PrintFriendlyThe Modi government’s emphasis on Agri-Skilling has significantly empowered India’s farmers with scientific knowledge, mechanization skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities.
India’s agricultural sector is evolving rapidly, requiring farmers to adopt modern techniques and technology-driven practices to improve productivity and sustainability. Recognizing this need, the Modi government has launched several skill development schemes aimed at upskilling farmers, rural youth, and agricultural workers. These initiatives equip farmers with scientific knowledge, mechanization skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s agricultural growth.
Key Skill Development Initiatives for Farmers
- Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY)
The Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) program is a short-term skill development initiative aimed at empowering rural youth and farmers by equipping them with modern agricultural knowledge and technical expertise. Conducted over 7 days, the program focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting self-employment, and creating a skilled workforce in agriculture and allied sectors.
Objectives of STRY
STRY primarily aims to upgrade farmers’ knowledge and skills in modern farming techniques, helping them adopt scientific and efficient agricultural practices. By promoting self-employment and wage-based employment, it enables farmers and rural youth to establish careers in agri-business, agro-processing, and allied sectors. Additionally, the program helps in developing a skilled workforce in key areas like organic farming, farm mechanization, livestock management, and climate-resilient agriculture, ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.
Current Status: Integration into ATMA Cafeteria
Initially launched as a standalone program, STRY has now been integrated into the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) cafeteria, which is a nationwide agricultural extension initiative. This integration allows wider implementation, providing structured training, exposure visits, and demonstrations to farmers across 739 districts in 28 States and 5 Union Territories. With ATMA’s enhanced resources and state-level coordination, the training has become more region-specific and effective, ensuring better accessibility and impact for rural youth and farmers.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Training Programs
The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), established under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), serve as one-stop knowledge centers for farmers across the country. These centers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical farming techniques by offering on-field demonstrations, hands-on training, and capacity-building programs. Through their structured training modules, KVKs ensure that farmers are well-equipped with the latest advancements in agriculture, enabling them to adopt modern, efficient, and sustainable farming practices.
Comprehensive Training Modules
KVKs provide specialized training in various aspects of agriculture and allied sectors to enhance farmers’ skills and productivity. In crop production, farmers receive training on soil health management, fertility improvement, and precision farming techniques, ensuring better yield and resource optimization. In the field of horticulture, KVKs offer guidance on advanced techniques for fruit and vegetable cultivation, helping farmers increase productivity and adopt climate-resilient practices.
Livestock management is another crucial area where KVKs provide extensive training. Farmers are educated on scientific dairy farming, poultry management, and fisheries to improve animal husbandry practices, ensuring increased productivity and profitability. Agricultural engineering training is also imparted, where farmers learn about the operation, maintenance, and repair of farm machinery and equipment, promoting mechanization and efficiency in farming operations.
A significant focus of KVK training programs is women empowerment in agriculture. Women farmers and rural entrepreneurs are provided specialized training in home science, food processing, and value addition to agricultural products, enabling them to establish small-scale agri-businesses and contribute to the rural economy.
Impact and Reach of KVKs
With a vast network of 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras spread across the country, these training programs have significantly contributed to agricultural transformation and rural development. By integrating scientific knowledge with traditional farming practices, KVKs have trained millions of farmers, helping them increase productivity, improve income levels, and adopt environmentally sustainable agricultural techniques. Through their consistent efforts, KVKs continue to play a vital role in empowering farmers, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening India’s agricultural sector.
- Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
The Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed to strengthen the agricultural extension system in India. It aims to decentralize agricultural extension services at the district level, ensuring that farmers receive timely access to the latest technologies and best practices. The program serves as a platform for collaborative and participatory learning, where farmers, extension workers, researchers, and other stakeholders work together to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. By adopting a farmer-centric approach, ATMA enhances knowledge dissemination and encourages innovation in farming techniques.
Objectives and Implementation
ATMA plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research institutions and farmers by promoting practical learning and technology adoption. The scheme facilitates Farmers’ Training Programs, where agricultural experts provide hands-on training on improved crop cultivation techniques, soil health management, and climate-resilient farming methods. Additionally, on-field demonstrations are conducted to showcase the effectiveness of modern agricultural machinery, precision farming, and organic farming practices.
To further enhance farmers’ exposure to new advancements, Exposure Visits are organized, allowing them to visit progressive farms, research institutions, and agricultural fairs where they can observe successful farming models and interact with experts. Kisan Melas (farmers’ fairs) are also held under ATMA to bring together farmers, agricultural scientists, and policymakers, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and networking. These initiatives help farmers adopt innovative and efficient farming practices, ultimately improving productivity and income levels.
Current Reach and Impact
ATMA is currently operational in 739 districts across 28 states and 5 Union Territories (UTs), making it one of the most extensive agricultural extension programs in India. The scheme has benefited thousands of farmers by enabling them to make informed decisions regarding crop selection, pest management, water conservation, and market linkages. Through its structured approach to knowledge dissemination and field-based learning, ATMA continues to play a pivotal role in transforming Indian agriculture, making it more resilient, profitable, and sustainable.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at promoting the widespread adoption of modern farm machinery. By encouraging mechanization, SMAM seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce manual labor dependency, and improve operational efficiency. Given the increasing challenges in agriculture, such as labor shortages and the need for precision farming, mechanization has become essential for sustainable and profitable farming practices. The initiative provides financial assistance and training to farmers, enabling them to utilize advanced farm equipment efficiently.
Training and Skill Development in Farm Mechanization
To equip farmers with the necessary skills to operate and maintain agricultural machinery, the government has established Four Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs) across the country. These institutes play a pivotal role in educating farmers on the selection, operation, and maintenance of modern farm equipment. Training programs focus on familiarizing farmers with the latest agricultural tools, helping them understand their functionality, and ensuring their optimal use in different farming conditions. Additionally, the courses emphasize energy-efficient utilization and repair of farm machinery, ensuring that farmers can troubleshoot minor technical issues and extend the longevity of their equipment.
Beyond basic operations, the training programs also encourage entrepreneurship in mechanized farming. Farmers and rural youth are guided on how they can establish their own custom hiring centers for farm machinery, enabling small and marginal farmers to access modern equipment without heavy investment. This not only helps in improving agricultural efficiency but also creates employment opportunities in rural areas.
Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs)
The government has strategically set up four dedicated FMTTIs in different regions to provide hands-on training and field demonstrations. These institutes are located in:
- Budni (Madhya Pradesh) – Focuses on the training and testing of tractors and power tillers.
- Hisar (Haryana) – Specializes in farm machinery used in northern and western India.
- Geraldine (Andhra Pradesh) – Provides training on mechanization techniques suitable for southern states.
- Biswanath Chariali (Assam) – Caters to the mechanization needs of farmers in northeastern India.
These institutes conduct training programs tailored to the agricultural conditions of their respective regions, ensuring that farmers receive relevant and practical knowledge.
Impact on Indian Agriculture
The implementation of SMAM has led to a significant increase in the adoption of farm mechanization across India. The use of modern equipment has reduced drudgery, improved efficiency, and enhanced crop productivity. By decreasing the reliance on manual labor, farmers can now cultivate larger areas with greater precision in a shorter timeframe. Mechanized farming also contributes to better resource management, such as optimal water usage, precise pesticide application, and reduced post-harvest losses.
With continuous support from the government, SMAM is playing a crucial role in transforming Indian agriculture, making it more competitive, sustainable, and profitable for farmers. Through training, financial assistance, and the expansion of mechanized farming, this initiative is paving the way for a modernized agricultural sector that aligns with the vision of a self-reliant and technologically advanced farming ecosystem in India.
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a unique and dynamic initiative designed to empower state governments with the flexibility to plan and implement agricultural development programs based on their specific regional needs. Launched as an umbrella scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, RKVY aims to promote holistic growth in agriculture and allied sectors by allowing states to tailor interventions according to their agricultural priorities. This decentralized approach ensures that farmers receive region-specific solutions that are best suited to their climatic conditions, soil types, and cropping patterns.
Customized Training Programs for Farmers
One of the key components of RKVY is the provision for state-led farmer training programs, enabling states to focus on skill development and knowledge dissemination. Unlike centrally dictated schemes with uniform guidelines, RKVY allows each state to identify key agricultural challenges, technological gaps, and training needs, and accordingly design training programs that address these specific issues. This approach ensures that farmers receive practical, hands-on knowledge that is directly applicable to their farming practices.
For example, states with a high prevalence of rain-fed farming can design training programs on drought-resistant crops and water conservation techniques, while states focusing on horticulture can conduct workshops on high-yield varieties and advanced nursery management. This customized skill development approach ensures that farmers are equipped with the latest techniques relevant to their region, ultimately leading to increased productivity and profitability.
Support for New-Age Agricultural Sectors
RKVY has evolved to support new-age agricultural sectors, recognizing the importance of diversification beyond traditional farming. The scheme provides assistance for emerging areas such as agribusiness, post-harvest management, and organic farming. Agribusiness-focused programs under RKVY encourage farmers to adopt value-added processing, packaging, and marketing strategies, ensuring that they can fetch better prices for their produce. This is particularly beneficial in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing the income of small and marginal farmers.
The emphasis on organic farming within RKVY aligns with the growing demand for chemical-free, sustainable agricultural practices. States have been encouraged to provide training on organic certification, composting techniques, and natural pest control methods to help farmers transition to environmentally friendly farming methods. Additionally, post-harvest management training helps farmers minimize losses by adopting better storage, grading, and transportation practices, thereby ensuring higher profitability and market competitiveness.
Financial Support for Farmer Skill Enhancement
A key strength of RKVY is its financial assistance mechanism, which supports farmer skill enhancement programs at the state and district levels. The scheme provides funds to state governments, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and other institutions involved in farmer training and capacity building. This financial support ensures that infrastructure, expert trainers, demonstration farms, and modern teaching aids are readily available for training sessions.
Additionally, states can allocate RKVY funds to organize exposure visits, farmer fairs, and hands-on training sessions where farmers can learn from best practices adopted in other regions. By facilitating interaction with progressive farmers, researchers, and agripreneurs, RKVY enhances the practical learning experience, allowing farmers to adopt modern techniques and improve their livelihoods.
Impact of RKVY on Indian Agriculture
The implementation of RKVY has had a significant impact on Indian agriculture by strengthening state-led initiatives, promoting localized solutions, and encouraging skill development in diverse agricultural fields. The scheme has played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, improving resource management, and supporting farmers in adopting innovative techniques.
With the continued support of RKVY, Indian agriculture is steadily transitioning towards a more resilient, diversified, and technology-driven sector, empowering farmers to meet modern challenges and ensuring the sustainable growth of the farming community. By fostering innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and addressing region-specific needs, RKVY continues to be a vital pillar in India’s agricultural development framework.
- National Skill Development Mission (NSDM) – Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI)
The National Skill Development Mission (NSDM), launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), is a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing the employability and entrepreneurship potential of India’s workforce. The mission focuses on bridging the skill gap across various sectors, including agriculture, by providing structured training programs, developing industry-relevant skill frameworks, and ensuring that individuals are equipped with competencies that meet the demands of modern farming and agribusiness.
Under NSDM, the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) plays a crucial role in standardizing and implementing skill development programs in agriculture and allied sectors. The ASCI works in collaboration with stakeholders, including agricultural universities, research institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and private sector organizations, to create a skilled workforce that can contribute to India’s agricultural modernization.
Structured Skill Training Programs for Rural Youth and Farmers
A significant component of NSDM in agriculture is its 200-hour skill training programs, designed specifically for rural youth and farmers. These structured courses focus on imparting practical knowledge and hands-on skills in various agricultural domains, such as organic farming, modern irrigation techniques, agro-processing, precision agriculture, and sustainable farm management. The objective is to equip individuals with market-driven skills that can improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase farm income.
These training programs also emphasize agripreneurship, encouraging farmers and rural youth to explore self-employment opportunities in agribusiness. By integrating financial literacy, marketing strategies, and business management skills into the curriculum, NSDM ensures that trainees can establish and manage small-scale agri-enterprises, such as dairy farming, poultry, food processing units, and organic product ventures.
Development of Qualification Packs (QPs) in Agriculture and Allied Sectors
To ensure standardized skill development, the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) has developed Qualification Packs (QPs) for various job roles in agriculture and allied sectors. QPs define the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for different roles, such as organic farming specialists, soil testing technicians, greenhouse operators, agricultural machinery technicians, and livestock managers.
Each QP aligns with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring that training is structured, measurable, and industry-relevant. By integrating these qualification standards into training programs, NSDM guarantees that farmers, agri-workers, and rural entrepreneurs gain nationally recognized certifications, improving their employability and career growth prospects.
Bridging the Skill Gap in Agri-Business and Farm Entrepreneurship
One of the key challenges in Indian agriculture is the skill gap in modern farming techniques and agribusiness management. NSDM, through ASCI, addresses this challenge by providing specialized training in value addition, supply chain management, farm mechanization, post-harvest technology, and agricultural marketing.
The initiative also fosters digital literacy among farmers, enabling them to leverage mobile applications, precision farming tools, and e-commerce platforms to enhance farm productivity and profitability. By connecting trained individuals with financial institutions, government schemes, and agritech startups, NSDM helps them transition into successful farm entrepreneurs.
Integration into the ATMA Cafeteria for Enhanced Implementation
To expand its outreach and ensure alignment with national agricultural development goals, NSDM has recently been integrated into the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) cafeteria. This integration strengthens the delivery of skill development programs at the district and grassroots levels, ensuring that a larger number of farmers and rural youth benefit from structured agricultural training and capacity-building initiatives.
By leveraging the institutional framework of ATMA, NSDM ensures better coordination between skill training providers, agricultural extension officers, and local farming communities. This not only enhances the quality of training but also facilitates employment linkages, access to credit, and market opportunities for trained individuals.
Transforming Agriculture Through Skill Development
The National Skill Development Mission (NSDM), in collaboration with ASCI, is playing a pivotal role in transforming India’s agricultural landscape by equipping farmers and rural youth with modern farming skills and entrepreneurial competencies. By focusing on structured training programs, standardized qualification frameworks, and industry-driven skill sets, NSDM is bridging the rural skill gap, fostering agripreneurship, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector.
With its integration into the ATMA cafeteria, NSDM is now positioned to reach a larger rural workforce, ensuring that Indian agriculture remains resilient, technology-driven, and globally competitive. This initiative is a critical step towards realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat”, where agriculture is not just a means of livelihood but a powerful engine for economic growth and rural development.
The Modi government’s emphasis on skill development has significantly empowered India’s farmers by modernizing agriculture, enhancing productivity, and promoting self-reliance. These programs ensure that farmers are well-equipped to adopt technology-driven, sustainable, and profitable farming practices.
By continuously expanding skill training, integrating agricultural innovations, and supporting entrepreneurship, the government is paving the way for a resilient, self-sufficient, and globally competitive Indian agricultural sector.
Author
(The views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the organisation)