Training

Three categories of training activities form a basic part of AME programmes.

• Training involving series of modules of 1 to 4 days duration, on specific subjects.
  
  
• Season-long, field-based training for farmers built around experiential learning on topics like Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
  
  
• Training of Trainers for NGO staff on technologies and processes, as well as facilitation skills, on issues related to sustainable agriculture.

Training in LEISA

Initially, the focus was on season-long training activities, gradually, shifting to Training of Trainers for NGOs and farmers. This shift was responsible for a significant increase in the number of participants trained. A majority of farmers trained since 1999 were by the NGOs. AME intensified its interactions with about 300 farmers through Participatory Technology Development (PTD) exercises with a focus on the Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), Seed Village programmes and storage and marketing problems. At the same time, AME continued to guide the NGOs and monitor their training activities. This facilitated the scaling up of AME activities. Even in short duration training (1-2 days), more than 5000 NGO staff and farmers have been trained. Regular farmer meets and exposure visits have helped group learning.

Training for Watershed Development

Training in sustainable agriculture is assuming importance in watershed development. This training is going on in all states, with ISPWD-K network and KAWAD (KA), with SAN, DPIP and DPAP (AP) and with ROOTS and LEISA networks (TN).

A complete training for watershed development requires about 15 days. Training is conducted mostly in the field. Often, AME is requested to implement only parts of a full curriculum. AME partners have implemented ecofriendly practices in agriculture in 35 watersheds of about 1000 acres each.