National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP), ICAR and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) organized a two day workshop on ‘Impact of capacity building programs under NAIP’ on June 6-7, 2014 at AP Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. The main purpose of the workshop was to present and discuss the findings of the impact evaluation study on capacity building programs under NAIP by IFPRI. The scientists from ICAR and agricultural universities were sent abroad to receive training in specialized research techniques. Post-training, scientists were expected to work on collaborative projects within the ICAR, which would further enrich their knowledge and skills, expand their research network and stimulate them’ to improve their productivity, creativity and quality of their research. The ICAR commissioned with IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute) to undertake an evaluation of these capacity building programs under NAIP in July 2012. The workshop shared the findings on the impact of capacity building programs under NAIP and evolve strategies for future capacity building programs

1. • 90 days (01.07.2011 - 30.09.2011)Duration
• NanotechnologyArea
• Nano-Textile Laboratory,
Cornell University, USAPlace
• Prof. K. V. RamanResource Person
K. Rameash
Senior Scientist (Agril. Entomology)
National Bureau of
Plant Genetic Resources
Regional Station, Hyderabad-30
Reflections of Researchers on Capacity
Building Programs
Session II - International Open Training

2. Training in the context of Individual and
Institutional skill gaps
• Acquired skills in instrumentation (electrospinning, SEM) in nano-science and technology
• Developed a novel process of “Seed coating with electrospun nanofibers for controlled
delivery of pesticides”
• Strengthening and supporting institute’s mandate with acquired skills
• Nanotechnology - 16 scientists got trained abroad and few hundred scientists trained at
national level
• XI Plan: In the budget of DST- Nano Science & Technology Mission (Rs. 1000 crores) <
5% allocated for biological sciences & negligible amount for agriculture
• Primarily owing to NAIP-Capacity Building program, nanotechnology expertise is made
available in the NARS.
Cotton and wheat seeds coated with pesticide-loaded nanofibers

3. Capacity built, Work culture and
Attitudinal changes
Research Initiatives
• Initiated research on nanotechnology interventions in conservation
of plant genetic recourses and managing quarantine pests
• Identified nano-silica as promising nano-pesticide in the
management of Callosobruchus maculatus and Caryodon serratus Nano Silica (10-20 nm)
Human Resource Development
• Resource person for three national level trainings, two winter/summer schools
• Co-guide for two PhD scholars (ANGRAU) having nanotechnology objectives
• Presented lead papers in international & national conferences
• Organised two seminars at institute level
Recognition
• Conferred with “Young Scientist Award” by the International Consortium of
Contemporary Biologists during 2013
• External examiner for post graduate students / Reviewer for DBT projects
Work culture and Attitudinal changes
• Apprehended the significance & benefits of interdisciplinary team work
• Better communication/writing skills, systematic maintenance of lab records/data

4. Planning, Selection, Duration, Resource Institution and
Resource person, Training implementation and Reporting
• International exposure to young researchers tremendously
enhance the confidence and skill that would be more beneficial to
the institution
• Duration of 90 days is sufficient to acquire necessary knowledge
and skills in specific area
• Difficulty in finding resource person for a short term training
• Developing linkages with “International Program Offices” in the
identified universities would be helpful for future programs
• Obtained timely response & necessary support from PIU - NAIP
• Sanctioned amount for bench fee, accommodation charges, daily
allowance, medical Insurance, local travel allowance was sufficient
to meet out the expenses.

5. Post-training utilization, Linkage and
Network developed and Future plan
Linkages and Networks
Future plan
Post-training Initiatives
• Developing nano-sensors in the detection of quarantine pests
• Reducing the dosage/ adverse effect of chemical pesticides through smart delivery
Concept Note title Funding agency Status
Pest free conservation of plant genetic
resources through nanoparticles
National Fund for Basic, Strategic and Frontier
Application Research in Agriculture (NFBSFARA)
Not
selected
Smart delivery of pesticides through
nano-fibres/ particles in seed treatment
ICAR – Consortia Research Platform on
Nanotechnology
Not
selected
• Externally funded projects tried
• Filed an inventions disclosure at Cornell University for the novel seed coating process
• Publications: 5 (1 research paper, 2 book chapters, 2 lead papers in conference)