ODL Interventions for Skill Development in Agriculture

Abstract

Indian agriculture is at crossroads and is one of the concern areas for the policy makers. The human resource base for the agriculture sector is weak and is one of the neglected components of the sector. The programmes and initiatives being initiated, under the recently launched National Skill Development Mission, can provide an interface for development of human resource for the agriculture sector. The ODL can play a proactive role in human resource development for agriculture sector and successful implementation of the Skill Development Mission through interventions like: development of competency based curricula and multi-media training modules, designing and implementing the testing and certification mechanism and development of qualification framework. It can also facilitate in creating a value added ICT enabled system. Implementation of skill development mission in area of agriculture through ODL shall ensure wider participation in equity mode. The paper analyses the present agriculture scenario, status of vocational education and skill development in the area of agriculture, potential of Open and Distance learning (ODL) in skill development skill development and issues involved in development and planning of Qualification Framework. It is envisaged that efforts in building the human resource, through a structured and certifiable system shall bring in significant change in the growth of the sector.