FARMERS TRAINING:
The adoption of Agricultural technology for increasing crop yield and land productivity is greatly facilitated by training and adequate dissemination of knowledge.
RCF sought to bridge the gap between Research Scientist and the farmer by by setting up dedicated training facilities at Nagpur and Thal. The programmes are designed to cover both general aspects as well as region specific aspects of farming technology. In addition, means of supplementing farm income through subsidiary occupation as well as the upcoming technologies of food processing are also discussed. These institutes are equipped with the latest audio-visual aids, classrooms and also hostels providing residential accommodation to the farmers.
Special programmes for farm women have been designed to enable them to contribute equally towards Agricultural productivity. Special focus is given to farmers from SC/ST categories.
Locations:
Farmers Training Institute, Nagpur: Was established in 1988. The foundation stone of this institute was laid by Shri.Bhagwantrao Gaikwad, the then Minister of Agriculture of Maharashtra. Other institutes like the Cotton Research Institute of ICAR, National Soil Survey Laboratory, Horticulture Research Station, Veterinary research institute, Nagpur Orange Growers’ Association, AGMARK are in the vicinity thus creating a synergy and sharing of knowledge.
Farmers Training Center Thal: Was established in 1998 in the premises of RCF’s agricultural research centre near Alibag, Raigad district, Maharashtra.
Its proximity to RCF’s Thal factory enables farmers to visit the plant and interact with top officers of the Company. The participants can also see the various trials conducted in the research farm. The Farmers’ Training Centre is also very close to the private floriculture farms, state government and forest nurseries.
Institutional Facilities
Well furnished farmers hostel with all amenities which can accommodate upto 50 number of farmers at both Nagpur and Thal.
Exhibition hall with a small library and group discussion hall.
Modern auditorium.
Well equipped soil testing laboratory at Nagpur institute.
Criteria for selection of participants: There is a laid down selection process which looks at enthusiastic individuals with progressive leadership qualities. They should be able to read and write the local languages. After training, they are expected to act as opinion leaders in their villages and share the knowledge to fellow farmers.
Training courses: To provide effective training to the participating farmers, case studies based on geographical situations, cropping pattern, economical and social background of the participants are discussed in detail in consultation with regional agricultural universities.
Visits: For effective class room training programmes, participants visit nearby agricultural research stations, agricultural institutes, and subsidiary occupation centres etc.
No.of training programmes conducted for last five years
| Sr. No | Name of Institute | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | No. of Farmers Benefited |
| 1 | Nagpur & Thal, Alibag |
34 | 35 | 41 | 41 | 39 | 7460 |
