Reshaping the Future of Agriculture

Hands gently holding a small green plant growing in soil.

Bayer aims to boost and nurture science education and make it a part of our sustainable agricultural practices. We believe that agriculture needs the involvement of the new generation, as they have the aptitude to understand new innovations and practices related to agriculture. An important objective of these programs has been to encourage young people to view agriculture as a desirable profession.

 

Bayer RVJ School of Agriculture

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Bayer RVJ School of Agriculture was established in 2007 as a part of Bayer Crop Science’s overarching umbrella ‘Learning for Life’ strategy to foster (science) education globally as part of its Corporate Societal Engagement (CSE) program. The institution boosts and nurtures science education and provides vocational training to underprivileged rural youth to prepare them for entry level jobs in agriculture.

 

Located at Tuniki village, 60 kms from the city of Hyderabad, this school conducts two 6-month Farm Assistantship courses every year with an average class size of about 30 students each time. The course is offered free of charge to underprivileged students. The batch is also assisted with placement opportunities on completion of the term.

 

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The curriculum has been developed in consultation with Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad and covers topics such as an introduction to agriculture including basics in seed production techniques and principles of integrated crop protection. Plant diseases and their appearance on the fields are also tackled. A knowledge base in business administration including agricultural marketing and communication form an integral part of the syllabus. In addition, special guest lecturers are also invited to speak on selected topics.

A person with short dark hair and a mustache, wearing a maroon shirt, is centered against a blue backdrop in a head-and-shoulders portrait.
The curriculum included the topic of plant diseases, which has helped me to quickly recognize the early signs of infestation, which is a huge help to my father, who is a farmer.
Vinay K.
,
Siddipet, Telangana

Bayer has also supported the set-up of additional lab facilities for farm technology, plant protection and extension, soil and water management, seed technology and soil science at the institution.

 

More than 700 students have graduated from the school since its inception with nearly 35% of them now working in various agri-companies.

A person with long braided hair wearing a colorful patterned outfit stands in a corridor.
My parents are field workers and hence since childhood I always had a liking for farming. I enrolled in 2019 and the course has taught me various seed production techniques and the principles of integrated crop protection which help me to guide my parents in farming. I am awaiting placement and I would love to pursue a career in agriculture.
B. Swetha
,
Chandragiri, Andhra Pradesh

Supporting young scientists with Fellowships

Agriculture Fellowship Program

To encourage research and development activities in agriculture, Bayer as part of its Corporate Societal Engagement (CSE) initiatives, is supporting students pursuing their master’s in science and PhD with Fellowships in leading AgroScience Universities.

 

We have partnered with colleges in Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and West Bengal to provide tailored financial support. Based on merit, the students are selected by the university and are provided with support for 3 years for PhD courses and 2 years for master’s in science courses.

 

One of the recipients of the Bayer Fellowship award, Chetana Dodiya, who hails from Jasadhar (Gir) and belongs to a farming family, says, “I would like to play a small role in bringing the benefits of science to the betterment of farmers. This is my ultimate career goal. I am grateful to Bayer for giving me the Fellowship which has helped me financially and has also boosted my confidence”

 

The fellowship program commenced in 2015 with 49 fellowships and till date 411 deserving students have been awarded.

Societal Impact

Corporate Societal Engagement Compendium (2019-21)

Collage of Bayer India brochures and materials showcasing farming initiatives, including a map, a smiling farmer, and people touring agricultural facilities.
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