Krishi se Atmanirbharta: First Agri Skills Conclave 2022 by ASCI

With the help of the Ministries of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), the Sector Skill Council on Agriculture, conducted the inaugural Agri Skills Conclave following the epidemic on the theme of “Krishi se Atmanirbharta” on August 26, 2022. The conclave focused on several important issues regarding the development of new career opportunities and the strengthening of the skill process in the agricultural industry.

The event began with the lighting of the lamp by the chief guests, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary-Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Maneesh Mansingka-Chairman, ASCI, and Shri Manoj Chugh-President, Group Public Affairs-Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. The guests were welcomed by Shri Manoj Chugh, who also emphasised the pressing need to turn agriculture into a successful business and to draw and keep young people in the field. He placed a strong emphasis on teaching young people the appropriate practical skills and contemporary abilities in order to de-risk and sustain the entire farming process. There is an urgent need to coordinate efforts and inform India’s workforce about the importance of having skills in the agriculture and allied sectors.

Shri Maneesh Mansingka, Chairman of ASCI, emphasised, “The urgency of developing new competencies focused on handling new technologies for improving the productivity and sustainability of the sector in the areas of agri-tech, farm digitization, agri-based e-commerce, and alternative energy, the need for a skilled workforce that can meet the agriculture sector’s current and future needs.” 

He continued on to outline ASCI’s accomplishments during the previous 12 months and reaffirmed that ASCI will continue to make a substantial contribution to the workforce’s skilling, upskilling, and reskilling needs and have a beneficial impact on the government’s “Krishi se Atmanirbharta” initiative.

The MSDE Secretary, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, highlighted the problems facing the industry and the necessity for automation and mechanisation to boost productivity. He emphasised the importance of practical training on farms. Massive underemployment and youth migration from rural to urban areas present challenges. The youth need to receive new training and be placed in locations with sustainable employment chances. The time has come for unconventional thinking and the development of solutions that are more effective in this industry. 

Also read: Skill2Jobs – Agriculture Sector: Employment and Entrepreneurship https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/oldsite/skill2jobs-agriculture-sector-employment-and-entrepreneurship/

The Farm Mechanization Sector Skill Gap Study and Short-term Courses Directory were prepared by ASCI and released at this time under the supervision of the Secretary, MSDE. The CEO of the Agriculture Skill Council of India, Dr. Satender Arya, appreciated the eminent guests and the participants.