Over the years, it has become common to understand and define organic agriculture as farming without synthetic pesticides and conventional fertilisers. This should not be considered a definition but a characteristic of a socially and environmentally conscious approach to agriculture that is currently experiencing rapid growth in the sector.
India is fast becoming a major base for production and supply of organically produced agricultural products to the world market. During the year 2009-10, India exported organically raised commodities worth US$116 billion.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India, has developed a 6-month Certificate in Organic Farming programme.
As it would be imparted in IGNOU’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, persons with Secondary School qualification (10+2 pass) in any part of the country could enroll in it.
Objectives
The main objective of the programme is to:
- Impart knowledge and proficiency in Organic production practices, Certification process and marketing of organically raised agricultural produces
- Promote self employment and income generation.
Fee Concession
The fee concession is available to the following category of students:
1) All the candidates from the rural areas shall be entitled for fifty percent fee concession
subject to the production of domicile certificates.
2) Students from urban areas living below poverty line may also be given fifty percent fee
concession subject to production of income certificate
Job Opportunities
Trained organic farmers
Self employment as:
- Input Producers
- Group Farming Managers
- Counselor\ Trainer
Market Facilitator
Student Support Activities
Learning M aterial: The printed study material is sent to the registered students at home by post.
Audio-visual learning aids: The learning package also contains audio and video cassettes and CDs which have been produced by the University. A video programme is usually of25-30 minutes duration. These programmes can be heard/viewed at the study centre duringspecific sessions, or purchased for use at home.
Counselling:Counselling sessions are held according to a schedule drawn up by the studycentre coordinator, usually during weekends.
TV counselling and Tele-conferencing: Through GyanDarshan Channels and EduSat. One Gyan Darshan channel is available on DTH platform.
Radio Counselling: Through phone-in programmes on AIR and GyanVani.
* 1 credit = 30 hours of student’ s study time
Additional I nformation:
The additional information about the programme and the admission details are available at IGNOU website – www.ignou.ac.in and our Regional Centres. Additional information about this programme may also be obtained from School of Agriculture.
For further information kindly contact:
Dr SK Yadav,
Programme Coordinator,
School of Agriculture,
G Block, Zakir Hussain Bhawan,
New Academic Complex,
IGNOU, Maidan Garhi,
New Delhi-110 068.
Phone: +91-11-29573088
E-mail: skyadav30@gmail.com
(or)
Prof MK Salooja,
Director,
School of Agriculture,
G Block, Zakir Hussain Bhawan,
IGNOU, Maidan Garhi,
New Delhi-110 068.
Phone: +91-011-29533167
Tele Fax: +91-011-29533167
E-mail: soa@ignou.ac.in
