We are trying to do this so that they can provide information about new technologies to the farmers,” said Dr. Afifa Shaheen Kamili, Director (Extension Education) at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

Participants found the workshop useful, saying it would enable them to reach out to farmers and provide them with information that would boost agricultural production in the valley.

“The training programme made us aware of better ways of providing information to farmers. We also got to know when we should pay individual attention to a farmer and when we should initiate groups.

We were also informed about how and when we could use the mass media. The main idea of this programme was to inform us about the best medium to be used when disseminating technology among the farmers,” said Fahima Mushtaq, a SKUAST scientist.

Mushtaq added that such training programmes were benefi cial, as they would also increase employment opportunities in the region.

“There is unemployment in the valley. So, we were provided information about ways to attract farmers to develop their agricultural units and where they should set up a unit.

Therefore, to inform and to guide them, we should fi rst become knowledgeable,” added Mushtaq.

Participants underwent practical training sessions in fi elds and laboratories,besides attending lectures.