Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY)

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY) is an agriculture scheme launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in 2016. It aims to build skilled human resources at the village level who can support organic farming, natural farming and cow-based economy. The scheme addresses the problem of traditional farming methods that often ignore soil health, ecological balance and sustainable livelihoods, by helping farmers adopt practices that are more environmentally friendly and potentially more profitable. The policy need behind this is to strengthen agriculture education and rural entrepreneurship so that farmers, self-help groups, farming organisations and other rural actors can access training, technical support and modern methods. The broad target group includes farmers and agricultural graduates, as well as rural entrepreneurs and institutions that can support sustainable agriculture. In simple terms, PDDUUKSY offers awareness, training and application support so that agriculture in India can become smarter, greener and more rewarding.

Overview of the Scheme

Overview of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY)

• Implementing agency & launch details: The scheme was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is implemented through the education wing of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Implementing agencies: The main agency is ICAR (Education Wing). The scheme established around 100 training centres across the country in collaboration with agricultural universities.
• Funding pattern: The scheme was centrally funded (100 %) because it was a central initiative. For example, a budget of about ₹ 5.35 crore was allocated for opening 100 centres. Another source mentions a total allocation of ₹ 5.00 crore for trainings in 2017-18.
• Sectors / components covered:
  • Training programmes in organic farming, natural farming and cow-based economy.
  • Establishment of knowledge/skill centres (100 centres) for village-level human resource development.
  • Technical support via agricultural universities for sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Example: A designated centre may train a group of farmers on using cow-dung based bio-fertilizers under the cow-based economy component.
• Current status: According to a written reply in Parliament, the scheme was functional up to the year 2018. 

Objectives 

• Develop skilled human resources at the village level for organic farming, natural farming and cow-based economy.
• Provide technical and professional support in rural India in the fields of organic farming, natural farming, rural economy and sustainable agriculture.
• Establish and utilise training centres (100 centres) to extend the scheme’s activities at the village level.

These objectives highlight the core goals of the scheme: building capacity, enabling sustainable agriculture practices and expanding outreach through dedicated centres. They help clarify the purpose of this agriculture scheme and what it aims to achieve for farmers and rural communities.

Key Features / Benefits 

The scheme offers several direct benefits and supports that help farmers, students and rural communities adopt sustainable agriculture practices.

• Training in organic and natural farming
  It gives farmers and village-level workers access to training in organic farming, natural farming and cow-based economy techniques (for example: a farmer attends a 3-day workshop on making bio-fertiliser from cow-dung).
• Establishment of dedicated training centres
  It set up 100 specialised skill centres across India to provide local hands-on learning and support to rural trainees.
• Support for undergraduate education and rural entrepreneurship
  As part of the scheme, agricultural university students participate in the “Student READY” programme and help small and marginal farmers with crop selection, marketing and government facilities.
• Focus on small and marginal farmers
  The scheme gives priority to farmers who already practise or want to practise organic or natural farming, and ensures fair gender and community representation.
• Promoting higher income through sustainable methods
  By shifting to organic or natural farming and reducing chemical input costs, farmers stand a better chance of improved yields or prices for produce. 

Eligibility Criteria 

Who can apply

• Farmers: Those practising or interested in organic farming, natural farming or cow-based economy. Selection gives priority to farmers already working in these fields.
• Students/Agriculture Graduates: Undergraduate students of agricultural universities may participate through the “Student READY” programme under the scheme.
• Institutions/Training Centres: New or existing centres (100 centres established) via the scheme through agricultural universities or affiliated bodies.

Documents & other criteria

• Citizens selected need to show interest in organic, natural or cow-based farming.
• No separate detailed criteria for SHGs, FPOs, entrepreneurs or specific categories (women, SC/ST, NE/Hilly) are clearly listed in available official documents.
• Not explicitly stated: age limits, landholding size, bank linkage, or mandatory IDs in the official release of PDDUUKSY.
• Not Eligible: Activities outside the scope of organic farming, natural farming or cow-based economy may not be covered under the scheme – though official exclusions are not clearly spelled out.

Application Process

The scheme is implemented through ICAR–Agricultural Universities and their training centres, so applications are handled locally.

Application Process (Numbered Steps)

1. Visit your nearest Agricultural University or its designated training centre under ICAR’s education wing (these centres deliver the scheme activities).
2. Ask for the training registration form, which usually includes basic details such as name, address, farming experience and interest in organic/natural farming.
3. Submit required documents, typically identity proof and basic farming details, depending on centre requirements.
4. Receive confirmation, as centres prepare lists of selected participants based on interest and availability.
5. Attend scheduled training, notified by the centre through notice boards or direct communication.

Helpline / Support

• Contact the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or ICAR Agricultural University for guidance.
• General ICAR contact: www.icar.org.in

Tips

• Ensure your ID details match your form.
• Keep photocopies of documents.
• Visit the centre early to avoid missed registration slots.
• Check notice boards regularly for updated schedules.

Challenges or Limitations 

• Limited training centres → Visit early to secure a slot before seats fill.
• Short training windows → Check notice boards often so you don’t miss schedules.
• Document mismatch → Keep ID and address details consistent across all papers.
• Low awareness in villages → Contact the nearest KVK to confirm availability of sessions.
• No online application → Plan an in-person visit to the university/centre.
• Seasonal workload → Choose training dates that don’t clash with sowing/harvesting.
• Centre-level selection → Show clear interest in organic/natural farming during registration.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY) mainly supports training and skill development, and official sources do not list direct convergence with other missions. However, its capacity-building work complements wider agriculture programmes by preparing farmers to use services offered under schemes like ATMA or ICAR-led extension activities.

For example, a farmer trained in natural farming under PDDUUKSY can later approach ATMA or KVK for crop-specific guidance or market support. Looking ahead, the scheme’s past activities were reported active up to 2018, and future updates would depend on new government decisions or restructuring under ICAR education initiatives.

Conclusion 

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY) plays an important role in helping farmers and rural youth learn practical skills in organic and natural farming. The scheme mainly benefits farmers, students and village-level workers who want to improve knowledge and adopt sustainable practices. To apply or check eligibility, visit your nearest agricultural university or KVK and confirm upcoming training schedules. Always verify the latest benefits and instructions through official ICAR or agriculture department sources before taking any step. Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at our website.