Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released scholarship and fellowship funds for agriculture students at ICAR-IARI, Pusa. More than 6,000 agriculture students across the country benefited from this initiative.
A total amount of ₹21.35 crore was transferred directly to the accounts of the beneficiary students via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Under the new system, students will receive monthly scholarship assistance via DBT, which will reduce delays and make the process more transparent and hassle-free.
Speaking on the occasion, Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the scholarship is not merely financial assistance; it is also a means to strengthen agricultural education, make it practical, and better link it with opportunities.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the implementation of the DBT system would ensure students receive financial assistance on time and eliminate the problem of traditional delays. He also stated that classroom learning alone cannot produce skilled farmers, scientists, and agricultural entrepreneurs. Practical experience is essential for students to understand the ground realities of farming.
He urged students to share their suggestions and ideas for improving the education and training system. He stated that the objective of agricultural education should be to equip the youth with necessary skills, self-confidence, and practical understanding, alongside knowledge.
Appreciating the contribution of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) scientists, Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the country’s food grain reserves have been strengthened and the agricultural sector has made significant progress through the scientists’ research and the farmers’ hard work.
He urged the youth to set ambitious goals that serve the national interest alongside their careers and to make meaningful contributions. He stated that agriculture students should not limit themselves to merely seeking employment but should also venture into the fields of innovation, startups, and research.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary Shri Gyanendra Tripathi, Deputy Director General Dr. Yashpal Singh Malik, and IARI Director Dr. C. Viswanathan Rao were present at the event. Senior officials, scientists, and students from ICAR-IARI attended the event, while thousands of students also participated online.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan appealed to agriculture students studying at ICAR institutes across the country to plant trees on ‘Hariyali Amavasya’. He stated that environmental conservation and green initiatives are our collective responsibility, alongside agriculture. He urged students to actively participate in tree plantation drives and raise awareness about the environment.
