The Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY) is a transformative initiative launched by the Government of India in 2016. The scheme aims to enhance agricultural education and skill development in the areas of organic farming, natural farming, and cow-based economy.
Implemented by the Education Wing of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, this program focuses on sustainable agriculture practices, soil health improvement, and environmental conservation. By building skilled human resources at the village level, PDDUUKSY aims to create a self-reliant rural workforce capable of implementing eco-friendly farming techniques.
Why was PDDUUKSY Introduced?
The increasing dependence on chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides has raised concerns about soil degradation, declining crop productivity, and environmental pollution. Recognizing the need for sustainable agricultural practices, the Indian government launched PDDUUKSY to:
- Promote organic and natural farming techniques.
- Encourage cow-based agriculture, utilizing cow products like dung and urine for bio-fertilizers and pest control.
- Develop a skilled workforce in rural areas capable of supporting farmers in sustainable agriculture.
- Bridge the gap between modern scientific knowledge and traditional farming practices.
What are the Objectives of the Scheme?
The PDDUUKSY focuses on several key objectives:
- Human Resource Development: Establishing a skilled workforce at the village level to meet the needs of organic and natural farming.
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing reliance on chemical inputs while improving soil health, fertility, and crop productivity.
- Supporting Rural Communities: Providing technical and professional support to farmers in organic farming, natural farming, cow-based economy, and rural entrepreneurship.
- Educational Development: Developing curricula and conducting training programs in agricultural universities to strengthen education in sustainable agriculture.
- Integrating Traditional Knowledge: Combining modern scientific approaches with traditional agricultural methods, particularly the use of cow-based products for farming.
- Farmer Awareness: Organizing training programs for farmers to raise awareness about organic farming benefits, crop selection, marketing, and livelihood improvement.
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How is the Scheme Implemented?
PDDUUKSY is implemented through a network of 100 selected centers across India, chosen based on their expertise in organic and natural farming. Each center is responsible for:
- Conducting training programs for farmers and undergraduate students.
- Identifying and selecting farmers based on interest and prior experience in sustainable farming.
- Ensuring inclusive participation of farmers across communities and genders.
- Maintaining records of training programs, including attendance registers, photographs, reports, and media coverage.
Who can Participate in PDDUUKSY Programs?
Farmers are selected under specific criteria to ensure the program’s effectiveness:
- Interest in sustainable agriculture: Preference is given to farmers actively engaged or interested in organic farming, natural farming, or cow-based economy.
- Inclusive representation: Farmers of all communities and genders are encouraged to participate.
- Village-level focus: The scheme targets small and marginal farmers, providing them with access to modern techniques and knowledge.
By targeting motivated farmers, PDDUUKSY ensures the maximum adoption of eco-friendly farming practices across rural India.
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What Activities are Conducted Under the Scheme?
PDDUUKSY is not just a policy but a practical initiative with various activities:
- Farmer Training: Hands-on sessions in organic farming, natural farming, and cow-based agriculture.
- Awareness Programs: Educate farmers on benefits of organic and naturally produced crops to boost income.
- University Support: Agricultural Education Division provides targeted assistance to improve sustainable agriculture education.
- Student READY Program: Undergraduate students offer technical guidance and rural entrepreneurship awareness to small farmers.
- Field Demonstrations: Practical exposure to soil management, organic fertilizers, and cow-based farming techniques.
What is the Significance of Cow-Based Economy in Agriculture?
The cow has always held a special place in Indian agriculture and culture. Its contribution extends beyond milk production:
- Nutritional Value: Milk from Indian cow breeds contains higher levels of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), which is anti-carcinogenic.
- Fertilizer and Pest Control: Cow dung and urine are used as bio-fertilizers and natural pesticides, reducing input costs.
- Soil Health: Cow-based products help maintain soil fertility and organic content, supporting sustainable crop production.
- Economic Empowerment: Farmers adopting cow-based practices can reduce costs, increase yields, and improve marketability of produce.
How does Natural Farming Contribute to Sustainability?
Natural farming emphasizes minimal input, low cost, and eco-friendly practices. Its benefits include:
- Eliminating chemical fertilizers and pesticides, reducing environmental pollution.
- Preserving groundwater quality and soil moisture, ensuring long-term fertility.
- Reducing carbon emissions and contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Improving crop resilience against extreme weather conditions.
- Enhancing farmer income through higher-value organic produce.
Why is Organic Farming Important for India?
Organic farming focuses on agro-ecosystem health, ensuring that soil, crops, and biodiversity thrive together. Key benefits include:
- Soil Health: Organic inputs enrich the soil with nutrients and microbes.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: No chemical residues in water, soil, or crops.
- Healthier Produce: Organic crops are free from synthetic chemicals, benefiting consumers.
- Economic Gains: Naturally produced commodities often fetch higher market prices.
- Sustainable Development: Organic farming supports rural livelihoods while preserving natural resources.
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What is the Role of Education and Universities in the Scheme?
Educational institutions play a crucial role in knowledge dissemination and skill development:
- Agricultural universities implement training modules for undergraduate students.
- Students participate in Student READY programs, where they assist small farmers with crop selection, marketing, and technical know-how.
- Universities provide quality assurance and capacity building to strengthen agricultural education.
- Field-based student involvement ensures practical application of sustainable farming methods.
How does PDDUUKSY Empower Rural Communities?
The scheme contributes to rural development and economic empowerment by:
- Enhancing farmers’ skills and productivity.
- Promoting high-value organic and naturally produced crops, increasing income.
- Providing technical support and knowledge, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.
- Encouraging entrepreneurial activities in rural areas.
- Promoting inclusive development, ensuring participation of women and marginalized communities.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Implementing Authority | ICAR (Education Wing) |
| Focus Areas | Organic Farming, Natural Farming, Cow-Based Economy |
| Number of Training Centres | 100 |
| Farmers’ Participation | Inclusive, all communities, no gender discrimination |
| Activities | Training, awareness, curriculum development, field visits, Student READY programs |
| Benefits to Farmers | Improved income, technical knowledge, sustainable farming practices |
| Environmental Impact | Soil health improvement, reduced chemical usage, eco-friendly practices |
| Role of Students | Provide technical support, awareness, and guidance to farmers |
Questions Based on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana
- When was the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana launched?
a) 2015
b) 2016
c) 2017
d) 2018
e) 2014 - Which organization implements PDDUUKSY?
a) NABARD
b) ICAR
c) CSIR
d) NITI Aayog
e) Ministry of Rural Development - What is the focus of PDDUUKSY?
a) Industrial development
b) Organic and natural farming
c) Urban planning
d) Tourism
e) Digital India - How many centers were established under the scheme?
a) 50
b) 100
c) 150
d) 200
e) 75 - What is the Student READY program associated with?
a) Entrepreneurship and rural awareness
b) Digital literacy
c) Urban agriculture
d) Space science
e) Fisheries - What is one key benefit of cow-based economy in farming?
a) High chemical fertilizer usage
b) Bio-fertilizer and pest control
c) Reduced milk production
d) Urban development
e) Soil degradation - Which of these is a major aim of natural farming under the scheme?
a) Using synthetic chemicals
b) Promoting industrial agriculture
c) Reducing input costs and preserving soil
d) Promoting GM crops
e) Encouraging monocropping - Who benefits directly from PDDUUKSY?
a) Urban industrial workers
b) Small and marginal farmers
c) IT professionals
d) College teachers
e) Shopkeepers - Which ministry is associated with PDDUUKSY?
a) Ministry of Health
b) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
c) Ministry of Education
d) Ministry of Rural Development
e) Ministry of Commerce
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Answer Key
| Question Number | Correct Answer |
| 1 | b) 2016 |
| 2 | b) ICAR |
| 3 | b) Organic and natural farming |
| 4 | b) 100 |
| 5 | a) Entrepreneurship and rural awareness |
| 6 | b) Bio-fertilizer and pest control |
| 7 | c) Reducing input costs and preserving soil |
| 8 | b) Small and marginal farmers |
| 9 | b) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
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