FoSHoL-Practical Action organized a 20-day training on power tiller operation and maintenance in two batches in Faridpur for its Rural Technology Extensionists (RTE). In total 28 RTEs, 15 from Jamalpur and 13 from greater Faridpur Districts participated in the training. The first batch started on August 6 and the second begun on September 1, 2006.

The training mainly focused on construction of diesel engine, functions of the parts of the engine and power tiller components, malfunctions and remedy, routine maintenance etc. It is expected that after this training the RTEs will be able to provide tilling and repairing service to power tiller operators and thus generate income from this. Professional toolboxes were provided to all the participants.

Mr. Mihir Kumar Biswas, Instructor of Technical Training Centre (TTC) and Mr. Amiruzzaman, Mechanic of Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) facilitated the technical sessions. Agriculture Extension Officer Kamrul Islam and Training Officer Waliur Reza of FoSHoL-Practical Action, Faridpur also facilitated.

Nowadays most of the farmers depend on power tillers for preparing their lands. However, there is shortage of skilled technicians at rural level to help the power tiller operators in case of any malfunction.