The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has joined forces with the Australian Government to launch the Australia-India Critical Agriculture Skills Pilot Project. The initiative, unveiled during a high-level roundtable led by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, and Mr. Mathew Johnston, Minister Counsellor for Education and Research at the Australian High Commission, marks a significant step towards modernizing and sustaining the agricultural landscape.
This pioneering project, conceived last year, involved meticulous consultations with 89 experts from 64 organizations. It identified and mapped 107 emerging job roles crucial for the sector’s advancement. Pilot projects focusing on roles such as Digital Agriculture Extension Promoter and Organic Farm & Business Promoter have been implemented across Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.The collaboration aligns qualification standards through the Agricultural Skill Council of India (ASCI) and Skills Impact in Australia, ensuring the programs meet global benchmarks. These efforts are geared towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in climate action and education quality.
Secretary Tiwari emphasized the project’s role in enhancing food security and employment opportunities, underscoring its strategic importance amidst evolving global challenges. The initiative’s course content, developed by prestigious institutions including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Australian counterparts like the Australian College of Agriculture & Horticulture (ACAH), signifies a robust bilateral effort towards skill enhancement and sectoral development.
