Page 16 - EDII Report 113

REPORTS 113
EDII
under Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University
Entrepreneurship to (ANGRAU). The objective of the programme was
to enhance awareness of the concept and practice
Rural India of agriculture-related entrepreneurship. The focus
was on imparting an understanding and skills in
the areas of pitching, market, consumer behavior,
0 percent of India resides in rural areas. and inculcating entrepreneurial spirit and
Most of these people depend on agriculture competence to set up venture in different areas
7and allied activities for livelihood. Some related to agriculture.
sustain; some barely survive. Agriculture in most
The programme was attended by 40 participants
regions is, to a great extent, devoid of innovation
and the sessions covered varied topics including;
and is not in sync with the latest trends or the
agri business plan, agri logistics & value chain,
market demands. Entrepreneurship in agriculture
market research, business opportunities
has the potential to induce dynamism in this field.
identification, soft skills for interpersonal
Agri business is an emerging domain that
communication, business model canvas, team
comprises agricultural and contract cultivation,
building & leadership, agri innovations and related
seed supply, fertilizer, farm machines, farm
areas. The sessions were quite interactive with a
equipment, wholesale and distribution,
blend of classroom discussions and practical
marketing, food production and so on. Agri-
approach.
business requires an entrepreneurial approach
with an understanding of the market and consumer Expressing his views, Dr. Satya Acharya,
dynamics. Alterations in consumer preferences, Programme Director said, “This training
demand for nutritive food, increased rural programme must push start a new wave of
unemployment, food grain wastage due to lack of thinking, this unleashing a new era of
stockpiling etc., have tremendously risen scope for entrepreneurship. Agri entrepreneurship abounds
agri-business opportunities in India and across the in opportunities and several young people, are
globe. exploring its potential. I am glad this programme
was well received. The business plans are
Against this backdrop, EDII organized a 4- week
promising. I see many pioneers in the making.”
Institutional Development training programme on
'Agro Based Entrepreneurship' under World Bank The participants appreciated the knowledge
NAHEP Project. The training programme was held received. They expressed having got exposure to
during Feb 15 to March 12, at the campus for B.Sc new opportunities and scope in the area of agri
agriculture students of five accredited colleges entrepreneurship.
Dr. Pankaj Bharti,
Faculty, EDII
interacting with
the students of
Acharya N. G.
Ranga
Agricultural
University during
the training
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REPORTS 113
EDII
School Entrepreneurship deepens in relevance
with CBSE and EDII joining hands to strengthen it
ioneer in entrepreneurship education, EDII d e v e l o p m e n t ; e x p a n d i n g s c o p e o f
has been actively involved in creating an entrepreneurship in social, corporate and public
Pentrepreneur friendly society and sectors; entrepreneurial mind-set among school
ecosystem. The Institute advocates the students; entrepreneurial and employability skills
importance of impressing upon the ideals of & techniques for developing entrepreneurial
entrepreneurship at a young age. To facilitate mindset among school students.
development of entrepreneurial personality
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, expressing
among children and youth, EDII has been regularly
his opinion said, “Like any other subject,
undertaking several initiatives and activities.
entrepreneurship is also a dynamic and practical
In line with this mandate, EDII in association with field, which requires a certain level of
CBSE organised an orientation programme for familiarisation and orientation to stay in pace with
school teachers on 'Inculcating Entrepreneurial latest trends. Initiatives like 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,'
Mindset among Students.' The session was 'Start-up India,' 'Swachh Bharat,' etc. have had a
attended by over 1000 school teachers, principals positive impact on entrepreneurship. The new
and parents of various CBSE schools across India. education policy also gives substantial focus on
The aim was to strengthen entrepreneurship encouraging entrepreneurship and, in this context,
programme in schools by training and familiarising training of teachers is going to be a key focus area.
teachers on the relevance of introducing students Hence, it is important to help teachers understand
to the concept of entrepreneurship at an early age. the modalities of entrepreneurship, counselling
and guidance.” Dr. Shukla discussed various
To instil self-confidence, problem-solving pedagogical tools and approaches to develop
competence and innovation among school entrepreneurship at the school level.
students, CBSE has introduced a course on
entrepreneurship for all its affiliate schools in The interactive session also touched upon various
Classes XI & XII. polices and schemes introduced by the
Government to help in the growth of
Speaking about the need to create awareness
entrepreneurship in India. In addition, the session
among teachers and to orient them about delved into making classroom learning of
entrepreneurship education, Dr. Biswajit Saha,
Director, Skill and Education Training, CBSE, said, entrepreneurship experiential.
“Creation of an entrepreneurial mind-set cannot be Mr. R. P. Singh, Joint Secretary, Department of Skill
separated from the core curriculum. The new Education, CBSE and Dr. Lalit Sharma, Faculty,
education policy categorically focusses on this EDII, also addressed the participants and spoke
aspect. A lot of innovation and creative thinking about the various nuances and perspectives of
also needs to come from the faculty group. Faculty entrepreneurship to the attendees.
members need to come forward with their ideas on
Both CBSE and EDII felt the need to work jointly
embedding entrepreneurship in the main
towards developing entrepreneurship education
curricula.” Dr. Saha also suggested conducting at school level. Dr. Sunil Shukla offered to provide
contests for students/teachers as well as faculty
development trainings to make learning more short term training to school teachers on teaching
meaningful. entrepreneurship. He also offered to provide
mentoring and guidance support to schools. The
The session was conducted online and covered suggestion was welcomed by CBSE and the
topics like role of entrepreneurship in national modalities of working jointly were discussed.
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