Chaudhary Charan Singh Centre for Agribusiness and Rural Entrepreneurship [C3-AgRE]About the CentreThis centre at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi is dedicated to perpetuate the enduring legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh, whose lifelong commitment was directed towards empowerment of farmers and the upliftment of rural communities. His unwavering advocacy for social justice and exemplary public service were fuelled by the deep trust and widespread backing of millions of peasants, making him a renowned champion of grassroots struggles. He went on to become the Prime Minister of India (28th July 1979 - 14th January 1980). |
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Mission
To reconceptualise and reimagine the idea of a university not merely as a stronghold of abstract, academic theory on India’s rural landscape, but as an institution committed to integrating robust practical engagement into its pedagogy and fostering scholarship that actively contributes to transformative change at the grassroots level.
Vision
To foster a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative innovation, and policy dialogue that actively contributes to shaping pathways for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive transformation of the rural landscape, while enhancing the livelihood opportunities and well-being of rural communities.
Objectives
The Centre will function as a dedicated training and knowledge hub with the following core objectives:
- Encourage the return of rural youth to agriculture by creating viable and attractive livelihood opportunities in the sector.
- Promote the transition from traditional agriculture to agribusiness models to enhance productivity, value addition, and rural enterprise development.
- Facilitate skill development and up-gradation to equip rural communities with modern agricultural, entrepreneurial, and managerial competencies.
- Strengthen market linkages to improve access to markets, ensure fair prices, and integrate rural producers into broader value chains.
- Harness and channel the potential of rural agripreneurs by providing mentorship, resources, and policy support to foster innovation and enterprise in rural areas.
Proposed Activities of the Centre
A. Capacity Building and Training
- Teaching Courses on Agribusiness and Rural Entrepreneurship
Regular academic programmes to build expertise in agribusiness management and rural enterprise development. - Training and Skill Development Camps for Marginal Farmers
Practical, field-based training to enhance agricultural productivity and livelihood opportunities for small and marginal farmers. - Youth Engagement Workshops
Capacity-building programmes for rural youth to encourage their participation in agriculture, agribusiness, and community leadership. - Training on Gender Component / Rural Women’s Empowerment
Focused training modules addressing the specific needs of rural women and promoting their leadership and entrepreneurial roles. - Workshops on Rural Development
Thematic workshops aimed at disseminating knowledge on rural governance, livelihoods, and inclusive development models. - Workshops with School Children (Urban-Rural Connect)
Awareness sessions for urban school children to sensitise them about agriculture, food security, and the significance of rural life.
B. Entrepreneurship Promotion and Agribusiness Support
- Agribusiness Innovation Lab
A dedicated space for incubation and nurturing of agribusiness start-ups and value-added ventures in rural areas. - National Hub for Rural Entrepreneurs
A collaborative platform bringing together rural entrepreneurs from across India to exchange ideas, share success stories, and explore market linkages. - Synergy Nodes for Rural Institutional Convergence
Platforms for fostering cooperation among village youth, local governance bodies, bureaucrats, and financial institutions to streamline entrepreneurial support.
C. Knowledge Services and Extension
- Extension and Advisory Services
Regular outreach services to disseminate new agricultural techniques, market intelligence, and policy updates. - Knowledge and Information Kiosk
Localised information centres providing real-time updates on markets, government schemes, training opportunities, and agribusiness models. - Agricultural Mapping and Resource Profiling
Comprehensive mapping of operational areas to identify agri-potential, resource gaps, and opportunities for intervention.
D. Research, Documentation and Publications
- Cutting-edge Research on Rural Entrepreneurship and Village Transformations
Interdisciplinary research projects documenting socio-economic changes, innovations, and challenges in rural livelihoods. - Publication of a Dedicated Research Journal
A peer-reviewed academic journal featuring studies, case reports, and policy reflections on rural development and agribusiness. - Public Policy Advocacy and Policy Briefs
Engage in evidence-based policy advocacy by producing policy briefs, recommendations, and discussion papers aimed at informing government agencies, policymakers, and development institutions on issues related to rural livelihoods, agribusiness promotion, and inclusive rural transformation.
Designation | Name | |
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Chief Patron, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi | Prof. Anu Singh Lather | |
Director | Dr. Santosh Kumar Singh | directorccc@aud.ac.in |
Deputy Director | Dr. Robin Singhal | rsinghal@aud.ac.in |