Kupwara I March 13, 2025 – In a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of agricultural innovators, Government Degree College Kupwara, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, has launched a Skill Development Programme aimed at equipping students with essential agri-business skills and opening doors to rewarding career opportunities in farming. The initiative, which kicked off earlier this week, seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical agricultural expertise, empowering young minds to contribute to the region’s agrarian economy. The programme, held at the GDC Kupwara campus, targets students interested in exploring agriculture as a viable career path. With the current date being March 13, 2025, this initiative aligns with broader efforts across India to modernize farming practices and ensure sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. The Agriculture Department, known for its focus on enhancing productivity and farmer welfare in Kupwara, has partnered with the college to provide hands-on training, expert guidance, and exposure to emerging trends in the agricultural sector.
The curriculum is designed to go beyond traditional farming techniques, emphasizing agri-business skills such as crop management, market analysis, value addition, and the use of modern technologies like drones and climate-smart agriculture. Students will gain insights into entrepreneurship opportunities, enabling them to transform raw produce into marketable products and tap into growing demand for processed goods. Dr. Reyaz Ahmed, Principal of GDC Kupwara, highlighted the programme’s significance during the launch event, stating, “Agriculture is the backbone of our region, and our students are the future of this vital sector. This initiative will equip them with the tools to innovate, adapt, and succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.” The programme also aims to address challenges like post-harvest losses and water management, which are critical to improving yields and farmer incomes in Kupwara. Officials from the Agriculture Department emphasized the importance of integrating youth into the agricultural ecosystem, with a senior officer noting, “By combining education with practical skills, we are preparing students to become not just farmers, but agri-entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth.” The training includes workshops led by agricultural experts, field visits to local farms, and sessions on government schemes that support farmers, such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and soil health programs.
Students will also explore sustainable farming practices, drawing inspiration from regional efforts under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme , which has been active in Kupwara to boost productivity and livelihoods. Participants expressed enthusiasm about the programme’s potential to shape their futures. “I never thought farming could offer so many opportunities. This training is showing us how to turn our family’s land into a business,” said Shabir Ahmad, a second-year student at GDC Kupwara. Another participant, Amina Bano, added, “Learning about technology in agriculture is exciting. It’s not just about hard work—it’s about working smart.” The launch of this programme comes at a time when India is prioritizing agricultural development as a key driver of economic progress. With the government’s focus on empowering small and marginal farmers—who constitute a significant portion of Kupwara’s agrarian community—initiatives like this are seen as vital to ensuring food security and rural prosperity. Local leaders and educators have hailed the collaboration between GDC Kupwara and the Agriculture Department as a model for other districts to follow.
“This is about empowering our youth to take pride in farming and innovate for the future. It’s a win for both the students and our region,” said a district official present at the event. As the Skill Development Programme unfolds over the coming weeks, it promises to sow the seeds of change in Kupwara, cultivating a new generation of farmers equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture. With determination and support, these future farmers are poised to transform the fields of tomorrow.