New Delhi – Crystal Crop Protection, a leading agrochemical company in India, in collaboration with the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), has launched a progressive scholarship programme specifically designed for female students pursuing higher studies in agriculture. NAAS, a Delhi-based institution dedicated to agricultural sciences, is partnering in this initiative, which honours the late Kanak Aggarwal, mother of Crystal Crop Protection’s Managing Director, Ankur Aggarwal.
This special initiative aims to nurture and inspire the aspirations of the next generation of students by providing financial support and a wide array of opportunities for young women dedicated to making a difference in agriculture. The scholarship programme will provide financial assistance to 21 female students in each year of their undergraduate studies—1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years—resulting in a total of 84 scholarships awarded annually.
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Speaking on the programme, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director at Crystal Crop Protection, said, “At Crystal Crop, we highly value the crucial role that women play in India’s agricultural landscape. We recognise the challenges they face and support the vision of a farming community where gender equality flourishes in every aspect. By launching this scholarship programme, we honour my late mother, a passionate advocate for girls’ education. Inspired by her dedication, we are committed to continuing her legacy by fostering the aspirations of young women striving to excel in the agricultural sector.”
“Our goal is to provide these young women with exceptional education and abundant opportunities in the field of agriculture. By offering the necessary support, we envision a future where they not only achieve academic excellence but also pursue fulfilling careers,” Aggarwal added.
The scholarship programme will provide financial aid and offer female students the opportunity to benefit from college mentorship and network through organised events. Additionally, they will receive career development guidance through workshops.
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The programme will commence in the upcoming session in July/August 2024. Applications are now open for eligible female students who meet the criteria and have demonstrated academic excellence. More information and application details can be found on the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Crystal Crop websites.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and President, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NASS), said, “We believe that this noble gesture will encourage young women to pursue various education streams in agricultural studies. By doing so, we are not only investing in the futures of these students but also positively impacting the agricultural sector as a whole. We are excited to witness the positive contributions these emerging professionals will make to their communities and the broader agricultural landscape.”
Applications will be open for a limited time following the programme’s announcement. The selection process will include several stages: application review and shortlisting, interviews with shortlisted candidates, and final selection based on the submission of mandatory documents.
