DIMAPUR: State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) organised a three-day training programme for ATMA functionaries on the topic “Practical Use and Management of Farm Machinery and Custom Hiring Services” from May 13 to 15. Altogether, 30 officials from the Department of Agriculture and ATMA functionaries attended the programme.
According to a press release, in his address, director SAMETI and principal IETC, Bodevi Shuya, stressed the importance of proper use and management of farm machinery. He highlighted the need to promote modern agricultural technologies and strengthen custom hiring centres to ensure that small and marginal farmers have access to farm machinery at affordable costs.
The training resource person, Dr. Arbind Kumar Verma, professor and head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at Nagaland University, SAS Medziphema, covered topics including farm mechanisation for hill agriculture and internal combustion engines. Practical sessions on demonstration and familiarisation with tillage, sowing, and intercultural equipment were also conducted at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, NU SAS Medziphema.
Joint director, Department of Agriculture, Pikato V. Jimo, spoke on farm mechanisation and custom hiring services under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM).
Practical demonstrations on the safe use and management of farm machinery such as tractors, power tillers, and brush cutters were conducted by Shikaho and Tiamongba Longkumer from the Department of Agriculture, Central Store, Dimapur.
A hands-on demonstration of a banana fibre extraction machine was also conducted at STINER, NU SAS Medziphema by Mhasivikho Khutso, MTS, STINER-TFC.
The inaugural programme was chaired by deputy project director, SAMETI Janet Chishi. The training programme concluded with a closing remark by Bodevi Shuya followed by the distribution of certificates to the trainees.
