The training programme of the first batch of 21 workers of different NGOs and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) was held at the BRRI from November 27 to 30.

The Bangladesh Rice Knowledge Bank-based training module was developed by the BRRI scientists with support and close collaboration from IRRI, Bangladesh to train the GO-NGO extension workers and farmers.

This is available in a folder as hard copy as well as in the Bangladesh Rice Knowledge Bank (www.knowledgebank-brri.org), an electronic depository of agriculture-related knowledge, and in CD. David Shires facilitated the series of preparatory workshops for BRRI scientists on communicating to non-scientific audiences.

This module is in Bangla and the users will get access to all relevant information on rice production.

The Director General of BRRI Dr M Mahiul Haque was present at the closing session of the training as the chief guest. BRRI Director Research Dr MA Baqui and FoSHoL-IRRI Project Manager & IRRI Representative for Bangladesh Dr Noel P Magor were present as special guests while Head of IRRI Training Division Dr Jahirul Islam chaired the session.

FoSHoL is a 56-month project that has been working for the improvement of food security and livelihoods of agriculture dependent resource-poor households, mainly small and marginal farmers. This project is coordinated by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and funded by the European Commission (EC).