In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to introduce agriculture as a subject up to Class 10 in a phased manner starting from the 2025-26 academic year. The initiative, guided by NEP 2020 and the State Curriculum Framework 2024, aims to reconnect students with farming, sustainability, and modern agri-tech practices.
📌 Key Features of the Agriculture Subject Rollout
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Year | 2025-26 (begins with Class 1, added gradually each year up to Class 10) |
| Curriculum Body | Designed by SCERT & School Education Department |
| For Classes 1–5 | Basics of soil, water, plants, animals, local crops, innovation exposure |
| For Classes 6–10 | Kitchen gardening, organic farming, millet production, food processing, bamboo uses, poultry, water audits, biodiversity registers |
| Modern Elements | Use of AI in agriculture, agri-tourism, smokeless cooking, sustainable practices |
| Goal | To instill agricultural awareness, vocational skills & career orientation in students |
🎯 Why This Matters
The move is expected to:
- Encourage early exposure to agriculture among children.
- Bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern innovations.
- Highlight agriculture as a career pathway in line with India’s food security and sustainability goals.
Officials confirmed that teacher training and practical facilities will be scaled up to ensure smooth implementation.
