fish production in demonstration pond, potential is much higher. It is because of the fact that majority of the RDFFs are still in trial stage and will be entering into the adoption stage during the next culture cycle. Results are expected more during the adoption phase. It has also been observed that those RDFFs, who achieved production over 5–6 ton/ha/yr are now approaching their thana office for still higher level of technology with higher level of production and profit potential.
It is recommended that technical assistance may be provided for further intensification of aquaculture in rural undrainable ponds of Bangladesh. Pilot scale field trials may be conducted with aeration and daily manuring schedule, aeration, supplementary feed and daily manuring and may be compared with the present practice of daily manuring with supplementary feeding. Intensification trials through these three approaches will be able to help in developing a field tested appropriate technology for rural Bangladesh which would be required within the next 2 to 4 years. We have realised lately that we have gone wrong at least in one direction. The comprehensive training programme was organized for all the three thana level functionaries, TFO, AFO and FA and accordingly training was also organized in the same order. However, it was observed that field level extension support services were provided mainly by the lower level of functionaries AFO and FA who had very limited opportunities for training in the past. To maintain the quality of extension service, it is recommended that the comprehensive aquaculture extension training may be organized in the reverse order i.e. FA, AFO and TFO. It is also recommended that the training period should also be increased for FA and AFO.
Reporting is vital for management, monitoring and periodical evaluation of the ongoing programme. Computer software developed by the project will be helpful in this regard. Reporting system need to be streamlined. It would be more practical to follow the quarterly reporting system. However, the progress and problems may be discussed during the monthly meeting at district and division levels through a simple and brief reporting format. The reports should move following the usual proper channel but always with an advance copy to the project management unit at the DOF.
Thana units should be provided adequate transport facilities in terms of vehicles (motor cycle and bicycle) and enough fund for fuel and maintenance. If possible motor cycle and bicycle may be provided to TFO, AFO and FA on higher purchase basis. This will ensure better maintenance of the vehicle and increase work efficiency without any expenditure or financial involvement on the part of the Govt..
Adequate funds should also be provided to Thana Units for travel, farmers training and developing teaching materials and tools.
The elements of human resource management may be adequately incorporated in all the extension training programmes.
Computerized fisheries extension management information system should be used for efficient management and taking decision effectively and timely.
Pictorial instructional manual on fish culture in undrainable ponds (Bangla) developed by the project be reprinted in large number and distributed through the Thana Units among all the RDFFs and FFFs and other interested farmers.
Except for the community and farm ponds, almost all the ponds in Bangladesh are household ponds where women are closely associated. They are invisible worker of this indoor farming system, although, their involvement and contribution are yet to be recognised. They have also been found to be more serious in following the recommended practice of fish culture. Using these vast resource of undrainable rural household pond, the overall status of women in the family and as well in the society may be significantly improved. A project may be formulated for the development of rural women through rural household pond fish culture.
