Covering a largely rural district, many of our beneficiaries come from farming communities and have been forced to seek our support as a result of natural calamities such as drought or when their economic migration has driven them into even more vulnerable situations. Therefore, it made perfect sense to say yes when Syngenta Foundation India (SFI), which works to develop Indian agriculture and the welfare of farmers, approached us to partner them in developing an Agricultural Training Center to provide sustainable agricultural employment for young people.
Developed in partnership with National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, senior executives in agri-business, financial institutions, NGOs, consultants, academics and policy makers, the center will deliver employability orientated training for farming technicians. Through an Agriculture Technology Assistant (ATA) course, students will learn how to apply the rapidly emerging technological developments that are helping to increase productivity in agricultural and related fields.
Being located right next to our bio-farm, the 45-day residential course offers class-based learning complemented with practical sessions in the field. Backed by the Government of India, the aim is to create a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs and agriculture technology assistants with the functional knowledge and skills to apply agricultural technology in rural farming communities.
The first course will commence in December 2016 and applications are open to those with a 12th standard pass or 10th standard pass with relevant experience. Subjects cover: agro climatic situation of the region, soil health management, seed and seed production, irrigation and water management, farm implements and machinery, weed management, integrated pest management, production technology of major local crops, extension management, legal acts, rules and regulations, communication skills, interpersonal skills, work attitude and use of technology.
If you would like to find out more or join the course, please email atc@snehalaya.org.