Srinagar, July 12: One-month skill development training on “Tractor Operator” concluded at SKUAST-K, Shalimar on Wednesday. The programme, sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, New Delhi, under Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization Project “Promotion and strengthening of agricultural mechanization through training, testing and demonstration” was organized by the Division of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology.
A total of 21 unemployed youth from Ganderbal, Srinagar and Budgam districts successfully completed the training programme, the SKUAST-K said in a press release.
Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, who was the chief guest of the valedictory function, highlighted the role of a skilled workforce in entrepreneurship and focused on the establishment of startups in Jammu and Kashmir. He talked about the need for skilled manpower in the valley that can operate and repair tractors and other agricultural machinery to provide services in remote areas and also earn their livelihood.
Prof Makhdoomi informed the participants about various schemes of GOI/ UTs in agriculture and allied sectors which could help them to become an entrepreneur. “Such training programme not only benefited individual participants but also contributed to the overall development of the agricultural sector in our region,” the statement said.
Associate Dean Prof Rohitashw Kumar welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries and highlighted the importance of skilled tractor drivers in promoting agricultural mechanization and ensuring safe and efficient field operations.
HoD (Farm Machinery & Power Engineering) and Training Coordinator Prof Jagvir Dixit while presenting details of lecture/practical covered stated that participants were given hands-on training for tractor operation, scheduled maintenance of tractors and efficient use of farm machines. He highlighted the importance and necessity of this training programme in the context of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir which laid emphasis on the need for skilled and trained workforce in the UT.
During the one-month training programme, various aspects of tractor operation, field operation with primary and secondary tillage implements, proper gear selection, use of levers, ballasting, implement and trailer operation, lateral and horizontal adjustments of implements, fuel saving tips, safety precautions, engine dismantling and assembling, scheduled and regular maintenance of tractor were covered through hands-on training procedure.
Dr Showkat Rasool hosted the event and Dr. Kalay Khan presented a vote of thanks in the end.
