VAMNICOM: Armed Forces Trainees explore agribusiness futures

As part of a forward-looking initiative to prepare retiring defence personnel for a new phase in their careers, 44 trainees from the Indian Armed Forces visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Baramati, for a field exposure program.

The visit was conducted under the ongoing “Innovations and Agribusiness Management” course organized by VAMNICOM, Pune, in collaboration with the Directorate of Resettlement, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

The course is designed specifically for personnel transitioning out of military service and seeks to develop entrepreneurial skills with a focus on agribusiness. The current batch includes 27 trainees from the Army, 8 from the Navy, and 9 from the Air Force. Through a blend of classroom training and hands-on exposure, the program equips them with the tools to launch and manage agribusiness ventures across the country.

The visit to KVK Baramati marked a critical component of their practical training. The trainees were introduced to a wide range of agricultural innovations, including integrated farming systems, food processing units, dairy enterprises, and sustainable agro-technologies. These real-world experiences allowed them to see firsthand how agricultural models can be both economically viable and socially impactful.

During the visit, participants engaged with subject matter experts and local entrepreneurs who shared insights into building scalable and resilient agribusiness enterprises. The interaction helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its on-ground application, reinforcing the relevance of agribusiness as a promising post-retirement livelihood.

Many of the trainees expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to transition into agriculture and noted how the exposure visit had broadened their perspective on viable business models in rural settings. For many, this marks the beginning of a new journey — from serving the nation in uniform to serving communities through sustainable agriculture.

This initiative highlights VAMNICOM’s commitment to facilitating knowledge-based career shifts for India’s defence personnel and demonstrates how institutional collaboration can create pathways for meaningful second careers.

The Directorate of Resettlement’s role in this partnership reflects a broader vision of aligning resettlement efforts with national development goals, particularly in strengthening the agrarian economy.

The day-long visit to KVK Baramati served not just as an educational exercise, but as an inspiring glimpse into the possibilities that lie beyond military service — proving that with the right training and support, India’s veterans can become successful contributors to the country’s agricultural transformation.