Samagra Shiksha, Nauni university ink agreement

Samagra Shiksha has signed an agreement with Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, under which the university would provide practical training to schoolchildren pursuing vocational education in agriculture and allied sectors.

The university will start providing training to 5,000 students of Classes IX to XII who are pursuing agriculture-based vocational courses.

In addition to training at an incubation centre, which will be set up at the university, virtual training and field visits to agricultural science centres in various districts will also be arranged for the students.

The MoU was signed on Thursday between Rajesh Sharma, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha; and Prof Rajeshwar Chandel, Vice-Chancellor, Dr YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University, Nauni.

This partnership will offer students enhanced opportunities for experiential learning, allowing them to get hands-on exposure to modern technologies being implemented in agriculture and allied fields.

Sharma said the partnership was a historic collaboration that would transform vocational education in the state. “Together, we are committed to empowering students and showcasing agriculture as a promising career path,” he added.

Sharma said the project was a part of the World Bank-funded STARS project.

“This initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy-2020, which focuses on bridging the gap between educational institutions and industries, improving educational quality and enhancing vocational skills,” he added.

He said the initiative would play a crucial role in developing practical skills among students, providing them with a new direction for their careers in agriculture and allied sectors. “The agreement will also give students the opportunity to learn and understand the use of new technologies,” he said.

Chandel said the collaboration was an important step in promoting agriculture as a respectable and viable career option. “Agriculture is often looked down upon as a career choice, especially when compared to engineering and medical professions. As a result, youth from agricultural backgrounds are moving away from agriculture, while students from engineering and other sectors are eagerly stepping in to fill the gap,” he said.

The VC said there were abundant opportunities in agriculture that were often overlooked in favour of white-collar jobs — which are sometimes low-paying and far from their home.

Under this project, Samagra Shiksha will provide approximately Rs 2.8 crore in funding to the university.

The centre will be equipped with modern agricultural and horticultural tools, laboratories and smart classrooms. Students will receive training under an internship programme.