A 5 day National Training Program on “Extension NEXT: Changing Roles and Innovations in Agricultural Extension” got underway here today at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. The objective of this National Training is to understand the changing roles of agricultural extension and to enable participants to learn innovations and good practices in agricultural extension.
        The programme started with the welcome address by Dr A Roy Senior Scientist and in charge ABI. There after the participants introduced themselves representing the region.
        Dr. B. P. Singh, Head, DTAC, and Course Director emphasized that extension functionaries has the ability to create a favorable mindset among the farmers towards a technology. He added that they have to take proper care while dealing with the farmers so that good agricultural practices can be imparted to the farmers. Adding that, we have to equip the farmers with smart information through digital information systems.
        Dr. B. K. Singh, Head, DCS said that innovation is a subjective matter as same technology cannot be an innovation for everyone. He added that we should identify relevant and suitable technology and then share it with the farmers instead of pushing all technologies. He emphasized that we also need to analyse the sustainability of the technology that is being provided to the farmers.
        Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ATARI stressed that without extension functionaries’ technologies cannot be translated into development process. He emphasized that “Digital Agriculture” is the need of the hour adding that innovative agricultural approach in all aspects for overall sustainability.
        Dr. S. Hazarika, Incharge, Director & Head DSRE in his speech emphasized that extension functionaries plays a very vital role in the acceptability of the technologies by the farmers.