As part of the Food and Agriculture Organization Technical Cooperation Program (FAO-TCP) for improving rice productivity in Bhutan to enhance rice self-sufficiency, ARDC-Bajo conducted four-day “Training of Trainers” (ToT) course on Advance Rice and Rice Seed Production Technologies from March 22 to 25, 2017. The ToT was attended by 21 (extension agents, researchers and field technicians) field staff from Paro, Wangdue and Sarpang Dzongkhags including NSC and RDCs. The objectives of this FAO-TCP were to enhance the technical capacities of the researchers, field technicians and extension agents on the latest rice production technologies and quality seed production. The ToT was designed with a good blend of theory and practical sessions to equip the participants with knowledge and skills to further training the farmers in their respective agencies/areas. The key resource person for the training was Mr. Sonny Samiano, International Technical Consultant and supported by ARDC-Bajo field crops Program (Mr. Mahesh Ghimirey, Rice specialist; Mr. Ngawang Chogyel, Rice Coordinator and Cheku Dorji, RO and Lhab Gyem, SRA).

The mode of training was a mix of both in-house lectures and demonstration/practical sessions in the field.  The training covered a vast topics on Rice and Rice Seed Production like quality seed production techniques/methods, nursery raising, pest and disease identification and control, seed germination, incubation, seeding, rice breeding, fertilizer dose calculation and method of application, chemical spraying calibration etc. The participants were also given practical training of seed germination, seeding techniques, chemical spraying calibration and line transplanting. The training also conducted pre-test before the training started and post-test of the participant’s knowledge on rice production techniques.

The training was very knowledge enriching and participants realized that the four days training was timely, very informative and practical. The training had definitely contributed in enhancing the knowledge and skills of Extension Staff which will ultimately support the livelihood of rural communities in Rice and Rice Seed Production since rice is our main crop.