Training campus of in-service agricultural training institute, Rahim Yar Khan is located at gulmerg road opposite sadiq town, Rahim Yar Khan. The campus building is one of the beautiful buildings of Rahim Yar Khan having refreshing grassy lawns which attract the citizens for morning walk. It was started with a one year training program in 1952 followed by 02 years field assistant diploma in 1966 and now offering 03 years diploma in agriculture sciences since 2007. Two types of trainings are being imparted at this institute:
Pre-Service
Three years diploma in agricultural sciences (DAS) is being regularly conducted at this institute. Secondary school certificate pass-out students get admission on merit. District-wise quota of seats is reserved for all the 09 districts of cotton zone in Punjab, i.e., Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran and Multan. Their annual examination was conducted by university of agriculture, Faisalabad. The annual examination was held in September-October, 2017. During 2017, all 21 students passed the 03 years diploma in agriculture sciences (DAS) from UA, Faisalabad.
In-Service
The in-service extension workers of agriculture extension wing of punjab agriculture department undergo trainings of capacity building and motivational skills. During the year under report, in-service trainings were not arranged due to non-availability of budget.
The in-service agricultural training institute was established at Kanpur, district Rahim Yar Khan during 1952-53. In these days one year field assistant training certificate was given to the trainees by the agriculture department. The village aid programme in west Pakistan was wraped-up and entire staff of that organization along with present buildings was transferred to agriculture department in 1961. Since then, in-service agricultural training institute is working at rahim yar khan. The one year diploma course was up graded to two years field assistant diploma in 1966. Later on this institute was affiliated with The University of Agriculture Faisalabad for the purpose of conducting the examination and award of diploma in 1978. Two years field assistant diploma course was rated or considered equivalent to intermediate level by adding four subjects i.e English, Urdu, Islamic Studies and Pakistan Studies in 2000. Considering the expansion of knowledge and new subjects, the same two years field assistant diploma was upgraded to three years diploma in Agricultural Sciences in 2008 in order to produce more competent hands. For the purpose of providing agriculture extension training and skills there are two trainee farms, one at main campus with an area of above 14 acres and other at chak no. 101/P having areas of 25 acres are operational.
The mandate of training institute is "to diffuse and share innovative agricultural technology among students and agriculture practitioners for the better management of agricultural knowledge and economy through adaptive synergistic organizational culture".
Objectives
- To produce trained front line workers for transfer of modern scientific knowledge and technology at the doorstep of farmer community
- To impart in-service training for capacity building and leadership techniques to the officers and field workers working in agricultural extension & research wing of agriculture department
- To build up the capacity of farmers to make them enable to manage farm activities in better way and ultimately increase per acre yield of major agriculture crops, fruits and vegetables
- Poverty alleviation through skillful human resource in agricultural innovation is a must, so that the living standard of small farmer community may be uplifted
Importance of Pre-Service and In-Service Training
Pre-Service training is a one of the most exciting and challenging element of the technical experience. For the achievement of above said objectives, a three year Diploma in Agricultural Sciences (DAS) is being regularly offered for matriculate with science having at least C grade. Candidates accepted /selected into this diploma programme begin their commitment by completing pre-service training through formal three years education/training. These trainee students learn the skills in the field of agricultural sciences through class room teaching, field teaching experience, coaching and skill building, so that they can hit the ground, from their 1st day on job. Due to critical role, the DAS training has an important role in their success.
The in-service trainings are extremely important not only for the success of extension workers but also for the success of department. It is necessary for the development of knowledge, skills and character of the trainees. pre-service training encompasses teaching and learning specific skills, positive judgment, well developed wisdom and profoundness. The in-service training programme for the extension workers of the Extension Wing of agriculture department have increased the qualities possess by extension workers which positively affect their performance and capacity.