Extension Education Institute (EEI), Hyderabad organized an Off campus training program, Quality control measures for Agricultural inputs for the Officers of Department of Agriculture, Telangana State from 26 -29 May 2025

Maintaining the quality of agricultural inputs involves ensuring that seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other supplies are of high quality and consistency, and used appropriately to maximize crop yields and minimize negative impacts. This includes proper storage, quality control measures, and adherence to best practices. Quality agricultural inputs can be maintained through quality control and best practices, following sustainable agricultural practices. In view of the above, the Extension Education Institute (EEI), Hyderabad organized an Off campus training program titled "Quality control measures for Agricultural inputs for the Officers of Department of Agriculture, Telangana State" from 26th to 29th May 2025. Contents covered in the programme were - Overview of regulatory issues for agricultural inputs, agrochemical regulation, quality control and management, visit to the seed testing laboratory, The plant quarantine order in India, agrochemical dynamics and environmental implications, regulatory framework for quality control measures in Agriculture, the fertiliser (Control) order 1985, visit to the Telanagana Seed testing Agency, pesticide residue management lab, Fertiliser Testing Laboratory, ISHM Insecticide act and penalties for offences in contravention to the acts and rules related to seed, fertilisers and pesticides, The seeds act 1966 GOI, The seeds (control) order, 1983 GOI, Sampling procedure for seed inspection, Extension strategies to promote safety and health in the use of agro chemicals. During Ice breaking exercise, The "pass the ball" icebreaker involves participants forming a circle, tossing a ball while sharing information about themselves or answering a question, and then passing it on to the next person. It's a simple, engaging activity that encourages interaction and can be adapted to different goals. The participants were made, visits to the Telanagana Seed testing Agency, pesticide residue management lab, fertiliser Testing Laboratory, ISHM and trainees received practical exposure on soil testing &analysis, Fertiliser sampling testing and analysis, pesticide sampling, testing and analysis, production of bio fertilisers, and the international standards for seed sampling, testing and analysis. Hands on training was given of handling on different agricultural inputs like seed, fertilisers and pesticides during the handling and sampling procedure in various labs. Dr. R. Vasantha, Professor EEI graced the inaugural and in her inaugural address mentioned that Quality control in agricultural inputs involves ensuring that materials used in farming are of high quality and meet specific standards. This includes testing and analyzing seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other materials to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Quality control measures aim to minimize risks associated with using substandard inputs, which can lead to crop failure or contamination. Training on quality control measures for agricultural inputs is crucial for ensuring food safety, improving productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It helps trainees to understand the importance of quality standards, learn about testing and sampling techniques, and comply with regulations. And the application of these learnings in the back home situation in turn, leads to higher quality agricultural products, increased yields, reduced waste, and enhanced market competitiveness. During the valedictory session, Dr.M.Jagan Mohan Reddy, Director, EEI indicated that training on quality control measures helps trainees understand the importance of adhering to food safety standards, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Proper sampling, testing for contaminants, and adherence to nutritional standards are crucial for ensuring that agricultural inputs meet industry requirements and that the final product is safe for consumption. Training ensures that the agricultural products produced are safe for human and animal consumption. Training can also help trainees to sensitise the farmers to reduce time spent in the field and maximize their yields by utilizing superior tools and strategies. Training also helps participants to understand the importance of using agricultural inputs responsibly and in a way that minimizes environmental impact. Hence all the officers are requested to apply the learnings in the real field situations and to submit the feedback to the EEI. Partcipants were very much impressed with course and conduct of the training. They expressed that, all the visits organised were really helpful for them as they have got lot of practical exposure in sampling, analysis and testing of Agricultural inputs, also useful for them in their regular job activities. They were also impressed with the sessions like seed, fertiliser and insecticide acts and penalities, which will help them to perform their duties with utmost care and concern. Twenty seven (27) trainees participated from the Department of Agriculture of Telangana state. The program was coordinated by Dr. D. Shireesha, Asst. Professor, EEI, Hyderabad.