Keeping in view the objectives to improve the professional competence and upgrade the knowledge and develop technical skills of subject matter specialists/ extension workers and to improve an opportunity of experience sharing, problem solving and interaction between experts and subject matter specialists a Model Training Course entitled ‘Promotional issues of women in agriculture for farm mechanization and further steps to reduce their drudgery with increased output’ was conducted for 8 days during 6th to 13th November, 2013 which was sponsored by Department of agriculture and cooperation, Directorate of Extension, New Delhi, Govt of India . Total 22 numbers of participants from 8 states (Haryana-6 (Male-6), Uttar Pradesh-2 (F-2), Chhattisgarh-1 (F-1), Andhra Pradesh-1(M-1), Madhya Pradesh-2 (F-2), Himachal Pradesh-2 (M-1, F-1), Odisha-4 (F-4) & West Bengal-4(M3,F-1)) attended the training programme out of which 11 were male and 11 were female. Total 28 nos of sessions were covered including theory (19), practical (9) and visit to different organizations as CRRI, CHESS, OUAT and OFMRDC. Total 19 nos of faculties delivered their lecture including 12 nos from institution and 7 were guest faculties. Overall grading by the participants was 3.5 on scale of 1-4.

All the participants were provided knowledge and upgraded their skill regarding Women friendly tools and equipment, Anthropometrical & strength issues in design/ assessment of farm tools and equipment for women, Physiological workload, Aerobic capacity, Ergonomics, Drudgery and its assessment technique, Knowledge about role of Bureau of Indian Standards in Farm Mechanization, Nutritional security of farm families, Health hazard of farm women at their workplaces, Gender sensitive extension techniques & Gender focussed in entrepreneurial development, Women friendly IPM techniques, and Gender issues in agriculture, horticulture and livestock, and Government programme for women in agriculture.

Major feedbacks received from participants were exposure visit to farmers’ field and boarding & lodging should be provided inside the Institute campus.