ICRISAT is building internal capacity to use and support the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) across its crop programs.
Thirteen ICRISAT staff recently completed a virtual EBS Train-the-Trainer program held over 10 training sessions. The program strengthened practical EBS skills and prepared participants to support colleagues and share knowledge within their teams.
The training covered key processes for working with EBS, including managing breeding materials and experiments, collecting and checking data, and conducting data analysis. Through demonstrations and hands-on exercises, participants practiced using EBS and connected the learning to their breeding activities.
The participants represented ICRISAT teams from India, Niger, Mali, Malawi, and Kenya, with 11 male and 2 female participants. They worked across crop programs including sorghum, chickpea, groundnut, pearl millet, finger millet, and pigeonpea. This diversity provided opportunities to learn from different breeding contexts while working within a shared learning environment.
Building Capacity Beyond the Training
For ICRISAT, the value of the program extends beyond completing the training sessions. Participants are expected to serve as local resource persons, helping their teams apply EBS in their day-to-day activities and supporting colleagues as they begin using the system.
The next step is to move from learning EBS to applying it within each crop program. Participants can begin by using their new skills in actual breeding activities, identifying areas where additional guidance is needed, and sharing practical knowledge with colleagues.
The Train-the-Trainer program also prepares participants to support future internal learning by setting clear objectives, guiding practical exercises, sharing resources, and helping assess whether users have developed the skills they need.
Continuing the Learning
Completing the Train-the-Trainer program marks the beginning of the next phase of capacity building. Participants can continue developing their skills through practical use of EBS, internal knowledge sharing, and collaboration with the wider EBS user community.
The EBS Global User Support team will continue to provide user guides, video tutorials, a demo environment and support channels for questions, training requests and technical issues. Participants are also encouraged to join the Regional Support Network (RSN), where data managers and support staff can share experiences, exchange practical knowledge, and help address common challenges.
As ICRISAT continues expanding its use of EBS, the focus now shifts from completing training to building sustained internal capability. Through practical application, knowledge sharing and peer support, trained participants can help their colleagues build confidence in using EBS and carry the learning forward within their crop programs.