The ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh organized a training programme on “Repair and maintenance of agricultural sprayers & mechanical weeders at villages adopted under Farmer FIRST Programme” to farmers and other stake holders of Umariya Choubey and Barauda villages adopted under Farmer FIRST Programme, during 1-3, September, 2022. A total of 130 participants including 120 farmers, 5 industrial persons and other stake holders participated in the programme. Training programme was organized in collaboration with the Industry persons. Training programme was conducted at filed sites of villages adopted under Farmer FIRST Programme. Dr. P.K. Mukherjee, Director of the training programme and PI (FFP) briefed about the training programme, different activities going on under different modules in FFP project. He also stressed about the importance and necessity of the programme.

Mr. Ritesh Raj Bhagela from Bhagela Engineering Works, Jabalpur was invited as external expert in the trainingprogramme. He provided the information on repair and maintenance of Agricultural sprayers and mechanical weeders. He explained in detail about how to repair the machines in field itself and also general tips to extend the working life of machines. Er. Chethan, C.R., Scientist, briefed about the effective herbicide application techniques, safety aspect and precautionary measures to be taken by the machinery operators. He also practically demonstrated and informed the participants about compulsory tool kit to be maintained by every farmer, preliminary measures to be taken and method of repairing the machines at field itself.

Dr. V.K. Choudhary, Sr. Scientist, explained in detail about different weed management techniques, integrated weed management, different herbicides available at local market, precautionary measures to be taken to reduce the weed seeds while sowing the crop etc to the participants. He also educated the farmers about preparation of buffer solution, storing of chemicals safely and their effective utilization etc. Dr. R.P. Dubey, Pr. Scientist, briefed the participants about the nutritional value and importance of different millet crops. He also talked about weed management practices to be followed without using chemicals in millet crops. Dr. J.S. Mishra, Director, graced the closing ceremony and appreciated the activities carried out by FFP team. He stressed that, the main objective of this project is to increase the income and enhance the livelihood security of the farmers of adopted villages. He also urged the beneficiaries to get benefited from the provided information. The participants gave positive feedback on the training programme and requested to conduct the training in future also. The programme was coordinated by Dr. P.K. Mukherjee, Er. Chethan, C.R., & Dr. Deepak V. Pawar. The programme was assisted by Mr. Jitendra Dubey, Sandeep Patel and Anjani Chaturvedi.