Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Scheme was introduced, a thoughtful initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with the education wing of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The primary goal of this project is to empower the rural farming community by offering them technical and scientific education to enhance their agricultural practices. Specifically, the project is designed to support farmers engaged in organic farming, natural farming, and dairy-based agriculture. It seeks to bring a positive impact to the lives of these hardworking individuals in the agricultural sector.

Objective

Our initiative focuses on establishing support centers in underdeveloped and rural areas, offering professional assistance to farmers. The goal is to empower them with scientific knowledge, enhancing their understanding of agricultural systems.
By providing farmers with proper scientific backing, we aim to improve the efficiency of their agricultural practices. This positive outcome not only benefits the farmers directly but also serves as motivation for more individuals to join the agricultural sector.
A key objective of our project is to address the declining interest of the younger generation in India’s agricultural sector. We recognize the need to attract more young people to ensure the future sustainability of farming.
Through formal and scientific education provided by our initiative, we strive to raise awareness among the youth about the potential improvements in efficiency and yield. This, in turn, encourages them to consider a career in agriculture.
We are currently facing a situation in India’s agricultural sector where the workforce is shrinking because many young individuals hesitate to pursue farming. Our project, ARYA (Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture), is underway at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs) with the support of the Indian Council of Agriculture (ICAR).

Scope of Implementation

Nationwide Reach: The initiative plans to engage 100 centers across the country, aiming to make a positive impact on organic and sustainable farming.

Financial Support: A substantial sum of Rs. 5.35 crore has been allocated to fund these centers, ensuring they have the necessary resources for effective implementation.

Community-Centric Selection: The centers are strategically chosen based on the local community’s knowledge, experience, and skills in organic and sustainable farming, tailoring the program to meet the specific needs of each region.

Personalized Training Approach: A thoughtful approach is taken to assess the training and guidance required for each center, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths of different communities.

Coordinated Leadership: A team of four coordinators takes charge of organizing and streamlining various activities associated with the initiative. Their role involves overseeing beneficiary selection, addressing concerns, and handling queries.

Beneficiary Engagement: The coordinators actively work to identify eligible individuals for the program, addressing their concerns and queries to ensure maximum participation and benefit.

Themes Of The Scheme

We planned and implemented this scheme with the aim of focusing on three main factors: promoting natural farming, supporting organic farming, and fostering a dairy-based economy. Let’s have a brief idea on these topics;

Natural Farming:

In natural farming, we let nature take the lead. Instead of relying on human inputs, we harness the power of biodiversity to enhance cultivation. This method not only improves the quality of crops but also nurtures the overall ecosystem. For those interested in this unconventional approach, training and expert guidance become crucial. As it differs significantly from traditional methods, a helping hand in understanding the nuances can make a substantial difference.

Organic Farming:

Organic farming goes beyond just growing crops. It prioritizes the health of the soil, water, and the entire ecosystem. In this method, harmful chemicals like pesticides and synthetic growth hormones are a strict no-no. Instead, we embrace natural alternatives such as organic manure and pest control, fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach.Given that organic farming is a subject actively under research, providing accurate information becomes essential. This not only enhances the efficiency of the outcomes but also raises awareness about the importance of this practice.

Cow-Based Economy:

Cow farming, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, extends beyond just milk production. Cows offer various benefits, from their milk and dairy products to their dung, a valuable biological fertilizer and fuel. Even their urine serves as an organic pest repellent. Dairy farming constantly evolves with innovative practices. These developments not only help farmers produce more efficiently but also manage their yields systematically.

Selection Criteria:

The selection criteria prioritize farmers with experience and interest in natural farming, organic farming, or cow-based agriculture. Those actively practicing these methods take precedence, recognizing their valuable contribution. Opportunities for participation are open to farmers from all communities, ensuring equal chances for everyone.