Patna: Fifteen undergraduate students from the first batch of the natural farming programme at Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa (Samastipur), have secured job and internship offers from various organisations, marking a first for any agricultural university in the country.
The graduating group is being seen as a key step towards redefining India’s agricultural practices at a time when the sector is exploring alternatives to chemical-intensive farming. Equipped with training that blends traditional agrarian knowledge with modern ecological science, the students are expected to promote sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
At a function held on the campus on Wednesday, Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare Ram Nath Thakur said the passing out of this pioneering batch reflects a significant move towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant and chemical-free farming ecosystem. He commended RPCAU for designing the national syllabus and launching the innovative programme, adding that the graduates are capable of spearheading a sustainable farming movement in the country.
RPCAU vice-chancellor P S Pandey highlighted the course’s transformative potential, noting that natural farming helps restore soil health, enhances biodiversity and reduces input costs by cutting dependence on chemical fertilisers. He said the approach also addresses climate change challenges while ensuring toxin-free food for consumers.
While several firms have offered placements to the entire batch, many students are opting for grassroots agricultural work instead of conventional corporate careers. The students, who have completed their three-year coursework, are currently undergoing intensive practical training at leading organic hubs, including Akshayakalpa Organic in Araria and Tiptur (Karnataka), Pandey added.
