Skill development certificate course on Agri-Produce begins at Shoolini University

Solan, July 25

The ten-day Skill Development Certificate Course (SDCC) on “Production and Value Addition of Agri-produce” commenced today at Shoolini University.

The course is being organised by the Directorate of Extension Education, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, and the MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture at Shoolini University in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad.

The inaugural session began with an address by chief guest Chancellor, Shoolini University, Prof. PK Khosla who encouraged students to become job providers rather than job seekers and also highlighted the importance of skill development in the agriculture sector.

Registrar, Shoolini University, Prof. Sunil Puri, highlighted the need for advanced research to spur agricultural growth and shared updates from the recent Union Budget. Prof. Puri also addressed the budget constraints and inflation issues impacting the agricultural sector, urging participants to leverage their newfound skills for entrepreneurship post-course completion.

Dr. Somesh, Dean, MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, welcomed the chief guest, Chancellor, Shoolini University, PK Khosla,  and guests from Nauni University.  He also mentioned the need to shift from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture.  He emphasised on value-addition as an important technique to minimise the losses in agriculture produce and to uplift the economy.

Dr. Inder Dev, Director Extension UHF, Nauni, shared India’s agricultural journey from food scarcity to the Green, White, and Blue Revolutions. He underscored the course’s goal to equip students with entrepreneurial skills and expressed optimism about India’s future, stating, “By 2027, India will be a developed country.”

Prof. Anil Sood delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, Shoolini University, and the Dean of Agriculture. He acknowledged the contributions of everyone involved in making the course possible.

Following the inaugural session, Dr. Santanu Mukherjee introduced participants to the ten-day training programme, discussed the aims and vision of NAHEP and NARM and provide an overview of the course itinerary.