New Delhi, August 11: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a new scholarship initiative through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), with more than ₹21.35 crore released directly to over 6,000 agriculture students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The initiative was launched at ICAR-IARI, Pusa, with the objective of making scholarship and fellowship payments more transparent, timely and convenient for students pursuing agricultural education.
Monthly Scholarship Payments Through DBT
Under the new system, eligible agriculture students will receive scholarship assistance every month through DBT. The government said the move is aimed at reducing delays and ensuring that financial support reaches students without unnecessary difficulties.
Chouhan said scholarships should not be viewed merely as financial assistance. According to him, timely support can help strengthen agricultural education and enable students to focus more effectively on their studies and professional development.
Focus on Practical Agricultural Education
During his interaction with students, the Union Minister stressed the importance of practical training alongside classroom education.
He said agricultural education should equip young people with real-world skills and an understanding of farming and related sectors. Practical exposure, he noted, is important for developing capable farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and other professionals who can contribute to India’s agricultural growth.
The Minister also encouraged students to share suggestions for improving education and training systems.
Students Encouraged to Explore Innovation and Start-ups
Chouhan urged agriculture students to look beyond conventional employment opportunities and consider innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
He highlighted agriculture as a sector offering opportunities for new ideas, technology-based solutions and start-ups. Young agricultural professionals, he said, can play an important role in addressing emerging challenges and strengthening India’s food security and farmers’ incomes.
The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of ICAR scientists and farmers to India’s agricultural progress and foodgrain security.
Call for Plantation Drives
On the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya, Chouhan appealed to students at ICAR institutions across the country to participate in plantation activities.
He described environmental protection as a shared responsibility and encouraged students to contribute to greener campuses and communities through plantation initiatives.
The programme was attended by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, ICAR Secretary Gyanendra Tripathi and other senior officials, scientists and students. Thousands of students also participated online.
The launch of the NSP-DBT initiative marks an effort to make financial assistance for agriculture students faster and more predictable while strengthening the connection between education, practical training, innovation and India’s wider agricultural goals.
