Course Overview

Micro-Credential Course on Basics of Organic Agriculture

Instructor(s)

• Uswatun Hasana Hashi: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agricultural Science, DIU; expert in sustainable agriculture.
• Md. Hanif Uddin Abir: Head of Product Development, INTEFA; 12 years of experience in bio/synthetic pesticides.

⏱ Duration: 10 Weeks | 20 Contact Hours (2 Hours per Week) | Equivalent to 1 Credit Hour Mode of Delivery: Hybrid (online + in-person sessions) Class Size: 20-25 participants

Course Description 

Basics of Organic Agriculture (MC55002) addresses the global organic food market's growth to $437B by 2026 and Bangladesh's rising demand for organic products. With increasing consumer preference for sustainable produce and government support for organic farming, this course equips learners with practical skills in soil management, crop production, and certification processes. Through hands-on training and field visits, participants will contribute to sustainable food systems and tap into local/export markets.

Evidence of Demand

• The global organic market's 10% CAGR and a 30% rise in Bangladesh's organic product demand highlight the need for skilled professionals.
• BARI notes 65% of farmers seek organic training, with job postings on bdjobs.com for organic specialists at firms like ACI Agribusiness, underscoring the course's relevance.

Course Objectives

This course aims to:

• Understand organic agriculture principles and practices.
• Develop skills in soil management, crop, and livestock production.
• Learn certification standards and marketing strategies.
• Promote sustainable farming and environmental conservation.

Course Content & Class Plan (Modules)

• Week 1: Intro to Organic Agriculture - Principles, history, market trends.
• Week 2: Soil Health - Composting, green manure, erosion control.
• Week 3: Organic Crop Production - Crop selection, pest management.
• Week 4: Organic Livestock - Feed, housing, integration.
• Week 5: Certification & Standards - USDA, EU standards, labeling.
• Week 6: Sustainable Practices - Agroecology, permaculture, water conservation.
• Week 7: Economics & Marketing - Cost analysis, market strategies.
• Week 8: Case Studies - Successful organic farms.
• Week 9: Practical Applications - Organic farming plan development.
• Week 10: Final Project & Viva - Organic farm plan presentation.

Practical & Field Work

• Conducting soil analysis demonstrations.
• Performing seed treatment in a laboratory setting.
• Designing permaculture tasks.
• Participating in marketing plan workshops.
• Visiting demonstration plots for field experience.
• Presenting an organic farm plan and participating in a viva.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Apply organic agriculture principles effectively.
• Design and implement organic farming systems.
• Navigate certification processes and market organic products.
• Contribute to sustainable food systems and conservation.

Target Audience & Requirements

• Target Audience: Farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, agriculture students, researchers, and environmental/sustainability enthusiasts.
• Entry Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum age of 18 years. A basic understanding of agriculture or biology is optional but helpful.

Career Pathways

After completing this micro-credential, learners may:

• Pursue roles as an Organic farmer, Agri-entrepreneur, Certification consultant, or Organic market specialist (e.g., roles in ACI Agribusiness, government projects).
• Follow a pathway to advanced studies in organic crop production or soil science.

Tools & Resources

• Statista reports, BARI manuals, FAO resources, and export case studies.
• Soil analysis tools, demonstration plots, organic guidelines, and certification guides.

Assessment Criteria

• Quizzes: 20%.
• Assignments: 20%.
• Practical projects: 30%.
• Final project & viva: 30%.

Financial Information

• Tentative Course Fee: 2,000 BDT.