Why We Celebrate Agricultural Education Day

To commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of Independent India and Union Minister of Agriculture, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has declared December 3rd as "Agricultural Education Day." 

The goal of this day was to expose students, including students from schools, to various aspects of agriculture and its importance to the development of the country, to inspire and attract them to agriculture, so that they develop an interest in agriculture and related subjects, choose professional careers after schooling in some of these courses, engage in agriculture and related activities, or become agri-entrepreneurs in the future. 

The ICAR Institutes conducts debate Competitions, Essay Competitions, Art Competitions, Exhibitions, and Interaction with Agricultural Scientists, Policy Makers or Administrators, and Farmers across the country for school children. 

Krishi Jagran Organized a Webinar on the Importance of Agriculture Education for all. You can find it on our official FB Page.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad - First President of India 

Rajendra Prasad, India's first president, was born in the Bengal Presidency of India on December 3, 1884. (present-day Bihar). Dr. Rajendra Prasad was an Indian liberation fighter who worked as a lawyer, teacher, and author. From 1950 to 1962, he served as the country's first President. 

During the Indian Independence Movement, Rajendra Prasad joined the Indian National Congress. He rose to become one of Bihar's most powerful politicians and was a staunch supporter of Mahatma Gandhi. He was India's first and longest-serving President, and he contributed to the country's independence struggle. He was an ardent participant in the 1931 'Salt Satyagraha' and the 1942 'Quit India Movement.' Along with many other prominent freedom fighters, he was imprisoned. 

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a key figure in the creation of the Indian Constitution. In 1962, he received the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. At the age of 78, Dr. Rajendra Prasad died on February 28, 1963. 

Agricultural Education  

India is mostly a farming country. For more than 80% of rural India's population, agriculture and related activities are their primary source of income. It employs around 52 percent of the labour force. It contributes 14 to 15% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). 

Currently, attempts are being made to present a variety of topics, courses, and programmes for students in schools and universities in many areas of agriculture. The primary goal of Agricultural Education Day is to introduce children to many areas of agriculture and their importance in the growth and development of the country. On this day, an endeavour is made to encourage and motivate kids to pursue careers in agriculture so that they may acquire an interest in the sector. 

The student intake capacity has increased from less than 5,000 in 1960 to 40,000 today. With roughly 350 member colleges, these AUs annually enrol about 25,000 students at the undergraduate level, over 15,000 at the master's level, and over 5,000 in Ph.D. programmes. In addition, there are numerous private linked universities that annually enrol thousands of students. 

Under the current ICAR-Agricultural Universities (AUs) system, there are around 23,000 scientists for teaching, research, and extension. Degree programmes are offered in 11 UG disciplines and 93 PG disciplines, with an emphasis on learning through hands-on practise sessions. A total of 52 percent of students admitted come from a rural background, with 36 percent of them being female. 

Top 5 Agricultural Colleges and Universities 

· Indian Agricultural Research Institute - [IARI] 

· Tamil Nadu Agricultural University 

· Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University 

· Central Institute Of Agricultural Engineering 

· Punjab Agricultural University  

You can enrol in any of these colleges, if you are interested in farming. Check out  India's Top 10 Agricultural Colleges for more information.