NASHIK: The much-awaited Agriculture Extension Service Provider Training course was officially launched at the Krishi Vignyan Kendra in Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra
Open University (YCMOU).
For the month-long crash course, around 20 youths have enrolled. After training, the youths will work as Agriculture Extension Service Provider (AESPs) in various parts of Maharashtra.
Agriculture scientist Nitin Thokey who will be conducting the course in Nashik, he said, “The AESPs will work as a medium between the farmers and the scientists. They will update the farmers about the latest technological developments. They will convince farmers to adopt technology and share information on improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and livestock.”
Agricultural extension is the function of providing need- and-demand-based knowledge in agronomic techniques and skills to rural communities in a systematic manner to bring about positive behavioural changes among farmers.
“Farmers in North Maharashtra will see the benefits of AESPs in the next two months,” said YCMOU vice chancellor E Vayunandan. He also said that, countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Denmark, which have advanced agricultural sectors, have strong extension services.
Youths, who have passed Higher Secondary Certificate examination are eligible to enrol for the course. Knowledge of a local language, Hindi and English is must for the participants. Only Nashik-based KVK has been allotted this course. Depending on the success of the course, KVK will have additional batches.
Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
