AGRICULTURE EDUCATION DAY CELEBRATED AT ICAR CCARI, OLD GOA
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION DAY CELEBRATED AT ICAR CCARI, OLD GOA
Agriculture Education Day was celebrated at ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa on 1st December 2017 at 10.30 am. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi decided to celebrate the birthday (3 December) of the first Indian Union Agriculture Minister (1946) and the first President of Independent India, Bharat Ratna, Dr. Rajendra Prasad as Agricultural Education Day in India. By this initiative, the ICAR aims to develop interest in agriculture and allied sciences among the school and college students and to choose 'agriculture' as their professional and research career or engage themselves in farming as agri-entrepreneurs. Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR CCARI briefed about the programme and initiatives taken by ICAR CCARI to inculcate the importance agricultural education among the students. Mr. Narendra Sawaikar, Hon. Member of Parliament (South Goa) was the chief guest of the function. He urged the gathering that, ‘We all should contribute for the development of Agriculture and see agricultural education as opportunity shape career and future.’ An essay competition was organized on the topic of ‘Role of agriculture in development of nation’ among schools in Old Goa, Canacona and Siolim. The event received an overwhelming response and participation of students. The scientific, technical and administration staff, staff of KVK and teachers and students of SFX High School, Siolim, Shri. Shanta Vidyalaya, Siolim, Holy Cross High School, Siolim, SS Angle Higher Secondary School, ,Mashem, Canacona, Goa, Shree Mallikarjun Higher Secondary School, Canacona, Goa and Vassant V. S. Kukalekar School of Arts and Commerce participated in the event. The winners of the competition were awarded with a cash prize and certificate. The programme also had a session on ‘Agricultural Education: Introduction and opportunities’, wherein a detailed deliberation was given on how to pursue the agricultural education and career opportunities in various sectors by Dr. G. R. Mahajan, Scientist (Soil Science), ICAR CCARI, Old Goa. Beside the classroom session, a field visit on the different research activities of the Institute was coordinated by Mr. Sidharth Marathe and Mr. Vinod Ubarhande.