Note for Record on Training of Master Trainers from Community Organizations of National Rural Support Programme, Hyderabad Region

09 – 13 August 2002

Hyderabad, Sindh

Introduction

The Training of Trainers (TOT) for the staff and Master Trainers selected from Community Organizations of NRSP Hyderabad Region was organized by Eco-Conservation Initiatives (ECI). Sugarcane and cotton IPM was the focal point. This event comprised of 6 modules. Each module was delivered every day. In addition to staff of NRSP Hyderabad Region, 16 Master Trainers selected from the COs participated in this training. During the first three days the contents related to sugarcane IPM were covered. These were followed by a half-day field visit to ECI-IPM Field Station at Faran Sugar Mills, Sheikh Bhirkio, Hyderabad. Cotton IPM was covered on the first half of the last day that was followed by a field visit around Hyderabad. Each module provided adequate space for interactive discussions among the participants and resource persons, group exercises and demonstration of IPM products.

Before commencement of the first session on Day-I, a questionnaire consisting of basic questions about IPM of sugarcane and cotton pests was distributed among the participants to assess their initial level of understanding related to the subject and title of the workshop. On average, participants had 2% knowledge about the concepts, theme and methodology of sugarcane and cotton IPM. The same questionnaire was again distributed among the participants on last day of the workshop at the conclusion. It was surprising to note that their level of understanding had gone up to 95% which is very much encouraging for the resource persons and the organizers of this event.

Just before the first module, the participants were asked to note down their expectations and fears from this training event.

Objectives

This was the first TOT on IPM of its kind in the NRSP Hyderabad Region. Following were the objectives of this event:

Introduce the Sugarcane and Cotton IPM technology among the staff and Community Organizations (COs) of NRSP, Hyderabad Region.

Identify and select the community members as the Master Trainers who are interested to adopt Sugarcane and Cotton IPM as small and medium enterprise in the long run.

Train the selected community members as the Master Trainers in the field of Sugarcane and Cotton IPM

Highlight the role of IPM through the community organizations of NRSP Hyderabad Region for maintaining ecological balance of the area.

Module-1

The first training module was delivered on Day-1. It consisted of following contents:


After presentation by the resource persons, the participants were divided into three groups with three different themes on IPM. After the specified time, the representative of each group presented the findings to all the participants. It was followed by interaction discussion among them. After this session the participants had become fully familiar with the concepts and methodologies of field-based Sugarcane IPM. This activity also provided them an opportunity how to effectively communicate with their Community Organizations when they go back and organize awareness activities related to IPM.

Module-2

The second training module was delivered on Day-2. The resource person covered following contents with examples and different case studies in Pakistan and other countries around the world:


Later on the participants were divided into three groups. Each group was assigned to identify and prepare a list of indigenous methods and strategies being used by them and their forefathers for control of pests. Aster the specified time, the representative of each group presented their findings to all the participants. This was followed by a detailed interactive dialogue. The second exercise was based on preparation of different IPM Models from the selection of land / seeds etc. up to the crop harvest involving all stages of insect pests according to the seasonal changes and growth of pests. Each group presented their IPM Models that was thoroughly discussed.

Module-3

The third training module was delivered on Day-3. The resource person covered following contents:


The major insect pests and their natural enemies had been displayed in the training room for their identification and demonstration to the participants. The participants observed the specimens in three groups and get familiarized with them before going to field visit on the next day. Moreover, the resource person briefed them thoroughly step by step on mass rearing of natural enemies.

Module-4

The Module-4 consisted of field visit to mass rearing lab. and on-farm demonstration and collection of insect pests and their natural enemies. In the morning participants were taken to ECI-IPM Laboratory where they were briefed on the augmentation of natural enemies. Later on they were taken to a sugarcane field. Each group of the participants undertook pest scouting in the field, collected the insect specimens and their natural enemies and got familiarized with field based IPM activities. They brought all the collected material in the training venue where they keenly observed them. After lunch, each of the group presented their field report to all the participants that was followed by interactive discussion with focus on mass rearing of natural enemies and their releases in the field.

Module-5

The Module-5 consisted of Cotton IPM and pest scouting of cotton pests in the field. In the morning resource person delivered following contents in his presentation:


In the afternoon, the participants had field visit to a cotton field around Hyderabad. They were demonstrated to cotton pests and their natural enemies. Each group conducted pest scouting and collected samples of insect pests and their natural enemies. The samples were taken back to the training venue where they further discussed with the resource person presented their reports.

The NRSP Hyderabad Region provided an IPM Kit to each of the participants. They participants were also trained in use of kit and proper methods for collection of insect pests and their natural enemies. The kit consisted of following items:

  1. Insect collection bag
  2. Magnifying lens
  3. A pair of scissors
  4. Insect needle
  5. Fine brushes
  6. Collect boxes
  7. Collection tubes
  8. A pair of cutting knives
  9. A pair of petri dish
  10. Rubber bands etc.

The training was concluded on Day-5 after the last module. The participants thanked the resource persons for conducting this training. However, it was generally felt that IPM training should be season long that will provide in-depth experience to the Master Trainers in the field of IPM.

A draft Terms of Partnership was also prepared highlighting responsibilities of NRSP, Hyderabad, Master Trainers and ECI. The session was concluded with distribution of certificates among the Master Trainers.