Effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can be very useful for speedy transfer of improved technologies and advisory to the farmers. This was the view expressed by participants at the conclusion of a four days training programme on application of ICTs in modified extension reforms scheme organised by National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad in collaboration with Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI) here in Dehradun.
Twenty two participants from different departments including 14 Agriculture officers of Uttarakhand, three subject matter specialists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and five officers from CSWCRTI, Dehradun attended the training programme.
Experience sharing on ATMA model of agricultural extension, role of ICTs and media in agricultural extension and communication, ICT based agro-advisory system, impact of Kisan Call Centres in North India, agricultural knowledge management, remote sensing in agriculture, mobile SMS alert system for agriculture information and the use of ICT in natural resource management using participatory approaches were the main components covered in the training programme. Participants viewed this training programme as useful for speedy transfer of improved technologies and advisory to the farmers.
The training programme was jointly coordinated by MANAGE director Dr VP Sharma, CSWCRTI, HRD head Dr Charan Singh and the institute’s principal scientist, Agricultural Extension, Dr Bankey Bihari.