Professional Course in Integrated Agriculture
A new outlook towards farming — a blend of knowledge, skills, technology and sustainability
Introduction
The Professional Course in Integrated Agriculture is a one-year, practice-oriented course offered by MKCL Knowledge Foundation for adult farmers and prospective farmers who want to approach agriculture with fresh eyes.
The purpose of the course is not simply to provide information about farming. It aims to develop science-based, technology-friendly and entrepreneurial agricultural professionals who understand sustainability and are capable of making informed decisions suited to their own farming conditions.
Learners develop an integrated understanding of soil, water, seeds, weather, crop planning, crop nutrition, crop protection, livestock, markets and farm accounts, while also learning to use AI and digital tools to strengthen farm decision-making.
This Course Comprises of:
- eLearning based self-learning sessions through MKCL's learning management system
- Hands-on activities that learner can do at its own farm.
- Learning facilitation by certified professionals.
- Academic interactions, assessments, and collaboration.
- Access to AI enabled Agricultural Advisory and Decision Support Tool
Course Overview (at a glance)
- Course Name: Professional Course in Integrated Agriculture
- Offered By: MKCL Knowledge Foundation
- Duration: 1 Year
- Language: Marathi
- Delivery: e-Learning + Experience-based Learning
- Session Pattern: One guided session every week
- Total Sessions: 27
- Practical Experience: Kharif + Rabi cropping seasons
- Current Fee: ₹1,770 per year inclusive of GST
- AI Support: AI-based agricultural assistant
- Certification: MKCL Knowledge Foundation
Course Structure
Course Structure
- Aligned with farming schedules
- Student-led hands-on activities with reports (text/photos/videos)
The course consists of 27 sessions in three complementary categories.
1 Perspective Sessions – 5 Sessions
These sessions help learners change the way they look at farming. Farming is explored not merely as crop production but as an interconnected system involving soil, water, nature, family, society, livelihood and enterprise.
2 Technical Sessions – 17 Sessions
These sessions explain agricultural practices through science and practical knowledge. Learners explore soil health, water management, weather, seeds, sowing, crop nutrition, crop protection, irrigation, harvesting, markets and the use of AI and digital tools.
3 Entrepreneurship Sessions – 5 Sessions
These sessions help learners think and act like agricultural entrepreneurs. Topics include farm costing, income and expense records, risk management, market awareness, value addition, direct selling, Farmer Producer Organisations, allied enterprises and year-round income planning.
Eligibility (Entry Requirements)
- Interest and willingness to learn about farming
- Availability of space for experiments
- Willingness to do hands-on field work
- Age – 15+
- Minimum qualification: Able to read, write and can use a mobile phone.
Who Can Join?
The course is intended for adults who have an interest in farming, curiosity and a willingness to learn.
It is particularly relevant for:
- farmers and prospective farmers.
- rural youth.
- women farmers.
- Interest and willingness to learn about farming
- Availability of space for experiments ( Minimum 10-Guntha )
- Willingness to do hands-on field work
- Minimum qualification: Able to read, write and can use a mobile phone.
- people interested in starting agriculture-related businesses.
- staff of Farmer Producer Companies, institutions and NGOs.
- agriculture-sector employees, volunteers and trainers.
- entrepreneurs interested in agri-allied businesses.
Learners should be willing to undertake practical activities and small experiments on their own or otherwise available farmland.
Course Duration
Total Duration: 1 year
Combination of online classes & practical activities included in the agricultural learning module
Course aligned with farming schedules, covering both Kharif and Rabi seasons
Syllabus
What will you learn in 4 years?
- Fundamentals of agricultural science and economics
- Various farming techniques and skills
- Entrepreneurial and managerial skills
- Financial transactions, accounting, and capital management
- Confidence in hands-on farming with a scientific perspective
Nine-Month Free Course
Traditional & Modern Cultivation Methods
- Crop planning
- Both traditional and advanced methods
- Multi-crop sowing strategies
According to Global GAP Standards
- Crop management
- Water management
- Nutrient management
- Weed, pest, and disease control
Risk Mitigation through Crop Planning
- Natural disasters affecting farming
- Global climate change
- Market and systemic challenges
Introduction to Global Farming Practices
- Chemical
- Organic
- Natural
- Integrated
- Sustainable
Introduction to Agro-Allied Industries
- Farmer’s Diary – Accounting & Record-keeping
Other Benefits – Preparing for the Future
- Soft skills, data collection & analysis
- Use of AI and digital tools in farming
Eligibility
- Students from Grade 9 to 12
- Opportunity to learn farming through practical experience
What can you achieve after completing 4 years?
- Become a prosperous farmer – Earn multiple benefits from your own farm
- Become an entrepreneur – Opportunities in processing, animal husbandry, agri-tourism
- Build a career – National & international jobs as supervisors, managers
- Become a trainer – Guide others professionally while continuing farming
What You Will Learn
A New Outlook Towards Farming
Understand farming through the perspectives of dignity, self-reliance, professionalism and entrepreneurship.
Soil and Water Management
Learn about soil health, soil testing, water conservation, groundwater and irrigation management.
Seeds and Crop Planning
Understand seed selection, seed processing, sowing, mixed cropping, intercropping and seasonal crop planning.
Crop Nutrition and Protection
Explore organic manures, biological treatments, identification of pests and diseases, crop nutrition and environmentally responsible protection practices.
Harvesting and Markets
Understand harvesting, storage, grading, value addition, marketing and Farmer Producer Organisations.
Livestock and Allied Businesses
Explore the role of livestock in integrated farming, resource recycling and opportunities for diversified, year-round farm income.
Farm Accounts and Entrepreneurship
Learn cost-income record keeping, profit-and-loss thinking, capital management and how to approach the farm as an enterprise.
AI and Modern Technology
Learn how weather information, digital tools, mobile applications, AI-assisted tools and data can support farm planning and decision-making.
How Learning Happens
The course combines e-Learning with experience-based learning.
Learners receive videos, presentations, reading material, reflection activities and learning resources through the Learn Live LMS.
Guided sessions bring together:
- videos and presentations.
- discussion.
- practical activities.
- field observation.
- reflection.
- mentoring.
- learner questions arising from their own farming experience.
Learners apply what they learn on their own or otherwise available farmland across both the Kharif and Rabi cropping seasons.
Their farm therefore becomes an important part of the learning environment.
Learner Support
Learn Through Your Own Farming Context
Each module connects learning to real observations, experiments or practices that learners can carry out in their own farming environment.
Learn Live LMS
Learners can access course content, learning resources, reflection questions and relevant activities through the Learn Live LMS.
AI-Based Agricultural Assistant
Learners receive access to an AI-based agricultural assistant provided by MKCL Knowledge Foundation to support day-to-day agricultural questions and decisions.
Guided Learning
The course emphasizes observation, discussion, reflection and mentoring instead of one-way lectures.
What You Can Gain from the Course
After completing the course, learners should be better prepared to:
- view farming from a professional and business perspective;
- understand approaches to reducing costs and improving production and income;
- think about soil, water, crops and markets together;
- practise sustainable and lower-risk farming;
- identify opportunities for supplementary agricultural enterprises;
- make practical use of AI and digital tools;
- maintain farm accounts and improve planning and decision-making; and
- explore future opportunities to guide or mentor other farmers.
Course Fee
Current Course Fee: ₹1,770 per year, inclusive of GST
This includes access to course e-Learning content, guided learning sessions, the AI-based agricultural assistant and certification on successful completion.
MKCL Knowledge Foundation may revise the course fee with prior communication.
Certification
Learners who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate from MKCL Knowledge Foundation.
Reimagine Farming
Take the next step towards science-based, technology-enabled, entrepreneurial and sustainable agriculture.
Enrol as a LearnerTechnical Requirements (Technology Infrastructure)
The following tools are required to access online classes and the Learning Management System (LMS):
| Device | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Display | 55-inch Smart TV/Panel (preferred) or available 3000 lumen projector + screen |
| Internet | Minimum 20 Mbps stable connection (LAN cable preferred for laptops) |
| Audio | Microphone and speaker system for clear mutual communication |
| Video | 1080p Full HD webcam to see classroom visuals |
| Software | MS Teams (for online classes) and Google Chrome (for LMS) |
Download the Year 1 Syllabus (Pilot Batch)
Get the detailed module-wise syllabus for the first year of the Professional Course in Integrated Agriculture including session structure, activity formats, assessment approach, and seasonal alignment.
Download the Year 1 Syllabus (Pilot Batch)
Let's reimagine farming!!!
Enroll In The Professional Course in Integrated Agriculture
Interested in joining the course? Complete the application form to register your interest and take the next step toward science-based, sustainable farming.
