Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today released scholarship and fellowship funds for agriculture students across the country through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at ICAR-IARI, Pusa. Under the initiative, more than 6,000 students received a total of ₹21.35 crore directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.

With the new initiative, agriculture students will now receive their scholarships every month directly through DBT, ensuring timely and hassle-free financial assistance.

Addressing the gathering, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Chouhan said that scholarships are not merely a form of financial assistance but an important means of strengthening agricultural education and connecting it with practical learning and greater opportunities. He said the DBT mechanism will ensure that students receive financial support on time and help eliminate the delays associated with traditional systems.

Addressing the students, Shri Chouhan emphasised the importance of practical training in agricultural education. He said classroom-based learning alone cannot produce good farmers, scientists or agricultural entrepreneurs, and that hands-on training is essential for developing real competence in the agriculture sector. He also urged students to share their suggestions and ideas for improvements in the system.

Shri Chouhan said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is giving priority to food security, nutrition and farmers’ income security in the agriculture sector. Appreciating the contribution of ICAR scientists, he said their research, along with the hard work of farmers, has played a vital role in strengthening the country’s food grain reserves.

The Union Minister encouraged young people to set larger goals beyond their careers and contribute meaningfully to the nation. He urged agriculture students not to limit themselves to seeking employment, but to take a leading role in innovation, startups and research in the agriculture sector.

Shri Chouhan said the NSP-DBT system will make scholarship distribution more transparent, faster and seamless. Timely financial assistance will enable students to focus more effectively on their education. He also emphasised that agricultural education must be integrated with technology, training and industry orientation to better address the challenges of the future.

On the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya, Shri Chouhan also appealed to agriculture students at ICAR institutions across the country to participate in plantation drives. He said that green initiatives are part of a collective responsibility towards both agriculture and the environment.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, ICAR Secretary Shri Gyanendra Tripathi, DDG Dr. Yashpal Singh Malik and IARI Director Dr. C. Srinivasa Rao were present at the programme.

Senior officials and scientists from ICAR and IARI, along with a large number of students, attended the programme in person, while thousands of students also joined virtually.

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RC/MS