Introduction
Vasantrao Naik State Agricultural Extension Management Training Institute; popularly known as VANAMATI is an apex training institute of Department of Agriculture Government of Maharashtra. The institute was established on date 1st July 1992 vide GR No-(PR BHE PA) 1092/CR-2(A)/17-A dated 12.05.1992. The operational area for the Apex institute is entire State where as for Regional Institutes; the respective Regions namely Nagpur, Amravati, Aurangabad, Nasik, Pune, Kolhapur and Thane (Khopoli).
The apex institute is located at its new campus at VIP Road Dharampeth Nagpur and it has the responsibility to impart Capacity Building Training to middle and senior level officials of State Department of Agriculture and Allied Sector.
The principal lines of activities for institute revolves round the Training and Development and as such, the Thrust Areas for the organization are,
Agriculture Extension Management,
Human Resource Development &
Information and Communication Technology
The institute is also entrusted with the responsibilities of carrying out training and development activities under World Bank assisted projects such as MWSIP, MACP etc…
In line with its stated objectives, institute conducts various training programmes throughout the year and enable intended trainees develop desired competencies so as to improve performance in the field thereby supporting farmers in realizing their dreams.
Infrastructure
The institute is in the campus located at VIP Road, Dharampeth Nagpur in area admeasuring approximately 2 ha. There are two main blocks viz. Training Premises and Hostel Complex. The facilities housed in these premises are indicated below:
I. Training Premises – It houses the following components –
Administrative Block (Offices of Director, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Administrative & Account Officers, World Bank assisted Project Offices, Library, Computer Lab etc…)
1.Training Halls – There are 4 halls having seating capacity of 30 each
2. Group Discussion Rooms – There are 3 small rooms attached with each training hall having capacity to arrange Group Discussion of 6 – 8 members
3. Library – A well maintained library is available for the trainees in the institute. There are ample books on various subjects pertaining Agriculture, Agro-Entrepreneurship, Marketing Technology, Human Resources, Rural Development, Information Technology etc…
4. Computer Lab – The new Computer Lab is having 20 PC(s) with Internet connectivity.
5. Offices for World Bank assisted Projects such as MWSIP, MACP
II. Hostel Complex – It houses the following components –
Living Rooms for Trainees – 60 living rooms are available for trainees on twin sharing basis
Canteen & Dining Hall – It is available to serve for around 100 trainees at a time
Apart from the above the miscellaneous infrastructure such as space for parking, recreation room, 4 suites for VIP Guests, furniture, training aids etc… is available.
Human Resource
The institute is headed by Director who is a Sr. level IAS Officer and the other middle management personnel engaged in the institute are on deputation from State Department of Agriculture.
The institute is also entrusted with the responsibilities of carrying out training and development activities under World Bank assisted projects such as MWSIP, MACP etc. For carrying out training activities we have Master Trainer, Agri-marketing Executive and Agribusiness Specialist one each in said projects.
Line of Activities & Target Group
The present line of activities of the institute covers primarily the training needs of middle & senior level officials of State Departments of Agriculture and Allied Sector as well. Institute conducts short training programmes generally of 3 & 5 days of duration. These programmes are organized by the institute under components of:
a. Strengthening of Agriculture Institutions
b. Extension Reforms
c. World Bank assisted Projects such as MWSIP & MACP
d. ASCAD Scheme of AHD
e. NeGP-A
All the training programmes have a common focus of enabling management development dimension of the participating officials. The trainees are expected to sharpen their managerial skills and develop leadership attitude so as to help perform effectively while working in Agricultural Extension field. The participating officials are supposed to be Lead Facilitators for smooth implementation of various programmes and schemes being implemented by the department in the State as part of its Extension Interventions.
As regards the training programmes under World Bank assisted projects are concerned, they are arranged in accordance with the guidelines as received from respective Project Coordination Units (PCU).