🌾 Agriculture Curriculum Skill Development Syllabus
✅ Level: NSQF Level 3–5
Target Group: Rural youth, farmers, SHG members, ITI pass-outs, school dropouts
Recommended Duration: 3 to 6 months (300–600 hours)
📍 Module 1: Introduction to Agriculture in India
- Importance of agriculture in Indian economy
- Agro-climatic zones and major crops
- Types of farming: organic, natural, mixed, contract
- Overview of government schemes (PM-KISAN, PMFBY, Soil Health Card, etc.)
📍 Module 2: Soil and Water Management
- Soil types, fertility, and testing
- Organic vs. chemical fertilizers
- Irrigation methods: drip, sprinkler, canal, rainwater harvesting
- Water conservation techniques (mulching, bunding)
📍 Module 3: Crop Production & Management
- Selection of seeds and varieties (hybrid, GM, indigenous)
- Nursery raising and transplantation
- Integrated crop management (ICM)
- Sowing, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest care
📍 Module 4: Organic and Sustainable Farming (Optional for Level 4+)
- Natural fertilizers and composting (vermicompost, Jeevamrut)
- Biopesticides and pest traps
- Soil health improvement techniques
- Certification and market linkage
📍 Module 5: Plant Protection & Pest Management
- Common pests and diseases (fungal, bacterial, viral)
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Safe use of pesticides and sprayers
- Early detection and treatment practices
📍 Module 6: Horticulture & Allied Activities
- Fruit and vegetable cultivation (banana, tomato, onion, etc.)
- Floriculture basics
- Medicinal and aromatic plant farming
- Intercropping and kitchen gardening
📍 Module 7: Farm Mechanization
- Basic farm tools and machinery (tillers, threshers, planters)
- Tractor usage and safety
- Introduction to drones and smart farming tools
- Preventive maintenance of machinery
📍 Module 8: Post-Harvest & Agri-Marketing
- Cleaning, drying, grading, packaging
- Cold storage and warehousing basics
- Local mandi vs. eNAM vs. direct selling
- Value addition and food processing basics
📍 Module 9: Financial Literacy & Agri-Entrepreneurship
- Farm budgeting and record keeping
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC), crop loans, SHGs
- Starting a nursery, dairy, or agri input shop
- Digital tools: agri apps, market price apps, weather apps
📍 Module 10: ICT & Digital Agriculture
- Use of mobile apps for weather, prices, and advice
- Digital extension services (Kisan Call Center, YouTube, Krishi apps)
- Geo-tagging and precision farming basics
- Smart farming: IoT, sensors, satellite data (introductory)
📍 Assessment & Certification
- Theory + Practical test
- Farm-based demonstration
- Oral viva
- Certification under NSDC/Sector Skill Council
⏱️ Suggested Duration by Focus Area
Focus Area
Duration
Hours
General Crop Production
3–4 months
300–400 hours
Organic / Sustainable Farming
4–5 months
400–500 hours
Horticulture + Agribusiness
5–6 months
500–600 hours
