FARM MECHANIZATION EXTENSION PROJECT MANAGEMENT AS NEW PARADIGM FOR SUSTAINABLE SERICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN KARNATAKA

Farm Mechanization Extension project in the economic sense directly or indirectly adds to the economy of the Nation. However, an introspection of the Farm Mechanization Extension project performance clearly indicates that the situation is far from satisfactory in sericulture. Most of the major and critical Farm Mechanization Extension projects in sericulture public sector are plagued by tremendous time and cost overruns.In this Farm Mechanization Extension project management as new paradigm for sustainable sericulture development in Karnataka. Feasibility study forms the backbone of Farm Mechanization Extension project formulation and presents a balanced picture incorporating all aspects of possible concern. The project feasibility studies focus on Economic and Market analysis, Technical analysis, Market analysis, Financial analysis, Economic benefits, Project risk and uncertainty and Management Aspects. The Project Formulation involves following steps are opportunity studies / support studies, identification of product / service, pre – feasibility study, feasibility study (Techno- economic feasibility), project appraisal. Some of the commonly used techniques for financial analysis in this research are like-Payback period, Return on investment (ROI), Net Present value (NPV), Profitability index (PI)/ Benefit Cost Ratio and Internal Rate of Return (IRR).The Farm Mechanization Extension Project appraisal is the project of critical examination and analysis of the proposal in totality. The appraisal goes beyond the analysis presented in the feasibility report. At this stage, if required compilation of additional information and further analysis of Farm Mechanization Extension Project dimensions are undertaken. At the end of the process an appraisal note is prepared for facilitating decision on the Farm Mechanization Extension Project implementation. The paper concluded as a Feasibility study forms the backbone of Farm Mechanization Extension Project formulation Farm Mechanization Extension Project ideas are to be examined in the light of internal constraints, external constraints, environment and limitations of the Farm Mechanization Extension Project sponsoring body. The Pre-Investment phase comprises several stages – identification of investment opportunities, preliminary selection of projects (pre feasibility), project feasibility (project formulation) and the final evaluation and investment decisions. However farm mechanization extension appraisal concentrates on aspects like market appraisal, technical appraisal, environmental appraisal, financial appraisals, economic appraisals, managerial appraisals and social cost benefit analysis. Assume importance in farm mechanization concept formulation and invest decisions. Further after project appraised and investment decisions are made a determined farm mechanization extension project report is prepared.