Shoolini University launched a 10-day Skill Development Certificate Course (SDCC) on ‘Production and Value Addition of Agri-Produce’ starting July 25. The Directorate of Extension Education at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, and the MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture at Shoolini University, organised the course in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad.
Chief guest and Chancellor of Shoolini University, Prof PK Khosla, addressed the inaugural session. He encouraged students to become job providers rather than job seekers, emphasising the importance of skill development in agriculture.
Registrar Prof Sunil Puri emphasised the need for advanced research to drive agricultural growth and shared insights from the recent Union Budget. He also discussed budget constraints and inflation issues affecting the agricultural sector, urging participants to use their new skills for entrepreneurship after completing the course.
Prof Somesh, Associate Dean of the MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, extended a warm welcome to the Chancellor and guests from Nauni University. He emphasised the critical need to shift from traditional to modern agricultural practices, highlighting value addition as a vital strategy to minimise losses in agricultural produce and enhance the economy.
Dr Inder Dev, Director of Extension at UHF Nauni, detailed India’s remarkable journey from food scarcity to achieving the Green, White, and Blue Revolutions. He stressed the course’s objective to arm students with entrepreneurial skills and expressed strong optimism for India’s future, confidently stating, “By 2027, India will be a developed country.”
Prof Anil Sood extended 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.
Associate Prof Santanu Mukherjee introduced participants to the 10-day training programme after the inaugural session. He discussed the aims and vision of NAHEP and NAARM and provided an overview of the course itinerary.
July 25, 2024
