Bright prospects in Agricultural Education

Rajendranagar: ICAR- National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) organised a workshop on 'Prospects of Agricultural Education: Awareness among Higher Secondary School Administrators' on Monday under the aegis of NAHEP (National Agricultural Higher Education Project).

According to organisers, the workshop aimed to impress principals, vice-principals, faculty on the prospects of agricultural education and the need for quality manpower so that the 12th standard students participate in the national level entrance examination - AIEEA -2020 (All Indian Entrance Examination for Admission) organised by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) on June 1, 2020.

Around 30 participants including principals, vice-principals, faculty in science from eight higher secondary schools of Hyderabad and faculty of NAARM participated in the programme. The programme was inaugurated by Jaya Prada Bai B, DIEO- Hyderabad and Regional Joint Director, who stressed that these awareness programmes were necessary for students to think beyond engineering and medical streams, i.e. agriculture and allied sciences. On this occasion, she released a flier of ICAR-AIEEA 2020 and a booklet on 'Career Opportunities in Agriculture and Allied Sectors.'

Dr S K Soam, CPI NAHEP Project from ICAR NAARM in his presidential address briefly described the objectives and activities of project i.e. NAHEP and its contribution to quality and relevance of agricultural education. He also talked about the necessity of guidance for school students at appropriate time to help them choose right career. Dr D Thammi Raju, principal scientist narrated the importance of diversity in career options and the requirement of quality manpower to meet the challenges of current agricultural sector.

Dr R Chandrashekar, former Dean, SKLTSHU; Dr D Vishnuvardahan Reddy, Dean of student affairs of PJTSAU and Dr S T Viroji Rao, Dean of Faculties of PVNR Telanagana Veterinary University explained different career prospects in their respective fields i.e. Horticulture, Agriculture and Veterinary, Fishery and Dairy Sciences. A quick brainstorming session on way forward for creating awareness was organised to develop such programmes for future. Dr B S Yashavant, scientist of the Academy, coordinated the event.