Punjab gets its first skill centre on agriculture

Punjab got its first skill centre dedicated to agriculture under Punjab’s first agricultural programme under. With competency standards, development of national occupational standards, and sector-specific jobs, the centre will cater to youngsters on agriculture-related career opportunities. Jaskaran Singh Mahal, director, Skill Development Centre, PAU, will take up the task of imparting skills to farmers and youngsters, unemployed youth, and extension functionaries for creating and starting new enterprises.

He said: “We have a dedicated faculty with the support of all departments of the university.” TS Riar, associate director, Skill Development Centre, said: “People between 22-40 years of age can enrol in this centre, and their qualifications can be uploaded on the portal. A total of 15 job roles have been approved by the Agriculture Skill Council of India, like gardener organic grower, quality seed grower, baking technician, tractor operator, and green house fitter.”

Admissions have already begun for this centre this month, with 40 students applying for Agriculture Extension Service Provider, but as there are only 20 seats, the other 20 will be registered in February. The eight-day course has international recognition, in which a trainee will get Rs33 per hour. Saturday will be dedicated to practicals.

More than Rs4 crore has been sanctioned for this centre, with five laboratories, 10 classrooms, one staff room, one computer room, one store, and one library. The centre will have three smart classrooms.