1. Service Providers Survey
in Bihar
Learning from progressive farmers
J. Michalski, Aanand and Dr. R.K.Malik
Kathmandu
Jan 23, 2013

2. 10 Minute Agenda
• Planning/ survey
• Service Providers Surveyed
• Initial Findings …
• Pictures/ Videos …
• Way Ahead

3. Survey - Planning/ Conducted
• Initial list comprised of 90 service providers was shared
• Intent was to have a representative sample ~ 40 from different
districts to get a flavour of the work done
• 14 SPs were surveyed in 2 days, July 29-30, 2012.
(Patna, Begusarai, Samastipur)
• 25 done by Anurag in the month of August, 2012.
(Jamui, Lakhisarai, Nawada)

4. Equipments owned by SPs
Disc Power S.Cane
Tractor ZT Cultiv'r Naufad Trolly HTS LLL Levelr Rotav'r Reaper
Harrow Thresh. Crsh
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 1 1 (rented) 1 1 1 1
4 1 1 2 1
5 1 1 1
6 1 1 1 1 1 1
7 1 1 2 1 1(binde
8 1
9 1 1 1
10 1 1 2
11 1 1 1 1 1
12 1 1 1 1 1 1
13 1 1 1 1 1 1
14 1 1 1 1 1 1

5. Initial Observations
• Service Providers own different portfolio of machines. It is difficult to study all such
machines having different dynamics.
• All ZTs are purchased by Service Providers with subsidy, and not taken on rent.
• Preliminary results show service providers are middle-aged and older.
• Experience is not very deep in years of business ~ 2 yr (modal) (0-20 yrs).
• On a modal basis SPs cover ~ 4 villages (1-100), ~25 acres (10 – 247 acres).
• ZT Charges Rs. 400 – 500/ acre. Persons employed/ ZT = 3 for 10-60 days per yr.
• Bragging rights come with the territory.
• Data is not documented, so difficult to validate it.
• Interested to increase client base and to diversify.
• Generally learn hands on the machine.
• Majority purchased ZT from Krishi Melas, Dashmesh enjoys wide brand recognition.
• Require a variety of support from machinery dealers.

6. Initial Observations: Training
• Generally underserved (0 - 1 training) of 1-2 day duration,
feel a requirement of additional regular training support.
• Training providers: (on farm – highly valued) CSISA,
CIMMYT, Beej Nigam, Equipment dealers.
• Need help in calibration of seed/ fertilisers, maintenance,
technical issues, potential problems, training on how to talk,
non technical issues, more demonstration.
• Demand generation is an issue (engagement, demand
aggregation, marketing etc.) and in some cases late fee
collection.

9. Service Providers

10. Way Forward
• Focus of study on one machine (ZT) for study and
one operation (ZTW)
• New list of 588 (?) Service Providers are better
documented and have been aided in documenting
their farmers. SPs and their farmers need to be
sampled
• Component wise quick study of skill sets – technical,
marketing, community engagement, fee collection
• Focus on 1-2 seasons

11. THANKS