Srinagar: The Division of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar today conducted a Valedictory function of 30 days Skill Training programme for Rural youth titled ‘Agricultural Machinery Repair and Maintenance Service Provider’.
In total 25 rural youth from districts Budgam/Ganderbal/Srinagar attended the training programme sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, New Delhi under SMAM project on ‘Promotion and Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanization through Training, Testing and Demonstration’ from 16 th September to 17 th October 2022. During the period, trainees underwent theoretical and practical hands-on training on the different aspects of Agricultural Machinery Repair and Maintenance.
The whole training was divided into five modules viz. familiarization with different farm machines, Setting up & Operationalization of repair & maintenance centre, Undertake entrepreneurship activities, proper documentation & record keeping and how to maintain health & safety at the workplace were covered. Director Research and Chief Guest of today’s function Prof. Sarfaraz Ahmad Wani highlighted the role of such training in augmenting the skill capability of unemployed youth to develop industry ready people in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also stressed the need of mechanization in the agriculture sector and asked the participants to use the gained skill and knowledge in entrepreneurship development and employment generation. Prof. Rohitashw Kumar, Associate Dean, COAE&T formally welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the role of Agricultural Engineering College in imparting skill training. Training Coordinator and Head Division of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, Prof. Jagvir Dixit, presented a detailed overview of theoretical lectures/hands on training exposure/practical demonstrations carried out during the period and underlined the need of farm machinery repair and maintenance service centres along with mechanization in the region.
Dr Showkat Rasool while hosting the function briefed the importance and necessity of this training programme in enhancing the skill of unemployed youth. The valedictory function was concluded by distribution of certificates among the trainees. In the end, Dr. Kalay Khan, Training Co-coordinator offered a vote of thanks to all dignitaries, officers and trainees for gracing the occasion by their solemn presence.

KR Desk