Technology Assessment and Refinement (TAR)

1. Meaning

• TAR is a systematic process to test, evaluate, refine, and adapt agricultural technologies under real farming conditions before large-scale dissemination.
• It ensures that technologies developed at research stations are feasible, acceptable, and sustainable in farmers’ fields.

2. Why TAR is Needed?

• Many technologies fail when transferred directly from research stations → farmers’ fields.
• Differences in soil, climate, resources, socio-economic conditions affect adoption.
• Hence, technologies must be assessed and refined with farmers’ participation.

3. Steps in Technology Assessment and Refinement

1. Technology Assessment
   • Test a technology in real farm situations.
   • Check for technical feasibility, economic viability, social acceptability, and environmental sustainability.
   • Examples: Testing a new crop variety, fertilizer dose, irrigation method.
2. Technology Refinement
   • Based on farmer feedback and field results, modify or fine-tune the technology.
   • Example: A new paddy variety matures late → scientists may refine it with farmer input (selecting early maturing alternatives).
3. Validation
   • Re-test the refined technology in multiple farm locations.
   • Ensure consistency of results.
4. Dissemination
   • Once proven suitable, spread through extension systems, FPOs, KVKs, FFS, etc.

4. Types of TAR Activities

• On-Farm Trials (OFTs): Conducted in farmers’ fields to test new technologies.
• Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs): Large-scale demonstrations on farmers’ fields under ICAR/DAE schemes.
• Adaptive Research Trials (ARTs): Trials adapted to local conditions before large-scale promotion.

5. Institutions Involved in India

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Major role in OFTs & FLDs.
• ICAR Research Institutes & SAUs: Develop and refine technologies.
• ATMA & Extension Departments: Help in dissemination.

6. Examples

• A new wheat variety developed by ICAR tested in farmers’ fields in Uttar Pradesh → found to be prone to lodging → refined by recommending lower nitrogen dose.
• IPM modules tested in cotton fields with farmer participation → refined by adding neem-based biopesticides.