Bhubaneswar: The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) and the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) have launched a joint initiative to provide school students with hands-on vocational training and field exposure in agriculture and allied sectors.
The initiative, launched through an orientation programme at the OUAT Conference Hall here, will be implemented in 26 PM SHRI Government Secondary Schools across Odisha from the current academic year. Headmasters, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists and in-charges, SC/ST Education Coordinators and ADEOs (Scheme) from 20 districts participated virtually in the programme.
OSEPA State Project Director Sangita Behera said the partnership with OUAT would provide students with experiential learning, skill development and opportunities to explore careers beyond conventional classroom education. OUAT Dean of Extension Education Prof Susanta Kumar Swain assured institutional and KVK support for effective implementation of the programme.
Under an MoU signed between OSEPA and OUAT, the 26 schools have been linked with OUAT and identified KVKs for conducting Dual Mode Vocational Education. Students will get exposure to OUAT laboratories, farms, food-processing facilities and technical expertise in agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture and food processing.
Students of Classes IX and X will receive structured practical training in six vocational job roles — Mango Grower, Solanaceous Crop Cultivator, Paddy Farmer, Animal Health Worker, Dairy Worker and Citrus Fruit Grower.
The job roles have been selected based on local agricultural strengths, available resources and livelihood opportunities in the respective districts. The programme is aimed at linking classroom education with field-based learning and developing NSQF-aligned competencies to improve students’ employability, entrepreneurship and career preparedness.
Deputy Director, Vocational Education, OSEPA, Tanmaya Kumar Behera outlined the implementation modalities, while OUAT Joint Director of Extension Education Sarbani Das addressed queries from participating officials.
