- ICAR sought industry and academic inputs on proposed PG and Ph.D. programmes
- Curricula must be multidisciplinary, competency-based and aligned with NEP 2020
- Syllabus committee chaired by Gujarat Natural Farming Science University Vice-Chancellor
- Proposed programmes to cover biological inputs, certification, marketing and entrepreneurship
- Inputs will help finalise and implement the programmes on time
ICAR has sought industry and academic inputs on proposed PG and Ph.D. programmes in Natural Farming. The Agricultural Education Division organised a consultation meeting to refine the curricula before they are finalised.
The meeting was chaired by M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, ICAR. The aim was to ensure the programmes meet the growing needs of Natural Farming, farmers and the wider farm sector.
What the programmes should cover
Jat said the PG and Ph.D. programmes must be future-ready, globally relevant and closely linked with farmers, industry and society. He asked for new areas to be added to the curriculum.
These include biological inputs, soil health, certification, value chains, marketing, digital technologies and entrepreneurship. He also stressed clarity on the different streams and approaches to chemical-free farming, so students understand the principles and practices.
Curriculum model and draft plan
Yashpal Singh Malik, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, called for multidisciplinary, competency-based and industry-oriented curricula. He said these should follow the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Malik said Natural Farming offers new opportunities. He added that students need relevant knowledge and skills to meet the sector’s changing requirements.
C. K. Timbadia, Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat Natural Farming Science University (GNFSU) and Chairman of the Syllabus Formulation Committee, presented the proposed M.Sc. and Ph.D. curricula. A. S. Yadav, Assistant Director General (Education Quality Assurance and Reform), ICAR, also made the presentation.
Next steps
The meeting ended with inputs from industry experts and academic stakeholders. ICAR said these will help the timely finalisation and implementation of the PG and Ph.D. programmes in Natural Farming.
