NABARD-sponsored training program for capacity building of NGO officials inaugurated at AAU

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 30, 2025

 A four-day training programme on Capacity Building of NGO officials working under the Tribal Development Project (ITDP)-NABARD was inaugurated at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat on Wednesday. The programme, sponsored by NABARD and organized by the Department of Horticulture, aims to equip NGO officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their effectiveness in tribal development initiatives.

The inaugural session was graced by AAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bidyut Chandan Deka, who emphasized the role of NGOs in bridging the gap between scientific advancements and grassroots implementation in tribal communities. He highlighted the importance of capacity building in ensuring sustainable agricultural development and livelihood enhancement.

Also present on the occasion were Dr. Prasanna Kumar Pathak, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Anup Das, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Dr. Binay Kumar Medhi, Dean, Students’ Welfare, Mantu Das, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, and Dr. Utpal Kotoky, Professor & Head of the Department of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat.

In his address, Dr. Pathak underscored the significance of horticultural interventions in improving the livelihood of the smallholder farms as a whole. Mantu Das from NABARD elaborated on the various initiatives and financial support mechanisms available for tribal development through NABARD’s ITDP program and the successes of these projects and Dr. Kotoky has summarised the objectives and implementation of this joint capacity development training programme by the Department of Horticultural of AAU and NABARD.

The training programme, scheduled from January 29 to February 1, includes technical sessions by experts, interactive discussions, and an exposure visit for participants to witness successful models of agricultural entrepreneurship and rural development. This initiative is expected to strengthen the capabilities of NGO officials, enabling them to implement tribal development projects more effectively and contribute towards the socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities in the region.