SRINAGAR: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has been at the forefront in serving the educational aspirations of more than 3 million students across the country therefore making higher education accessible to the hitherto unreached through its open, distance learning, and online modes. IGNOU’s School of Agriculture has launched Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness Management) that aims to prepare competent business professionals to boost the agricultural business and farmer’s economy.
As we know, agriculture is the backbone of the national economy in terms of providing livelihood and food security to the ever-growing population of the country, the university said in a press release issued here. It added, “Spectacular growth has been made in the agricultural sector with concentrated efforts of the government, farming community and other stakeholders. Despite all efforts, there is further scope to enhance the profitability and efficiency in the farm sector. Retaining the rural youth in the agriculture sector is a major challenge and this can be attained by making the agriculture sector lucrative.”
It is important to inculcate income-enhancing activities by introducing various farm-based business enterprises and start-ups, the IGNOU said, adding that the recent trends showed that agriculture is getting more commercialized not only in industrialized countries but also in developing countries.
Keeping in view the requirements for competent business professionals in the agriculture sector the School of Agriculture, IGNOU New Delhi has started a new distance education program namely Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness Management). This program intends to develop business professionals for managing farm businesses and agro-based industries profitably.
MBAABM program fosters managerial skills and will also provide need-based education, enhancing efficiency and generating more livelihoods and profitability in the agriculture sector to improve the socio-economic conditions for those involved in agribusiness. The major objectives of the program are to generate competent business professionals in agriculture, food, rural and allied sectors; fostering startups and entrepreneurship among farmers, intermediaries and traders within the agri-business chain. The programme targets a diverse range of participants, including fresh graduates, progressive farmers and agricultural extension workers. Professionals from NGOs, cooperatives, and financial and marketing organisations will also be benefited. Additionally, the program is ideal for startups, entrepreneurs, market researchers, managers, and personnel from government and non-governmental organisations involved in agriculture and allied sectors.
This program includes comprehensive courses designed to equip students with a broad range of skills in management and agribusiness. The programme is of 2-year duration and it can be completed in the maximum duration of 4 years. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline are eligible to enroll in the MBA Agribusiness Management programme. Detailed information about the programme will be available in IGNOU website: www.ignou.ac.in
“Admission to the programme is open for the July 2024 session. The programme will be offered from one of our study centre at Government College for Women, Srinagar,” said Regional Director Dr. A.H. Rizvi.

KR Desk