Guwahati: In a bid to turn rural youth into drivers of sustainable change, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) on Tuesday launched a three-day training programme on eco-social agripreneurship at its Rani campus.
The initiative, organised by the university’s Vocational and Skill Development Centre under the Guru Prasad School of Interdisciplinary and Vocational Studies, has drawn participants from across Northeast India—signalling a growing appetite for sustainable farming and entrepreneurship in the region.
At the heart of the programme is an ambitious idea: creating “green commandos.” Leading the sessions, noted farmer and Professor of Practice Samir Bordoloi urged participants to rethink agriculture not just as a livelihood, but as a responsibility towards nature.
He emphasised eco-friendly practices such as organic farming, biodiversity conservation, and resource efficiency as key pillars of future agribusiness.
The inaugural session brought together policymakers, bankers, and academics. Among them was Loken Das, Chief General Manager of NABARD, who praised the initiative for aligning with the urgent need to make agriculture both innovative and sustainable.
He noted that such programmes can play a crucial role in reshaping rural economies.
KKHSOU Registrar Pranab Saikia highlighted how Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions are increasingly stepping beyond traditional classrooms.
“This is about connecting education directly with employability and regional challenges,” he said, adding that skill-based programmes like these can bridge long-standing gaps in rural development.
Vice-Chancellor Rajendra Prasad Das struck a motivational note, underlining the importance of individual commitment in adopting sustainable practices. He described the training not as a short-term exercise, but as a “catalyst for long-term transformation,” encouraging participants to become environmentally conscious entrepreneurs and community leaders.
The session also saw participants sharing their aspirations—ranging from launching organic farms to building agri-based startups—reflecting a shift in how young people in the Northeast are reimagining agriculture.
Coordinated by Dr. Sarmistha Rani Baruah, Assistant Professor at KKHSOU, the programme will continue till March 20, focusing on practical skills, entrepreneurial strategies, and sustainable development models.
With initiatives like this, KKHSOU is positioning itself at the intersection of education, sustainability, and grassroots innovation—aiming to nurture a new generation of agripreneurs who can balance profit with planet.