Agro-based subjects to be introduced at VTIs

The Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC), engaged in a unique poverty alleviation programme, has come up with innovative ideas to spread its wings to five brand new agro-based subjects at its network of the vocational training institutes (VTIs).
PVTC Curriculum Department in charge Syed Zia-ul-Hassan Gilani said in a interview that the Council was making a continuous endeavour to not only update the teaching skills but constantly enlarging the scope and variety of subjects and training being imparted to trainees at VTIs.
In view of the rising market demands for technician and skilled hands in the field of agriculture the subjects being introduced in some of the institutes include plant protection, floriculture, green house, poultry farming and tractor mechanic.
The addition of new trades was made after a careful study carried out on the market demand and notably the environment of particular area where the VTI is located.
According to Zia-ul-Hassan Gilani, the lead was taken by the Jampur VTI located in faraway Rajanpur District to introduce the subject of plant protection, floriculture and horticulture to create new job opportunities for trainees.
Similarly, the subject of Green House is also relatively new one to create job opportunities for remote areas for growing out of season vegetables. The subject has already been started at Mamoon Kanjan VTI near Faisalabad.
To a question, Gilani said that an extensive research was carried out by the PVTC Central Secretariat and proper curriculum prepared for the VTI's after being duly vetted by subject expert and approved by the PVTC management.
The other VTIs to introduce tractor mechanic classes are located at Burj Attari, (Sheikhupura District), Jamaldin Wali (Rahim Yar Khan District) and Bilyanwala Khooh in Lahore District.
It may be mentioned that PVTC created by Punjab government under PVTC Act 1998, is one of the major initiatives for poverty alleviation in the province. Currently it has a network of 137 VTIs across the province churning out over 25,000 trainees in about 40 demand driven trades for which PVTC has prepared proper curriculum. The trainees drawn from Mustahqueen-e-Zakat are financed under a unique scheme financed by Zakat Councils and Mora Stipends for the trainees during their training.