Twenty-two scientists, engineers, technicians and local manufacturers of agricultural machinery working in and with CIMMYT participated in an Agro-machinery Professionals’ Jamboree held in Jhenaidah District, Bangladesh, 27-30 April 2015. The objective of the Jamboree was to acquaint participants with agro-machinery such as seeders and reapers and develop their troubleshooting and operating skills. Participants shared their experiences and the challenges they face in the field, and brainstormed solutions together.
During the Jamboree, mock challenges similar to complications commonly found in the field were presented so participants could try to solve them. They learned the necessary theory and facts through demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions and multimedia presentations. Participants also described difficulties they commonly face in the field and found the best possible solutions through interactive discussions.
“It was a wonderful workshop where we shared our real-life experiences to help farmers achieve common goals,” said Jamboree participant Mohammad Hasanuzzaman.
Facilitators Arshadul Haque, Senior Scientific Officer, and Rezaul Karim, Scientific Officer, both from the Engineering Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, called upon the participants to become change leaders in Bangladesh’s agricultural machinery revolution. Team leader Abdul Momin, CSISA-CIMMYT Cropping System Agronomist, emphasized the need to hold this type of event at least once before every cropping season to continue to build staff capacity.
Capacity development 