1. IT Based Farmers’ Window for Panel Discussion National Workshop on Role of Information Communication Technology in Taking Scientific Knowledge/Technologies to the End Users January 10-11, 2005 Dr. N. Kalra Unit of Simulation and Informatics Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi 110012

2. Mandates of newly formed USI at IARI To generate and collate data to develop simulation models on crop growth, input management, pest dynamics and yield prediction. To provide internet connectivity, maintain dynamic web site, farmer’s advisory service, tele-conferencing and e-mail services to IARI. To develop database on pedigree management of wheat, maize, rice, chickpea and mung. To develop statistical packages for field data analysis, matrix comparison and variability analysis as applicable to Molecular Markers Assisted Systems/Selection and Molecular Biology.

12. Pest Informatics (Rice, wheat, maize, cotton, chick pea and sugarcane) Characterization of important pest problems in agriculture in different agro-ecological zones. Documentation of changes in pest scenario of crops Delineation of hot spots and linkage with biotic and abiotic stresses Compilation of pest management options Simulation of crop-pest interactions DSS for integrated pest management

14. Development of soil data-base for land use planning Primary soil characters Moisture retention, release and transmission characteristics Soil fertility evaluation and trends Organic carbon budget, its dynamics and sequestration potential