Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday released scholarship and fellowship assistance for agriculture students across the country through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa.
Under the initiative, more than 6,000 students received a combined ₹21.35 crore through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. The new system is aimed at making scholarship payments more timely, transparent and convenient for students pursuing agricultural education.
A key feature of the initiative is the provision for monthly scholarship payments directly into students’ bank accounts through DBT. The move is expected to reduce delays and administrative hurdles associated with conventional scholarship distribution systems, allowing beneficiaries to receive financial assistance without unnecessary procedural difficulties.
Scholarship Support to Strengthen Agricultural Education
Addressing the gathering, Shri Chouhan said scholarships should not be viewed simply as financial support for students. According to him, such assistance plays a broader role in strengthening agricultural education and creating better opportunities for young people entering the sector.
He highlighted the importance of connecting academic learning with practical exposure and real-world agricultural challenges. The Minister stressed that education in agriculture should go beyond classroom instruction and provide students with opportunities to develop hands-on skills.
Shri Chouhan said practical training is essential for creating capable farmers, scientists and agricultural entrepreneurs. He encouraged students to actively participate in field-based learning and contribute their ideas for improving agricultural education and related systems.
Focus on Innovation, Startups and Research
The Minister also called upon agriculture students to set ambitious goals and contribute to national development. Rather than restricting their aspirations to conventional employment opportunities, he encouraged young people to explore entrepreneurship, innovation and research.
He said the agriculture sector offers considerable scope for young professionals to develop new technologies, launch startups and undertake research aimed at addressing emerging challenges. Integrating agricultural education with technology, practical training and industry requirements, he added, would help prepare students for the changing needs of the sector.
The NSP-DBT framework is expected to provide students with greater financial stability during their studies. Regular and predictable assistance can enable students to concentrate more effectively on their academic and research activities.
Agriculture, Food Security and Farmers’ Welfare
Shri Chouhan underlined the Government’s focus on strengthening food security, nutrition and farmers’ income security under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also acknowledged the contribution of scientists associated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), noting that agricultural research, combined with the efforts of farmers, has contributed significantly to strengthening India’s food grain reserves.
The Minister emphasised that the future of Indian agriculture will depend on a strong combination of scientific research, skilled human resources, technological innovation and practical knowledge.
Plantation Drive Marked on Hariyali Amavasya
On the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya, Shri Chouhan also appealed to agriculture students studying at ICAR institutions across the country to take part in plantation activities.
He described environmental conservation and green initiatives as a collective responsibility closely linked with the future of agriculture. He urged students to contribute to plantation drives and promote greater awareness about environmental sustainability.
The programme was attended by Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, ICAR Secretary Shri Gyanendra Tripathi, Deputy Director General Dr. Yashpal Singh Malik and IARI Director Dr. C. Srinivasa Rao.
Senior officials and scientists from ICAR and IARI, along with a large number of students, participated in the event at Pusa. Thousands of additional students joined the programme virtually, reflecting the broad reach of the scholarship initiative.
The introduction of regular NSP-DBT scholarship payments marks a significant step towards simplifying financial assistance for agriculture students while supporting the Government’s wider efforts to strengthen agricultural education, research, innovation and skill development across the country.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
