SAMETI trains ATMA officials on machinery use

Medziphema, May 19 (MExN): The State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) organised a three-day training programme for ATMA functionaries on “Practical use and Management of Farm Machinery and Custom Hiring Services” from May 13 to 15, officials said.

The training concluded on Wednesday with a closing address by Bodevi Shuya, Director of SAMETI & Principal of IETC, Medziphema, followed by the distribution of certificates to the 30 participating officials from the Department of Agriculture and ATMA.

In his keynote address, Bodevi Shuya stressed the importance of proper use and management of farm machinery, highlighting the need to promote modern agricultural technologies and strengthen custom hiring centres to help small and marginal farmers access farm machinery at affordable costs.

The inaugural session was chaired by Janet Chishi, Deputy Project Director of SAMETI.

Resource person Dr Arbind Kumar Verma, Professor & HoD, Department of Agricultural Engineering, NU:SAS, Medziphema, covered topics such as farm mechanisation for hill agriculture and internal combustion engines. Practical sessions on tillage, sowing, and intercultural equipment were held at the department.

Pikato V Jimo, Joint Director, Department of Agriculture, emphasised farm mechanisation and custom hiring services under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM). Practical demonstrations on safety use and management of tractors, power tillers, and brush cutters were conducted by Shikaho and Shri Tiamongba Longkumer from the Department of Agriculture’s Central store in Dimapur.

A hands-on demonstration of a banana fibre extraction machine was also conducted at STINER, NU:SAS, Medziphema by Shri Mhasivikho Khutso, MTS, STINER-TFC.

Altogether, 30 officials from the Department of Agriculture and ATMA functionaries attended the training programme.