Diploma in Agriculture

Programme Description
The Diploma in Agriculture is a comprehensive three-year program designed to prepare middle-level agriculture technicians for various roles within Nepal’s agricultural institutions. The curriculum is divided into three stages:

1. First Year: Emphasizes basic sciences and fundamental subjects.
2. Second Year: Focuses on agriculture, soil management, conservation, community development, and running a farmer field school.
3. Third Year: Covers additional agriculture-related subjects and provides opportunities for practical application of theoretical knowledge in both institutional and community settings.

Mission of the Curriculum
The mission of the curriculum is to educate, train, and produce well-rounded middle-level agriculture professionals. These individuals will be equipped with comprehensive skills and knowledge in plant science, as well as in extension and community development, to contribute effectively to the agricultural sector of Nepal.

Strategy
Our strategy to achieve educational excellence includes maintaining a highly qualified faculty, implementing a well-structured curriculum, and recruiting and producing quality students who are capable of making significant contributions to the agricultural sector.

Philosophy
The curriculum is designed with the philosophy of developing efficient and effective agriculture and extension service providers. It emphasizes fulfilling the contemporary needs of society by addressing socio-cultural impacts on community farm management. The approach also focuses on tackling second-generation issues in agriculture, such as community development, commercial agriculture, and soil conservation.

Aim and Objectives of the Program
The main aim of this three-year, job-oriented academic program is to produce mid-level human resources with expertise in agriculture. The objectives include:

• Providing technical knowledge and skills in agriculture, horticulture, plant protection, community development, and entrepreneurship.
• Producing quality human resources capable of delivering technical and managerial services in the public and private agriculture sectors.
• Developing competencies in agriculture-related enterprises.
• Offering extensive field-based experiences to meet the specific needs of various agriculture and horticulture stakeholders.

Conceptual Framework
The curriculum focuses on producing qualified agriculture technicians who can support good governance and improve the livelihoods of farmers, especially those from disadvantaged groups and women. The program structure includes:

• Core Courses: Basic science, mathematics, and language courses.
• Content Courses: Specialized agriculture courses, including crop production, horticulture, plant protection, and seed technology.

In the third year, students will undergo compulsory on-the-job training in their respective fields. The course emphasizes the need for modern agriculture services, professional respect in the community, and the roles of agriculture technicians in enhancing agricultural productivity and management.

Target Groups
The program targets youths who have passed the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) with second division.

Group Size
Each batch will consist of 40 students.

Entry Criteria

• SLC with second division.
• Entrance examination administered by CTEVT.
• Final selection based on merit.
• Required documents: SLC certificate, character certificate, citizenship certificate.

Medium of Instruction
The medium of instruction will be English and/or Nepali.

Course Duration
The course spans three years, with one academic year comprising a maximum of 39 academic weeks. The first year covers core courses, while the second and third years focus on applied courses.

Pattern of Attendance
Students must secure at least 90% attendance in classroom sessions and 95% in fieldwork to be eligible for annual and final examinations.

Teacher and Student Ratio

• Overall teacher-student ratio: 1:20.
• Teacher-student ratio for practical demonstrations: 1:10.
• At least 75% of the teachers must be full-time.

Program Coordinator, Teacher, and Demonstrator

• Program Coordinator: Must have a master’s degree in a related field or a bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of teaching experience.
• Teacher: Must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Demonstrator: Must have an intermediate-level degree with at least 2 years of teaching experience.
• Basic science and general subject teachers must hold a master’s degree in their respective disciplines.

Instructional Media and Materials
The curriculum will utilize various instructional media, including printed materials, non-project media, projected media, audio-visual materials, and computer-based instructional materials.

Teaching-Learning Methodologies
A combination of approaches will be used, such as illustrated lectures, group discussions, demonstrations, practical work, field visits, laboratory observations, report writing, and more.

Disciplinary and Ethical Requirements

• Insubordination, dishonesty, or unethical behavior will result in suspension and review by the disciplinary committee.
• Drug use, bearing arms, or threats will lead to immediate suspension and possible expulsion.

Evaluation Scheme

• Internal Assessment: Regular evaluations every four months, with 20% weightage for theory and 40% for practical marks.
• Final Examination: 80% weightage for theory and 60% for practical marks. Students must pass all subjects to qualify for certification.

Pass Marks

• Theory: 40%
• Practical: 60%

Grading System
The program will follow the grading system outlined by CTEVT.