Irrigation is the key
to increase agricultural production and to help reduce poverty. This is
especially true for Afghanistan due to its low seasonal rainfalls and extended
draught periods. Building better canals or renovating existing ones requires
skilled personnel trained with modern instruments and tools of the trade.
The JICA funded CDIS (Capacity
Development of Institutional Strengthening) project recently carried out a
ten-day “On the Job Training on Technical Survey and Plotting of Irrigation
Schemes” for 16 Surveyors (civil engineering) from Ministry of Agriculture,
Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) and the provincial offices of the Directorate
of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL). It is one of the four
on-the-job trainings that the CDIS project has been carrying out in building
the technical capacity of the personnel working under MAIL in Afghanistan.
The participants,
under supervision of the CDIS team and resource persons, carried out the
technical survey of Zerdarak Canal (Dehsabz District) using Total Station,
compilation of field data using Civil 3D software, preparation of longitudinal
section, cross section and, get acquainted with the relationship between GIS
and Civil 3D.
“Total Station” is a modern
electrical/optical theodolite (a surveying equipment) that is used by land
surveyors and civil engineers to carry out topographic surveys and to set out
construction works. “Civil 3D” is a computer-aided-design software that enables
simple engineering calculations - such calculation of the earthwork required in
canal construction - and preparation of drawings incorporating data from the
Total Station. The capacity to work with these modern equipment and latest
software will enhance the work quality and productivity of the surveyors.
The training program
was inaugurated by Mr. Abdul Wahid Karimi, Social and Economic Studies Section
Head of Irrigation Directorate who encouraged all the participants to learn and
apply new technologies in their regular work. The participants carried out
survey in the field and complied the data to generate canal profile, site plan
and topographic map of the site. An evaluation of the participants was carried
out at the end of the training and certificates awarded to successful
participants. The participants were eager to learn and apply it to their
regular activities but some said they were constrained by the lack of equipment
and programs in their offices. The training was well appreciated by the
participants and their respective departments.
On the Job Training is one of the most efficient method of the learning, its participatory approach, easily the target trainees can learn the theoretical and practical knowledge.
ReplyDeletethe procedure of this training is known as self activity, the participants should work by themselves and the conductor role is only as mentor and case of any difficulties conductors are helping them.
It is good to see that the CDIS is imparting practical OJT's to the concerned personnel. The performance pf the irrigation system is dependent upon the correct layout of the irrigation for which topographical surveys/maps are of utmost importance. Good surveyors are needed everywhere!
ReplyDeleteTechnical survey is important step in the process of implementation of irrigation scheme. Hence, one more OJT on Technical survey may be required in order to cover all the ID and DAIL staffs engaged in survey works.
ReplyDelete