Bhubaneswar: Odisha launched a new initiative to provide school students with hands-on, field-based vocational learning in agriculture and allied sectors through a partnership between the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) and the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).
An inaugural orientation programme was organised at the OUAT Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar to mark the commencement of the Dual Mode Vocational Education initiative in 26 PM SHRI Government Secondary Schools across Odisha. Headmasters, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists and in-charges, SC/ST Education Coordinators and ADEOs (Scheme) from 20 districts participated virtually.
Sangita Behera, State Project Director, OSEPA, and Prof. Susanta Kumar Swain, Dean, Extension Education, OUAT, attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Behera highlighted Odisha’s progress in strengthening vocational education and emphasised the importance of providing students with meaningful learning opportunities beyond the conventional classroom.
She said the OSEPA-OUAT partnership would create new avenues for experiential learning, skill development and career exploration in agriculture and allied sectors.
Prof. Swain welcomed the initiative and assured full support from OUAT and its network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras for effective implementation of the programme. He emphasised the importance of connecting school education with practical knowledge and real-world work environments.
OSEPA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OUAT, effective from the current academic year, to facilitate practical and experiential vocational education for school students.
Under the collaboration, 26 Government Secondary Schools have been formally tagged with OUAT, Bhubaneswar, and identified KVKs to implement Dual Mode Vocational Education.
As part of the initiative, students will have opportunities to access OUAT’s laboratories, farms, food-processing facilities, and technical expertise in areas such as agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, and food processing.
The exposure is expected to help students understand real work environments and apply the skills and knowledge acquired in their schools.
Students of Classes IX and X will receive structured hands-on training and field exposure in vocational job roles related to agriculture and allied sectors.
The programme seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and field-based practice while developing National Skills Qualifications Framework-aligned competencies to enhance employability, entrepreneurship and career readiness among students.
Across the 26 participating schools, students will be trained in six vocational job roles – Mango Grower, Solanaceous Crop Cultivator, Paddy Farmer, Animal Health Worker, Dairy Worker and Citrus Fruit Grower.
These job roles have been selected keeping in view the agricultural strengths, local resources and livelihood opportunities of the respective districts.
Tanmaya Kumar Behera, Deputy Director, Vocational Education, OSEPA, outlined the objectives, implementation modalities and expected outcomes of the programme. Sarbani Das, Joint Director, Extension Education, OUAT, addressed the queries of the participating officials and proposed the vote of thanks.
