Write a critical note on the objectives and significance of a new scheme – Arya (Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture), launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. (200 Words)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has recently launched ARYA (Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture). The scheme envisages the increasing participation of youth, to sustain agriculture and allied activitiesthrough scientific methods. The objectives and significances are:
- To increase the profitability of Agriculture.
- To improve the quality of life in Rural Areas.
- To transform Youths especially Rural into Agricultural Entrepreneurs.
- To implement scientific methods of farming in Agriculture.
- To increase production in Agriculture allied activities.
Arya is to be implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendras which each would train around 200-300 youths. These youths will be trained in Farming, Bee Keeping, Dairy & Poultry Farming, Cattle rearing etc. and will be helped in getting Loans from Banks.
Negative impacts of the Scheme:
- It will train youth for Agriculture while the Manufacturing sector requires more young workers.
- It’s prime focus is on Rural youths. Giving vocational training to them may result in a dropout in Higher Education by them.
The Attraction and Retention of Youth in Agriculture is though launched with good intention, It may result in keeping the Rural youth backward and away from the Mainstream. Therefore, an equal emphasis should be given on training the Urban Youths who, with their deep pockets and better learning abilities can not only increase the land holding size but can also increase the share of agriculture in the overall GDP.