Photo: Subramanian Subramanian, FCDO-ESRC Growth Research Programme / FlickR

The Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) has been awarded the Best Sector Skill Council Award, recognition of efforts to address one of the most important challenges faced by the country: skill development.

An article in Web India reports that ASCI provides training across the agriculture sector, from farm mechanization to agroforestry, precision farming, agri-information management, post-harvest supply chain management and watershed management, among others.

The council has provided vocational training, facilitated skill development programs and introduced vocational courses at schools, colleges and universities in both urban and rural areas. It has also standardized more than 50 job roles through the development of 366 national occupational standards.

Agriculture contributes to the livelihoods of more than 50 per cent of people in India. The ASCI aims to bridge skills gaps across the agriculture and related sectors in order to boost the nation’s economy.

“We are humbled to have received this award. This is a huge encouragement for us and motivates us to do even better as we proceed towards achieving our goal of making India the skill capital of the World,” said Dr. S.S.Arya, CEO, Agriculture Sector Skill Council when receiving the award.

“With the increase in investments in the rural and agriculture sector, skill will play a crucial role in transforming the lives of the Indian farmer”.

Read the full story: Agriculture Skill Council bags top award at skills summit