SAMETI conducts orientation programme for BTMs

GANGTOK, 19 Aug: To strengthen the extension programmes and to develop the skill of field functionaries a four-day Orientation Programme for Block Technology Managers (BTMs) was conducted by the State Agricultural Management and Training Agency (SAMETI) Sikkim, under the Food Security and agriculture Development Department, Govt. of Sikkim from 11 to 14 August 2014, at SAMETI Hall, Tadong.
A press release informs that the Resource Persons for the said programme were SL Dorjee [Director, SAMETI-Sikkim], Dr. Laxuman Sharma [Associate Professor, Sikkim University], PK Dewan [Additional Director, NFSM], NK Gurung [Additional Director, Soil], Sherab Bhutia [Joint Director-East, Horticulture], Asha Lama [Project Director, ATMA-East], NT Bhutia [Deputy Project Director, ATMA-North], Diki Doma Bhutia [Horticulture Development Officer, IPM], Ram Kumari Sharma [Deputy Director, IPM], KS Bhutia [Agriculture Development Officer, SAMETI] and Damber Chettri [Computer Programmer, SAMETI].
During the Orientation Programme the BTMs were highlighted on various interesting topics like Introduction to Extension Management, The Role and the Guidelines of SAMETI and ATMAs, Soil Health Management, Introductory Plant Protection, Disease and Pest Management through Organic Approach, Training Need Analysis, PRA Techniques, Formation of CIGs, Farmers Clubs, Farmers Groups, Preparation of Monthly Reports, Women’s Participation in Agriculture, Major Schemes Implemented in the State, Important Horticulture Crops and Major Schemes, Methodology for Exposure Visit, Training and Demonstration.
Director SAMETI, SL Dorjee urged the BTMs to work sincerely and with dedication so that the state could be benefited in the agriculture sector. She further mentioned that BTMs play a very important role in farmers lead extension unlike the conventional system of extension.The BTMs have to play the active role facilitator in convergence of the entire scheme with all the department officers, she added.
Further, the BTMs were told to facilitate the Block Action Plan of the respective block in co-ordination with BTT and BFAC. The training began with the pre-evaluation test and ended on the 4th day with post evaluation test.
The release informs that the Extension Reforms section of the Food Security and Agriculture Development department was established in 2005. The scheme was implemented initially with 24 tentative blocks, as there were no block concepts in the state. In 2005 the blocks were restructured and the same is increased to 31 numbers as per the notification of RM & DD, Govt. of Sikkim. As per the guide lines the dedicated block technology Managers, (BTMs) are deployed in these blocks.