IGNOU and ICMAI Collaborate to Offer “Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management” Programme

IGNOU and ICMAI Collaborate to Offer “Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management” Programme

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programme titled “Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management”. The programme aims to create awareness and human resources in the area of agricultural cost management by imparting knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities to the farming communities for efficient farm cost management.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both institutions, including Prof. Sumitra Kukreti, Pro Vice Chancellor, IGNOU; Dr. Alok Chaube, Registrar (Administration); Dr. Umesh Chander Pandey, Director, RSD; Dr. Praveen Kumar Jain, Director, SoA; CMA Vijender Sharma, President; CMA Biswarup Basu, Former President; CMA P. Raju Iyer, Immediate Past President, and other officials from ICMAI.

Dr. Praveen Kumar Jain gave an overview of the MoU and informed that the Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management will be developed under this collaboration. Prof. SK Yadav expressed that there is a need for educating farmers and other target groups regarding cost management in the agriculture profession.

The programme will be beneficial not only for farmers but also for policymakers. Dr. Alok Chaube expressed that the mandate of IGNOU is to cater to the educational needs of deprived sections of society, and this MoU will be an instrument to achieve the University’s objectives. Dr. UC Pandey informed that IGNOU is the best institution for offering such programmes, keeping in view the large target group, and the programme will be offered through its wide network of Learner Support Centres and Regional Centres to achieve IGNOU’s motto of reaching the unreached.

IGNOU and ICMAI Collaborate

CMA Biswarup Basu said that this MoU will be a path-breaking initiative for empowering the farmers, and CMA P. Raju Iyer informed that different universities/institutions will be interested in enrolling their students in this programme.

Prof. Sumitra Kukreti, Pro Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, congratulated IGNOU and ICMAI and said that this is a momentous occasion for both institutions. This programme will benefit farmers, rural youth, professionals in the agriculture field, and others involved in agriculture and allied professions.

CMA Vijender Sharma, President, ICMAI, expressed that this collaboration will strengthen the government’s efforts of strengthening farmers’ income and educating them. IGNOU is the ideal institution to offer such programmes through its wide network. The MoU was signed by Dr. Alok Chaube, Registrar (Administration), IGNOU, and CMA Vijender Sharma, President, ICMAI.

This programme will be beneficial for progressive farmers, urban/rural youth, small and medium entrepreneurs, extension workers, NGO functionaries/trainers, members of cooperative societies, self-help groups, etc. The Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management will create awareness and human resources in the area of agricultural cost management, which is crucial for the development of the agriculture sector.

The collaboration between IGNOU and ICMAI is a significant step towards empowering farmers and providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their farm costs efficiently. It is also a crucial step towards achieving the government’s goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. The programme will be offered through IGNOU’s Learner Support Centres and Regional Centres, making it accessible to people across the country.