Key Strengths
Cultivating technical & managerial skills in the trainees need a training environment which can support effective learning. Proper Infrastructure and use of appropriate training tools, methods and procedures for different subject areas is essential in this context.
PAMETI is situated in Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus, Ludhiana. This location itself gives this institute some major advantages. Various scientists, engineers and extension specialists (including retired faculty) from varied fields of Agriculture and allied subjects working in PAU and GADVASU act as pool of experts for imparting trainings to the extension functionaries. These experts directly interact with the participants and discuss latest concepts and technological advancements in their respective fields. Also, trainees can learn and give their feedback about practicalities of above. This helps in establishing stronger linkages between research and extension personnel. Thus, PAMETI provides a platform for reducing the gap between technology generation and its dissemination.
Being in the central part of Punjab, the institute is easily approachable for trainees from all other parts of the State. Various Institutions and Departments of National Importance like CIPHET, PSRB, IGMRI and BISA for the development of Agriculture and Allied Sectors are also situated in or around the city. This makes easy access to the trainers and resources in these institutes for the trainees. Exposure visits to these institutes are regularly organized so that trainees can observe and learn.
Also, Ludhiana is an industrial city which gives trainees benefit of experience sharing with various agro-industry experts to help rural youth in planning their own enterprises and start-ups. Presence of Agricultural University in Ludhiana also contributed to the agricultural development around the city. Many farmers have adopted the advised technologies by the University and have become progressive. This helps trainees to make visits to these farmers and motivate farmers in their areas to replicate the same.
Infrastructure at PAMETI supports organizing workshops on varied subjects of interest for the trainees. Faculty for imparting trainings on Agricultural Extension, Business Management, ICTs, Human Resource Management, Post Harvest Management is present at the institute. Three halls of different seating capacities i.e. of 30, 60 and 90 at PAMETI are there according to the participation of trainees in different workshops. Each hall is equipped with AV-aids to present the concepts and ideas by the experts effectively. Videoconferencing facility helps to arrange interaction of trainees with experts sitting at far off places.
Giving due importance to the fact that practical know how of the ICT tools is very much needed for extension officials, PAMETI has its own IT Labs (each with 12 computers with latest configuration) with Internet facility. This helps in giving practical trainings to the participants on various IT technologies.
Boarding facilities includes full day meals for trainees during the workshops. Two time session tea and high tea on day-one of each workshop organized is offered to the participants as refreshment. Accommodation for trainees is arranged at PAMETI hostel situated near the institute. Each room in the hostel is equipped with air conditioner, electric geyser, TV and other such facilities of comfort.
Other than this, PAMETI publishes various books, brochures, pamphlets etc. on different thrust areas time to time for distribution among the trainees. Most of these publications are distributed free of cost for further dissemination among the farmers.