KHONSA, 12 Mar: About 55 progressive farmers attended a ‘training-cum-demonstration programme’ organised here by the agriculture engineering department of Nirjuli-based NERIST on Thursday.
The programme was aimed to establish connections between farmers, research institutes, and state government officials. Its primary focus was to showcase various improved technologies, including women-friendly tools and equipment, designed to reduce labour and increase farmers’ incomes.
Addressing the participants, District Agricultural Officer Jania Chimyang emphasised the importance of adopting appropriate technology with the right knowledge, while District Horticulture Officer T Ronya highlighted the need for mechanisation in horticulture.
JPO Dr Surya Chhetry presented a lecture using audiovisual medium on ergonomically improved hand tools and equipment tailored for hilly regions. He also demonstrated several tools and equipment during the programme.
The programme was sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, through the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Ergonomics and Safety in Agriculture and Allied Sector (ESAAS).
The farmers appreciated the technologies developed by the AICRP on ESAAS, NERIST centre, such as kiwi vines pruner, backpack for load carrying in the Sherpa mode, improved sickle, etc.