In 2002, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, launched the Agriclinic Agribusiness Centre scheme to empower agriculture graduates like me. This initiative has been pivotal in supporting graduates from biological sciences and agriculture fields to establish their own enterprises, significantly boosting rural entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation. However, it's 2026, and we are yet to see the scheme's renewal for the financial year 2026-27. As an agriculture graduate myself, I understand the immense potential and the necessity of such a scheme, having personally benefitted from it in my early career.

Unfortunately, many of my peers, particularly those from farming backgrounds, now face an uncertain future. Every year, thousands of agriculture graduates leave college with aspirations of transforming India's agricultural landscape. They envision starting businesses that can contribute significantly to achieving 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' a self-reliant India. But, without timely renewal of the Agriclinic Agribusiness Centre scheme, these dreams are deferred, if not dashed altogether.

The situation is becoming increasingly dire; with each passing year, the number of agriculture colleges increases and more graduates enter an already competitive field. These young entrepreneurs need the support and training that the Agriclinic Agribusiness Centre scheme provides to establish their businesses successfully. Statistics have shown that with the right support, these graduates can create jobs, fuel innovation and improve agricultural productivity, thus contributing to the economy.

The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for strengthening India's agricultural sector and empowering rural areas. By renewing the Agriclinic Agribusiness Centre scheme, the government not only supports young graduates but also enhances rural development, sustainability, and food security which are crucial for the nation’s long-term growth.

Thus, we urge the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare to promptly renew and implement the Agriclinic Agribusiness Centre scheme for the financial year 2026-27. Let us not lose another year and another cohort of bright young dreams. Please sign this petition to ensure the continuation of a scheme that is instrumental in shaping India's agricultural future.