Dear Members,
Institution of Maharashtra Agricultural Technologists (IMAT) established during 2014 as an association of agriculture and allied sector graduates in the state with a vision of science and technology led growth of agriculture and to serve as a platform for addressing technological, educational, policy level and socio-economic issues of agriculture and allied sector. IMAT is endowed with a great pool of intellectual’s consisting of former and present vice chancellors, agriculture commissioners, directors, bureaucrat’s, entrepreneurs and farmers with agriculture background constituting a ‘think tank’ that strives to create knowledge lit agrarian society in the state. The organization started with merely 30 founder life members now has over 800 life members and strength is growing each day. Life membership is open to all agriculture and allied sector graduates in the state, outside state and abroad.
IMAT has also created a category of ‘Associate Member’ for accommodating innovating farmers and successful agro-based entrepreneurs with or without any graduation degree to benefit from their grass root level experience, innovative and enterprising skills. Students are torch bearers of future agriculture and considering their role in carrying out the mission further, a separate category of 'Student Member' has been created. IMAT will be initiating free ‘career guidance’ programs for student members from all state agricultural Universities and Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) in the state.
IMAT has launched a new dynamic website with regular updates on events and activities, webinar information, abstracts of topics, powerpoint presentations on webinars and will provide other relevant linkages to viewers. The new URL for the site is https://www.imat.org.in. I appeal to all members to visit the new website and provide your inputs and encourage others to enroll for a suitable category of Membership using online facilities made available on the new website.
IMAT has organized over 50 free webinars on agriculture and allied sector topics for farmers and agriculture professionals with the help of ‘Kisan exhibition team’ benefitting thousands of farmers and agriculture professionals in the state during corona pandemic and will continue this activity uninterrupted on every Sunday at 11.00 to 12.30 hrs. I request all members to encourage farmers in your contact groups, entrepreneurs, professionals and students to take advantage of this activity as well-known experts in the country share their experiences for the benefit of the farmers.
I appeal to all members to participate in all IMAT activities, help expand IMAT base for bridging the technological and policy gaps between farmers and policy makers, farmers and knowledge centers and support the cause of creating ‘agrarian knowledge society’ in the state.
My best wishes to all members for agrarian prosperity, good health and happy days ahead!/p>
Dr Venkat M. Mayande,
Chairman, IMAT