Review workshop on attracting & retaining youth in agriculture held at Delhi

New Delhi: The two-day review workshop on Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) Project was held on 24-25 August, 2018 in New Delhi.

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research & Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in his inaugural address appreciated successful implemented of ARYA Project by KVKs. Based on the experiences of the project implementation, more enterprises may be identified both in primary agriculture and secondary agriculture depending upon the KVK, interests and capacity of youths, and need of the location.

“There is need to segregate the parameters for identification of the youth for the project and scope for ARYA project for contributing to doubling farmers’ income,” said Dr Mohapatra adding that to attract youth in agriculture, there is a need to be make the agriculture glamorous, profitable and modernized.

Mr Chhabilendra Roul, Special Secretary, DARE and Secretary, ICAR observed that apart from processing and value addition there is a need to include in the project, the possible income generating activities in primary Agriculture where youth can generate additional income. In view of the shortage of labour in agriculture, enterprises like custom hiring and mechanization involving youth may be promoted. Also other innovative trades like Organic Farming, integrated Farm Management and Eco – Farm Tourism, Agri clinics may be included. He further added that while assessing the cost and benefits of the enterprise appropriate economic indicators are to be used.

Dr B Pradhan, IAS, Additional Secretary, DARE & FA, DARE emphasised that convergence of the schemes of the various Ministries of Government of India along with support from ARYA project may be considered for facilitating youth in establishing micro – entrepreneurial units.

Earlier, Dr A K Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) in his welcome address, said in view of ensuring National Food Security and utilizing knowledge and wisdom of youth, there is a need to attract youth in agriculture. Further, he briefed on the overall achievements of the ARYA project across the country highlighting the number of youths oriented under the project and established entrepreneurial units leading to corresponding economic gains.

(Source: Agricultural Extension Division, ICAR)