New Delhi, August  2026: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the scholarship and fellowship disbursement initiative through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at ICAR-IARI, Pusa, enabling agriculture students to receive financial assistance directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Under the initiative, ₹21.35 crore was released to more than 6,000 agriculture students across the country. The new NSP-DBT mechanism is intended to make scholarship payments more transparent, faster and hassle-free, with students set to receive scholarship amounts directly into their accounts on a regular basis.

Scholarships to Be Disbursed Through DBT

Speaking at the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the new system would help eliminate unnecessary delays traditionally associated with scholarship payments.

He emphasised that timely delivery is an important measure of an effective system, stating:

“Examination, admission and payment — all must happen on time; that is the real test of any system.”

The DBT mechanism is expected to reduce administrative hurdles and provide students with greater certainty regarding the availability of financial assistance.

Minister Stresses Importance of Practical Agricultural Education

The Agriculture Minister highlighted the need to make agricultural education more practical and skill-oriented.

He said classroom learning alone is not sufficient to develop capable farmers, scientists and agricultural entrepreneurs. Students must receive opportunities to work in fields, laboratories and other practical settings to understand the real-world challenges faced by the agriculture sector.

“Agriculture is not just about classrooms; practical training is essential for developing real skills.”

He also encouraged students to share suggestions and ideas for improving agricultural education and training systems.

Students Encouraged to Pursue Innovation and Start-ups

Shri Chouhan urged agriculture students to look beyond conventional employment opportunities and explore entrepreneurship, innovation, research and start-ups.

He emphasised that the agriculture sector offers significant opportunities for young professionals, particularly in areas involving technology, scientific research, agricultural entrepreneurship and innovative solutions to emerging challenges.

The Minister encouraged students to set larger goals and contribute meaningfully to the country's agricultural development rather than focusing only on securing employment.

Agriculture, Food Security and Farmers' Income Remain Priorities

Shri Chouhan said that food security, nutrition security and farmers' income security continue to remain important priorities under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

He also appreciated the contribution of scientists of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and farmers in strengthening India's agricultural production and foodgrain reserves.

“Fields, farmers and science together strengthen the country’s food security and self-reliance.”

According to the Minister, the combined contribution of farmers, agricultural scientists and scientific research has played a major role in India's progress towards agricultural self-reliance.

Appeal for Plantation Drives on Hariyali Amavasya

The Agriculture Minister also appealed to agriculture students at ICAR institutions across the country to participate in plantation drives on the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya.

He described plantation activities as an important part of collective environmental responsibility and encouraged students to actively participate in green initiatives.

The initiative is aimed at creating greater environmental awareness among young agricultural professionals while strengthening the connection between agriculture, natural resources and environmental sustainability.

Senior Officials Attend Programme

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

Senior officials, scientists and students from ICAR and IARI participated in the event. Thousands of agriculture students from across the country also joined the programme online.

Key Highlights

  • ₹21.35 crore scholarship and fellowship funds released.
  • More than 6,000 agriculture students benefited.
  • Scholarships disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  • New system aims to make scholarship payments faster, transparent and hassle-free.
  • Agriculture Minister emphasised practical training alongside classroom education.
  • Students encouraged to pursue research, innovation and agricultural start-ups.
  • Food security, nutrition and farmers' income security highlighted as key priorities.
  • Agriculture students urged to participate in plantation drives on Hariyali Amavasya.