150 Himachali Youth to Learn New Farming Techniques in Japan

Shimla, Jan 14

In a recent meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Development Committee in Shimla, a decision was made to provide training to young farmers. Approximately 150 young farmers from Himachal Pradesh will be sent to Japan to learn modern agricultural techniques. Every year, batches of youth will travel to Japan for training in modern agriculture under the sponsorship of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Dr. Sunil Chauhan, the director of the JICA project, mentioned that this initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukkhu, is a unique and significant step towards providing employment to the youth in the agricultural sector, similar to the state’s 600 crore startup plan. Rajeshwar Thakur, the media advisor to the Himachal Pradesh government in JICA HPCDP, stated that the Chief Minister’s aim is to ensure that the minimum monthly income of the state’s farmers is sufficient for their families to progress economically towards self-reliance.

The decision to provide such training to young farmers was taken during the Agricultural Development Committee meeting in Shimla. Dr. C Pal Rassu, the project’s chairman and agriculture secretary, has approved this initiative. The selected youth, who have a minimum of a 10+2 education and aspire to build a career in agriculture, will receive training in modern farming practices in Japan. The government plans to send around 250 youths to Japan by 2026 in various batches.

The selection process will include a screening test and agricultural internships. The initial phase of the selection process will involve a six-month training program provided by the Skill Development Corporation in the state. This program will cover aspects such as Japanese etiquette, law, culture, and language. After completing the training at the state’s expense, the selected individuals will undergo a screening test by the Skill Development Corporation, following which they will be sent to Japan. Their visas and other formalities will also be facilitated by the corporation, and they will be referred to as “Agricultural Interns.”

Upon reaching Japan, the youth will receive comprehensive training in the latest agricultural practices, marketing, and more from the Japanese government. They will also receive a monthly stipend of one lakh rupees during their training in Japan. After completing the training, if the youth choose to start their agriculture-based businesses in Japan and reside there permanently, they will have the option to do so. Additionally, after returning to Himachal Pradesh after 3 to 5 years, they can initiate their agriculture-based ventures.

This initiative aims to equip the youth with modern agricultural skills and empower them to contribute to the development of agriculture in Himachal Pradesh, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the state’s farmers.