The Government of India sponsored model training course on “Information and Communication Technology in Agriculture” was inaugurated at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University today.

Twenty scientists from development departments such as agriculture, horticulture, sericulture and seed certification attended the training program, that would be held for eight days, a varsity release said.

In his inaugural address university vice-chancellor Dr. K. Ramasamy highlighted the practical utility of ICT tools especially for informing the farming community about outbreak of pests and diseases in various crops, important events in agriculture and cultivation of crops with recommended technologies suited to various districts of Tamil Nadu considering the importance of marketability of the agricultural produces.

He also outlined the importance of extension programmes like Intensive Agricultural District Programme, Training and Visit System, Tamil Nadu Women in Agriculture and Agricultural Technology Management Agency besides their role in transfer of technology.

A CD and training manual was also released during the occasion.