The Government has been actively implementing skill development programs to empower farmers and rural youth by enhancing their knowledge and capabilities in agriculture and allied sectors. These initiatives aim to modernize farming practices, improve productivity, and create employment opportunities in the sector. Over the past three years, approximately 9.9 million farmers have been trained under various programs, significantly contributing to agricultural development.
Key Skill Development Schemes for Farmers and Rural Youth focus on enhancing agricultural expertise, modernizing farming practices, and creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
1. Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY)
The Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) program provides short-term training (7-day duration) to young individuals in villages. This initiative focuses on improving their technical knowledge and practical skills in agriculture, agribusiness, and allied sectors.
The training helps them explore self-employment opportunities or secure jobs in the agricultural field. Recently, STRY has been integrated into the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) framework to enhance its outreach and effectiveness.
2. Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
ATMA is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented across 739 districts in 28 states and 5 Union Territories. It is a decentralized initiative focused on farmers. It plays a crucial role in revitalizing agricultural extension services by promoting the adoption of innovative farming practices. ATMA facilitates training programs, exposure visits, Kisan Melas, and on-field demonstrations, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest agricultural advancements.
3. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
With mechanization playing an essential role in modern farming, the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) aims to train farmers and technicians in the operation, repair, and maintenance of farm machinery. It provides hands-on training on selecting, operating, repairing, and maintaining agricultural machinery. The initiative is carried out through four dedicated Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes located in:
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Madhya Pradesh
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Haryana
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Andhra Pradesh
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Assam
The scheme ensures that farmers have access to mechanization, which enhances efficiency and reduces manual labor.
4. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is an umbrella scheme designed to promote holistic agricultural development. It allows state governments to customize training programs and development activities based on their specific agricultural needs. The scheme encourages the adoption of innovative farming techniques and provides financial assistance for skill enhancement projects.
5. National Skill Development Mission
Launched in July 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the National Skill Development Mission focuses on imparting specialized training to rural youth and farmers. The program includes skill training courses of at least 200 hours, covering different aspects of agriculture and allied sectors. Like STRY, this initiative has recently been integrated into the ATMA framework for better implementation.
Training through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) operate under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as single-window centers for agricultural knowledge and skill enhancement. These centers provide practical training in areas such as:
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Crop production techniques
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Soil health management
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Horticulture
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Livestock care
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Post-harvest processing
Over the past three years, KVKs have successfully trained more than 5.8 million farmers, significantly contributing to capacity building in the agricultural sector.
Impact of Skill Development Initiatives
Over the last three years, approximately 9.9 million farmers have benefited from various training programs under these schemes. Training initiatives under SMAM have equipped farmers with the skills to operate farm machinery efficiently, reducing labor dependency.
In districts like Tiruchirappalli, targeted funding under STRY and ATMA has successfully facilitated skill-building workshops, ensuring that local farmers receive hands-on training in modern farming techniques. These initiatives are playing a crucial role in transforming agriculture into a more profitable and sustainable profession.
Through its skill development programs, the government is equipping farmers and rural youth with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in modern agriculture. These initiatives foster self-reliance, employment, and increased productivity in rural India by providing training in modern techniques, advanced machinery, and sustainable practices.
