Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system through the National Scholarship Portal for agriculture students, releasing Rs 21.35 crore in scholarship and fellowship funds to more than 6,000 students across the country. The new DBT-based system is designed to ensure timely monthly disbursement of scholarships without delays, making the process more streamlined and transparent for students.
During the launch event at ICAR-IARI, Pusa, Minister Chouhan emphasized that scholarships represent not just financial assistance but a means to strengthen agricultural education through practical training and innovation. He stressed that classroom-based learning alone cannot produce competent farmers, scientists, or agricultural entrepreneurs, and called for greater emphasis on practical experience. The Minister also appealed to agriculture students to undertake plantation drives at ICAR institutions across the country on 'Hariyali Amavasya' as part of environmental responsibility.
Minister Chouhan highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government prioritizes food security, nutrition, and farmers' income security in the agriculture sector. He acknowledged the contributions of ICAR scientists and farmers in strengthening India's foodgrain reserves and agricultural progress. The event was attended by Union Minister of State 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, along with senior officials, scientists, and thousands of students participating online.