Training of Trainers - Library - Network of Aquaculture Centres in ...

Knowledge at the bottom of the pyramidM.C. NandeeshaCentre for Aquaculture Research and DevelopmentSt. Xavier’s Bishramganj, Bishramganj-799103, Tripura, IndiaAbstractCommonsense and curiosity are considered as the two essential requirements for a researcher.While the culture and beliefs determine the extent of application of these two inherent qualitiesavailable with every individual, in recent years, it is recognized that agricultural development wouldbecome a success only when farmers are encouraged to use these inherent qualities aptly andencourage them to develop technologies appropriate to their resources and environment.Innovation is defined as something new that has been started and practiced successfully byfarmers on their own initiative. New is defined as something unknown to the locality, but notnecessarily new to the world. Innovation is a strategy adopted by all living organisms includinghuman race. Necessity is the mother of all innovations and innovation is the foundation forsurvival and sustainability. As the livelihood necessities of the poor b e i n g high, they arecompelled to constantly innovate to improve their livelihoods. When the farmers are given knowledgeand skills, they do not adopt the technology, but they adapt it, based on the resources available as wellas economic viability.Innovations of farmers have laid good foundation for aquaculture development in many Asiancountries. In both China and India where aquaculture has long history and tradition, the role offarmers in innovating culture practices and seed production techniques are highly visible. There isneed to bring change in the mindset of research and development personnel who have specializedin transfer of technology model for the past two-three decades to farmer participatory research.However, i t should be noted that “Research by farmers” in t h e field can’t replacelaboratory research by researchers. However, isolated research by researchers without partneringwith farmers will not bring d e s i r e d benefits to farmers.Development involves application of research findings in the field. Each farmer’s resources,environment and social conditions being different, it is essential that each of them apply the technologyand modify it to suit to their conditions. Farmer participatory research concept is gradually becomingpopular in view of the increasing success in all places of its application by understanding the spirit ofinnovation.Background“Innovation i s celebration,” said Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, during theinauguration of the Convention of National Innovation Foundation (NIF). The NIF, established bythe Government of India, is probably the first organization that recognizes, honours and promotesinnovations at the grass root level. The keynote address delivered to the conventionb y D r . R.A.Mashelkar, former Director General of India’s largest science organization, CSIR(Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), adequately highlights the need for such anorganization and recognition. In his address, he said ‘... today we are honouring those unsung heroeswho are not scientists, but whose creativity is no less than that of the scientists. They are not scientists and22