The Maharashtra of India school education department has decided to introduce an agriculture curriculum as a compulsory subject for students in Classes 6 to 8 across the state starting from the upcoming academic year. The agriculture department of the Maharashtra has developed a curriculum that includes practical knowledge of farming.

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 of India, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced the integration of agriculture into the curriculum. The NEP emphasizes the inclusion of vocational subjects and local expertise in the curriculum, such as crafts, entrepreneurial skills, traditional and local arts, and agriculture.

During a recent meeting in Pune, the school education minister instructed the director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) of India to develop a proposal for implementing the agriculture curriculum. The director of Maharashtra Prathamik Shikshan Parishad (MPSP) has also been directed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with the agriculture department to facilitate the integration of the curriculum.

A committee comprising officials from Maharashtra’s agriculture and education departments, along with agriculture university teachers, has developed a plan to teach agriculture in all classes. The syllabus will be introduced in three phases, covering topics related to agriculture, its significance, job opportunities, and farming information.

Based on a previous report on agricultural education, an officer from the SCERT mentioned that the Indian government has approved agriculture as a part of the work experience subject for Classes 6 to 8. Further guidelines will be issued soon.