Skill course for agriculture workers launched in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: With a view to developing skills of workers in the agriculture sector under the Skilled-in-Odisha mission, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched ‘Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)’ programme in agriculture and allied sectors at the Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT) on a pilot basis involving 2000 farmers and agriculture workers in and around Bhubaneswar.

The RPL programme under which farmers and agriculture labourers will be provided proper training and recognition, will go a long way in honing their existing skill. This will result in the increase of their income and the economy of the state will find an impetus.

The Chief Minister said though agriculture sector employs many skilled workers they lack formal training and certification. This leads to their non-consideration as a skilled force.

“Identification of such workers pertaining to various agri-sectors, imparting skill training to them through training, assessment of their knowledge level and certification through National Skills Qualification Framework will add to their strength and ability and will go a long way in empowering them,” said the Chief Minister.

The pilot project is implemented by Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and OUAT which will conduct the programme to educate the interested persons through skill development training on nursery worker, gardener, dairy farmer, mushroom grower, quality seed producer and fertilizer and pesticide applicator. The project is funded by Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and OSDA.