The National Demonstration Project was the oldest and first transfer of technology project in the country implemented through ICAR in the year 1965, on a modest scale with the introduction of high yielding production potentiality of new technologies and influencing the farmers as well as the extension agencies.
The main objectives of the project were as follows:
To demonstrate convincingly to farmers and extension workers, the genetic production potentialities of major crops for the area per unit acre of land per unit time and encourage them to adopt/popularize these technologies for accelerating the production.
To fully exploit these demonstrations for the purpose of training farmers and field extension workers in improved cultivation practices.
To provide the research workers a firsthand knowledge of the problems being faced by farmers in adopting high yielding varieties and practicing recommended package of practices.
To determine the income and employment generation potentialities of the crop under demonstrations and to educate the farmers and extension workers about them; and,
To influence extension system (state departments of agriculture, voluntary organizations etc.) in the country by demonstrating the yield gaps and pointing out the operational constraints.
This project was taken up into 100 districts of the country and annually over 5000 demonstrations were conducted in the farmer's field by the scientists. In 1975, when ORP was introduced the operational districts were reduced to 50 only. At present, NDP is not functioning.
Participants