Vegetables are important components in people’s daily lives. The global demand for vegetables is expected to increase in the coming years brought about by rising per capita income and continuing population growth in developing countries.
To address the changing demands for profitable and sustainable production of vegetables, the AVRDC-ARC has embarked on a curriculum that will enhance the managerial skills of researchers and extension specialists in Asia to meet the challenges of modern techniques in vegetable production and providing an environment for farmers to use their skills to realize the potentials of modern agriculture. The course has a synergistic mix of learning experiences in classroom and field studies that will develop strong linkage between extension and research to enhance vegetable production and marketing.
The training provides an opportunity for the participants to learn from the broad international experience represented by the trainers as well as the trainees themselves. Exchange of knowledge and experiences is facilitated through lectures, demonstrations, practicals, group discussions, and exposure to actual field conditions through participation in farmer field schools. For each module, participants are expected to prepare term papers on specific subjects related to the themes of the modules.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. must have at least a BSc degree in agriculture or in any related fields;
2. be actively involved in and committed to vegetable production, research and/or extension; and,
3. conversant in English language and have basic computer skills.
After the training course, the participants are expected to:
1. understand the principles as well as demonstrate appropriate skills in vegetable production, research, extension;
2. develop the capability to conceptualize, organize and implement efficient farmer education programs relevant to the actual needs of the farmers in their respective countries;
3. understand the importance of and demonstrate the capacity to conduct impact oriented research and development interventions;
4. recognize the importance of research-extension-farmer linkages in the effective implementation of “research to development continuum” in Asia; and,
5. demonstrate understanding of the concepts and applications of Good Agricultural Practice, enabling them to help their respective countries in adapting to the rapidly evolving demands of globalization and marketing.
The course is designed for staff of government and private agencies (including non government organizations) involved in horticulture and other related areas.
The course is organized in close cooperation with the following organizations and partners:
- Kasetsart University
- Department of Agriculture, Thailand
- Department of Agriculture Extension, Thailand
- Private seed companies and vegetable growers
The course, which runs from 3 November 2008 – 30 January 2009, is divided into three separate but inter-related modules which may be taken singly or as a whole depending on the needs/requirements of the participant. The modules are:
Module 1 : From land preparation to planting
Module 2 : Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) - Growing a healthy crop
Module 3 : Harvest to market
Fundamental to the 3 modules are skills in management, farmer education and good agricultural practice, socio-economic data collection for impact assessments and facilitation of farmer groups to continue adaptive field research addressing arising issues.
The training will be conducted at the research and training center of AVRDC-ARC in Kamphaeng Saen campus of Kasetsart University, about 85 km west of Bangkok. The center provides excellent facilities for lecture and practical. The research field provides opportunity for participants to practice their skills in adaptive research. A Farmer Field School will be organized with the RTC to facilitate direct learning on the process of farmer education.
Participants will be accommodated in the dormitory of the National Agricultural Extension and Training Center (NAETC) of Kasetsart University. Meals are provided by the cafeteria of NAETC. Arrangement for participants with meal restrictions/preferences due to religious or health reasons is provided.
Participants completing all three modules will be awarded a full certificate while those who finish one or two modules will be given a certificate of attendance for the respective module attended.
The course fee is USD 6,000 for the three modules while an individual module costs USD 2,000. This amount includes administration fees, lecture materials, board and lodging, local health insurance, and educational trips within Thailand. Transportation costs from duty station to Bangkok are the responsibilities of participants .
Interested applicants may seek financial support from various funding agencies.
Deadline for application is two (2) months before the start of the course. Further information and application forms can be obtained from our website, or write to:
AVRDC-ARC P.O. Box 1010 (Kasetsart) Bangkok 10903, THAILAND
Tel.: +66-2-942-8686/87 Fax: +66-2-942-8688 Email: info-asia@worldveg.org
Registration Form
27th RTC Brochure
