A training programme was organised by Reviving Green Revolution Cell and Department of Agriculture, Punjab (DoA) in association with Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The training programme was held at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana campus. A total of 150 'scouts' from three districts viz Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran were trained in this training programme conducted in two batches (each of 4 days duration) during April 4 – 10, 2011. The training module was prepared by Department of Entomology, PAU, Ludhiana, which is the key partner with the Cell and the Trust. The training module covered the crop production and crop protection aspects giving more emphasis on reduction of overdose of fertilisers and chemicals.

The 150 scouts represent 150 villages in 11 blocks of 3 major basmati growing districts. This year approximately 73,000 acres would be covered under the IPM umbrella. Specific orientation was given to scouts for collection of soil and water samples. Based on the soil testing report the specific target of optimum fertilisers application would be achieved. During the training programme technical support was provided by RGR consultant Dr GS Deol and field officers working in the Basmati IPM project.

After the initial four-day training at PAU, these scouts will now be trained during the crop season at their respective districts' headquarters of DoA, which is the key partner in implementation of the project. The Trusts and DoA are contributing equally towards the financials of the project. Seed and seedlings treatment campaigns are the key features of the project which have helped farmers in the disease-free seed production over the last two years.