Pune: In a forward-looking initiative that bridges the gap between defence service and civilian entrepreneurship, the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, in collaboration with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), Ministry of Defence, has successfully concluded a two-month Agribusiness Management training programme for retiring armed forces personnel.
Titled “Innovations and Agribusiness Management”, the training was held from March 24 to May 16, 2025, and focused on enabling defence personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to transition into sustainable livelihood avenues within the agribusiness ecosystem.
A total of 44 officers—including 27 from the Army, 8 from the Navy, and 9 from the Air Force—successfully completed the training (Course No: 296-03-2025).
Designed as a comprehensive capacity-building initiative, the VAMNICOM course curriculum covered a wide array of modules such as agribusiness planning, cooperative enterprise models, food processing, livestock and poultry farming, agri-tourism, financial management, and organic agriculture.
The programme featured classroom lectures, interactive sessions with industry experts, and case-based project development.
Key highlights included sessions from professionals in agri-tech startups, banking, academia, and cooperative organizations, offering practical insights into India’s rapidly evolving agribusiness sector.
Speaking at the valedictory session, Brigadier Rohit Mehta, ADG, DRZ (South), commended the participants for embracing a new chapter in agribusiness and urged them to utilize their leadership and strategic skills to contribute meaningfully to India’s rural economy.
Dr Mahesh Kadam, Programme Director, outlined the structure of the training and emphasized the importance of equipping ex-servicemen for careers in the agribusiness management ecosystem.
A pivotal element of the training was a field exposure visit to Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Baramati, held on May 13, 2025, where participants explored integrated farming systems, food processing units, renewable energy in agriculture, and digital farm-to-market solutions. They also interacted with agripreneurs and cooperative leaders to bridge theoretical learning with ground-level realities.
The training also included site visits to dairy farms, agro-processing units, and rural enterprise projects across Maharashtra, giving participants a 360-degree perspective on agribusiness management and value chain operations.
This programme underscores a joint vision by the Ministry of Cooperation and the Ministry of Defence to align defence resettlement with national goals such as self-reliance, innovation in agriculture, and rural development. Participants expressed keen interest in launching agribusiness ventures post-retirement, demonstrating the potential of agriculture as a second career path.
About VAMNICOM
Established in 1964, VAMNICOM remains a premier institution for cooperative management and agribusiness under the Ministry of Cooperation. VAMNICOM partnership with DGR serves as a replicable model for capacity building among India’s ex-servicemen, offering a strategic and skill-driven approach to reintegration and livelihood enhancement.
