Skills and Experience Acquired from Field Practical Training

My name is Naisae Sabiti Athumani, a third-year student at Sokoine University of Agriculture pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. During my field practical training at AGRISCAPE INNOVATION COMPANY LIMITED, which lasted for five weeks from 23 March to 24 April 2026, I had the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in modern agricultural practices, particularly in nursery management, flower management, and the raising of vegetable and fruit seedlings. This training enabled me to connect the theoretical knowledge acquired at Sokoine University of Agriculture with the actual field activities carried out in the agricultural sector.

At the beginning of the training, I was introduced to the company’s working environment, rules, and daily agricultural activities. I observed how the company applies modern farming technologies to improve crop production and efficiency. This exposure helped me understand the importance of innovation in agriculture and how modern practices can increase productivity.

One of the major activities I participated in was nursery establishment and management. I learned how to prepare growing media and fill seedling trays properly before sowing seeds. I also participated in sowing vegetable seeds in seedling trays and monitoring their germination. Through this activity, I gained skills in handling seedlings carefully and maintaining proper nursery conditions.

During the training, I conducted a project that involved examining the use of seedling trays and seedbeds in raising seedlings. The aim of the project was to compare the effectiveness of the two methods in seedling production. Through observations made during the project, I discovered that seedling trays performed better than traditional seedbeds in producing healthy and strong seedlings.

Seedlings grown in seedling trays showed better growth, proper root development, and uniformity compared to those grown in seedbeds. Seedling trays also reduced seed wastage and made nursery management easier. In addition, transplanting seedlings from trays was more convenient because the roots were protected inside each cell, reducing transplant shock and seedling damage.

On the other hand, seedlings raised in seedbeds faced several challenges such as overcrowding, uneven growth, and increased risk of disease spread. Some seedlings were damaged during transplanting because their roots were exposed and easily disturbed. From these observations, I learned that seedling trays are a more effective and modern method for raising quality seedlings.

part from nursery activities, I also participated in irrigation, transplanting, weeding, and general farm maintenance. These activities helped me understand the importance of proper crop management practices in achieving high agricultural productivity. I also learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, responsibility, and time management in the workplace.

During the training, I faced some challenges such as hot weather conditions, physical fatigue, and long working hours in the field. However, these challenges helped me become more patient, hardworking, and adaptable to real working environments.

The field practical training was very important because it improved my practical skills and increased my understanding of modern agriculture and agribusiness. The experience helped me realize the importance of adopting improved agricultural technologies such as seedling trays to increase crop productivity and improve farmers’ income.

In conclusion, my field practical training at AgriScape Innovation Company Limited (ASI Co.Ltd) was a valuable learning experience that helped me gain practical agricultural knowledge and professional skills. The knowledge and experience gained during the training will help me in my future career in agriculture and agribusiness, and I believe the skills acquired can also help educate society on the importance of modern farming technologies.