Himachal: Comprehensive education, Nauni University signed an agreement

Himachal Pradesh: Samagra Shiksha has signed an agreement with Dr. YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University, Nauni, under which the university will provide practical training to school children pursuing vocational education in agriculture and allied fields. The university will start providing training to 5,000 students from class 9 to 12 who are pursuing agriculture-based vocational courses. Apart from training at the incubation centre to be set up at the university, virtual training and field visits to Krishi Vigyan Kendras in various districts will also be arranged for the students. The MoU was signed between Rajesh Sharma, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha and Professor Rajeshwar Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Dr. YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University, Nauni on Thursday. The partnership will provide better opportunities for experiential learning to the students, giving them a chance to get acquainted with the modern technologies being implemented in agriculture and allied fields. Sharma said that this partnership is a historic collaboration, which will transform vocational education in the state. “Together, we are committed to empowering students and showcasing agriculture as a promising career path,” he said. Sharma said the project is a part of the World Bank-funded STARS project. “This initiative is in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy-2020, which focuses on bridging the gap between academic institutions and industries, improving educational quality and enhancing vocational skills,” he said. He said the initiative will play a vital role in developing practical skills among students, giving them a new direction for their careers in agriculture and allied sectors.

“The agreement will also give students an opportunity to learn and understand the use of new technologies,” he said. Chandel said the collaboration is an important step in promoting agriculture as a respectable and viable career option. “Agriculture is often underrated as a career option, 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 fields are eagerly coming forward to fill this gap,” he said. The vice chancellor said there are a lot of opportunities in agriculture, which are often overlooked in favour of white-collar jobs – which are sometimes low-paying and far from home. Under this project, Samagra Shiksha will provide funding of around Rs 2.8 crore to the university. The centre will be equipped with modern agriculture and horticulture equipment, laboratories and smart classrooms. Students will be given training under the internship programme.