Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday launched a National Scholarship Portal-based system for agriculture students, under which more than 6,000 students received a total of ₹21.35 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The initiative, launched at Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), Pusa, is aimed at ensuring that scholarships and fellowships reach agriculture students directly and on time. Under the new system, students will receive scholarship assistance every month through DBT, reducing delays and making the process more transparent and hassle-free.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said scholarships should not be viewed merely as financial assistance but as an important instrument for strengthening agricultural education and creating greater opportunities for students.
“Examinations, admissions and payments must all happen on time; that is the real test of an effective system,” he said, stressing the importance of timely delivery of government support.
The minister also emphasised the need to make practical training an integral part of agricultural education. He said classroom learning alone was not sufficient to produce competent farmers, scientists or agricultural entrepreneurs.
“In agriculture, real competence comes not just from classrooms but through practical training,” Chouhan said, urging students to gain hands-on experience and contribute suggestions for improving the education and scholarship system.
Focus on innovation and agricultural startups
Chouhan called upon agriculture students to set ambitious goals and contribute to the country’s development beyond conventional career paths. He urged young people to explore innovation, startups and research in agriculture rather than limiting themselves to seeking employment.
He said the NSP-DBT system would make scholarship distribution faster, more transparent and seamless, enabling students to concentrate more effectively on their studies.
The minister also stressed the need to integrate agricultural education with technology, practical training and industry orientation to prepare students for emerging challenges in the agriculture sector.
Food security and farmers’ income remain priorities
Chouhan said food security, nutrition and farmers’ income security remain key priorities of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Appreciating the contribution of ICAR scientists, he said their research, combined with the efforts of farmers, had played an important role in strengthening India’s foodgrain reserves.
“Fields, farmers and science working together can strengthen India’s food security and self-reliance,” he said.
The minister encouraged agriculture students to contribute to the country’s agricultural transformation through scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Call for plantation drives
On the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya, Chouhan also appealed to agriculture students at ICAR institutions across the country to participate in plantation drives.
He said environmental protection and green initiatives were part of the collective responsibility of the agriculture community and essential for sustainable agricultural development.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General M.L. Jat, ICAR Secretary Gyanendra Tripathi, Deputy Director General Yashpal Singh Malik and IARI Director 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 event in person, while thousands of agriculture students participated virtually.
