News Bulletin - September 2010
Training begins at NAF - CFRD for agricultural graduates and diploma holders for Self - Employment:

The first batch of residential training program for graduates and diploma holders of agriculture for self - employment under Agri Clinic and Agri Business Centre (ACABC) scheme of Ministry of Agriculture commenced on 11th August 2010 at National Agro Foundation Center for Rural Development at Illedu village, Cthithamur block of Kancheepuram district. The program was inaugurated by Brig. R. I. Raghunathan, Chief Executive Officer, NAF by lighting the Kuthuvillaku. Speaking on

the occasion, he insisted the need for such training programs for development of agriculture in the country and the same was envisaged by NAF Founder Shri. C. Subramanian.

Shri. Kotesswara Rao, consultant, MANAGE which coordinates the implementation of ACABC, explained in detail about the ACABC scheme, the opportunities for the trainees, the subsidies extended by banks for starting the self employment ventures.

He insisted that the participants should complement and supplement the promotion of agriculture extension by starting agro based self employed ventures at the end of 2 months of training for which the training is designed. He also advised that the participants should make full use of the facilities available in NAF and wished them to emerge as successful agripreuners . Mr. M. K. Sudhakar, AGM, NABARD Kancheepuram motivated the participants to avail the bank loans and subsidies specifically designed for agripreners of ACABC.

Prof. P. Kalyana sundaram, Advisor NAF inaugurated the gathering and Dr. V. A. Sathyaprema, Principal, NAF - IGNOU Community College, proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. S. V.Murugan, Nodal Officer, ACABC NAF Training Center coordinated the function. In the first batch, 26 participants from 13 districts are undergoing the Training.

FTTP - NABARD Team Visting CFRD:

The NABRD team consisting of Shri Ramesh Tenkil, GM, mCID, NABARD; Shri Ranjith, AGM, DPD – FS, NABARD HO and Shri M K Sudhakar, AGM, NABARD Kancheepuram visited Sirunagar Farmers Club in Chithamur block on 19.08.2010 and interacted with the members of the farmers clubs. The members shared their experience in experimenting with SRI paddy cultivation, organic pest and disease control measures, dairy and fodder development activities.

Farmers club in Nine villages:

As a part of FTTF project Farmers Club were formed in 9 villages namely Janukubal, Periyakalakadi, Panaiadivakkam, Sirukalathur, Thenneripattu, Andarkuppam, Devathur, Chitravadi, Kamsalapuram in Chithamur and Madhurathagam Blocks on 27.08.2010 Mr. Sudhakar, AGM NABARD unveiled the Name Board of the farmers club and elaborated on the activities of the farmers club. Thiru. Ramasubramaniyam, DD NAF and Thiru. Satish, Agri Asst NAF were also present.

NAF - IGNOU COMMUNITY COLLEGE:

Certificate Program in Horticulture - Fruits ,Vegetables and Gardnening

64th Independence Day Celebrations

SHG Volunteers Training Program:

SHG groups in each villages select a Volunteer representing the village for Developmental and SHG group activities. Training is imparted to these volunteers in book keeping of SHG accounts, Documentation of SHG loans and Sanitation loans, in conducting SHG group meetings and Village meetings.

These volunteers are responsible for implementation of the Social Development projects in the area of Sanitation and Education, Insurance and Employment through SHG Groups. First level training is conducted on 11.08.2010 and 16.08.2010 for 26 SHG Volunteers at NAF - CFRD

Educational Trip for School students:

National Agro Foundation is organizing Educational trip to Secondary and Senior Secondary Students as Part of Educational Program on Agriculture and Rural settings. Away from their hectic urban busy routine, students spend the time in the Rural Environment , learn about Agriculture and Horticulture , participate in rural games, Ride on tractor, Bullock carts and enjoy tasting the traditional and rural foods. 32 Students from Akshaya Matriculation Higher secondary School, Velachery, Chennai visited CFRD on 07.08.2010.

Arasur Water shed Project - Activities at a glance:

Rejunavation of Pond

Renovation of Irrigation Channel

Supply Excavation Channel

Tree plantation for Carbon Credit

Disc ploughing brings more Fallow Land under Cultivation

Deep Tilling brings more Fallow Land under cultivation