Prospectus

Centre for Sustainable Agriculture Technology (CSAT) has been established under the aegis of the Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India (IGMPI)-an autonomous Institute recognised by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, accredited Vocational Institution of Ministry of Education, Government of India, approved by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and licensed and certified by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018. CSAT is designed as a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary platform dedicated to advancing sustainable, technology-driven agricultural practices in alignment with global standards and regulatory frameworks.

In an era of increasing focus on food security, climate resilience, and efficient resource utilization, CSAT aims to bridge the gap between traditional agriculture and modern innovation. We cover a wide spectrum of domains including precision farming, organic agriculture, agri-business management, farm mechanization, hydroponics, and climate-smart agriculture, ensuring a holistic approach to the agri-food ecosystem.

Our multidisciplinary team of experts from agronomy, agricultural engineering, food technology, environmental science, and rural development delivers industry-relevant education and training. By integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and data analytics, we equip learners with the skills needed to address real-world agricultural challenges.

We are proud to uphold high standards of academic excellence and industry alignment, with certifications and approvals that ensure credibility, compliance, and global recognition. Our commitment is to foster a new generation of agriculture professionals, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who can lead the transition towards a resilient and sustainable agri-food system.

CSAT offers flexible learning formats—online, hybrid, and on-campus—catering to students, professionals, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to nurture skilled individuals who can contribute to building a sustainable, resilient, and innovation-driven agricultural sector.

The Post Graduate and Executive Diploma programmes of IGMPI in Good Manufacturing Practices, Regulatory Affairs, Intellectual Property Rights, Quality Assurance and Quality Control, Public Health, Nanotechnology, Hospital Management, Product Management, Sales and Marketing Management, Clinical Research, Medical Writing, Drug Discovery and Development, Pharmacovigilance, Medical Coding have been duly assessed and approved by Quality Council of India, Government of India based on fulfillment of QCI's following criteria:

    1. Course Content
    2. Course Design
    3. Course Material
    4. Instructors
    5. Class size & Attendance
    6. Facilities
    7. Evaluation of Students
    8. Written Examination
    9. Certificate

IGMPI is also approved by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (FSSAI ID: TPINS18). IGMPI® is licensed by Department of Food Safety & Drug Administration under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and registered under Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

IGMPI is also approved by Sector Skills Council under National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) setup by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt of India (TC ID:TC342267).

IGMPI has been conferred with the prestigious "BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS (BIS) AWARD OF HONOUR 2023". QUALITY COUNCIL OF INDIA (QCI) has also conferred IGMPI with D.L. SHAH NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD, Certificate of Merit & ASSOCHAM has conferred IGMPI with the Services Excellence Award based on excellence of its services to the students and training participants.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a member of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and through the Indian National Committee (INC) which is a member of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). BIS is also a member of regional standards bodies like Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC) and South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO). India started taking part in IEC from 1911 and subsequently the then Indian Standards Institution (now BIS) took over the responsibility of Indian National Committee of IEC(INC-IEC) in 1949. Since then the INC-IEC is actively participating in the activities of the IEC both at the policy level and technical work and carrying out the responsibilities as member body of IEC Council. India is a member in Standards Management Board (SMB) of IEC since 2015.BIS has also signed Bilateral Cooperation Agreements (BCA)/Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with the National Standards Bodies of several countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, European Union , Germany, Ghana, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordon, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Mauritius, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia , Slovakia, Slovenia, Suriname, USA, UAE, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, Bhutan, Brazil, Israel, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), Quality Council of India is a member of International Accreditation Forum (IAF) & Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC) as well as signatory to its MLAs for Quality Management Systems, Environmental Management Systems and Product Certification. NABCB is also a Full Member of International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) & Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) as well as signatory to its MRAs for Inspection.

Programme Overview

Orchard management is an important branch of horticulture that focuses on the scientific planning, establishment, maintenance and commercial management of fruit orchards. With increasing demand for high-quality fruits, sustainable production systems and efficient resource utilization, orchard management offers significant opportunities in commercial horticulture, nursery management, fruit production, post-harvest handling and agribusiness.

The sector is increasingly adopting modern technologies such as precision irrigation, fertigation, high-density planting, integrated pest management and digital orchard monitoring. These developments create a growing need for professionals who understand both the scientific principles of fruit production and the practical aspects of orchard planning, productivity and profitability.

The Post Graduate Programme in Orchard Management is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to establish, operate and manage productive and commercially viable orchards. The programme emphasizes fruit crop production, propagation, orchard layout, irrigation and nutrient management, canopy management, plant protection, harvesting, post-harvest management and orchard economics. It also introduces sustainable horticultural practices and emerging technologies relevant to modern fruit production systems.

Programme Objectives

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of orchard planning, establishment, maintenance and commercial fruit production.
• Acquire knowledge of fruit crop selection, propagation methods, rootstocks, planting systems and crop-specific management practices.
• Develop skills in integrated pest and disease management and sustainable orchard production.
• Gain insights into harvesting, grading, storage, packaging, marketing and post-harvest quality management.

Programme Structure

International Affiliation with

Module 1: Fundamentals of Orchard Management and Fruit Production

Module 2: Site Selection, Climate, Soil Requirements and Orchard Suitability Assessment

Module 3: Orchard Planning, Layout, Planting Systems and Establishment

Module 4: Nursery Management, Propagation Techniques and Rootstock Selection

Module 5: Production Technology and Management of Major Fruit Crops

Module 6: Water Management in Orchards

Module 7: Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management

Module 8: Training, Pruning and Canopy Management

Module 9: Flowering, Pollination, Fruit Set and Crop Regulation

Module 10: Integrated Pest, Disease and Weed Management in Orchards

Module 11: Sustainable, Organic and Climate-Resilient Orchard Management

Module 12: Seasonal Orchard Operations, Maintenance and Rejuvenation

Module 13: Harvesting, Post-Harvest Management, Storage and Quality Preservation

Module 14: Orchard Economics, Business Planning and Fruit Marketing

Module 15: Precision Horticulture and Modern Orchard Technologies

Module 16: Case Study 

Eligibility

Graduates in any discipline are eligible for our Post Graduate Diploma, Executive Diploma and Professional Certifications Programmes. 10+2 pass-outs are eligible for our Under Graduate Diploma and Diploma holders of two to three years course duration are also eligible for the PG Diploma.

Programme Duration

The minimum duration to complete the PG diploma programme is 12 months and maximum is 24 months. The minimum duration to complete the executive diploma programme is 6 months and maximum is 12 months.

Programme Mode

Registrations are currently open for regular and Part-time (Online Live Classes) both modes.

Programme Deliverables

A comprehensive study material for all the modules in hard copies ensuring the needs of the audience. The accompanying training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry’s expectations.

• Assignments for all the programme modules for continuous evaluation and guidance.
• Interactive or online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants.
• Online Live Classes/Part-time for all the modules will be conducted on the weekends. Moreover, a doubt clearing session will also be scheduled before the examination.
• All the efforts are made by IGMPI faculty members to make the entire programme modules easily understandable.
• Assessment and evaluation for all the programme modules in order to enhance the levels of competencies and skills of the participants leading towards the objective of application in the job.
• At the end of each programme modules, the trainers shall obtain feedback from the participants using specially designed questionnaires.
• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English.

Examination and Certification

IGMPI follows a credit-based assessment system for its diploma, executive diploma and certificate programmes. Participants are required to complete the prescribed assignments and assessments during the programme and appear for the final online examination. Successful participants will be awarded the Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Orchard Management by the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture Technology (CSAT), IGMPI, subject to the applicable programme requirements. Detailed study materials, self-assessment assignments, examination guidelines and project requirements will be provided by the institute during the programme.

Discipline in Classes and Examination

Every student is required to observe a disciplined behaviour during her/his classes, assessments & examinations and to follow instructions from the Professors. Any act of indiscipline may result into discredit & it will be mentioned in her/his academic report.

Placement Assistance and Corporate Relations

The programme can support participants in exploring career opportunities across horticulture, fruit production, commercial orchard operations, nursery management, horticultural input companies, post-harvest management, fruit marketing and agricultural entrepreneurship.

Subject to the institute's applicable placement assistance policies, participants may receive support in resume preparation, interview skills, career guidance and information about relevant industry opportunities.

Future Career Prospects

The expanding demand for quality fruits, commercial horticulture, sustainable production and efficient post-harvest systems creates opportunities for trained orchard management professionals. The programme aims to develop the technical knowledge, managerial capabilities and entrepreneurial skills needed to manage fruit production enterprises and support horticultural value chains.

Potential career pathways include:

• Orchard Manager or Assistant Orchard Manager
• Horticulture Production Executive
• Fruit Crop Production Consultant
• Nursery and Planting Material Manager
• Horticulture Farm Supervisor
• Irrigation and Fertigation Management Executive
• Integrated Pest Management Coordinator
• Post-Harvest and Fruit Quality Management Executive
• Horticultural Project Coordinator
• Orchard Entrepreneur or Commercial Fruit Grower

Graduates may seek opportunities with commercial fruit farms, horticultural enterprises, nurseries, agricultural input companies, fruit processing businesses, post-harvest service providers and agricultural consultancy organizations. They may also use the knowledge gained to establish and manage their own orchards or horticultural enterprises.