The capacity development workshop for the agriculture undergraduates to address agricultural issues with farming community was organized at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna on 22 July 2023. The inauguration began at 8.30 a.m., and was attended by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, the Dean of the Faculty, staff of the faculty, along with other invited guests. 12 professionals from different organizations related to agriculture sector along with farmers were invited and engaged in a discussion forum where they have shared the problems and opportunities to work together. There were 51 students trained. The students were trained on tools and techniques to use in addressing agricultural issues by Dr. S. Surantha from Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. Also, skill trainings on leadership, communication, confidence building, stakeholder mapping and idea generation by the facilitators from the American Corner, Jaffna and University of Jaffna. The workshop concluded with student presentations on ideas for working with farming communities on the challenges discussed earlier over a campfire. The event is financially supported by a grant received by the event coordinator; Dr. Mrs. T. Suvanthini from the US embassy through the American Corner, Jaffna. Mrs. K. Abhiramy and Mrs. A. Thushalini were involved in organizing the event.
