APDF: Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming (IGNOU 2025) – India, being an agrarian country, places immense importance on the livestock sector, particularly dairy farming. To promote self-employment and empower rural youth, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, offers a short-term certificate course – the Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming (APDF).
This course is specially designed for individuals who may not have formal education but have the zeal and interest to pursue dairy farming scientifically and sustainably. This guide provides complete information about the programme, its structure, eligibility, fees, course details, and centre locations.
What is IGNOU APDF: Awareness Programme on IGNOU Dairy Farming?
The APDF course is a Certificate Programme delivered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode. It is aimed at empowering rural populations with skills and knowledge to carry out dairy farming efficiently. The programme is short but rich in practical and theoretical components focused on:
- Dairy Farm Management
- Animal Healthcare
- Fodder Production
- Clean Milk Production
This initiative is part of IGNOU’s broader mission to make education accessible, inclusive, and aligned with employment opportunities.
IGNOU APDF Programme Snapshot 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming (APDF) |
| Programme Type | Certificate |
| Mode | Open Distance Learning |
| Duration | 0 Year, 2.04 Months (~2 months) |
| Medium of Instruction | Hindi & Telugu |
| Specialisation | Dairy Farming |
| School | School of Agriculture (SOA), IGNOU |
| Collaboration | Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India |
| Coordinator | Dr. P. Vijayakumar (pvkumar@ignou.ac.in |
| Fee Structure | ₹1100/- + ₹300/- (registration fee) |
| Eligibility | No formal qualification required. Must be able to read & write Hindi/Telugu |
Objectives of the IGNOU APDF Programme
The programme has been created with specific goals, considering the economic and social conditions of rural India:
- To impart knowledge and technical proficiency in scientific dairy farming practices.
- To train human resources required for a sustainable dairy farming ecosystem.
- To encourage self-employment among the youth and small-scale farmers.
- To spread awareness about animal health, cleanliness in milk production, and fodder practices.
Who Should Join IGNOU APDF?
This course is tailor-made for:
- Rural youth interested in starting a dairy farming business
- Small and marginal farmers looking to supplement their income
- Self-help groups, NGOs, or rural development professionals
- Housewives or homemakers involved in cattle care
- Individuals with no formal education but a strong interest in livestock
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU APDF
IGNOU believes in inclusive education, and thus, the entry requirements for APDF are very minimal:
- No formal qualification is required
- The applicant should be able to read and write in Hindi or Telugu
- Both male and female candidates are encouraged to apply
This opens doors for a large segment of the population who are often left out of formal education systems but play a crucial role in rural livelihoods.
Fee Structure for IGNOU APDF
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | ₹1100/- |
| Registration Fee | ₹300/- |
| Total Payable | ₹1400/- |
Note: Fees are to be paid at the time of registration via IGNOU’s official admission portal or through the assigned regional centre.
Course Content & Learning Areas
Though the course is short-term, the curriculum is extensive and practical in nature. The course covers:
- Dairy farm planning and layout
- Cattle breeds and breeding techniques
- Animal nutrition and fodder management
- Milk handling and clean milk production
- Basics of animal healthcare and disease management
- Business management in dairy farming
The focus is on scientific practices to make dairy farming both profitable and sustainable.
Study Centres Offering APDF
The APDF programme is available across various regional centres and study centres of IGNOU throughout India.
Regional & Study Centre Details (APDF 2025)
| Regional Centre | Study Centre Name & Code |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | IGNOU Regional Centre Hyderabad – LSC Code: 0100 |
| Bhopal | M.P. Livestock and Poultry Dev Corp – LSC Code: 15213 |
| Bhubaneshwar | IGNOU Regional Centre Bhubaneshwar – LSC Code: 2100 |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan Agriculture Research Institute, Durgapura – LSC: 23121 |
| Ranchi | Training and Extension Institute – LSC Code: 32023P |
| Nagpur | IGNOU Regional Centre Nagpur – LSC Code: 3600 |
| Noida | Ch. Chhotu Ram PG College – LSC Code: 39033P |
| Darbhanga | Krishi Vigyan Kendra – LSC Code: 46019P |
| Patna | Patna Dairy Project, Vaishal Dugdh Sangh – LSC Code: 05169P |
| Pune (Army) | SC HRDC IC/O BEG & Centre – LSC Code: 5404 |
| Udhampur (Army) | HQ 39 MTN DIV – LSC Code: 5511 |
| Vishakhapatnam | Sri Vijya Visakha Milk Producers Co. Ltd – LSC Code: 84003P |
For specific queries about contact numbers or availability, visit your nearest IGNOU Regional Centre or contact the programme coordinator.
Admission and Duration
| Admission Type | Intake Month | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Course | January & July Cycle | Approx. 2.04 months |
IGNOU usually takes admissions twice a year – in January and July sessions. You can apply online through the IGNOU Samarth Portal or contact your nearest regional centre.
How to Apply for IGNOU APDF?
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the IGNOU Admission Portal
- Register yourself using a valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill in the application form with accurate details
- Upload necessary documents (ID proof, photograph, signature)
- Pay the fee online
- Submit and take a printout of your application for future reference
Make sure to select the correct programme code (APDF) and study centre while applying.
Career Opportunities After APDF
After completing this certificate course, learners can:
- Start their own dairy farm or enhance existing farm practices
- Work with milk cooperatives or NGOs involved in animal husbandry
- Take up self-employment through government schemes like PM Kisan, NABARD dairy subsidy, or state-specific livelihood missions
- Serve as resource persons in community extension programmes
This course is also useful for those who wish to pursue further studies in agriculture or animal sciences.
Student Testimonials
Rajamma Devi, Andhra Pradesh
“Before this course, I was handling cattle based on traditional knowledge. Now I understand animal diet, hygiene, and can sell clean milk at better rates in the market. Thank you IGNOU!”
Shyam Patel, Madhya Pradesh
“Through APDF, I started a small dairy with just two cows. Within a year, I grew it into a 10-cattle setup with support from NABARD. I encourage all youth to take this up.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, it is open to anyone interested in dairy farming, including entrepreneurs, homemakers, or unemployed youth.
While the mode is distance learning, you will receive printed material and occasional in-person counselling at your chosen study centre.
Yes, upon successful completion, IGNOU awards a Certificate in Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming (APDF).
The course is offered in Hindi and Telugu.
Contact Information
| Coordinator | Dr. P. Vijayakumar |
|---|---|
| pvkumar@ignou.ac.in | |
| Phone | 011-29573092 |
For any admission-related queries, students can also contact their regional centre.
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Conclusion
The Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming (APDF) is more than just a short-term course. It is a gateway to rural empowerment, self-reliance, and agricultural upliftment. By equipping rural citizens with scientific knowledge and practical skills, this programme is paving the way for a better tomorrow.
