Goa minister proposes agriculture subject in school syllabus

Goa Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai Wednesday proposed that agriculture be made part of school curriculum in the coastal state.

Addressing a gathering at Fatorda in South Goa, the minister said the students who prefer farming as a profession in future, would become model citizens if they are taught agriculture in schools.

"Like History and Civics, agriculture should also become a part of school curriculum as a work experience. The students who take up agriculture should get more marks. A child would become a model Goan citizen after practicing agriculture (sic)," the minister said, adding that he would discuss his proposal with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Sardesai, who also holds Agriculture portfolio, was speaking at a summer camp for students, which was organised in association with the Directorate of Agriculture.

The minister also suggested that the state Agriculture department can establish an "agriculture academic cell", which would be the first-of-its-kind in the country.