Bhubaneswar, 03 August (H.S.): In a significant move to strengthen agricultural education and research, the Odisha government has announced a monthly stipend for Postgraduate (PG) and Ph.D. students of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).
The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, aims to provide financial support to students pursuing higher studies in agriculture and allied disciplines.
Under the scheme, PG students will receive a stipend of ₹10,000 per month for a period of two years, while Ph.D. scholars will be entitled to ₹15,000 per month for up to three years.
The government stated that the primary objective of the scheme is to encourage quality research and motivate meritorious students across the state. “Investing in our young researchers means securing the future of Odisha’s farmers. This support will enable students to focus on innovation and research without financial constraints,” Singh Deo said.
The stipend scheme will be applicable to all regular PG and Ph.D. students enrolled in agriculture and allied courses at OUAT.
Officials noted that the initiative is expected to enhance research output and contribute to the overall development of the agriculture sector in Odisha.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
