• A general process that shows how agricultural systems analysis and climate and information can be combined to positively influence agricultural decisions.
• An agronomic and climatological systems analysis of cropping systems in Southern India and Northern Pakistan, including clear recommendations on where additional research efforts are needed. This includes quantification of strategic management opportunities in these cropping systems and testing of existing analytical models.
• A regional research network spanning Pakistan, India, USA and Australia with the subsequent establishment of operational nodes for agricultural systems analysis in Islamabad, Bangalore and Coimbatore. This approach used participatory research methods in conjunction with agricultural simulation models and seasonal climate forecasts.
• New scientific insights into cropping systems in target regions, including climatic conditions and processes.

Using a participatory research approach, the project team collected baseline data for case study sites in India and in Pakistan. Interaction with farmer groups at project sites indicated that smallholders, from their own perspectives, are in a position to benefit from seasonal climate forecasts. They expressed strong enthusiasm for the project, and demonstrated sophisticated awareness of climate variability and relevance of climatic prediction for their decisions.

At each location the following strategies are being adopted :

• Establish the capacity to conduct agricultural systems simulation
• Collect base line data (climatic, agricultural and socio-economical data) to conduct the necessary analysis.
• Discuss possible management interventions with the decision makers (in this case: farmers)

Note : For Further Details, Kindly contact Dr. Sulochana Gadgil