Industrial training carried out at tropical fruit co-operative union ltd (TEFCU).

Abstract

Industrial training is one of the examinable modules that is done in Busitema University, Faculty of agriculture for the period of 10 weeks by students aiming to become agriculture professionals. It exposes the student to the farmers in which he or she learns from it and also the farmers learn from the student, gives the students a hands-on experience in farm and community practice and farming in general by giving them opportunity to stay and interact with the community The 10 weeks industrial training attachment was carried out at TEFCU in Soroti city where I got exposure in fields such as crop production. Participatory discussions, demonstration methods and observation were methods used to obtain information from the farmers during attachment period. Various activities were carried out such as orientation, training on citrus agronomic practices, etc. Skills such as agricultural routine activities, identification of problems in farm and community concerning production, use of agrochemicals, disease diagnosis were attained. Some challenges were also encountered in the course of attachment such as inadequate farm tools and long distance to the farmers' fields. However, some Recommendations were highlighted to the university and the sub county to mitigate the challenges encountered such as purchase of more farm tools to allow students carry practical activities in time, need for timely preparation to enable students complete their activities in time. In conclusion, industrial training was marvelous because I was able to obtain practical skills in citrus production and management.