Inaugural Session of the Farm Practices Program of the Department of Agricultural Technology
The inaugural session of the farm practice program of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo was held on 12th December 2019 at the District Agricultural Training Center, Gabadawatta, Homagama with the collaboration of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Western Province. The inaugural session was graced by the Dean, Faculty of Technology; Senior Professor Sumedha Jayanetti, and he highlighted the importance of promoting technology supplemented agriculture for attracting the youth for agriculture. The Provincial Director of the Department of Agriculture, Western Province, Ms. Uthpala Amarakoon stated that students would better be exposed to common form of agricultural practices so that they would be able move towards productive agriculture and the training would provide a good exposure to wet zone agricultural practices. The Deputy Director, Provincial Department of Agriculture, Western Province; Ms. Samanmalee Fernando and the Assistant Director/ Director In-charge, District Training Center; Ms. Subashini Premarathne were also present at the event. Head of the Department of Agricultural Technology; Dr. Anil Jayasekera, thanked the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Western Province for the enormous support given and earnestly advised the students to get the best use of the program. He also thanked Dr. Aruna Kumara of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology for initiating the discussion with the Department of Agriculture and making the program a reality. Head of the Department of Instrumentation and Automation Technology; Dr. Darshana Perera, the academic staff of the Department of Agricultural technology and the officials of the Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo were also present at the event. The second-year second semester of the study program of the Department of Agricultural Technology has been planned to expose the students to farm practices in agriculture, specifically the production technologies of field crops and fruit crops, plant protection technologies, livestock production and field practices in agricultural engineering. During the program, the students will engage in farm practices from 8.30 to 16.00 for three days per week for 15 weeks. The District Training Center offers training programs for agricultural officers and instructors, short training programs for school, technical college and university students and also conducts farmer training and awareness programs. The practical exposure will inevitably enhance the learning process by improving awareness and skills of the students. At the same time, this will provide a platform for seeking technological solutions applicable for agriculture without compromising the harmony of the bio-system.
