Dimapur, June 23 (MExN): Extension Education Institute-North East region (EEI-NER), Assam Agricultural University (AAU) Jorhat in collaboration with State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Nagaland organized a training on “Participatory methods and techniques for agricultural extension” from June 18-21 at SAMETI, Medziphema.
A press release issued by the Deputy Project Director, Medziphema stated resource persons for the training programme were Dr K Bhattacharya, Professor EEI Assam agriculture university (AAU) and M Dutta, Research Associate, EEI (AAU) Jorhat.
A plethora of topics were discussed by the resources persons, such as participatory rural appraisal (PRA): steps in participatory approach, concept and basic principles of PRA, need and relevance of PRA for rural development; PRA techniques: participatory mapping, its purposes, planning and procedure of drawing participatory mapping; transact walk: concept and important consideration for conducting transact walk, concept, purposes and procedures of conducting seasonality/seasonal calendar and Venn diagram, participatory monitoring and evaluation and tips to write success story were discussed by the resource persons.
A field trip to Molvon village was also undertaken, where various PRA methods/techniques were observed with participation from the village council and farming household.
The valedictory function was chaired by Tiajungla Longchar, DPD SAMETI, while feedbacks from the trainees were given by Bodevi Shuya DAO & PD ATMA Kohima and Lanuakum DPD ATMA Longleng.
In his speech, Course Director, DR AK Bhattacharya spoke on the importance and effectiveness of team efforts in an organization. He also congratulated the trainees on completing an important training programme with enthusiasm and participation.
Bhattacharya appreciated SAMETI Nagaland for extending cooperation and making the programme a success.
Addressing the valedictory programme, Dr I Amenla, Director SAMETI and Principal IETC emphasized on the importance of collecting correct data on districts according to Agro Ecological Situations (AES). She remarked that “extension is the best way to communicate and interact with farmers,” as extension agents. She encouraged the participants to “add a personal touch to their work to create familiarity and build trust with the farming community.” Certificates were distributed by M Dutta , Research Associate, and vote of thanks was addressed by Sentinaro Longchar, DPD SAMETI.
