Career building in agriculture through open and distance learning programmes of IGNOU
26 February, 2024
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is admitting learners in various programmes in online mode through its website www.ignou.ac.in. The School of Agriculture, one of the 21 Schools of Studies of the university, is mandated to build employable skills in various stakeholders such as farmers, rural youths, technicians, farm women etc. to improve their livelihood through Open and Distance Learning in agriculture and allied sectors. Currently, there are 16 programmes at various levels such as certificate (6 months duration), Diploma (one year duration), PG Certificate, PG Diploma and Master Degree in the School. One PG certificate programme on Agriculture Policy is also offered in online mode. The certificate and diploma programmes are entrepreneurial and are capable of building employable skills in agriculture and allied sectors. The educational programmes are offered in the emerging areas of Dairy Farming, Organic Farming, Beekeeping, Poultry Production, Sericulture, Agriculture Policy, Agricultural Cost Management, Water and watershed management, Dairy Technology, Meat Technology, Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables, Horticulture, Agribusiness, Food Safety and Quality Management.
The programmes in the area of agriculture and allied sectors offered a promising career path with a wide range of job opportunities and the potential for continuous learning and growth. It equips individuals with valuable skills that are in high demand in the agro-food industry. The educational programmes of the School of Agriculture are extremely useful to become professionals in agro-based industries such as fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, food processing, farm machinery, etc. These programmes help to undertake agri start-up activities such as organic farming, vermicompost, contract farming, farmers' producers' companies, agri-inputs, processing, agri-marketing, etc.
The school reaches to its learners through various modes using multimedia Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The courseware consists of print self-learning materials and audio/videos to transact knowledge and skills in the domain areas. Counselling sessions are organized offline at the designated Study Centers and also online through Radio / TV / Web counselling. Interested learners may visit the IGNOU website (http://ignou.ac.in/ignou/aboutignou/school/soa/programmes) or the nearest IGNOU Regional Centre for further information and admission to the programmes. The learners may also write to the School of Agriculture at soa@ignou.ac.in and/or contact the School of Agriculture through the telephone 011-29572972, 011-29537067 for any information about the programmes and admission.
