Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana has been a big hit as it has witnessed a renewed interest among student for agricultural courses, claimed Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh.
In the last two years goverment has sanctioned 40 percent extra funds for the agricultural universities in the states.
To encourage youth to participate in agriculture business, READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) programme was initiated. Under this, the scholarship of Rs.1000 per month is increased to Rs.3000 per month. All the initiatives have led to a 17 percent increase in the admission into the colleges under ICAR.
To motivate students for higher education in agriculture, junior/senior scholarships and National Talent Scholarships have been increased. At the graduate level, it has been increased to Rs.2000 from Rs.1000 per month. The government has started Netaji Subhas – ICAR International Fellowships for 30 students who will get a scholarship of $2000 per month.
NDA govt has tried to boost agriculture education and agriculture research as they play an important role in the growth of agriculture sector, said Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh. He said that the government has submitted a guideline for the establishment of Central Agriculture University to improve the quality of agriculture education.
The Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University in Bihar has been elevated to the status of Central Agriculture University. Four new degree colleges have been established under Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University to promote farming in Bundelkhand region.
Six new degree colleges have been set up under Central Agricultural University, Imphal in the Northeast region of the country. Financial aid has been given to the government of Andhra Pradesh to establish Agriculture University, while Telangana and Haryana state governments are given funds to set up horticulture universities.