Cabinet approves 3-year action plan for agricultural education

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Three Year Action Plan (2017-2020) of the scheme for Agricultural Education Division and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, with an outlay of Rs. 2,225.46 crore for strengthening and developing higher agricultural education in India.

The scheme has allotted Rs 2,050.00 crore for strengthening and development of higher agricultural education in India, Rs. 24.25 crore for ICAR- National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Rs. 151.21 crore for ICAR - Central Institute of Women in Agriculture (CIWA) including All India Coordinated Research Project on Home Science.

The scheme aims to generate quality human resources from the institutions.

It is taking measures for quality faculty, international ranking, and alumni involvement, promote innovations and more.

Accreditation, along with financial support, has been linked to the institutes for better quality.

In addition, ICAR-CIWA will conduct research on gender issues in agriculture and allied fields formulate gender equitable programmes and gender-sensitive responses in the sector.

CIWA has been providing a leadership role in empowering farm women and the changing agricultural scenario.

ICAR-NAARM will cater to farmers, young scientists, students and agri-industry in National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES), to enhance their capability. NAARM has played a key role in enhancing the capacities of individuals, and institutions of NARES in agricultural research, education and technology management.

ICAR undertakes planning, development, coordination and quality assurance in higher agricultural education through a partnership with 75 Agricultural Universities (AUs) established across the country.

The human resource developed by Agricultural Universities has played a pivotal role in transforming agricultural scenario.