The successes of PSCI Phase I necessitated expansion of project for scaling up activities in the same and other areas for their sustainability and to promote BMPs for improving farmer livelihood and to develop future activities. The 2nd phase of the PSCI is modified as a “Business Model Project” involving widespread BMP dissemination, comprehensive BMP seed cotton traceability and procurement mechanisms.
Widespread BMPs promotion will contribute in reducing the reputation/supply chain risk of international buyers of cotton from Pakistan, over the longer term this could lead to cost saving as well.
1. By 2011, around 50,000 (fifty thousand) small and 500 (five hundred) large-scale farmers involved in project activities apply BMPs for widespread BMP adoption to produce sufficient BMP seed cotton as per targets.
2. By 2011, a sustainable mechanism is in place to facilitate and encourage the uptake and widespread dissemination of BMPs.
3. By 2011, an effective system is in place for the procurement of BMP cotton supported by creating local, international and national enabling environment through private / public partnership.
1. Human Resource Development for BMP implementation
Around 150 Master Farmer Facilitators and about 5000 farmers in 164 villages of 14 UCs in Yazman and Bahawalpur Tehsils of districts Bahawalpur will be trained to implement BMPs in cotton crop by establishing three, Training of Trainer (ToT) and 164 Farmer Field School (FFS) activities.
2. BMP dissemination/promotion
One Village One Facilitator (OVOF) approach has been implemented from 2008 cotton season by facilitators, trained during 2005-06 for extensive dissemination of BMP uptake. Under OVOF, it is planned to facilitate around 45000 farmers to implement site-specific BMPs.
3. BMP awareness and advocacy through Top Down approach:
Large farmer gatherings for possible BMP dissemination will be organised through top down approach. Initially under this activity BMP trial plots will be established in one Tehsil.
4. Validated BMP Participatory Trial Plots (PTP)
Validated BMP Participatory Trial Plots (PTP) established in more than 70 villages. This activity is coupled with organizing field/open days in collaboration with farming communities. This activity will disseminate BMPs through demonstration / meetings among 7,000 farmers.
5. Large Farmer Activity
Around 500 large farmers are planned to be involved in BMP implementation throughout the project. In Bahawalpur, the majority of the farmers are small or medium landholders, and therefore, large farmers will be engaged from the neighbouring district Lodharan. An estimated total area under BMP implementation would be more than 120,000 acres.
6. Resource Centre (RC) established for effective BMP implementation and dissemination.
A model Resource Centre will be established in collaboration with farming communities for easy access to knowledge base, availability of quality inputs and tillage implements for BMP promotion and adoption on nominal rental basis.
8. BMP traceability
BMP traceability mechanism would be in place in order to establish recognition in the market for cotton grown according to certain BMPs/standards. Record keeping at farm level would be incorporated in FFS curricula for efficient BMP traceability.
9. Collaboration with other projects
For extensive BMP dissemination, a new approach of One Village One Facilitator (OVOF) based on extensive demonstration through trial development, discovery learning process and participatory approaches have been initiated in 15 villages of Bahawalpur distt. in collaboration of Crop Maximization Project, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (CMP-II, MinFAL), Govt. of Pakistan.
10. Assessment of Environmental and Social Impacts of Cotton BMPs
As a consequence of the PSCI project, another study has been initiated in project areas of sukkur and Bahawalpur in collaboration of WWF- Switzerland and WWF- Pakistan. Objective of the study is to scientifically assess the impacts of Cotton BMPs on environment and human health in the project areas.
National:
· Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MinFA)
· Punjab Agriculture Department (PAD)
· National Agriculture Research Center (NARC)
· Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC)
· Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI)
· University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF)
· All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA)
· Kissan Welfare Association (KWA)
· Kissan Dost Organization (KDO)
· Khawateen Welfare Association (KWA)
· Kashtikar Development Organization
International:
· IKEA
· Levi Strauss
· BCI