Hands-on course in Agroecology

Hands-on course in Agroecology

Hands-on course in Agroecology
Story by : Anshuman Das
Written on : 14th July, 2017

A certificate course in Agroecology is in offing at the Centre for Agroecology and Pollination Studies under the University of Calcutta. The half-yearly course provides students with an opportunity to learn about an ecologically balanced and economically sustainable agricultural system with the help of hands-on training.

The fresh batch of the “Certificate Course in Agroecology” will start on September the 1st, 2017. The six-month course, already in its third year, is jointly organised by the Centre for Agroecology and Pollination Studies (University of Calcutta) in Kolkata and Welthungerhilfe in collaboration with Norwegian University of Life Sciences and organisations such as Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and DRCSC.
Agroecology has emerged as a science that explores avenues for an ecologically prudent and economically sustainable agricultural system. Agroecology promotes an ecosystem-based approach to agriculture. As the course shifts away from conventional chalk and talk method and is based more on real life farm experiences, field assignments, peer learning and observation, it’s been well received by students.

Students visit to farms and interact with the farmers

“I understood the difference between food sovereignty and security,” Gituanja, a student from Kenya said while sharing his feedback. “The farmer, I met, is self-sufficient, and does not have the pressure to go to the market to sell something to buy food. In Kenya, we grow cash crops and that has destroyed out food culture.”
While Abhinav, another student, was upbeat about his stay with an elderly farmer. “Renupada Da, the farmer I stayed with, never looks worried. He is 64, and still so active. I am sure he can beat me in any physical challenge, I am 27!”

Transect walks and learning sessions with farmers trained at Green Colleges are part of the course

Under the guidance of eminent professors, scientists and faculty from University of Calcutta, Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Welthungerhilfe, the student get knowledge and skills for analysing, developing and supporting agroecological models in farms, farm clusters and villages and are equipped with a wide range of positions concerning organic agriculture and food systems, integrated and ecological farming, development projects, management of agricultural and natural resources, environmental protection, and further education and research.
For the course commencing from 1st September 2017, the interested applicants need to apply by 1st August 2017. Further details are available on the website (http://cpscu.in/).

The prospectus

Green Colleges

Skilling youths in Sunderbans

http://cpscu.in/