The Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University will offer a degree programme – B.F. Tech. – Bachelor of Farm Technology – exclusively for farmers. The three-year programme is the first of its kind in the global agricultural scenario, according to Vice-chancellor P. Murugesa Boopathi.
It is structured in such a way that farmers who enrol will become degree holders and also experts in scientific agriculture.
According to Director of ODL V. Valluvaparidasan, the programme is designed to help farmers carry out agricultural activities with a scientific approach.
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Courses on agronomy, soil science, horticulture, seed science, plant breeding, seed technology, crop physiology, entomology, pathology, environmental sciences, microbiology, solar energy, biofuels, wind energy, farm machinery, water management, irrigation systems, and information and communication technology will be offered. Field visits and study tours based on the individual courses will also form part of the programme.
Demonstration of technologies and theory contact classes will be held during weekends. Each semester will have contact classes for 10 days. The medium of instruction will be Tamil.
The programme consists of six semesters. Four courses will be offered in each semester.
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Farmers who have either completed standard X and also those who have not passed the final examination can apply. Those who are 30 years and above are eligible.
Applications can be obtained by paying Rs. 100 at constituent colleges, research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the university. Filled-in applications along with the registration fee should reach the university before September 30.
For details, contact Director, Open and Distance Learning, TNAU, Coimbatore – 641003; or call 0422-6611229 or 94421-11058 / 94421-11048 / 94421-11047. Enquiries can be sent on e-mail to odl@tnau.ac.in.