Solan: The Samagra Shiksha, Himachal Pradesh, and Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, have entered into a transformative partnership aimed at providing practical agricultural training and fostering entrepreneurial skills among school students pursuing agricultural vocational education.
Under this partnership, a new Incubation Centre for Vocational Education in Agriculture and Allied Sectors will be established, offering students invaluable hands-on learning opportunities. The project will be funded by Samagra Shiksha with a budget allocation of ₹2.8 crore. The university will contribute its expertise in agriculture, infrastructure, and data management to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The primary goal of the Incubation Centre is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to excel in agriculture and allied sectors. By creating an environment conducive to innovation, skill development, and experiential learning, this project will significantly enhance vocational education in the state.
The MoU was signed at Nauni on Thursday evening between Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of UHF and Rajesh Sharma, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, Himachal Pradesh.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rajesh Sharma emphasized that this collaboration is part of the World Bank-funded STARS project, a Ministry of Education, GoI initiative. He highlighted that the project aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which focuses on bridging the gap between academic institutions and industries to improve educational quality and enhance vocational skills. Sharma reiterated the importance of preparing students for the challenges in agriculture and allied fields, providing them with hands-on training to develop practical skills.
Prof. Chandel, in his address, expressed pride in the partnership and underscored its alignment with the university’s mission to integrate education with innovation and societal impact. He stated, “This collaboration is a significant step towards promoting agriculture as a viable career option, especially in a society where many students often perceive agriculture as a lower career choice compared to professions like engineering and medicine.”
Prof. Chandel noted that this mindset has led to youngsters from agricultural background moving away from agriculture, while students from engineering and other sectors are eagerly moving in to fill the gap.
He added, “As barren agricultural land is increasing, it is crucial to change this mindset by educating students about the potential in agricultural entrepreneurship. There are abundant opportunities in agriculture that are often overlooked in favour of white-collar jobs, which are sometimes low-paying and far from their home communities.”
The key features of the MoU include the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility with modern agricultural tools, labs, and smart classrooms. A progressive curriculum for classes 9-12, spanning between 40-60 hours will be tailored by university, education and industry experts to align with the requirements of the state. Both virtual and in person training sessions will be covered with focus on use of AI, Drone, Robotics in improving agriculture and horticulture productivity. It will also focus on advanced agricultural practices, technology integration, and market analysis. The collaboration will also involve local agricultural businesses, NGOs, and farmer producer groups to provide students with valuable field visits, workshops, and internships. Students will actively engage in rural development projects, gaining insights into local challenges and developing innovative solutions. The university’s constituent colleges and regional stations will also be engaged. This collaboration represents a significant step toward building a skilled workforce in agriculture and ensuring the region’s agricultural future thrives.
