Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 19 June 2025
A three-day online refresher training programme was conducted from June 16 to 18, 2025, for Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) functionaries, including Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs) and Block Technology Managers (BTMs), under the Union Territory Agriculture Technology Management Agency (UTATMA). The training focused on Farmer Oriented Activities scheduled for June and July 2025, as outlined in the approved State Extension Work Plan (SEWP) 2025–26.
Organised by the Department of Agriculture, the training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of field-level extension workers to enhance the implementation of farmer-centric initiatives across the UT.
On the opening day, resource persons from the Department of Agriculture delivered sessions on key topics including the package of practices for sapota cultivation, multi-tier cropping and integrated farming systems, organic input preparation and usage, and the promotion of perennial fruit crops such as papaya and banana.
The second day featured technical sessions by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Dr. Sanjali Soreng, Senior Veterinary Officer, led discussions on fodder cultivation and scientific goat rearing. In the afternoon, she covered topics such as demonstration of fodder and azolla cultivation, quail farming, and value addition of quail eggs and meat.
The final day focused on fisheries and aquaculture. Officers from the Fisheries Department, including Mr. Nesnas E.A. (AFDO), Mr. Sanjeev Kr. Sutradhar (FI), Mr. P. Ishwar Rao (AFDO), Mr. Soumyadip Paul (AFDO), Ms. Jolly John (FI), and Mr. Sitanghsu Ghosh (AFDO), conducted sessions on hygienic handling of fish, pond management, safety at sea, composite fish farming, and an introduction to mariculture.
Held entirely in online mode, the programme ensured wide accessibility and participation. A total of 27 participants, comprising 22 ATMs and 5 BTMs, attended and benefited from the technical insights shared by subject experts. The Department of Agriculture has also planned a follow-up field demonstration training for all ATMA functionaries.
