New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development 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 agriculture students received a total of ₹21.35 crore directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Under the new National Scholarship Portal 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 Shivraj Singh Chouhan said 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 under the National Scholarship Portal will ensure that students receive financial support on time and help eliminate delays associated with traditional systems.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Emphasises Practical Training in Agriculture Education
Addressing the students, 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.
“Examinations, admissions and payments must all happen on time; that is the real test of an effective system. In agriculture, real competence comes not just from classrooms but through practical training,” he said.
The National Scholarship Portal and NSP-DBT mechanism are aimed at ensuring that scholarship assistance reaches eligible agriculture students directly and on time, allowing them to focus more effectively on their education and training.
Also Read: KC Mahindra Scholarship Awards INR 4.26 Crore to 92 Postgraduate Scholars
Focus on Food Security, Nutrition and Farmers’ Income
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.
“Fields, farmers and science working together can strengthen India’s food security and self-reliance” Shivraj Singh Chouhan
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, food security, nutrition and farmers’ income security remain priorities in agriculture” Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Appreciating the contribution of ICAR scientists, Chouhan said their research, along with the hard work of farmers, has played a vital role in strengthening the country’s food grain reserves.
Agriculture Students Encouraged to Pursue Innovation and Research
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 National Scholarship Portal and 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.
Appeal for Plantation Drives on Hariyali Amavasya
On the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya, Chouhan appealed to agriculture students at ICAR institutions across the country to participate in plantation drives. He said green initiatives are part of a collective responsibility towards both agriculture and the environment.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, ICAR Secretary Gyanendra Tripathi, DDG Dr. Yashpal Singh Malik and IARI Director Dr. C. Srinivasa Rao were present at the programme.
The launch of the scholarship disbursement through the National Scholarship Portal marks the release of ₹21.35 crore to more than 6,000 agriculture students through DBT, with monthly scholarship payments intended to provide timely financial assistance.
