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Abstract
The semi-arid tropics (SAT) are characterised by their poor natural resource base, high day temperatures,
high evapo-transpiration, poor market linkages, low returns, risk bearing ability and repayment capacities.
These areas shelter 75 per cent of the poor and accordingly deserve prime attention from the technologists
and policy makers. This paper highlights the impacts of the innovative HOPE (Harnessing Opportunities
for Productivity Enhancement of Dry Land Cereals) project of ICRISAT in addressing the poverty and
related issues in the SAT states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Maharashtra. With key technological
and institutional interventions the project has provided fillip to the integrated farming system characterised
by the time tested crop-livestock combination in Maharashtra, and pearl millet-buffaloes combination in
Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana. Thus, with diffusion of innovations, provision of quality seeds, efficient
input delivery and market linkage, more than 75 per cent of the farmers benefitted through bridging the
productivity gaps and thereby enhanced incomes in both crop and livestock sectors. The welfare gains
accrued to the farming community are evident due to cost effective technologies in harsh agro climatic
conditions. These have nullified the vicious circle of poverty through effective and appropriate
institutional interventions and infrastructure tailor made for semi-arid areas. It is crucial that the sorghum
and pearl millet sector be supported by strong governmental policies and programmes, for food, fodder
and better nutrition through value addition and demand creation, as they are the prime crops supporting
food and fodder in dry land areas.