Minimum Duration: 6 Months
Maximum Duration: 2 Years
Course Fee: Rs. 3,600
Minimum Age: No bar 
Maximum Age: No bar 

Programme overview
Over the years, it has become common to understand and define organic agriculture as farming without synthetic pesticides and conventional fertilisers. This should not be considered a definition but a characteristic of a socially and environmentally conscious approach to agriculture that is currently experiencing rapid growth in the sector.

India is fast becoming a major base for production and supply of organically produced agricultural products to the world market. During the year 2009-10, India exported organically raised commodities worth US$116 billion.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India, has developed a 6-month Certificate in Organic Farming programme.

As it would be imparted in IGNOU’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, persons with Secondary School qualification (10+2 pass) in any part of the country could enroll in it.

Objectives
The main objective of the programme is to:

• Impart knowledge and proficiency in Organic production practices, Certification process and marketing of organically raised agricultural produces
• Promote self employment and income generation.

Courses:

CourseCode	Course Name	Credits
BAP-001	Introduction to Organic Farming	4
BAPI-001	Organic Production System	4
BAPI-002	Inspection and Certification	4
BAPI-003	Economics and Marketing of Organic Products	4

Fee Concession
The fee concession is available to the following category of students:
1) All the candidates from the rural areas shall be entitled for fifty percent fee concession subject to the production of domicile certificates.

2) Students from urban areas living below poverty line may also be given fifty percent fee concession subject to production of income certificate

Job Opportunities
Trained organic farmers Self employment as:

•  Input Producers
•  Group Farming Managers
•  Counselor\ Trainer Market Facilitator

 

Student Support Activities
Learning Material: The printed study material is sent to the registered students at home by post.
Audio-visual learning aids: The learning package also contains audio and video cassettes and CDs which have been produced by the University. A video programme is usually of25-30 minutes duration. These programmes can be heard/viewed at the study centre during specific sessions, or purchased for use at home.

Counselling: Counselling sessions are held according to a schedule drawn up by the study centre coordinator, usually during weekends.
TV counselling and Tele-conferencing: Through GyanDarshan Channels and EduSat. One Gyan Darshan channel is available on DTH platform.
Radio Counselling: Through phone-in programmes on AIR and GyanVani.

* 1 credit = 30 hours of student’ s study time