Skill training on agriculture for rural youths

SHILLONG: A week-long Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) programme was organised by the Project Director, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), East Khasi Hills in association with National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, India at the Integrated Agriculural Training Centre and Food Processing Centre, Shillong from September 9 to 14.
Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) is a flagship scheme of the government aimed at imparting skill-based training to rural youth in agriculture & allied areas to promote employment and for creation of skilled manpower to perform farm and non-farm operations. Rural youths in the age group of 18 years and above with minimum qualification of up to 5th standard passed (not mandatory) are invited for the skill training.
The programme briefed the trainees about the entrepreneurship opportunities in agriculture and allied sector for the youth.
They were also trained on oyster mushroom cultivation besides marketing facilities available through the toll free number 1917 ITEAMS, an initiative by the Department of Agriculture for assisting farmers and traders in marketing. They were also trained on Biocontrol agents by the officer from State Biocontrol Laboratory and on Custom Hiring of Farm Machineries by the officer from Agriculture Engineering.
Resource person D. Kharumnuid spoke about piggery farming and its opportunities. The trainees also visited the Government Poultry and Piggery farms for hand on experience of the activities.