PAMETI Holds Training Course On Role Of ICTs

Ludhiana, April 29, 2016: A five-day training programme on “Role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Agricultural Knowledge Management” concluded at the Punjab Agricultural Management Extension and Training Institute (PAMETI), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. As many as 23 participants from the state agriculture and allied departments, and ATMA participated.
Dr H. S. Dhaliwal, Director, PAMETI motivated the participants to adopt ICTs so that the gap between knowledge generation and its dissemination to grass root level could be reduced.
Ms Bharti Madan, Deputy Director (IT), PAMETI, acquainted the participants with the concept of knowledge management and how ICTs can help in this process.
Dr O.P. Gupta, Deputy Director, School of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, PAU gave practical tips for searching agricultural information through search engines. Practical sessions were organized in which trainees received hands-on experience on application of various IT tools. Special emphasis was given on the use of Agricultural Market Information Systems like AGMARKNET and web based knowledge portals like Farmers portal, Kisan etc. Expert system modules developed for wheat and paddy were also demonstrated.
Mr Himanshu Verma, ICT Advisor working for Climate Change Knowledge Network (CCKN) Project, New Delhi, discussed the information services being provided to the farmers through this project. S Amrik Singh, Agriculture Officer, Pathankot shared his experience of using social media “Whatsapp” for creating awareness among the group of 3500 farmers.
Dr Vishal Bector, a farm engineer expert, PAU persuaded the trainees to change their mindsets, widen their horizon and have a positive attitude towards implementation of ICTs.
Dr N. Bhaskar, Assistant Director (IT), MANAGE, Hyderabad, communicated the objectives and services under NeGP-A through videoconferencing session.
An exposure visit to Avtar Community Radio Station, village Seechewal, Jalandhar was also organized. Trainees witnessed the environmental and social welfare activities being done by Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and his trust. Sant Seechewal interacted with the participants and motivated them to replicate such efforts in other parts of the state.